Chapter 74
Just then, footsteps sounded at the entrance. Marcella walked in on the arm of William's second brother, Finnian Brown, with a somewhat arrogant expression on her face.
As soon as she entered, she heard the surrounding chatter and frowned, leaning close to Finnian's ear to complain quietly: "The Smith family's party is such a mess. Anyone can cause trouble here. And Ophelia, really, she just married into the Brown family and already can't behave herself, making such a scene."
"I think she just has no class. If we take her out in the future, who knows what embarrassment she'll cause?"
Her voice wasn't exactly quiet, and Ainsley, standing not far away, heard it clearly.
Ainsley's eyes lit up as an idea immediately formed in her mind.
The Brown family doesn't accept Ophelia. This is a great opportunity!
She quickly walked over with a sweet smile on her face: "Marcella, you're here. Please, come inside."
"That was just a small misunderstanding. Ophelia didn't mean it. She was just too excited."
Marcella glanced at her with some disdain. She hated Ainsley's fake act the most. Besides, even though she didn't like Ophelia, she didn't like being used as someone's pawn either.
"Misunderstanding?" Marcella sneered. "I think some people just can't behave themselves and want attention."
"Ms. Smith, just mind your own business. The Brown family's affairs don't need your concern."
The smile froze on Ainsley's face. She hadn't expected Marcella to embarrass her like this. Angry and awkward, she could only stand there uncomfortably.
Ophelia saw Finnian and Marcella and walked over with William, greeting them politely: "Marcella, Finnian."
Marcella looked her up and down with a sarcastic tone: "Well, if it isn't William's wife. You're getting more and more impressive."
"But speaking of which, today is Ainsley's birthday. Her birthday party is so grand, but you're the Smith family's biological daughter—how come no one's even giving you birthday wishes?"
"I guess you're not that valued in the Smith family either."
William's face darkened: "Marcella, watch your words. Ophelia's position in the Smith family isn't for you to judge."
"Besides, I'll celebrate her birthday separately. We don't need others butting in."
Marcella pursed her lips: "I was just making conversation. Why are you so worked up?"
"Dad's coming back soon. You got married so suddenly—such a big thing. I'd like to see how you explain it to Dad."
"With Dad's personality, how could he possibly accept a woman who's been married before and had so many scandals as your wife?"
William's eyes turned cold: "My marriage to Ophelia is between the two of us. We don't need to explain it to anyone. I'll handle Dad myself. No need for your concern."
Finnian frowned and defended her: "William, Marcella's just looking out for you. You know Dad's temper. This really needs some thought."
"Looking out for me?" William sneered. "If Marcella really cared about me, she wouldn't be saying these things here."
The atmosphere instantly became tense. The surrounding guests didn't dare breathe loudly, secretly watching the scene unfold.
Ophelia tugged at William's arm and said softly, "Forget it. Let's not argue here. It's not good."
Marcella immediately jumped in: "What? Feeling guilty already? I told you you're not good enough for the Brown family. Now you don't even dare to face it?"
Ophelia felt helpless. She didn't want to cause conflict here and ruin someone's birthday party, and she didn't want to make things difficult for William either.
She frowned and pretended to feel unwell, covering her stomach: "I suddenly don't feel well. William, let's go."
William immediately became concerned, looking down at her: "What's wrong? Where don't you feel well? Should we go to the hospital?"
"No need. I'm probably just tired and want to go home and rest." Ophelia shook her head.
William said nothing more. He glared hard at Marcella, helped Ophelia up, and turned to leave, not giving Marcella any chance to say more.
Ainsley watched their departing figures, thrilled inside. The Brown family doesn't accept Ophelia—she'll have plenty of opportunities to embarrass herself in the future.
After leaving the Smith Mansion and getting in the car, Ophelia finally breathed a sigh of relief.
William held her hand, his tone apologetic: "I'm sorry you had to go through that. That's just how Marcella is—she doesn't hold back."
Ophelia shook her head: "I'm fine. I know she's not targeting me specifically, just has some bias against me."
"And thank you for today, for always standing up for me."
William turned to look at her, his eyes gentle: "Protecting my wife is what I should do."
He picked up an elegant gift box from the passenger seat and handed it over: "Also, happy birthday."
Ophelia paused, taking the gift box: "What's this?"
William smiled. "Open it and see. Do you like it?"
Ophelia opened the gift box. Inside was a necklace with a small moon pendant, surrounded by tiny diamonds that sparkled under the car lights.
"It's beautiful. I love it." Ophelia felt touched, her eyes slightly misting up.
She hadn't expected that William would remember so clearly a birthday she'd almost forgotten herself.
"I'm glad you like it." William started the car. "I'm taking you somewhere."
The car drove for about half an hour before stopping at a mountaintop.
The view here was wide open, overlooking the entire city's night scene, with stars filling the sky—exceptionally beautiful.
William pulled Ophelia out of the car and walked to the viewing platform.
The evening breeze blew gently with a hint of coolness. William took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"Is the night view nice here?" he asked softly.
"Yes, it's beautiful." Ophelia nodded, then turned to look at him.
Under the moonlight, his profile was particularly handsome, his eyes deep, reflecting the stars and her figure.
William slowly moved closer, forehead against her forehead, their breaths mingling: "Ophelia, meeting you is the luckiest thing in my life."
"Before, I thought life was just work and making money—nothing interesting. Until I met you, I realized life could be this wonderful."
Ophelia's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks warming slightly as she said softly: "Me too."
"I was betrayed before and lost faith in relationships. It was you who made me believe again that someone could truly care about me."
William lowered his head and kissed her lips.
The kiss was gentle and affectionate, carrying his unique woody scent, enveloping her.
Ophelia closed her eyes, raised her hands to wrap around his neck, responding to his kiss.
Moonlight bathed them, gentle and romantic. Only their breathing and heartbeats remained around them.
After who knows how long, they slowly separated, forehead against forehead, both breathing somewhat rapidly.
"Ophelia," William looked into her eyes, his tone serious, "about my dad—don't worry about his attitude. I'm the one who married you. As long as we love each other, that's enough."