Nanci was carried into the car by him. She looked up to observe his expression but found nothing unusual. Issac, who was sitting in the driver’s seat, dared not make a sound, afraid of angering the person beside her, and quietly drove the car.
Edward spoke up, “I’m sorry, Nanci. Tonight, it’s my fault for putting you in that situation. I shouldn’t have brought you to this kind of event. I just wanted everyone to know that you are the woman, the one I love the most, and that no one should mess with you. I don’t know how things turned out like this.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t suffer any real harm. Besides, it’s not your fault. Some people just like to stir up trouble. Amelia even splashed them with wine!”
“You don’t need to comfort me. Don’t hide your unhappy feelings from me. I’m here to protect you. If you don’t tell me, how will I know what you’re thinking?”
Nanci bit her lip, unsure of what to say. She did feel a bit upset.
However, Edward’s attitude in solving problems made her feel that it didn’t matter anymore. His way of comforting her gradually broke down the walls she had built around herself.
She found herself gradually growing dependent on him, and she didn’t know if this was a good or bad thing.
Edward reached out to touch her lips and softly said, “Don’t bite your lips. If you’re really upset, bite me. If you want to cry, cry it out. If you want to vent, vent on me.”
Looking at the arm extended in front of her, Nanci was moved and said, “Edward, thank you for trusting me unconditionally. I thought there might be a chance you’d believe what others said and criticize me. If that happened, I would have left you without hesitation. But you didn’t. Instead, you kept me firmly in your heart.”
“I’m not a very sentimental girl. I’ve faced many challenges before, but now under your protection, I feel I’m becoming more sentimental. When I encounter difficulties, the first person I think of is you. I like the peace of sleeping in your arms at night and waking up to see your calm face in the morning. It makes me feel that life is so serene…”
Hearing Nanci’s heartfelt words, Edward hugged her and said, “Nanci, you know that what I want to hear is not these things. These are all things I willingly do for you and should do for you. You don’t need to feel troubled with me. You just need to express any emotions you have with me-good or bad-and I’ll listen to everything you say. Let’s get our marriage certificate tomorrow. I want to settle down quickly because I’m also afraid of losing you…”
Hearing about getting the marriage certificate, Nanci was stunned.
Not knowing what to say, she opened her mouth but then closed it again. Edward teased her by bringing up old promises. “Didn’t someone say before that we’d get the marriage certificate as soon as I woke up? You’re not going to go back on your word, are you? Well, I disagree! I’m not asking for your opinion. I’m informing you that we will fulfill your promise tomorrow!”
Nanci was distracted by this topic and forgot about the unpleasant events earlier. Shyly, she said, “I said that because you were sick back then! You didn’t agree back then either. How can it count now? We didn’t sign any agreement, so nothing I said counts!”
“Do you want to go with me or not?”
Nanci glared at him playfully and said, “Who else would you go with besides me?”
“Who else would I marry if not Nanci?” They both laughed after he finished speaking. Their hearts filled with warmth as they held each other’s hands tightly.
Issac felt like a third wheel at this moment. He kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead and silently prayed they’d reach home soon.
Finally arriving home, Issac took a breath as they got out of the car and wiped away cold sweat from his forehead while reassuring himself, “I need to get used to this. After all, it’s also a good thing that the CEO is no longer alone.”
Edward held her hand as they walked into the house together. Seeing their cat, Nanci immediately let go of his hand and happily talked to it even though it couldn’t understand her words. Watching her joyfully interact with the cat made Edward shake his head slightly, but he felt content seeing her happiness.
Edward sat quietly beside Rhys while accompanying her and their pet.
Yawning slightly, Nanci said, “Rhys, why haven’t you gone back to bed yet? It’s quite late tonight. I’m going back to rest now, and you should too.”
“I want to wait until you all get back before going to sleep.”
Hearing this answer brought some emotion onto Edward’s face as he was lost in thought.
Nanci smiled warmly, “That’s very thoughtful of you! But next time, don’t wait up for us. Getting enough sleep helps you recover faster! Did you take your medicine on time today?”
“I did. It was bitter though. Thanks for giving me candy earlier! Goodnight!” The boy quickly ran into his room after speaking and closed the door behind him.
Amused by his actions, Nanci remarked, “He’s so adorable! Don’t you think he’s changed a lot?”
Edward frowned slightly. “Nanci… have you already been won over by him?”
