# **Chapter 9: That Woman Is My Wife**
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The grand ballroom of the Stellar Embassy glittered like a galaxy in motion.
Thousands of crystal lights floated overhead. The elite of the 22nd century's political world mingled between holographic wine fountains and zero-gravity chandeliers. This was not just a banquet — it was a battlefield of reputation.
Sher Wolter arrived first.
He stood at the far end of the hall like a storm in formalwear. Impeccable. Icy. Impossible to ignore. People whispered, bowed, and parted as he moved.
But when **Hana Chorl-Wolter** walked in...
The whispers turned into gasps.
She wore a wine-red dress that dipped low at the back and shimmered like starfire. Her hair was pinned in soft waves, her posture as regal as any empress, even while her eyes danced with mischief.
"Who... is *that?*" someone murmured.
Sher heard it.
He didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
She was his wife.
But tonight, she was glowing for the world.
---
The trouble began halfway through the diplomatic toast.
A certain **Ambassador Felix Durren** — a tall, silver-tongued representative from Jupiter's Inner Ring — approached Hana as she stood alone by the garden balcony, sipping orange stardust wine.
"Lady Wolter," Felix purred, "you're even more radiant than your profile suggested."
She raised a brow. "You researched me?"
"For diplomacy, of course."
"Sounds like stalking."
He chuckled. "A fair accusation. But if stalking brings me to beauty like yours, I plead guilty."
Sher, across the room, tensed like a panther about to strike.
Hana tilted her head. "You're quite... bold."
"When one sees something divine, it's only human to admire."
"And flirt?"
"And hope."
She smirked. "You're wasting your charm. I'm very... *unavailable.*"
"But you're not wearing a traditional Wolter crest."
"It ruins my neckline."
"Then allow me to offer something more flattering."
He extended a silver ring, elegant and glittering with a planetary gem.
The moment his fingers brushed hers — just the barest touch —
A voice sliced through the air like a blade.
> "Take your hand off *my wife.*"
The room froze.
All turned to look.
Sher Wolter was moving — fast, controlled, and lethal — across the ballroom.
Ambassador Felix chuckled nervously. "I was merely offering a compliment."
"She doesn't need it."
"I meant no harm—"
"You're touching what isn't yours."
Felix raised his hands. "Apologies, Lord Wolter. She's quite charming."
Sher's jaw clenched.
"**She's not just charming. She's the only woman I've ever wanted to belong to.**"
The crowd gasped.
Even Hana blinked.
Sher wasn't done.
"She drives me mad. She causes chaos. But she's mine. And I won't let anyone *touch* her like she's anything less than the queen of this entire damned universe."
Silence.
Then: "...Sher," Hana whispered.
He turned to her, eyes dark and fierce.
"I don't show it. I know. I'm cold. I'm difficult. I've hidden too much."
He took a slow breath.
"But I will never, *ever* let anyone stand beside you and not know that you're mine."
The press cameras were clicking wildly.
Ambassadors whispered, scandalized.
But Sher didn't care.
He only saw her.
And Hana?
For the first time in front of the entire galaxy, she smiled like she had just won her greatest war.
She walked to him, slowly.
Everyone held their breath.
And then she kissed him.
Right there.
In front of the media.
In front of every dignitary and diplomat.
In front of the man who thought he could charm her away.
When she pulled back, her voice was smug.
"Next time you want to claim me, just hold my hand like a normal person."
He smirked. "This worked better."
"True. You really know how to make a scene."
"Only when it's about you."
---
Back in the hovercar later, as the city lights streaked past the windows, Hana leaned her head on Sher's shoulder.
"You know you just gave the media a heart attack," she said.
"I hope they choke on it."
"You really do love me."
"I've always loved you."
"Then why don't you say it more often?"
He looked down at her and whispered, "Because I'm still learning how to be *soft.* You taught me... but I'm slow."
She took his hand, lacing their fingers.
"I don't mind waiting. As long as you're *mine.*"
He kissed her knuckles gently.
"I was never anyone else's to begin with."
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