Chapter 67
The Brown Mansion was an old-style villa with a huge footprint, looking very impressive.
The car stopped at the entrance, and William held Ophelia's hand: "Don't be nervous, I'm here, no one will dare to bully you."
"I'm not nervous." Ophelia smiled, though she still felt a little uneasy inside.
Ophelia and William walked into the mansion. The Brown family members were all in the living room - William's grandfather, Xavier Brown, grandmother, Gwyneth Brown, plus William's eldest and second brothers, along with their wives.
Seeing Ophelia and William come in, Gwyneth spoke first, her tone not particularly warm: "William's back. And this is?"
"Grandma, this is Ophelia, my wife. We just registered our marriage today," William said directly.
The Brown family members were all stunned, clearly not expecting him to suddenly get married.
William's second brother's wife, Marcella Shaw, was the first to react, her tone carrying a hint of mockery: "William, marriage is such a big deal. Why didn't you discuss it with the family? What's Ms. Blake's background?"
"She's the biological daughter the Smith family just found, and she's the wife I've chosen," William said in a calm tone, yet with unquestionable firmness. "I brought her back today to inform everyone, not to ask for your opinions."
Xavier's expression darkened: "William, marriage is a major matter. How can you be so rash?"
"Grandpa, I don't think it's rash." William looked at him. "Ophelia and I truly love each other, and we're already married. We're a legal couple."
Ophelia stood beside William with a proper smile on her face, showing no sign of timidity: "Hello, everyone, my name is Ophelia Blake. "
Gwyneth looked Ophelia up and down with a critical gaze: "The Smith family's biological daughter? I've never heard of this. Could she be some kind of fraud?"
"Grandma, you need evidence when you make accusations." William's expression turned cold. "Ophelia's identity has been confirmed by the Smith family. If you don't believe it, you can ask Mireille."
"I brought Ophelia back, hoping everyone would accept her, not to have you question her here."
"If you can't accept it, that's fine too. Ophelia and I will live our own lives and won't bother you."
Xavier looked at William. He knew William's temperament - once William decided on something, he wouldn't change his mind.
He sighed: "Fine, since you're already married, I won't say anything more."
"Just live well together in the future and don't disappoint us."
Gwyneth wanted to say something more, but Xavier glared at her, so she had to swallow her words.
William knew the Brown family members were definitely unhappy, but he didn't care. As long as he could be with Ophelia, that was enough.
"Thank you, Grandpa." William held Ophelia's hand. "We still have things to do, so we'll head back now."
They didn't stay long at the Brown Mansion and turned to leave.
Sitting in the car, Ophelia breathed a sigh of relief: "The Brown family doesn't seem to like me very much."
"It doesn't matter," William held her hand. "As long as I like you, that's enough. From now on, we'll live our own lives and don't need to care about their opinions."
Ophelia nodded, feeling warm inside.
The car drove back to William's villa, a large detached house with luxurious yet cozy decor.
"From now on, this is our home." William opened the car door and led Ophelia into the villa.
The villa was very clean inside, clearly cleaned in advance.
"Let me show you your room." William pulled her upstairs.
The master bedroom on the second floor was spacious, with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, and a great view.
"Do you like it?" William asked.
"I love it, it's beautiful," Ophelia said with a smile.
"I've already saved space for you in the closet. You can put your clothes there from now on," William said. "There's also a gym, study, and home theater downstairs. You can do whatever you want."
Ophelia walked to the window and looked at the garden outside, feeling a strong sense of belonging.
This was her home now, a home with William.
William hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder: "Ophelia, thank you for being willing to marry me."
Ophelia turned around and looked at him: "I should be thanking you for being willing to stay with me and give me a sense of security."
William lowered his head and kissed her forehead: "From now on, I'll always be with you and never let you be wronged again."
They embraced each other, feeling each other's warmth and heartbeat, filled with happiness.
The next morning, Ophelia was awakened by the sunlight.
She opened her eyes. William, beside her, was already awake, lying on his side watching her with gentle eyes.
"Awake?" William's voice carried the huskiness of just waking up, especially sexy.
"Yes." Ophelia snuggled closer to him. "What time is it?"
"It's already eight o'clock," William said, lowering his head and kissing her cheek. "Want to get up for breakfast?"
"Okay." Ophelia nodded and sat up in bed.
After washing up, they went downstairs. Breakfast was already prepared - milk, bread, fried eggs, and fruit.
"The housekeeper made all this. It tastes pretty good, try it." William handed her a slice of bread.
Ophelia took a bite. It really was good: "It's delicious."
While eating breakfast, they discussed their plans for the day.
"We don't have much going on today. How about we go to the supermarket, buy some groceries, and I'll cook dinner for you tonight?" William suggested.
"You can cook?" Ophelia was a bit surprised.
"Of course. When I was studying abroad, I often cooked for myself. My skills aren't bad," William said with a smile.
"Great, let's go on a big shopping trip." Ophelia was looking forward to it.
After breakfast, they drove to a nearby supermarket.
Soon, they had bought a cartful of ingredients and checked out.
Back at the villa, William put the ingredients in the kitchen and started preparing dinner.
Ophelia wanted to help but was stopped by William: "Just sit and rest, I'll do it."
"That won't do, I'll help you out too," Ophelia said, picking up some vegetables to sort through.
They worked together in the kitchen, dividing tasks, the atmosphere warm and sweet.
William's cooking skills were indeed good. Dish after dish of delicious-looking food was brought to the table.
"Dinner's ready." William took off his apron with a smile.
Ophelia picked up her fork and tasted the beef stew: "This is so good! Mr. Brown, your cooking skills are amazing!"
"If you like it, eat more." William put a piece of beef on her plate, his eyes gentle.
They ate while chatting, talking about work and sharing interesting stories from daily life.
"By the way," William suddenly remembered something, "the resort officially opens next weekend. There will be many clients and media coming, and as the person in charge, you'll need to give a speech on stage."
"I know, I've already prepared my speech," Ophelia said.
"I'll go with you then," William said. "With me there, don't be nervous."
"I'm not nervous," Ophelia smiled. "Now that I have you backing me up, I'm not afraid of anything."