“What are you talking about? How could a child win me over? After you left yesterday, he talked quite a bit with me. I realized my previous prejudice against him wasn’t fair. Rhys is actually quite smart. He has a different kind of intelligence compared to other kids his age probably due to growing up in a single-parent family. If only his mother…”
Edward responded, “No matter what, you shouldn’t get too attached. I’m worried you’ll end up hurt. Alright, it’s getting late. Let’s go rest.”
Nanci nodded. “I’m not that foolish. Let’s go to sleep. Didn’t someone say we’re going to get our marriage certificate tomorrow? Are we really going to show up with tired, sleepless faces? If you go like that, I’m not going!”
Edward quickly scooped her up and carried her back to the room, saying excitedly, “Let’s go. Tomorrow, you just focus on looking beautiful for the photos.”
That night, the two of them fell asleep in each other’s arms, filled with anticipation.
The next morning, Nanci was awoken by Edward.
“Nanci, wake up. The sun’s up, and the city hall is open.”
Nanci rubbed her eyes and stretched out her arms, pouting, “I want a hug.”
Edward smiled and carried her to the bathroom, where he squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush. Under his careful attention, Nanci got ready for the day. She giggled and kissed Edward on the cheek, saying, “Thank you!”
Edward pinched her cheek playfully and said, “Let’s go, little sleepyhead. Time for breakfast downstairs.”
Nanci looked at him and asked, “Isn’t it still early? Why are you so eager today?”
“How could I not seize the opportunity to tie you to my side as soon as possible? I’m not about to give those men who fantasize about you any more chances. Today, you’re not getting away!”
“Alright, alright, I’m not going anywhere. Look at your stubble-let me shave it for you.”
Nanci stood in front of Edward, carefully tending to his face. Every now and then, she asked, “Am I hurting you?”
“Not at all.”
Edward gazed at her affectionately the entire time. Nanci felt a bit self-conscious, and by the time she finished, her face was flushed. “Done. Let’s go down for breakfast.”
At the dining table, Nanci ate slowly, chatting with Rhys for a while. Afterward, she went upstairs to put on some light makeup and changed into a white shirt, picking out one for Edward as well.
When Edward returned to the room, Nanci said, “We need to wear white shirts for the photos. Hurry up and change, or the pictures won’t look good!”
“Would any photo of us ever look bad?”
“Come on, hurry up! If we drag this out any longer, we’ll have to wait until the afternoon.”
After some more back-and-forth, they finally got in the car. Issac, seeing the two of them, smiled and said, “Congratulations! You finally get back together, Mr. Clarkson, Ms. Ross!”
Nanci blushed shyly, while Edward said, “Let’s get going. If we’re late, you’ll have to answer to me.”
Issac immediately fell silent and started the car.
When they arrived at the city hall, Nanci felt her heart racing. She looked at Edward and said, “I’m a little nervous…”
“I’m here with you. Let’s go in.”
As they entered the hall, Nanci exclaimed, “There are so many people! We didn’t come that late, did we? If we wait for all these people, won’t it be afternoon by the time it’s our turn?”
Edward turned to her and said, “Do you really think I need to wait in line?” With that, he took her hand and led her into a separate passage.
“Mr. Clarkson, welcome.”
A female staff member hovered around Edward, examining him closely. She said, “Mr. Clarkson, I’ve heard so much about you. It’s amazing how you’ve built your company to this level at such a young age! Can I get your contact information?”
“My wife is right here. Maybe you should ask her?”
The female staff member turned to Nanci and asked innocently, “Miss, You wouldn’t mind, would you? I truly admire Mr. Clarkson. My friends do too. I just wanted to show off that I have his contact info…”
Nanci felt a wave of irritation but kept her composure. Inside, she grumbled, “This man attracts women wherever he goes, and now, on the day we’re getting our marriage certificate, he’s throwing this problem at me!” Despite her thoughts, she smiled politely and said, “I’m sorry, but he doesn’t add anyone unrelated to work on his phone.”
Edward, trying to suppress a laugh, added, “Sorry, as my wife said, it’s true. My phone is strictly for work contacts.”
The female staff member, clearly embarrassed, led them in and quickly left.
Edward looked at Nanci, who had gone quiet, and asked, “What’s wrong? Are you upset?”
“How could I dare to be upset? Why didn’t you just exchange contact information? She’s quite pretty, isn’t she?”
Edward pulled her into his arms and said gently, “I haven’t forgotten why we’re here today. Don’t be jealous. We’re about to get our marriage certificate-shouldn’t we be happy? When we get home, I’ll let you punish me, okay?”
Nanci let out a soft “hmph” and kept walking with him.