Page 39 of Code of Heart

Aurelia scowled up at him. “I wouldn't be here if I was just going to walk away.”

Not the heartfelt reply he hoped for, though she wasn’t leaving after seeing him. That was enough…for now.

Estrella smiled faintly and laid the marriage certificate before them and next to the prenups. “You can sign this now, but it won't be valid until the ceremony takes place and two witnesses sign.”

Charles explained, “These are the same documents you previously reviewed and signed. If you could each sign your spouse’s copy, we’ll be able to finalize everything.”

Aurelia didn’t speak, although her anger had yet to dissipate. She grabbed the pen Charles offered her and began signing each page with just a tad of aggression.

Levi followed suit, aware of the weight of every eye in the room. His shirt collar suddenly felt extremely tight and uncomfortable…much like this entire situation.

Once all necessary signatures were collected, the attorneys conferred, then nodded. “We’re good,” Charles said. “You’ll each get a copy later today.”

At that, Estrella beamed. “Time to get married.”

Levi swallowed hard as he thought,Please don’t let me screw this up.

CHAPTER 21

Aurelia

Aurelia scrutinized the courtroom as Estrella walked them through the final steps of the prenup and marriage certificate. For something so procedural, the room was surprisingly beautiful and intimate, precisely as she had requested.

Bouquets of ivory and white flowers were arranged in clusters throughout the room, softening the air with their delicate fragrance. It almost made her forget why she was so annoyed walking in.

Almost.

The guest list was sparse, with herself, Levi, both attorneys, Estrella, and she assumed, his friend officiating, and a court clerk. That’s it. Just enough people to make it real. She couldn’t tell anyone about the mandatory wedding clause or of the inheritance itself, but Aurelia still wished Selene could have been there with her anyway. Seeing someone she knew and trusted would have made it feel less stifling and clinical.

She snuck a glance at Levi and her scowl deepened.

Even she had to begrudgingly admit that he was gorgeous.

Dressed in a tailored navy suit and ivory shirt, his paisley tie in deep greens and blues brought everything together. A single white boutonniere sat on his lapel, right over the broad chest that filled his jacket far too well for her peace of mind.

He stood almost half a foot taller than her despite wearing heels. Wavy, expertly styled mahogany hair framed his striking face. But it was his eyes—vivid green and startlingly clear—that caught her attention the second she entered the room. They focused on her with such intensity, that she almost flinched, not used to someone seeing past her defenses.

His chiseled jawline, high cheekbones, and confident posture made him look both refined and rugged.Damn it, she thought.At least Estrella got one thing right.

Aurelia realized she was staring…and that Levi had noticed.

He rotated fully toward her then, catching her gaze with a small, unreadable smile. Embarrassment flared across her face as her cheeks warmed. She quickly looked away, searching for some kind of distraction…or maybe a hole to crawl into.

As if on cue, Estrella interrupted the moment by handing her a beautiful bridal bouquet.

Aurelia paused. Her arms had been crossed over her chest in defense for most of the ceremony prep. But slowly, she uncrossed them and took the bouquet, the weight of it bringing her back to reality.

Estrella quietly stepped aside and lifted her camera.

With nothing left to delay the ceremony, Aurelia looked up at Levi. The playfulness in his smile had faded. In its place, there was something quieter, uncertain, even. Vulnerable.

He was as nervous as she was.

The realization settled her. She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as she slowly let it out. When she opened them again, her gaze found his.

Holding it, she said calmly, despite her racing heart, “Let’s get this over with.”

Levi