Chapter 207: Their Marriage is Protected by Law
Emma felt embarrassed and annoyed, reaching out to pinch Nicholas's solid arm hard while lowering her voice to warn him.
"Let go before I make a big spectacle out of you!"
She broke free and walked over to the Windsor family, greeting them politely.
"Mr. Windsor, Mrs. Windsor, good morning." she nodded as she greeted each person in a manner that is fitting to a lady. 'No form of mediocre greeting is allowed.' she convinced herself.
Aria Windsor snapped back to attention and immediately grasped her hands, her face beaming with smiles.
"Sweetheart, you've grown into such a beautiful young woman." She began, her face still lit up with the same beautiful smile, unshaking. " Olivia, do you remember Louis? When you were little, you two were always playing together."
She pulled out a yellowed old photograph from her purse and handed it to Emma. The photograph was old. One could tell from the texture of the paper. She wasn't surprised with the way she kept it.
"Look, this was taken on your fifth birthday party. Louis is holding you, and you're smiling so sweetly."
Emma was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.
Nicholas actually laughed out loud. He walked over, naturally draping his arm over Emma's shoulder again, asserting his claim. He won't let anyone insult her in his presence.
"Mrs. Windsor, Emma has a poor memory. She doesn't remember anything from when she was little."
"Besides, a five-year-old child—how could she possibly recognize a husband?"
This retort left Aria's expression frozen.
Louis could no longer contain his anger. He shot up from his seat, staring directly at Nicholas.
"Mr. Harrison! Those are my memories with Olivia! Olivia and I have been engaged since childhood. Whether you acknowledge it or not, the betrothal agreement between the Windsor and White families has never been canceled—it still stands!"
Nicholas merely glanced at him cooly, then looked down at the somewhat innocent figure in his arms.
He frowned slightly, reaching up to caress her cheek.
"Why is your complexion so pale? Are you having low blood sugar again?"
"Let me take you to get some breakfast. We can't have you fainting."
Before anyone could react, he bent down and swept Emma up in his arms right in front of everyone, turning toward the dining room.
Emma cried out in surprise, protesting quietly, "What are you doing?! Put me down!"
He didn't stop walking, whispering domineeringly in her ear, "Stop fussing, or I'll kiss you right here." It almost sounded like a threat to Emma's ears.
Her body stiffened, and she didn't dare move again, letting him carry her away from this battlefield.
In the living room, the Windsor family's faces darkened.
Nicholas was being completely unreasonable, not playing by any rules—just directly snatching the person away!
Charlie silently cheered to himself, 'Score! That's two points!'
Luke, who had just reached the staircase landing, saw this scene and his mouth twitched hard.
'What a shameless bastard. But it's genuinely effective. If you let someone steal your wife and child, you might as well just end it all.' they all aired out their feelings regarding Nicholas' behaviour, while those who didn't feel talking, let it all out in thoughts and expressions.
Nicholas carried her to a secluded small conservatory before carefully setting her down.
Emma looked up at him, fuming.
"Nicholas, when did you become so shameless?" she asked, almost with pride slightly mixed with fury.
He leaned down close to her, his nose almost touching hers as he breathed in the sweet fragrance of her hair.
"I can't just stand by and watch someone steal my wife." his tone was dismissive and unapologetic. Emma was beaming with pride.
She rolled her eyes at him. "I don't have time for your games. I'm hungry."
She turned to leave.
But before she could make for the door, he caught her wrist in one swift motion.
He pulled her back, the force gentle yet irresistible.
"I'm hungry too."
His voice was low and husky, with a hint of seduction. It didn't feel like he wanted only food. He wanted more.
"Feed me first."
Without waiting for Emma's reaction, his tall frame loomed over her with overwhelming presence.
He said nothing more, simply lowering his head to claim her lips.
The kiss was thoroughly dominating, carrying an undeniable authority as he pried apart her lips and invaded completely.
Emma was kissed nearly breathless, her hands pressed against his solid chest, unable to push him away even slightly.
This man's gym-sculpted muscles weren't just for show.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally released her, pressing his forehead against hers while breathing heavily.
His eyes were rimmed with red, his voice hoarse.
"I'm scared. I'm really scared you'll run away with that Louis."
Emma turned her head away, not wanting to see his pitiful expression.
Her tone was cold.
"Last night, who was the one throwing a tantrum there?"
Nicholas tightened his arms around her, burying his face in the crook of her neck and speaking in a muffled voice.
