FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO

The scent of warm cinnamon rolls, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, toast and orange zest drifted through the estate like a loving hug.

In the sun-drenched backyard, the long breakfast table was already buzzing with chatter and clinking cutlery.

Mugs of coffee and hot cocoa steamed beside golden pancakes stacked like miniature towers. And a fountain of melted chocolate flowed endlessly beside bowls of strawberries, waffles, and tiny marshmallows.

The majority of the family and friends were all seated around the table, some still in their cozy sweaters, flannel robes, and slippers. They enjoyed the steaming breakfast while sharing stories, jokes and plans for the day.

Freshly showered and dressed in a light cream knit sweater with her hair pulled into a loose ponytail, Sarah slowly made her way to the backyard.

She wore an innocent smile that didn't quite reach her burning cheeks as she casually made her way to the table. She could already feel some pairs of eyes looking at her quizzically as if surprised to see her.

Sucking in her breath, she walked with a practiced and controlled step, stifling her inner worries.

As she approached the table, she could feel the shift in energy and the subtle pause in conversation.

The way Blaze deliberately avoided her eyes, while sipping from his mug like he'd become a monk, unnerved her.

However, when she observed the way her uncle, Gregory, cleared his throat for no reason or the way Maria's lips twitched slightly while asking her son to pass the maple syrup, she instantly suspected that everyone at the table knew her little secret.

"Good morning everyone." Sarah greeted, without making actual eye contact with anyone in particular.

"Morning," came the chorused reply followed by warm pleasantries.

"You can join me..." Annabelle said sweetly, scooting over to make room beside her.

"T...Thank you," Sarah muttered, settling into her chair as if it might swallow her whole.

Henry was already seated across from her, freshly showered and shaved. He was suspiciously calm, holding a toast in one hand and a coffee mug in another. His expression was painfully neutral and her tried not to look at her. But the slight curve of his mouth said everything.

"What happened, Sarah? It's unlike you to show up late for breakfast." Her dad noted, while helping himself with a plate of fresh bread and scrambled eggs, his accusing gaze on Henry.

"I...I overslept." Sarah replied avoiding her father's eyes.

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, sweetheart," Kayla interjected, her usual soft and genuine voice soothing. "I thought I was the only one who couldn't get out of bed this morning. But apparently..." she looked directly at Henry with innocent eyes. "...someone else had a little trouble waking up too, just like you."

Sarah blinked twice, not expecting Kayla to be that direct. She lowered her gaze, her cheeks turning beet red as the table went dead silent for half a second.

Then laughter erupted from every corner.

Blaze coughed into his napkin and Henry nearly choked on his toast.

Amelia stifled a chuckle while Maria couldn't stop laughing out loud.

Annabelle was already hiding her face behind a napkin, shaking with silent laughter.

Sarah wanted to disappear, as she shrank into her seat, staring down at her lap.

"Did I say something wrong?" Kayla blinked innocently, confused as she stared at Sarah whose head was already lowered.

Stacy wheezed, holding her chest. "Oh my God, Kayla, I love you so much."

"I...I just meant we all overslept," Kayla added quickly, looking from face to face. "Did I…miss something?"

"Nothing, sweetheart," Judith intervened with a sweet smile as she patted her daughter's hand reassuringly. "It's just that your timing is… impeccable."

Kayla narrowed her eyes suspiciously, but before she could press further, Henry's deep voice cut in.

"Can someone please pass me the sausages?"

"Sure." Blaze replied in an attempt to redeem himself, but only got a death stare in return.

"Here sweetheart...try the pancake and syrup." Judith served her daughter while giving her a reassuring smile that it was okay to feel shy.

"Thanks, Mom," Sarah whispered, her voice barely audible.

A few plates were passed around, followed by a fresh pot of coffee and some giggles from the younger children at the other end of the table.

Sarah and Henry occasionally stole glances at one another, sparing each other secret smiles and nonverbal affirmations of love while the rest of the family pretended to ignore them.

"So... What's the plan for today?" Judith asked, casually spreading jam on her toast.

"Christmas shopping!" Stacy chimed like a jingle bell, beaming.

"But where?" Nicole raised a brow. "We've already surveyed the Island earlier and there are no markets or shops around here "

"Oh...we do all our shopping at the next Island."

"Nice... This is going to be a fun-filled day." Adriana said, eyes brimming with excitement. "I can already imagine everything in my head. The decorations, pop-up stalls, snow globe selfies..."

"If only I could tag along..." Amelia pouted, looking so heavily pregnant and beautiful beside her husband.

"In this freezing cold and with that huge tummy of yours?" Maria lifted a brow. "I don't think so, darling. Moreover, you'll be sleeping more than half of the day."

"So true." Gregory concurred. "Travelling in your condition on a cruise boat is not so advisable or safe."

"Ugh!" Amelia scrunched her face dramatically.

"Don't worry baby, we won't be gone for too long. Mom, Aunt Vera, and Aunt Judith will be staying back to keep you company, alongside the children." Blaze cooed beside his wife.

"Yeah, and you know what that means." Judith chirped happily.

"Baking time!" All the women at the table, including Amelia, chanted excitedly.

After a heartwarming breakfast, everyone went about different assigned tasks, preparing for the day's outing.

By midday, the family estate was buzzing with energy.

Scarves were knotted, shopping totes were packed, and holiday playlists were echoing down the hallway as the shopping crew gathered outside, ready to board the small luxury cruise that would take them to the next island town.