Chapter 2 Are You Afraid?

The wedding went off without a hitch. Hazel and Lawrence exchanged vows in front of the priest, received the guests' blessings, and even managed to submit their marriage paperwork at City Hall afterward.

As the ceremony finally concluded, Hazel let out a long sigh of relief.

The Scott family was powerful, and the Anderson family had been trying to establish a connection with them for years. Even though Randy had bailed on the wedding at the last minute, Hazel knew her family would still pressure her to marry him eventually.

There was no way Hazel would end up with Randy, so using this opportunity to break free from her family's control was the best option.

It also meant she could avoid her sister Cheryl's constant harassment.

Hazel lowered her eyes and smiled warmly at Lawrence, who was sitting in his wheelchair. "Don't worry, we're married now. I'll take good care of you."

The situation had unfolded so quickly that she hadn't had time to thoroughly investigate his background. But he seemed to come from an ordinary family. Once everything was settled, she planned to give Lawrence a few million dollars as compensation.

Lawrence's expression froze for a moment before he found it amusing.

He didn't respond, simply maneuvering his wheelchair forward. Hazel shrugged and quickly followed, realizing her new husband didn't trust her.

They got into the car, and Hazel assumed it was one Lawrence had called, so she didn't ask any questions.

It wasn't until the car drove toward Serenity Heights, passing several mansions and stopping at the Johnson family estate, that she began to wonder. The gates opened, and the car continued down the cobblestone path.

Finally, they stopped in front of the main house.

Servants rushed out to open the car door for them. "Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson."

The titles made Hazel's head spin, her thoughts racing. Lawrence, the Johnson family—so her impromptu husband was actually a member of the Johnson family?

Hazel's heart skipped a beat.

The Johnson family was the most prestigious in Rosewood City. No matter how arrogant others were, they were nothing compared to the Johnsons. And among the younger generation, Lawrence stood out.

Despite his young age, he had doubled the family's already thriving assets within three years of joining the company.

Unfortunately, he had disappeared from the public eye after a car accident six months ago. Rumor had it that he had become crippled and had fallen into despair.

Matching the Lawrence from the rumors with the man before her, Hazel was taken aback. He didn't seem the least bit despondent.

"Mr. Johnson?" Hazel tentatively called out.

Lawrence glanced at her, his expression indifferent.

It really was him!

Hazel's heart pounded, realizing the situation had become more complicated.

Lawrence noticed her reaction and frowned slightly. Why did she seem so surprised? Didn't she know he was from the Johnson family?

The thought crossed his mind but was quickly dismissed. When he had put out the word, he hadn't hidden his identity. This was probably just a ploy to get his attention.

Lawrence was growing irritated and was about to speak when a voice interrupted from behind. "Mrs. Johnson? Who's calling themselves Mrs. Johnson?"

A figure quickly approached them. The woman, with her well-maintained appearance and sharp eyes, looked furious. "Lawrence, what's going on? How could you get married without telling the family? Do you think anyone can just waltz into the Johnson family?"

Her domineering tone made Lawrence's expression turn cold.

His eyes darkened. "Are you trying to tell me what to do?"

Luna Cooper, the wife of the Scott family's second son, flinched, her arrogance diminishing. "Lawrence, I'm just looking out for you. Given your condition, you need someone trustworthy to take care of you."

She glanced at his legs, her confidence returning. What was she afraid of? Lawrence was now a cripple, and the vast Johnson family would eventually rely on them.

Luna continued, "My niece Sandra Cooper would be perfect for you. Send this woman away, and we'll pretend this never happened. Tomorrow, I'll bring Sandra over so you two can get to know each other."

Lawrence saw through her intentions, his gaze turning icy.

"You... Are you really Mrs. Johnson?" Hazel's curious voice cut in, half shielding Lawrence.

Luna, already disdainful of Hazel, looked even more displeased. "What do you mean by that? If I'm not Mrs. Johnson, are you?"

Hazel raised an eyebrow. "If you hadn't said anything, I would've thought you were a hostess trying to drum up business. It's not even dark yet."

Lawrence raised an eyebrow, surprised by his new wife's sharp tongue.

"What did you say?" Luna shrieked, lunging at Hazel. "You little brat, I'll tear your mouth off!"

Hazel turned to run, intending to take Lawrence with her.

"Mrs. Johnson." Just as the situation was about to escalate, a voice from the doorway stopped Luna.

A man in his fifties, dressed as a butler, approached respectfully. "Mr. Jeremy Johnson said it's late. Everyone should go rest."

Luna, still seething from Hazel's words, hesitated.

The butler's voice carried a hint of authority. "Mrs. Luna Johnson, please return."

Reluctantly, Luna left, casting a final glare at Hazel.

The butler turned to Lawrence and Hazel, his demeanor warm. "Mr. Lawrence Johnson, the room is ready. Please take Mrs. Hazel Johnson there."

With that, he left, not wanting to intrude further.

Hazel found it odd that no one from Lawrence's family had shown up for the wedding, nor did they seem surprised by her presence. Was this normal?

Her mind was full of questions, but Lawrence was already moving his wheelchair inside, so she quickly followed.

The room was beautifully decorated, with flower petals on the bed and candles casting a soft glow. The atmosphere was intimate, and there were even matching red pajamas laid out.

Hazel felt a wave of awkwardness. "Maybe I should sleep on the floor."

It was clear they couldn't sleep in separate rooms, but she wasn't ready to share a bed with a stranger.

Lawrence raised an eyebrow, his gaze meaningful. "Do you think I married you to be a decoration?" Before Hazel could respond, he added, "Mrs. Lawrence, I'm serious about this."

So there would be no separate rooms. If they were going to sleep, it would be in the same bed.

Hazel's hand tightened at her side as she met Lawrence's teasing gaze.

He asked, "Are you scared?"