Chapter 70
He did not say anything comforting. He just held my hand and guided me, stroke by stroke, as I wrote "Happy Birthday" on the cake.
His palm was broad and warm, completely wrapping around my cool fingers.
I leaned against him, breathing in his clean, pleasant scent, feeling his steady, strong heartbeat. I felt more at peace than ever before.
Benjamin was using his own way to slowly heal my past wounds, filling in all the absences and regrets in my life, one by one.
The cake box was carefully placed in the back seat. We walked out of the bakery side by side, still wearing the aprons we had tied on each other and had not gotten around to taking off, like the most ordinary couple.
I looked at the crowds coming and going in the mall, then suddenly grabbed his arm.
"We are still missing one thing." I looked up at him, a mischievous glint in my eyes that I had not even realized was there.
Without waiting for his response, I pulled him into a high-end bespoke men's suit store.
The manager here knew Benjamin. When he saw us, his face immediately lit up with a respectful smile, tinged with curiosity.
"Mr. Wilson, Ms. White."
"Pick out a suit for him," I said, walking past the manager and speaking directly to Benjamin. "As a birthday present."
He raised an eyebrow, the amusement in his eyes deepening, and surprisingly let me have my way.
Based on what I knew about him, I chose a dark gray cashmere suit with sharp tailoring and smooth lines. It had his usual commanding presence but with an added touch of warmth.
He took the clothes into the fitting room, and when he came out, all the light in the store seemed to focus on him.
The suit perfectly outlined his broad shoulders and narrow waist, making him look even more distinguished and refined.
"Mrs. Wilson, you have excellent taste." He walked up to me, looking down with a satisfied smile on his face.
That "Mrs. Wilson" made my heart flutter, though I tried to stay composed. "Of course."
"Put it on my card." He handed a black card to the manager, then took my hand and led me into the jewelry store next door. "Now it is my turn."
The store's lights were dazzling, making the diamonds sparkle brilliantly.
Benjamin did not look at the elaborate, fancy designs. Instead, he led me straight to the wedding band section.
"Pick a pair you like." He looked at me intently.
My eyes scanned the rows of exquisite rings and finally settled on a pair with an extremely simple design — platinum rings with no small diamonds, no fancy patterns, just a smooth, polished circle with space to engrave inside. Simple, yet timeless.
"Let us go with these," I said softly.
Benjamin glanced at them and nodded. "Okay."
We put on the rings. They fit perfectly, as if they were made just for us.
I raised my hand, looking at the cool yet warm metallic gleam on my ring finger. A completely new sense of security filled my entire heart.
"And this one too." Benjamin had the clerk bring out a diamond bracelet and put it on my wrist himself.
The tiny diamonds sparkled under the lights, making my wrist look even more delicate and fair.
Our affectionate, sweet interaction drew frequent glances from the store staff and customers, their eyes filled with undisguised envy.
For the first time, I experienced what it felt like to have a relationship blessed by others — so open and happy.
On the way home, the car played soothing music, and the atmosphere was incredibly warm.
I looked at the brilliant night scenery outside the window. That unreal feeling of happiness gradually settled in my heart, followed by a delayed worry.
"Benjamin," I turned to look at him, "is this not all too sudden? You registered our marriage without even telling your family. Will Grandpa and Grandma not be upset?"
He kept his eyes on the road but chuckled softly. "Who said I did not tell them?"
I was stunned.
"Right after we left city hall, I sent a photo of our marriage certificate to the family group chat." His tone was casual, as if discussing something trivial.
I was a bit surprised, but then realized this was exactly his style — decisive, direct, never dragging things out.
"Knowing Zara's personality, all our friends probably know by now," he added with a hint of helpless indulgence. "Several people messaged saying they want to come over with gifts, but I turned them all down for now because I thought you might find it overwhelming."
So he had thought of everything ahead of time. That feeling of being carefully looked after and thoroughly considered made my heart warm.
"As for Grandpa and Grandma," he paused, glancing at me with more seriousness in his eyes, "they are upset with me — upset that I did not prepare a proper proposal and just tricked you into marriage like this."
I laughed at his last comment.
"But do not worry," he said, looking back at the road with unprecedented solemnity, "the wedding definitely will not be this simple. I will give you the grandest ceremony."
Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and put it on speaker.
Sloane's loving but slightly reproachful voice came through immediately. "Benjamin, how could you not mention such a big thing beforehand! What if you scared Ophelia?"
"Grandma," Benjamin responded.
"Is Ophelia with you? Let me talk to her."
Benjamin handed me the phone. I took it nervously. "Hello, Grandma."
Sloane's voice instantly became incredibly gentle. "Ophelia, do not be scared, and do not be upset. Benjamin was a bit impulsive, but his feelings for you are real. I know this was not ideal for you."
"No, Grandma, I am not upset at all," I said quickly, though my nose tingled unexpectedly.
"That is good, that is good." Sloane laughed with relief, then changed the subject. "Where are you now? Do not go back to Ophelia's place — come straight to the family estate. We do not feel right about you living alone. Besides, your grandfather has been asking to see you. Let us all have dinner together as a family and celebrate."
I instinctively looked at Benjamin. He nodded and mouthed, "Whatever you want."
My last bit of worry vanished. I responded softly into the phone, "Okay, Grandma. We will head over right away."