The ride was as silent as their first one together. They sat at opposite ends of the car, leaving a clear space between them.
Estrella couldn't help but get lost in thought.
What would their life after marriage be like?
Probably separate rooms, eating separately, no need to talk to each other. Just polite greetings whenever they ran into each other.
Like neighbours, she thought.
Perfect for her.
She couldn't help but glance at Luciano. His eyes were glued to his laptop, completely buried in his work.
He didn't seem to think much of the marriage.
He really had no attachment to it.
And she was fine with that.
She averted her gaze and stared into nothing.
Luciano felt her gaze on him, but he didn't look up.
There was no reason to.
Suddenly, Estrella's phone vibrated, snapping her out of her thoughts.
She looked at the screen. It was Stella.
Gosh, she had missed her calls for a whole week.
She was done for.
She picked up the call and brought the phone to her ear.
"Hello?" the person on the other end said cautiously.
"Hey, Stels," Estrella greeted.
"Estrella!" Stella exclaimed.
Estrella almost flinched at the loudness of her voice and quickly pulled the phone away from her ear.
Even Luciano glanced over.
Gosh, Stels was such a handful.
Stella ranted on,
"Why haven't you been picking your calls for weeks? Same with Martins! I was so worried I almost flew over. Were you sent by enemies to end me?"
Estrella didn't reply.
After talking nonstop, Stella finally paused to take a breath.
Then she asked, more softly, "Are you okay?"
Stella had been her friend for most of her life and was always like a mother hen to her.
Estrella brought the phone back to her ear.
"I am."
Stella breathed a sigh of relief.
"So, where are you right now?"
"On my way to the commune," Estrella replied.
Stella frowned in confusion.
"Commune? What for?"
"To get married," Estrella said casually.
Stella froze.
"Married? Are you joking with me?"
Luciano couldn't help but think, She's already announcing it.
Just then, the driver spoke,
"We have arrived."
"Nope, I'll call you back," Estrella said quickly.
"Are you leaving me hanging?" Stella asked in disbelief.
But Estrella had already ended the call.
Luciano watched her hang up, then stepped out of the car.
Estrella also got down from the other side.
Luciano came to her side and took her hand.
They looked up. Before them stood an elegant building—the commune.
They walked in with steady steps, Berry following behind.
An official received them at the entrance and led them into a private room.
Other officials were already waiting inside.
"Welcome, Mr. Banks and Miss Vale," they greeted.
Estrella studied the room.
There were no crowds like at a normal marriage.
The atmosphere was tense, and the officials looked nervous.
Interesting, she thought.
"Begin," Luciano ordered.
An official brought out the marriage document to read the formalities.
"Skip," Luciano said.
The official nodded quickly and moved on.
"Do you both agree to marry each other?"
"If we don't, would we be here?" Luciano replied coldly.
The official flinched slightly.
Estrella glanced at Luciano. This man is really scary.
The official hesitated and looked at his superior, unsure of what to do next.
The senior official cleared his throat, trying to sound calm.
"We will take the marriage photos next. Please move a bit closer."
Wanting to get things over with, Luciano stepped closer to Estrella.
Estrella did the same.
She lifted the corners of her lips into a small smile.
The photographer raised his camera, ready to take the picture.
But he hesitated.
His face tightened in frustration.
Estrella noticed and glanced around—the other officials wore similar expressions.
She mouthed to the photographer, Is there a problem?
He subtly pointed at Luciano.
She turned to him and immediately understood.
He still had his usual cold, stoic expression—
as if he were taking a passport photo, not a wedding picture.
"Can you smile a bit?" Estrella said.
"I don't smile," Luciano replied flatly.
"You think your grandfather will believe this marriage is real with that expression?" she countered.
"He'll find it stranger if I smile," Luciano replied.
"It's already strange you got married overnight," Estrella said.
Her argument clearly annoyed him.
Berry quickly stepped in.
"Mr. Luciano dislikes arguments."
But then—
Luciano slowly lifted one corner of his lips.
Estrella smirked.
"Smile, not smirk."
Luciano shot her a look that clearly said, You're inconveniencing me.
Estrella exaggerated a proper smile, demonstrating.
After a brief pause—
Luciano mirrored her, lifting both corners of his lips.
The officials almost burst into laughter but held it in.
Even Berry shook his head slightly.
He had never seen such an awkward smile.
The photographer quickly snapped the picture.
Soon, the marriage certificate was ready.
Luciano signed without hesitation.
Estrella paused for a moment—
then signed as well.
The certificate was handed to her.
"Is that all?" Luciano asked.
The official nodded.
Luciano stood immediately, and Estrella followed.
"It was a pleasure having you," the official said.
Once outside, Luciano took the certificate from Estrella.
"I'll keep this—to prepare the divorce papers," he said coldly, walking ahead.
So ominous, Estrella thought.
Mentioning divorce right after marriage.
Was he afraid she might cling to him?