The Billionaire's Rental Wife Is A Hot Shot

[A week later]

Ever since Zevian’s proposal, the household could barely contain their excitement. Everyone was eager to hold the wedding as soon as possible, and what better day than Kiana’s birthday? The little girl had turned five today, and it was her heartfelt wish to see her parents marry on her special day. Everyone agreed unanimously—after all, who could resist the little devil’s cute request?

In the bride’s room, Rosalind and Gracia stood together, their eyes lighting up as Evelyn stepped out in her wedding gown.

The gown was a vision of elegance, its pure white fabric glowing softly in the light. The bodice hugged Evelyn’s figure, accentuating her features, and cascaded effortlessly into a long, luxurious train. But what stood out the most were the delicate strands of pearls that adorned her chest, draping loosely and gracefully over her arms, giving the gown an exquisite off-shoulder design. With minimal makeup and her hair tied into a messy bun, Evelyn looked like an angel who had stepped right down from heaven.

"Wow~" Kiana exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she mirrored the elder women’s emotions. She walked toward her mommy and hugged her tightly. "You look so beautiful, Mommy."

Evelyn bent down and kissed the girl’s head, adjusting the small tiara perched on her daughter’s hair. "You too, sweetheart," she replied with a warm smile.

Kiana was dressed in a charming white dress that matched her mother’s gown, complete with a black bow at the back and a pair of glittering shoes. Her hair was styled into soft curls, and she looked every bit the adorable princess she believed herself to be.

Gracia stepped forward and hugged Evelyn, tears brimming in her eyes. She had always dreamt of this day, imagining it countless times even when Evelyn was just a child. Now, as the moment unfolded before her, it was overwhelming. "You look beautiful, dear," she whispered, her voice trembling with joy.

"Ah, you guys have started it again." Avery’s voice broke the tender moment as she walked into the room. "You’ll ruin your makeup, darling," she teased, smiling at Gracia.

Gracia chuckled softly and broke the hug, dabbing at her eyes. Avery turned her attention to Evelyn, her gaze filled with admiration. Though she had already seen Evelyn in the gown during the fitting, she still couldn’t stop gushing over it.

"Your son is damn lucky, Aunt Rosie," Avery commented with a playful grin, making everyone laugh. Rosalind nodded in agreement, her pride evident.

Just then, Lucius walked in with his son, Yael. Damien was accompanying Zevian, so Lucius had decided to be on the bride’s side for the day.

"Oh, here we have our flower boy," Avery said, ruffling Yael’s hair. "You look dashing, Yael." The boy blushed at the attention, clearly unused to wearing a suit for the first time.

"I would have done it. There was no need to call him," Kiana grumbled, crossing her arms and huffing loudly. Yael scowled and stuck his tongue out at her, making everyone laugh.

Avery turned to the little devil with a smirk. "But weren’t you the one who wanted to stand with your daddy and welcome Mommy?" she reminded her. When Kiana huffed again, Avery added, "You can’t do everything, brat."

"Grandma, look! She’s scolding me on my birthday!" Kiana whined, running to Rosalind to complain. Everyone shook their heads, unmused by the ongoing banter. Avery and Kiana had been at odds for weeks, and most had resigned themselves to staying out of their squabbles.

Lucius left Yael under Avery’s care and took Kiana out so she could see how her daddy looked. Meanwhile, the room buzzed with chatter as everyone continued to prepare for the ceremony. A few minutes later, Elias walked in with William.

"They’re here!" Gracia announced with a smile, walking over to William and holding onto his arm. Elias left the couple and made his way to his sister.

"What took you so long?" Evelyn complained, hugging her brother tightly.

"I’m here now," Elias replied, embracing her warmly. William had been hesitant to attend the wedding, worried he might ruin the day for his daughter. But Elias had insisted, following Gracia’s strict instructions to bring him at all costs.

Evelyn smiled slightly at William, their exchange simple yet tinged with lingering discomfort. Turning back to Elias, she asked about the new construction project he had signed the other day. It was his first-ever deal, and she couldn’t hide her pride in his accomplishment.

As the room filled with laughter and conversation, Avery’s phone buzzed with a message from the staff. She glanced at it and smiled. "Alright! It’s time for our breathtaking bride’s entry," she declared, her excitement contagious.

Evelyn broke into a smile, though nerves still fluttered in her chest. She caressed her small bump absentmindedly as Rosalind carefully placed the veil over her head.

"Uncle, you should walk with her from here," Avery suggested to William. The hall wasn’t far, and she knew they needed a moment to ease into the walk down the aisle.

William hesitated, the memories of the past weighing heavily on his mind. He had forced Evelyn into a marriage she hadn’t wanted, to a man as old as him and the guilt of his actions still lingered.

"William," Gracia said softly, patting his shoulder. "What are you thinking?"

William sighed deeply, his gaze shifting to Evelyn. After a moment, he glanced at Elias and said, "Elias should walk her down the aisle."

Elias was caught off guard by William’s words, just as much as everyone else. Gracia tried to intervene, but the next words from William stopped her in her tracks, tears welling in her eyes.

"He has done my job of protecting her all these years," William said, his gaze filled with an unfamiliar blend of regret and gratitude.

Avery nodded in agreement. This wasn’t about Elias being brave enough to take a bullet for Evelyn—it was about the countless ways he had always stood by her, ever since childhood. He had fought for her when others, even those who were supposed to be her family, didn’t.

