The Surprise Vows: Marrying the Man Who Took Me In Chapter 1

At fourteen, my family suffered a tragic accident, and my fiancé’s family took me in.

Carter Hayes was seven years older than me. He was always polite, yet distinctly distant.

When I started working and was preparing to move into my own apartment, he suddenly spoke up: "You're twenty-four now. It's about time we got married."

* * *

Walking out of the courthouse, my brain was still buzzing.

Just like that, we were married.

Living under the same roof for eight years, Carter’s attitude toward me had always been polite, maybe even a little aloof. I was actually a bit intimidated by him, always treating him with the cautious respect you'd give a strict older brother.

I always assumed the "engagement" arranged by our parents years ago was just a joke. Add in the fact that my family had lost everything and the massive disparity in our social statuses, and I never took it seriously.

The night before I was supposed to move out, Carter suddenly knocked on my bedroom door. His eyes were calm, his voice cool: "You're twenty-four now. It's about time we got married."

I froze, then dumbly nodded.

"Are you free this Wednesday? Let's go to the courthouse."

I pressed my lips together, speechless.

"You don't have to reject me right away. I can give you a week to think about it."

"I'm free," I blurted out.

After he closed the door, it took me a long time to process what had just happened.

It was absolutely insane.

But thinking about it logically, Carter was the perfect catch: handsome, constantly in the gym, financially secure, and emotionally stable.

It was just that I had never viewed our relationship in that light before, and I couldn't switch roles in my head that fast.

Getting the marriage license felt rushed, and we hadn't even told his parents yet.

"Can we wait a little while before telling your mom and dad about this?" I asked. "I just started a new job and I'm really overwhelmed. I don't think I can handle the family drama right now."

"That's fine," he said. "But I'm keeping the marriage certificate."

"Thank you."

Carter went to get the car, and I stood on the sidewalk waiting. When we signed the papers, a promotional health booth outside the courthouse had handed us a goodie bag. I hadn't checked what was inside.

Opening it now, I found ten boxes of condoms and three bottles of prenatal vitamins.

My face instantly burned scarlet. The bag suddenly felt like it was on fire.

There was a trash can nearby, and I marched over, ready to toss it. If Mr. and Mrs. Hayes saw this at home, I wouldn't be able to explain it to save my life.

"What are you throwing away? That's a waste."

Carter had pulled the car up without me noticing. He stepped out and opened the passenger door, startling me so badly I dropped the bag on the pavement.

Carter leaned down and picked up the boxes. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as his voice dropped an octave: "I'll keep these at my downtown apartment. Get in the car."

The air grew thick with awkwardness.

I coughed lightly and nodded.

Sitting in the passenger seat, I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror. My face was as red as a tomato.

I silently gave myself a pep talk: You're married now. Some things are bound to happen eventually. Stop being a prude.

When we pulled into the driveway of the Hayes estate, he didn't get out.

"Aren't you coming in?" I asked.

Ever since graduating college, Carter had lived in his own luxury apartment and rarely stayed at the family estate.

"I need to head back to change clothes. I'll be over this afternoon."

Carter was dressed in a sharp black suit today. To match him, I had deliberately worn a white dress this morning. We looked like we were wearing matching couple outfits.

"Okay, see you later then."