After leaving the city hall, the young lady quickly developed the photos and handed them to the two main characters. Each received two copies, all exceptionally clear, with everyone smiling sweetly, their happiness almost palpable.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” The girl, with a camera hanging around her neck, waved at them. “I’ll be off now.”
“Alright.”
After the two girls got into the car, Tom led Agnes to a car parked not far away. He opened the passenger door, and Agnes sat in the front seat.
Once in the car, Tom turned to her. “Shall we go back to the manor now? To see Grandma.”
“Yes.”
“In the afternoon, I’ll prepare gifts and visit your family to discuss our engagement,” Tom told her. “My parents will come too.”
Agnes turned sharply. “…”
“Dad didn’t go to work today; he’s already preparing for this afternoon’s meeting.”
It was clear that the Fritz family took this very seriously.
Agnes nodded. “Okay.”
Last night, her mother hadn’t opposed their relationship, and she believed Spencer would put in a good word for them today.
“I’ll let my sister know in advance so that my parents aren’t caught off guard and can properly welcome you.”
“I mentioned our engagement to your uncle last night,” Tom said as he drove, his voice gentle. “He doesn’t oppose us being together; he thinks getting engaged and married is our decision. They’ll bless us but won’t interfere.”
Agnes was surprised. “My dad said that?”
“Yes, otherwise how could I be so at ease getting our marriage certificate? Getting approval and consent from our elders is essential.”
“It’s really strange; it feels like Dad and Mom have become different people.”
“After experiencing certain things, people tend to see things more clearly. Everyone goes through that,” Tom said, increasingly believing in fate. “They’re taking a gamble too, but I won’t let them down or let you down.”
Agnes was deeply moved. Holding her bouquet, she gazed at his profile, finding him more handsome by the minute. The sense of stability and security he exuded always made her feel especially happy.
Soon, they arrived at the manor.
Agnes looked at him from the passenger seat and asked worriedly, “Should we get out like this? I’m still wearing my veil.”
“Sure,” Tom said. “If you find it troublesome, you can take it off since we’re about to tell Grandma everything anyway.”
“Yes, let’s take it off; it’s too flashy,” Agnes said as she began removing her veil. She was just worried about being seen by the servants and becoming a topic of conversation.
After getting out of the car, Tom and Agnes walked inside with their marriage certificates and flowers.
Grandma had been waiting for them, afraid Tom might back out.
Seeing them walk in from outside, Grandma noticed how beautiful Agnes looked today and got up from the sofa.
“Grandma!” Agnes called sweetly.
Meanwhile, Williams and Jane were upstairs in a room selecting engagement gifts, discussing what would be most appropriate for Campell family’s elders. These items were part of Fritz family’s collection and couldn’t be bought on the market.
They wanted to give their best to the other family.
In the living room downstairs,
Grandma held Agnes’s hand happily and asked, “Children, have you made your decision? You promised me an answer today; I’ve been waiting!”
Tom took out two little booklets. “Grandma, see for yourself.”