Chapter 115: Love Under the Fireworks
I covered my mouth in surprise. Actually, I'd already had a sneaking suspicion this was Atlas's handiwork.
But the surprise he gave me now was so huge that I was completely overwhelmed.
Seeing I hadn't agreed yet, the crowd burst into cheers.
"Say yes, say yes!"
"I—"
Just as I was about to speak, Atlas stepped closer and whispered in front of me, "Helena, I'm begging you, please say yes. With so many people here, don't embarrass me too much."
"What's in it for me if I say yes?" I teased him on purpose.
"I'll listen to you about everything from now on. Even if you want my life, I'll give it to you!"
Seeing Atlas so sincere, I smiled. "What would I do with your life?"
I put my hands behind my back and continued teasing, "But I heard you used to be quite the playboy, surrounded by countless women. Shouldn't you explain what was going on with all those women?"
Atlas rubbed his forehead. "Helena, it's a long story. How about I explain it to you slowly later?"
I asked proudly, "When is 'later'?"
"Anytime—whenever you're free, I'll explain it to you."
Hearing his words, I smiled.
"Aren't you afraid those women of yours will get angry with you being so public today?"
Seeing me say this, Atlas panicked and quickly swore, "I swear, I've never had a single girlfriend."
"Those women were people deliberately trying to smear my name. I'm still a virgin to this day, but from now on, my body and soul belong only to Helena. If I break this oath, may I be struck down."
Seeing him about to continue, I quickly covered his mouth and said with a mock scold, "Okay, okay, I'll say yes, alright?"
"Get up already. So many people are watching—how embarrassing."
"You really said yes?"
Atlas was both surprised and delighted, almost unable to believe it.
I nodded and said softly, "But I'm warning you, I'm not an easy girlfriend. I have a bad temper and I'm controlling. If you don't like that—"
"No, no, I like it, I like it! I like you no matter what!"
Atlas lifted me high in the air as he spoke. "I love everything you do!"
"Hooray!"
"Congratulations, Ms. Lockwood! Congratulations, Mr. Lancaster!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and shouts. Looking around, I saw York with the biggest grin.
He definitely knew everything and deliberately helped Atlas keep it from me.
York, just wait—I'll settle the score with you later!
After the crowd dispersed, Atlas pulled me into the car, clinging to me endlessly.
"Helena, I'm not dreaming, am I? Pinch me hard!"
"What are you talking about!"
I pushed him with a laugh, and he leaned on my shoulder. "No, no, I really feel like I'm dreaming. Let me feel that this is real."
"How do you want to feel it?"
As soon as I finished speaking, Atlas kissed toward my lips.
"You!"
Though I dodged in time, Atlas still managed to sneak a kiss.
Having stolen a taste of my lips, Atlas grinned like the cat that got the cream, looking utterly pleased with himself.
"This is wonderful. From now on, you belong only to me." He reached out to hug me again.
"Enough." I pushed him away.
"Hurry up and take me home. Something this big happened—I need to explain to Dad and Mom."
"Okay, okay, I'll take you home right now!"
Hearing me mention my family, Atlas didn't dare delay and quickly drove me home.
When we reached the front door, before I could get out, he jumped out first.
"Atlas, what are you doing?"
Hearing my question, Atlas opened the trunk while saying, "Didn't you say you need to explain to your family? How can I let you face this alone as a girl? Don't worry, I'm here. I'm definitely coming with you."
"How can that work?"
I felt a bit embarrassed—I hadn't figured out how to face Henry and Maria yet.
"Come on, come on. I'll have to face your parents sooner or later anyway."
I laughed and hit his arm. Just as I was thinking of ways to send him back, the gate opened.
Peter looked at us playfully and said with a smile, "Ms. Lockwood, Mr. Lancaster, Mrs. Lockwood and Mr. Lockwood already know you're back. Please come in quickly."
Sending Peter specifically to greet us at the door meant Henry and Maria definitely knew everything.
My face instantly turned red, while Atlas cheerfully took out a gift box and stuffed it into Peter's hands. "This is a small token from me. Please take it."
"How can I accept this?" Peter quickly tried to refuse.
"It's fine. Just consider it a celebration for me."
With that, Atlas carried the gifts in one hand and pulled me toward the house with the other.
I tried hard to break free but couldn't.
As soon as we walked into the courtyard, I saw Henry and Maria standing at the door looking at us.
My face turned red instantly. I struggled hard, and seeing them, Atlas finally let go of my hand.
"Mrs. Lockwood, Mr. Lockwood, hello."
After greeting them, Atlas quickly presented the gifts.
Maria smiled—clearly in a good mood. After a servant took the gifts, she said, "Didn't I tell you last time? Just come, you don't need to bring anything."
"Mrs. Lockwood, this time is different."
Atlas's expression was rarely solemn. "I came to humbly seek forgiveness this time."
Henry and Maria exchanged glances and asked in surprise, "What do you mean?"
"Helena and I are now in a relationship, but I didn't inform you both beforehand. That's my fault."
Hearing Atlas's words, Maria smiled. "What's wrong with that?"
"Love between men and women is natural. You're unmarried, Helena's unmarried—you two together are a perfect match. I'm happy to see it."
After Maria finished speaking, she looked at Henry. "What do you say, honey?"
Henry nodded slightly. "Alright, come inside."
This was his way of accepting it.
Atlas's face instantly filled with smiles. "Thank you, Mrs. Lockwood, Mr. Lockwood. I promise I'll treat Helena well from now on."
"Good, good. We trust you."
Maria told us both to come inside.
After sitting down, Henry looked at Atlas and said, "Does your family know about you and Helena?"
At the mention of the Lancaster family, Atlas's expression clearly cooled. "Mr. Lockwood, I understand your concern, but I'm an adult now. I have the right to make my own choices, and I can give Helena happiness. As for my family, I'll notify them when the time comes."
Henry nodded. "I trust your judgment, but your grandfather is old and needs to be considered."
"Yes."
Atlas responded, his gaze turning to me.
I instantly understood Henry's meaning. He wasn't worried about Wesley's health—he was worried about whether I could pass Wesley's test.
I suddenly felt sorry for Atlas. Living in that kind of family must be really hard.
But don't worry—this time, I'll be the one protecting you.