Chapter 15 The Marriage Certificate
Roman led Evelyn into the marriage bureau, his hand steady on the small of her back. The process was surprisingly swift—within an hour, they had signed all the necessary documents. A small red marriage certificate was placed in her hands.
She stared at it, unable to believe she was now legally Mrs. Roman Sinclair.
After completing the paperwork, Roman stepped outside and returned with several elegant red envelopes. He handed them to each government worker with a respectful nod. Inside each envelope was a substantial amount of cash—more than these employees probably made in a month.
The workers' faces lit up with genuine delight. They recognized wealth and power when they saw it. "Congratulations!" one of them beamed. "May your marriage be blessed with happiness and prosperity! What a beautiful bride you have, sir!"
Roman, who usually maintained his serious demeanor, actually smiled warmly at their well-wishes.
The sight surprised Evelyn—she never knew he'd be so... Thoughtful…?
Once they were outside, Roman handed Evelyn his car keys. "Would you open the trunk for me?"
Puzzled, she did as he asked. When the trunk lifted, her breath caught in her throat.
The entire space was filled with a breathtaking arrangement of flowers—pristine white lilies symbolizing new beginnings, soft pink roses representing love, and cheerful yellow tulips for happiness. Nestled in the center was an elegant velvet jewelry box.
Inside, a stunning diamond necklace caught the afternoon sunlight. The centerpiece was a flawless teardrop diamond, so large and brilliant it looked like something from a royal collection.
Evelyn's hand flew to cover her mouth. She was completely speechless. No one had ever given her flowers before, let alone something this extravagant. Nathan had always said such gestures were "wasteful" and "show-offy."
'Does he remember this is supposed to be just a contract?' she wondered, feeling overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness.
She noticed a small card tucked beside the jewelry box. With trembling fingers, she opened it and read the elegant handwriting:
To my dearest Little Wife,
Today marks the beginning of our story. Thank you for trusting me with your future.
Let us build something extraordinary together.
Forever yours. Your Husband
Her eyes stung with unexpected tears. They barely knew each other, yet he was treating this moment—treating her—with such genuine care and respect.
Roman had been quietly photographing her reactions, wanting to capture her genuine surprise and joy. He approached and gently took the necklace from the box.
"Turn around," he said softly.
Still in a daze, she obeyed. His fingers were gentle as he fastened the cool diamonds around her neck, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
"I apologize that it's not more elaborate," he said. "I had to have it made on short notice."
Evelyn almost laughed through her tears. Not elaborate? This necklace was probably worth more than most people's houses! She was almost afraid to wear something so precious in public.
"Thank you for the... wedding gift," she managed to say.
"This isn't a wedding gift," he corrected gently, his hands still resting on her shoulders. "It's simply a thank you. Thank you for agreeing to be my partner."
Evelyn was deeply moved, though she couldn't help but think about his use of the word "agreeing," considering she hadn't had much choice in the matter.
"I feel terrible that I don't have anything for you," she admitted.
His smile was warm and genuine. "You are more than enough. I've worked hard to build my fortune, and it brings me joy to finally have someone special to spend it on. Just focus on being my wife."
"You're really taking this marriage seriously, aren't you?" she murmured, more to herself than to him.
He gestured to the marriage certificate still clutched in her hands. "Look at that document, sweetheart. It's completely real."
After telling her the flowers were hers to do with as she pleased, he closed the trunk and guided her back to the passenger seat.
"Sweetheart," he said as she settled in, the endearment rolling off his tongue naturally. "Are you comfortable visiting my father today? He wants to see us."
Evelyn blushed at how easily he used pet names. He switched from "Lyn" to "darling" to "sweetheart" so smoothly, making their age difference feel less significant somehow.
She nodded. “I'm okay with that.”
A satisfied smile touched his lips as he closed her door and moved to the driver's side.
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When they arrived at the imposing Sinclair estate, a servant immediately appeared to open Evelyn's door. She had visited this magnificent mansion several times before as Nathan's fiancée, but today felt completely different. Today, she was returning as his uncle's wife—a position of far greater power and respect.
Roman took her hand as they walked toward the entrance, his grip confident and reassuring. The Sinclair family butler greeted them with a respectful bow and genuine warmth.
"Congratulations on your marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair," he said with obvious pleasure. "The entire household is delighted by this joyous news."
He escorted them to Alexander's private study, where the patriarch was waiting. Alexander Sinclair's usually stern face broke into a rare, genuinely happy smile when he saw them enter together.
"Evelyn, my dear, come sit beside me," he said warmly, gesturing to the leather chair next to his desk. He immediately called for refreshments. "Bring some nourishing soup for my daughter-in-law. She must be exhausted from all of today's excitement."
Evelyn greeted him respectfully. "I want to apologize again for the disruption at your birthday celebration. And I'm embarrassed that I never prepared a proper gift for you."
The old man waved dismissively. "Nonsense, child. You've already given me the greatest gift imaginable," he said, his eyes twinkling with delight. "A grandchild! I never imagined I'd see the day this stubborn son of mine would settle down and start a family."
Evelyn shifted uncomfortably, glancing nervously at Roman, who was watching her with those intense, unreadable eyes. When she turned back, she found Alexander studying her with sharp attention.
"How have you been feeling, my dear?" Alexander asked with concern. "Any morning sickness? Fatigue? We should arrange for the family doctor to examine you soon."
Evelyn's throat went dry. "I... well, I..."
Seeing her obvious distress, Roman smoothly intervened. "Father, Evelyn is quite tired from all the marriage proceedings today. Perhaps we could discuss medical appointments after she's had time to rest?"
Alexander looked slightly displeased at being redirected, but nodded. "Of course, of course. But I do have a wedding gift for you both." He handed Roman an ornate folder. "The deed to Rosewood Manor in the hills. It has spectacular views and I've already arranged for a full household staff to care for Evelyn properly."
Evelyn's eyes widened in amazement. While the Hayes family was certainly wealthy, this level of casual generosity was beyond anything she'd experienced. The Sinclairs operated on an entirely different financial level.
"Thank you so much," she managed to say, still stunned.
"Think nothing of it," Alexander replied. "That sterile penthouse of Roman's is completely unsuitable for a pregnant woman. No proper staff, and he's hardly ever there anyway. The manor will be much more comfortable and appropriate for raising my grandchild."
As they prepared to leave, Alexander had an entire truck loaded with additional gifts follow them, with a butler. Roman recognized his father's strategy immediately—the butler who would accompany them was really there to confirm that the newlyweds would actually be living together as a genuine married couple.
The old man might have accepted their hasty marriage, but he was clearly keeping a watchful eye on them. Roman knew they would need to be extremely careful going forward, because Alexander Sinclair was nobody's fool.