Chapter 7
1227 Words
This was a shotgun marriage, and a secret one at that—a union built on no foundation of love.
It had all the tropes of a romance novel.
A professor was such a noble profession. Though not as wealthy as a CEO, it still carried social status.
"Sophie, calm down. Grandma didn't object at all. She thought it was wonderful—said I finally have a home of my own. Also, I'd rather not have too many people know about this, so please keep it a secret for me." In case Julian Harrow wanted a divorce down the line, she'd have more room to retreat.
"Fine. Tonight's your wedding night, so I won't disturb you. Let's meet another day! Goodbye, my darling Elena." Sophie laughed and hung up.
Elena Vance glanced at Julian Harrow after ending the call.
Julian was focused on driving. His profile was striking—a sharply defined jawline, a high, straight nose that strongly resembled his mother's.
"Would you like to invite your relatives for a meal?" Julian was thoughtful about this. Getting married this way, in secret, was actually unfair to Elena. A woman's reputation mattered, after all.
And those words from Elena's grandmother kept echoing in his mind, making him feel rather apologetic...
After all, this marriage had no blessings, no betrothal gifts, no wedding ceremony.
"That won't be necessary. I only have my grandmother and uncle... As for others, we can revisit it when the time comes." She would tell the important people. Those who didn't matter didn't need to know.
Tomorrow morning, she would go back to get her clothes and belongings—using moving out as her reason.
So... they would find out soon enough.
"If you need anything, just ask. Though I may not have great influence, there are things I can manage in Aster Bay," Julian said tactfully.
He could indeed handle quite a lot in Aster Bay.
As long as it wasn't about plucking stars from the sky.
"Alright, thank you. If I need anything, I won't hesitate." Elena thought that since Julian had offered, if she had any legal questions, she wouldn't hold back.
She had studied law in university but hadn't passed the bar exam yet, so for now, she was just a corporate employee with a modest income.
Julian drove somewhat quickly, pulling into a residential complex. It wasn't the most luxurious, but it was several tiers above where Elena currently lived.
Under the headlights, she could clearly see the name at the entrance: Oak Park.
Julian reminded her, "Take note of the location. Several thousand people live here. The building is 14, Unit 1, 17th floor, east side. About 120 square meters. Three bedrooms, a walk-in closet, two bathrooms, and a living-dining area." He casually described the layout.
"Maybe I'll come back tomorrow morning?" She hadn't brought pajamas or undergarments. Even showering tonight would be inconvenient.
Surely no one had gotten married as hastily as she had!
"It's too late. You should rest early. There should be some temporary clothing available—probably already prepared." Julian guessed what Elena was thinking and put her at ease.
Shortly after they'd finished dinner at her grandmother's, his mother had texted him: pajamas, red wine, a rose-filled bathtub, and some other odds and ends were all ready. She'd also insisted they not sleep in separate rooms.
She had repeatedly emphasized they go directly to this new home and nowhere else.
"Thank you. I didn't expect Professor Harrow to be so thoughtful. Tomorrow, I'll treat her to a meal." Elena still hadn't changed how she addressed his mother. It wasn't intentional—she simply couldn't bring herself to do it yet.
After eighteen years without a mother, could anyone be expected to call someone else "Mom" so easily?
"Professor Harrow?" Julian finally questioned her again.
Fortunately, the car had come to a stop. Elena pretended not to hear, quickly getting out and waiting for Julian outside.
From a corner of the underground parking garage came an unmistakable sound—a couple embracing, their movements passionate, a man lifting a woman's skirt...
Elena saw them and blushed to the roots of her hair. Those two—couldn't they even wait to get home?
Not bothering to wait for Julian, she headed straight for the elevator.
Julian seemed to have noticed as well but showed no reaction, his composure unshaken.
In the elevator, Elena's face was still flushed. She couldn't bring herself to look at Julian.
To ease the awkwardness, she said, "Some people are really bold these days, doing things like that in public... Times are changing, I suppose."
"What are you talking about? Are you criticizing me for parking too slowly?" Julian was confused by her sudden comment.
"What? That couple in the garage—you didn't see them?" Incredible. Julian Harrow hadn't noticed?
"When I got out, I saw a man and woman getting into a car and driving away...?" Julian had noticed, but they'd just been a bit affectionate—no need to judge them so harshly.
Elena was quite old-fashioned.
"Oh." Elena was internally mortified. This was beyond embarrassing—how humiliating.
They finally reached the 17th floor. At the keypad lock, Julian paused for a moment before entering the code.
A fresh scent greeted them as they entered.
The place was decorated in shades of purple and red—a full bridal suite.
She followed Julian inside, changed into slippers, and passed through the entryway. To the right, in the living room, she saw expensive red wine and two wine glasses set out on the coffee table.
There was also a fruit platter and some snacks...
A 120-square-meter apartment was considered quite spacious in Aster Bay.
Julian explained the layout to Elena. The three bedrooms were in a row. The largest, facing south, had rose petals scattered across the bed, with candles placed on the balcony and nightstand...
Julian glanced at the room and rubbed his forehead in frustration. "You take this room. I'll sleep next door." Sleeping together on the first day after two meals together—he simply couldn't do it.
Elena was so flustered she nearly fled. Sleeping separately was definitely better.
"Alright. Um, Professor Harrow, can I blow out the candles?" They seemed wasteful, and she worried about fire hazards.
"Of course. This bedroom has its own bathroom. You can shower and get some rest. I have a conference call—if it's nothing urgent, please don't disturb me for the next two hours, is that alright?" Julian seemed to be asking her permission.
But Elena didn't catch that nuance. She simply thought he preferred not to be disturbed and nodded in agreement.
They both closed their doors. Elena began blowing out the candles. After extinguishing them all, she gathered the rose petals into a storage box. Just as she lay down to rest for a moment, something underneath poked her. She sat up again, lifted the sheet, and discovered dates, peanuts, longans... so many.
She tiptoed quietly to the kitchen, found a large basin, and brought it back to gather them all.
Finally finished tidying up, she looked around the spacious bedroom, feeling a mix of emotions.
She would no longer have to live under anyone's disapproving gaze. Though this was someone else's home, at least Julian Harrow probably wouldn't give her dirty looks, right?
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