Breakfast was both refined and hearty. Mikayla, who was generally not very fussy about her food, did have some
dietary preferences, avoiding certain items. Fortunately, it seemed that Carlos had forewarned Dexter about her
preferences, as the meal prepared by Dexter was quite to her liking. Whether it was the pangs of hunger
influencing her or not, Mikayla found herself eating more than usual.
"Mika, are you finished?" Carlos inquired after she set down her utensils and he himself had wiped his mouth.
"Yeah," Mikayla replied.
"Take a little break for now. We'll head over to the Ludwig mansion later," Carlos suggested.
"We're going to the Ludwig mansion?" Mikayla asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"Yes. According to our family's traditions, we need to go there, formally greet them as newlyweds, and stay for
one night," Carlos clarified.
"Okay," Mikayla accepted, though internally she acknowledged that meeting the Ludwig family was
straightforward enough, but staying overnight was more significant. At the Ludwig mansion, unlike here, she
couldn't sleep in a separate room from Carlos. This arrangement could stir up all kinds of speculation.
Nevertheless, Mikayla decided not to worry too much; circumstances would unfold as they should, and sharing a
room was an eventuality they would face sooner or later.
After their meal, Carlos pointed out to her the built-in wardrobe in the room where she had slept. It was stocked
with clothing, shoes, hats, and even accessories, all brand new and carefully selected limited editions for the
season, perfectly suited to her taste. This meant Mikayla had no reason to agree to Juliet's recent invitation to go
shopping for the new spring collection. Just as she recalled this, Juliet called. "Julie..." Mikayla answered,
instinctively moving the phone away from her ear.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
"Mikayla, I'm guessing you're up. Hehehe..." Juliet's voice boomed through the phone.
"What's up?" Mikayla queried, her curiosity piqued as she browsed through the wardrobe for something to wear.
"So, Mikayla, how was your wedding night? Is Carlos skilled in bed?" Juliet blurted out.
Mikayla almost choked in shock. She glanced around and noticed Carlos had left the room. "Juliet, are you feeling
lonely that you're behaving like a horny teenager?" Mikayla countered.
"Haha... Just curious! Is he as wild as those guys in porn movies? Are you walking funny today?" Juliet continued,
unabashed.
Mikayla pressed her hand to her forehead. "Hate to break it to you, but whatever you're thinking did not
happen."
"What? So, is everything in porn exaggerated, or is your husband not up to the mark?" Juliet sounded genuinely
puzzled, her perception of men shaped by the unrealistic portrayals she had seen.
"Nothing happened between us last
night! Okay? I'm hanging up now if
there's nothing more," Mikayla interjected, hoping to cut the conversation short before Juliet's influence became
more pronounced. Despite Juliet's protests not to hang up, Mikayla ended the call and selected her outfit: a white
floral dress that ended just above her knees and a matching high-waisted coat. She added a slender platinum
necklace, complementing her exposed neckline, and slipped into a pair of red flat shoes for a touch of elegance.
She carried a small, plush bag, completing her graceful and charming ensemble.
Carlos had also dressed smartly in a handsblack suit, which lent him an austere air, Together, they exited
the mansion Carlos taking Mikayla's hand in his. The walkway, adorned with crystal columns and frames the
previous evening, was now clear Mikayla admired the mansion set against a backdrop of lush green lawns, that
were both close to nature and undeniably aristocratic. As they approached the gate, she wondered if the butler
managed the extensive upkeep of the property alone. Waiting at the mansion gate was Josiah, who had been
there for quite stime.
After a short drive, Mikayla discerned the precise location of their destination. They soon arrived at the Ludwig
mansion, a place she was familiar with from previous visits-once with Carlos and another twith Natasha,
during which she had also met Deidre. Her encounters here were not mere coincidences.
Carlos, ever the gentleman, exited the vehicle first and then courteously opened the door for Mikayla, taking her
hand with a warm, intimate gesture. Together, they embodied the picture of a flawless couple, their movements
fluid and natural.
As they approached the grand
entrance of the mansion, they were greeted by Garrett and Selena, who
had been waiting for their arrival for quite stime. Alongside them stood a line of housekeepers, aligned and
ready to welcthem. "Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig!" the housekeepers called out in unison as Mikayla and Carlos
neared. The staff always exhibited politeness, but their demeanor was exceptionally respectful today, making
Mikayla blush slightly at being addressed as "Mrs. Ludwig." It was the first tshe had been referred to in such
a manner. Maintaining her composure, Mikayla followed Carlos gracefully, step by step into the mansion.
"Carlos, Mikayla, cin and have a seat! You've arrived quite early today. Did you sleep well last night?" Selena
asked with a warm, inviting tone. She then led Mikayla to a plush couch, while Carlos seemed to walk off to
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmattend to another matter.
Mikayla responded with a gentle smile, "I slept well last night, Selena."
"Good girl," Selena replied, her smile broadening as she signaled to a housekeeper behind her, who quickly
approached with a gift in hand. Selena graciously passed the gift to Mikayla, insisting, "Take this, it's from me."
Mikayla accepted the present, gratefully responding, "Thank you, Selena."
Selena affectionately patted her hand, and at that moment, Garrett, not wanting to be left out, beckoned another
housekeeper to fetch his gift. "Mikayla, this is from me. May you and Carlos have a lifetof happiness and a
family soon!" he declared with a hopeful smile.
Mikayla took the gift and sincerely thanked him, "Thank you, Garrett." Their laughter filled the spacious mansion,
a stark contrast to the more reserved nature of the Lindstrom family.
Just then, a housekeeper wheeled Natasha forward. With a sweet expression, Natasha announced, "Mikayla, I've
also prepared a gift for you." Mikayla turned toward her with a smile, as Natasha handed her a rolled-up canvas.
"This is a wedding portrait | painted for you and Carlos. | hope it brings joy to your marriage!"
Mikayla accepted the portait and expressed her gratitude with a soft, "Thank you, Natasha."
Natasha's cheeks flushed with a touch of color as she continued, "You looked so beautiful yesterday!
Unfortunately, my parents were worried about the crowd and didn't allowto come. | had to watch it from a
video at home."
Mikayla reassured her gently, "It's okay! Your mom and dad just didn't want it to be too much for you."
"Mika, chere. Let's formally greet my parents," Carlos called to Mikayla."