Married to a Secret Billionaire (Stella Taylor) novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Wedding Night 

"It's late. Go to sleep." 

The man's low, magnetic voice pulled Stella Taylor back to reality. She looked up to meet his deep, ink-like eyes, which were brimming with emotions she couldn't comprehend. 

Nervously, Stella gripped the hem of her skirt as her heartbeat quickened. 

She had been sitting on the edge of the bed since entering the room, her spine stiff from holding the position for so long. She was still wearing her wedding dress. It wasn't until the man finished his shower and stepped out of the bathroom that she realized she would be spending her wedding night with him. 

But she didn't know how to interact with her newlywed husband, especially since she was only a substitute. 

As the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy family, she had married this penniless man in place of her elder sister to fulfill a marriage contract set by their families' previous generation and receive a considerable dowry. 

With that money, her mother's illness could be treated, her siblings could continue their education, and her family could live well. 

Taking a deep breath, Stella warily made her way toward the bathroom like a timid hare. "I... I'm going to wash up too." 

The man narrowed his eyes. 

Stella quickly slipped into the bathroom and tried to lock the door, only to find that the old wooden door didn't even have a latch. She was stunned; even though she had faced hardships in the past, she had never experienced such poverty. 

Her eyes reddened slightly as she hesitated to remove her dress. 

The man outside seemed to understand her concern and spoke in a deep voice. "I'll go outside for a smoke. Take your time." 

Stella's heart tightened as she pressed her ear against the door, listening to his footsteps gradually fade away. The door creaked, and then a profound silence engulfed the surroundings.