"I was jealous." he finally confessed.
"My own wife protecting another man right in front of me—what man wouldn't be furious? I completely lost it on the spot."
His warm breath tickled her skin, creating a tingling sensation.
Emma felt her anger somewhat deflated by his behavior.
"Get away from me."
Suddenly, she broke free and started dry heaving against a pillar.
Nicholas was terrified, gently patting her back and anxiously asking if it was because she hadn't eaten breakfast and her stomach was acting up again.
Charlie, who had just emerged, saw this scene and felt delighted, 'Could it be that Mrs. Harrison is pregnant?'
Emma's complexion was indeed quite poor. This won't do—the morning sickness is too severe.
Nicholas swept her up again and rushed toward the dining room... she gave no protest this time around, knowing what's at stake—not that she'd mind.
At noon, Robert finally arrived, accompanied by the three Jackson family members.
Emma saw them and excitedly ran over, first hugging Ruby.
Ruby's eyes reddened. "Emma, I'm so happy that you've finally found your biological family."
Emma held her tightly. "No matter who I am or where I am, you'll always be my most beloved mother. That will never change."
Luna watched her embrace Ruby and call her "mom," her heart aching beyond measure.
When would she finally hear Olivia call her mom?
The noon family feast was like a tense diplomatic dinner.
The mahogany round table that could seat twenty was packed with four families today, an invisible tension hanging in the air, ready to snap at any moment.
The White family were the hosts, yet they sat as if on pins and needles.
The air didn't carry the aroma of food, but rather the clash of hidden daggers.
Aria's well-maintained face wore a proper smile, but her words were anything but courteous.
She had the butler place the small box containing the yellowed marriage contract directly in the center of the table.
"This engagement was arranged by the older generation and represents the bond between our families. Our family has always remembered and honored it. Now that Olivia has returned, it's time for us elders to make decisions for the young people."
As soon as she finished speaking, Robert Harrison, seated on the other side of the head position, chuckled.
He leisurely sipped his tea, the lid clinking against the rim with a crisp sound.
"Mrs. Windsor, you're too late."
"Emma married into the Harrison family three years ago."
With one look, Charlie opened a gold box and slapped two red booklets onto the rotating tray.
One opened to show Nicholas and Emma.
These marriage certificates had always been treasured by Robert.
Without even looking, he tapped the table with his knuckles.
"See that? Marriage certificates with legal validity. Government certified, with the official embossed seal right here. You can't expect someone from the Harrison family to marry into the Windsor family, can you?"
His voice wasn't loud, but each word carried weight, leaving the Windsor family's faces dark.
Aria was clearly prepared. Her expression remained unchanged.
"Mr. Harrison, you jest. If Olivia hadn't been lost as a child, there wouldn't have been any subsequent events. She would have been a Windsor family daughter-in-law long ago."
She paused, her gaze sweeping the room.
"What era are we living in? People can divorce after marriage and remarry."
She finally looked at Olivia, her eyes carrying gentle determination.
"The Windsor family will always keep the daughter-in-law position open for Olivia."
Robert laughed in anger.
"Exactly!"
"Emma was lost and ended up becoming a Harrison family daughter-in-law. What does that tell you?"
"It means she's destined to be with the Harrison family, and her connection with the Windsor family ended long ago!"
He was vigorous and spirited.
"I've cherished Emma like a precious jewel for three years. Do you think you can trick her away with a few words?"
Aria's eyes shifted, suddenly redirecting the attack toward Nicholas.
"Our Louis has never had a girlfriend his entire life. His devotion to Olivia runs deep."
"Unlike certain people," she glanced meaningfully at Nicholas, "one moment entangled with actresses, the next publicly announcing divorce. After all that chaos, what happiness could there be?"
She turned to Luna, speaking earnestly.
"Mrs. White, you're also a mother. You know a child's lifelong happiness is most important. I'm not saying she must choose our son, but if she marries into the Windsor family, Louis will never let her suffer even the slightest grievance—he'll treasure her like a precious gem."
Luna wore an awkward smile, using her high heel to kick her son Luke under the table.
Telling him to say something.
Luke understood, setting down his teacup with a fox-like smile.
"Olivia's happiness should naturally be her own choice."
"If she wants to continue with Mr. Harrison, the White family supports it. If she wants to divorce and choose someone new she likes, we support that too."
"In any case, everything follows her wishes."
