Chapter 65
The next morning, Ophelia woke up as soon as it got light.
She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, her mind full of what William had said last night about getting married. She couldn't help but smile.
She rolled over, picked up her phone to check the time - it was only six-thirty.
Usually, she'd still be sleeping at this hour, but today she wasn't sleepy at all. She felt excited and a little nervous.
She threw off the covers and got out of bed, walking to the closet to look for clothes.
Getting a certified marriage certificate was such a big deal - she couldn't dress too casually.
After picking through her options, she chose an off-white dress with a simple, elegant style that made her look gentle and fresh.
She put on light makeup, and just as she finished getting ready, there was a knock at the door.
Ophelia took a deep breath and went to open it.
William stood at the door wearing a light gray casual suit, his hair specially styled. His usually sharp features looked much softer.
But his fingers gripping the doorframe were slightly tense - clearly, he was pretty nervous too.
"Good morning." William's voice was deeper than usual, his eyes falling on her with undisguised amazement.
"Good morning." Ophelia's cheeks felt warm. She stepped aside to let him in. "Want to come in for some water?"
"No," William shook his head, his gaze never leaving her. "It's about time. Let's head over directly. I'll feel better once it's done."
He was really afraid something might go wrong. If Ophelia suddenly changed her mind, he'd have nowhere to cry.
Ophelia nodded, grabbed her bag, and walked out with him.
Sitting in the car, the cabin was filled with a faint woody scent - the same as William's.
William started the car, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turned white.
Ophelia noticed and couldn't help finding it funny.
The CEO, who was always decisive in business, actually got this nervous.
"Don't be so nervous," Ophelia couldn't help saying. "I'm not going to run away."
William glanced at her, a slight smile forming at the corner of his mouth, his tense shoulders relaxing a bit. "It's exactly because you won't run that I want to marry you quickly and tie you to my side."
His words were so direct and domineering that Ophelia's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks growing even warmer.
The car drove smoothly. They didn't say much more, but the atmosphere was especially warm.
Over forty minutes later, the car stopped in front of the County Clerk's Office.
After they came out of the County Clerk's Office, they each held a marriage certificate.
William looked at Ophelia, his eyes full of excitement and cherishment. "Mrs. Brown."
Ophelia also held her copy, her heart full of emotions. She looked up and smiled at him. "Mr. Brown."
Just these simple titles made both their hearts race.
Walking out of the County Clerk's Office, the sunlight was perfect, warm on their skin.
William held Ophelia's hand tightly, as if holding some rare treasure.
"We're legally married now." William looked down at her, unable to suppress his smile.
"Yes." Ophelia nodded, her heart sweet as honey. "So when do we tell Grandma and the Brown family?"
She was a bit worried - would Mireille be upset that she wasn't told beforehand?
"Tonight I'll take you back to the Smith Mansion, and we'll stop by the Brown Mansion too," William said. "Don't worry about Grandma - she's always liked you. She'll only be happy for you."
As for the Brown family, he didn't care what anyone else thought. As long as he could be with Ophelia, that was enough.
Ophelia nodded, feeling a bit more at ease.
"Hungry?" William asked. "Let me take you for our first meal as a married couple. I specially picked a place."
"Sure, where?" Ophelia asked curiously.
"You'll know when we get there." William smiled mysteriously and pulled her to the car.
The car drove for over half an hour before stopping in front of an elegantly decorated restaurant.
The restaurant had a sign saying "The Rest of Life with You," with red roses all around the entrance - clearly a couple's restaurant.
Ophelia followed William inside. The interior was even more romantic, with heart decorations everywhere and romantic songs playing.
"Welcome, Mr. Brown, Mrs. Brown." A server came up smiling, especially enthusiastic. "Your reserved seats are the couple's spot by the window on the second floor. Please follow me."
They followed the server upstairs and sat by the window with a great view of the street outside.
The server handed them menus. "We have a special couples' set menu today. Would you like to try it?"
William looked at Ophelia. "Should we get the couple's set?"
"Sure." Ophelia nodded.
Soon, the dishes started arriving.
Each dish was beautifully plated and tasted great.
They ate and chatted, the atmosphere warm and sweet.
"By the way," Ophelia suddenly remembered something, "the resort project is almost wrapped up. Once we're done with this busy period, can we go on a honeymoon?"
"Of course." William nodded immediately. "Wherever you want to go, I'll go with you."
"I haven't decided yet," Ophelia smiled. "I'll look at some travel guides later."
"Okay." William smiled. Seeing a bit of oil at the corner of Ophelia's mouth, he naturally reached out to wipe it away.
Ophelia froze, meeting William's deep eyes, her face turning slightly red.
And this scene was witnessed by Jeffrey, who happened to be passing by.
Jeffrey was in the area today for a business meeting. Driving past this restaurant, he glanced up and saw Ophelia and William at the window seat on the second floor.
Seeing how intimate they were, Jeffrey's eyes instantly turned red. The jealousy and anger in his heart erupted like a volcano.
He gripped the steering wheel hard, his knuckles white, his teeth grinding audibly.
Ophelia! The woman who was once within his reach was now with William, and so happy!
Why?
He wanted to rush in immediately, but the cars behind him kept honking. He bit down hard and had to drive away.
After finishing their meal, they walked out of the restaurant. Ophelia asked, "Where to now?"
"Back to my place." William held her hand. "Move in tonight. From now on, we'll live together."
"Okay." Ophelia nodded in agreement.
The villa she was living in now belonged to William anyway, so moving in with him wasn't inappropriate.
"But I need to go back to the villa I'm staying at now to get some clothes and daily necessities," Ophelia said. "From now on, I can live wherever I want. Both places can be our home."
"No problem." William nodded. "Actually, let's go to the mall first to buy some toiletries. I don't have any of your things at my place."