Evelyn turned to Elias, her hand slipping into his. "That was my wish too," she said softly. When Elias looked at her, she smiled, her eyes brimmed with hope.

Elias glanced toward Gracia, silently seeking her approval. At her encouraging nod, he smiled and finally agreed.

"Alright. Let’s do it then," Avery said, clapping her hands together, her excitement palpable.

---

The arrangements in the hall were breathtaking. The path to the aisle was lined with white roses and soft fairy lights, while the chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling bathed the space in a golden glow. Candles in crystal holders adorned the tables, adding a warm, intimate charm to the space.

Avery and the others entered through the side door, slipping into their seats, while Evelyn and Elias stood at the grand entrance.

"Watch your step," Elias said gently, helping her adjust her gown as they approached the raised white platform that marked the start of the aisle.

Evelyn nodded, her hand tightening around his as the grand doors opened. She took a deep breath and began walking with Elias. Yael, walked ahead of them, tossing flower petals happily into the air.

As Evelyn walked down the aisle, she noticed the familiar faces among the guests consisting of her family, close friends and colleagues. Her smile grew as she caught sight of Natalie and her daughter, Emily, sitting beside Jonathan, who had arrived the night before with Damien. Her gaze flickered to Avery, who had joined the table and sat with Damien rather than joining her parents, Theodore and Penelope on the other table.

On another table sat Ronan with his grandparents. Benjamin Igor, in particular, waved at her excitedly, his joy evident as he nagged his grandson to help him take pictures on his phone. Evelyn broke into a soft chuckle at the sight.

Zevian stood in the center of the stage, holding onto Kiana’s hand. His tall figure was accentuated by perfectly tailored black trousers and a crisp white shirt peeking out from beneath a sophisticated black vest and suit. A pocket watch chain adorned his vest, adding a hint of vintage charm to his look. He looked effortlessly handsome, and Evelyn felt her heart flutter at the sight of him.

Zevian’s stoic expression softened the moment his eyes met hers. A smile began to bloom on his face, and Evelyn felt her heart skip a beat. He was the man she didn’t mind falling in love with again and again.

As they reached the end of the aisle, Zevian stepped forward, extending his hand. Elias slowly placed Evelyn’s hand in his but didn’t step away immediately. Instead, he stared at Zevian and said, "Hurt her this time, and I will murder you."

The room erupted into laughter. It was the same iconic line Elias had used after their fake marriage, having punched his face already once for abandoning his sister. Evelyn chuckled and glanced at Zevian, who, though taken aback, nodded firmly to his brother-in-law.

Elias smiled and then turned his attention to Kiana. "Let’s go," he said gently. Kiana nodded and allowed him to pick her up. Together, they moved to the side, giving the couple center stage.

The officiator began addressing the gathering as Evelyn and Zevian stood across from each other. Meanwhile, at one of the tables, Avery cleared her throat, trying to get Damien’s attention.

When he glanced at her, she murmured, "So..." She picked up her wine glass and continued casually, "The offer you made that day. Is it still valid?"

Damien raised an eyebrow, clearly amused but decided to tease her. "What offer?" he asked, feigning confusion.

Avery scowled. "About opening a branch at Arecamia. You literally asked me to pack my luggage and go with you that night. How can you forget it?" she grumbled, clearly flustered.

"Ah," Damien acted as he recalled it. "Of course. You can come anytime," he added nonchalantly.

Avery hummed in response. "I’ll think about it," she replied, sipping her drink to hide the smile tugging at her lips. Damien nodded, trying his best to hide his smile. He looked away and grinned, happy that she had finally considered going to him.

Back on the stage, the officiator moved the vows, his words drawing everyone’s attention.

"Do you, Zevian Reign, promise to love, cherish, and protect Evelyn, to honor her dreams, and to stand by her side no matter what life may bring?"

"With every fiber in me," Zevian replied, "I do."

The officiator turned to Evelyn, his tone just as gentle. "Do you, Evelyn Wright, promise to love, inspire, and support Zevian, to be his strength in hard times, and to share your life with him, growing together in love and understanding?"

Evelyn’s smile widened as she looked into Zevian’s eyes. "I do," she said softly.

The room erupted into loud cheers as the officiator declared them husband and wife. With a smile, he said, "You may kiss the bride now." before moving aside.

Zevian stepped closer, his hand circling Evelyn’s waist, pulling her closer. Evelyn’s heart fluttered as he captured lips. Her hands stayed on his chest, clutching slightly as he kissed her tenderly.

Zevian broke the kiss, keeping it short and sweet. He looked deeply into Evelyn’s eyes, one that reflected the raw emotions as his. With a soft smile, he kissed her forehead and said, "I love you, Mrs. Reign."

Evelyn broke into laughter. Yes, she was officially, forever, Mrs. Reign now. Standing on her tiptoes, she pecked his cheek and whispered, "I love you too, Mr. Reign."

From the side, Kiana, who had been watching with wide eyes, wriggled free from Elias’s arms and dashed toward her parents. She threw her arms around them as they squatted to her height, pulling them into a tight hug. "And I love you both more!" she declared, her words drawing smiles from the crowd.

Placing her small hands on Evelyn’s bump, she grinned and added, "You too, baby. Sis Kia loves you the most."