His few casual words politely declined Aria's request.
He then helped Evelyn cut her steak, his eyes showing undisguised affection.
Evelyn elegantly continued eating. Today's dishes were excellent—all her favorites.
Daryl and Ruby, sitting nearby and watching this elite family drama, were nearly speechless.
This was quite intimidating. Robert certainly hadn't lost his commanding presence.
Seeing Luke wasn't helpful, Luna steeled herself and looked toward the Jackson family couple.
"Mr. Jackson, Mrs. Jackson, Olivia was raised by you. In your opinion, which family would be more suitable?"
Ruby smiled, setting down her utensils. "Of course that depends on Emma's own feelings. Whoever she likes is fine."
Then her tone shifted, her gaze becoming sharp as a blade.
"But if anyone dares bully our Emma again, don't blame the Jackson family for being ruthless."
She spoke while her gaze cut through Nicholas like a knife.
"I'll break his legs myself!"
Nicholas, who was serving food to Emma, froze mid-motion, feeling his leg muscles twitch.
Nina, sitting beside Ruby, matched her energy and immediately gestured, making scissor motions with her hands.
Evelyn, sitting next to her, immediately understood and began "translating."
"Nina says the steak is excellent and she'd like two servings."
Nina's face immediately turned red.
She wanted to say break both legs! Both of them! How did it become two steaks?! So embarrassing!
The butler took it seriously, immediately having two steaks brought and respectfully placed before Nina.
She awkwardly picked up one plate and began eating, trying to bury her face in the food.
Daryl looked at her sympathetically, saying nothing but silently peeling two shrimp and placing them in her bowl.
"Eat slowly."
Finally, everyone's attention focused on the center of the storm—Olivia.
Mrs. White asked gently, "Olivia, tell us yourself, what are your thoughts?"
Emma raised her head, her gaze clear and determined.
"I have no plans to divorce at this time."
One sentence directly rejected all the Windsor family's hopes.
Nicholas's suspended heart finally settled.
He was nearly bursting with joy, unable to hide the smile in his eyes.
Emma clearly felt the tense body beside her instantly relax as a warm, large hand gripped hers tightly under the table.
His palm was burning hot, slightly damp with sweat.
The meal finally concluded amid undercurrents.
As the guests departed, Nicholas immediately seized the opportunity, pulling Emma into a secluded corner of the courtyard and pressing her against the wall.
Burning kisses rained down like a storm, carrying the madness and fear of something precious nearly lost.
He held her tightly, his chin resting on the top of her head, his voice hoarse and aggrieved.
"I was scared. I was really scared you'd abandon me."
Emma turned her head away, not wanting to respond.
But he held her tighter, his prominent nose nuzzling her cheek, his breath burning hot.
"I'll ask Grandfather to negotiate with the White family, making up for the betrothal gifts that were missing before. Two sets—one for the White family, one for the Jackson family."
He cupped her face, forcing her to look at him.
Those deep eyes held a seriousness and anticipation she'd never seen before.
"After New Year's, I want to give you a grand wedding."
"I want the whole world to know that you, Emma, are Nicholas Harrison's wife. I want you to marry me again in magnificent style."
He looked at her deeply, his eyes full of happiness.
"Emma, thank you for choosing me. I'm so happy."
He kissed her thoroughly again.
After a long while, he finally let her catch her breath, looking at her flushed face before planting more kisses on her cheeks.
The moment she said she wouldn't divorce, his world brightened completely, filled with warmth.
Emma looked up at him seriously. "Nicholas, do you still trust me?"
How could he suspect she liked Louis? That she'd run away with him?
Nicholas's body shuddered. After a few seconds of silence, he pulled her into his embrace.
His low, magnetic voice came from above her head.
"Emma, I was wrong."
"From now on, whatever you say, I'll believe. I'll trust you unconditionally and follow your lead."
"I'll never doubt you again."
Seeing his serious expression, she chose to believe him for now.
"Let's go back. Grandfather is still waiting for me to play chess."
His warm, large hand enveloped her small one as he whispered in her ear, "Tonight, I'm staying to keep you company."
With the marriage certificates displayed on the table, he was the White family's legitimate son-in-law. Who would dare chase him away?
Emma paused. "The White family's princess beds aren't much different from hotel beds."
He curved his lips. "It's fine. I can sleep on the floor."
Some things didn't require a bed anyway.
Besides, today was her ovulation day—he wouldn't leave even if it killed him.