Meadow's POV : +15 BONUS Alaric's house - or rather , mansion - was tucked away behind tall iron gates and hedges . The drive up to it alone was long enough for me to have separate panic attacks and still have time to rehearse my ' I've made a very huge mistake ' speech . But when the SUV stopped and the door opened , I stepped out like I belonged . Like I wasn't about to sign my life away to a man I barely knew . ' You live where I live . Because you're my wife . ' That wasn't supposed to sound hot , but it did . Alaric already considered me his wife , but until I made the decision to sign the contract , I was his guest . His guest who was wearing his insanely expensive diamond ring . The driver , West - I'd asked him his name in the car - bowed slightly , gesturing toward the front door , where a woman already stood , a soft , kind grin on her face as I approached her . This had to be Mel . She was older , probably in her late forties or early fifties , wearing a crisp navy blouse and slacks that screamed efficiency . " Welcome home , Mrs. Ashford , " she greeted warmly . My cheek heated as I fumbled for words . " Oh ... um ... I'm not- " " I know . " She chuckled softly , leading me into the house . " But it's only a matter of time , Miss . Russell . " " He- " I stopped short , my mouth dropping open the moment I stepped inside the house . This house hadn't just been designed . It had been curated . Floor - to - ceiling windows , a beautiful spiral staircase , high , vaulted ceilings ... Everything was white , black or grey , and way too clean to touch . Mel led me up the stairs , and I trudged behind her , my heart pounding hard against my ribcage . This felt too unreal . It felt ... surreal . The guest suite was breathtakingly huge . Three times bigger than the apartment I shated with Tyler , so big , it was intimidating . Hell , the entire mansion was intimidating And somehow , I was married to the owner ? 1/4 CHAPTER 0014 +15 BONUS Mel's voice pulled me out of my thoughts . " The suite has been prepared to Mr. Ashford's instructions . You'll find fresh towels in the bathroom in case you need to freshen up , and your closet's been stocked with a few essentials . " " Closet ? " I echoed . To be honest , up until this point , I hadn't given a thought to what I was going to wear . Everything belonging to me was still in the apartment I shared with Tyler , and last night , when I stormed out of the hotel room , I didn't take my clothes with me . Which was ... stupid . I know . I blinked as I stepped toward the side door Mel gestured to . The closet lights flicked on the moment I stepped in . And I froze . " Oh my god . " Racks of clothing lined the walls - beautiful , absurdly expensive - looking clothes . Silk dresses ... a lot of dresses , actually , blouses , jeans , shoes that looked like they belonged on runways . Lingerie ... oh my gosh . Everything was arranged by color , and then style . And the worst part ? Every single piece was my size . I let out an airy laugh , running my hand over a black lace dress that still had the tag on . " Was he expecting me ? " I asked quietly , turning to face Mel . Because that was what it seemed like . First , Alaric told me the ring was customized . And now the guest room had been prepared with clothes that were exactly in my size . We definitely had a lot to talk about . Mel smiled gently . " Mr. Ashford doesn't do anything unplanned , Miss Russell . " " Right , " I muttered . Of course , he didn't . Because he was a stalker . He had to be . " Well , dear . If you need anything else , I'll be downstairs in the kitchen . " " Thank you , " I mumbled as she stepped out of the closet . The moment Mel left the room , I hurried toward the bed , collapsing onto it and stating at the ceiling like it had all the answers . What the hell was I doing ? 2/4 CHAPTER 0014 +15 BONUS I closed my eyes , tried to breathe . Tried not to replay the look on Alaric's face when he said I was his responsibility . Like I was a thing . A possession . But the worst part was - a part of me didn't hate it . I didn't know when I fell asleep , or how long I was asleep for , but I was awoken by the sound of something vibrating . I sat up in bed , disoriented , turning to look out the window to see that it was already dark outside . Reaching for my phone on the bedside table , I glared at the bright screen , expecting to see a call from my best friend , Nova . But my brows pulled together when I saw the name flashing on the screen . Tyler . A surge of anger racked my entire body and my jaw clenched . Why the hell was he calling me ? I could've just ignored the call , saved myself the pain of hearing his voice , but for some reason , I didn't . I answered . " What do you want , Tyler ? " " Hey , sis . " I froze , my blood running cold at the sound of my sister's voice . " Juniper ? " Her smug little laugh was my answer . " Wow . You answered . I thought I'd have to leave a voicemail , but I guess you're still so desperate for Tyler's love . " My fingers tightened around the phone . " What do you want ? " " Oh , don't be so dramatic , " she purred . " Just thought I'd let you know that your things are taking up space . I boxed them up for you . You can swing by and get them . Or not . I don't care . " Juniper knew what she was doing . She definitely didn't care about my clothes , but she was daring me to come over It was an invitation . " You called me for that ? " " Mm , not really . I wanted to see if you'd actually pick up . I figured you'd be busy licking your wounds or whatever it is you do when you run away like a coward " I bit the inside of my cheek , tasting blood . 3/4 CHAPTER 0014 +15 BONUS I fucking hated the sound of Juniper's voice . Which was ironic , because we sounded the exact same way . " God , you're predictable , " she laughed . " Always so dramatic . You left in the middle of the night like a damn soap opera character . You could've joined us , you know ? I'm sure Ty wouldn't have minded . " " I'll send someone to get my stuff , " I gritted out , feeling my throat clog up . She let out another sharp laugh . " No , you won't . If you want your sad little clothes , your shoes , books , whatever junk you left behind ? Come get it yourself . Don't send a mover . Don't even send your bitch , Nova . You want it ? You walk through the door like a big girl . " I stayed silent , keeping my jaw locked . " You come tonight or you forget about it . " Click . Juniper ended the call . I stared at the screen , my breath shaky . I could've ignored it . Hell , I had nothing too personal that I couldn't let go of . But as I stormed toward the closet , my mind was already made . I wasn't going for the clothes . I was going for myself . 4/4 Title: Cohabitating Lover by CrushReel In the romantic tale "Cohabitating Lover," Corinne, a runaway bride still donned in her wedding attire, and Andre find themselves mistakenly tangled in a leasing office mix-up. Despite initial reluctance, they become unexpected roommates after a series of arguments lead to an unconventional living arrangement. Exploring themes of love, transformation, and the magnetic pull of opposites, this modern romance unfolds against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and a high-powered office setting. As Corinne and Andre navigate their differences and shared living space, their individual glow-ups and personal growth intertwine in a heartwarming display of vulnerability and resilience. This sweet romance novel stands out for its portrayal of characters grappling with unexpected circumstances while discovering the true meaning of companionship. With a blend of CEO dynamics, modern settings, and the allure of opposites attracting, "Cohabitating Lover" offers readers a refreshing take on love and self-discovery. Escape into this ongoing story available to read at CrushReel for a captivating journey through the complexities of relationships and personal evolution.