Chapter 2
1041 Words
Julian Harrow picked up his phone and said, "Excuse me, I need to take this..."
He walked to a quiet spot and answered. "Mom, we're meeting right now. Just as you said, she is indeed beautiful, but I need to further assess her character. As for getting the license, I think we can wait a bit..."
Julian Harrow pictured Elena Vance's striking face in his mind—delicate and fair, her lips not thin but carrying a hint of stubbornness. He had a feeling this girl was not someone easily controlled; she was independent and strong-willed.
"Why wait? You foolish boy, you just don't know what's good for you. Have my instincts ever been wrong? Elena is a kind-hearted girl. The orphanage I frequent—she goes there too. I quietly found out she sponsors five children's education every year. When I fainted at the welfare center, and no one dared to step forward, she was the first to rush over and help me... Tell me, where are you going to find a girl like that?"
"Mom, that's just a small matter. Today is our first meeting, and she already accused me of having no principles because I was late—"
Besides, in his thirty years of life, no one had ever dared to embarrass him. With his current status, what woman wouldn't throw herself at him? Yet here was one giving him attitude.
She had only been working for a few years—a bit overconfident!
"Nonsense! You were late yourself, and now you're upset she didn't let it slide? Who do you think you are? Don't forget, you're playing the role of a modest professor now. This daughter-in-law of mine is wonderful—she'll straighten you out properly. After you eat, bring Elena to register right away. I'll be waiting at the entrance. And remember, today's rain is a good omen for marriage—it brings blessings. It means your future together will be harmonious and happy..."
On the other end of the line, Susan Harrow spoke with unwavering certainty, urging her son.
"Mom, you're a finance professor. Swearing and superstition?" Julian Harrow retorted, cornered.
"Get back in there with Elena right now! If I don't see you at the civil affairs bureau with my daughter-in-law in half an hour, don't bother seeing me ever again!" Susan Harrow finished with a sharp click as she hung up.
Julian Harrow sighed, tucked his phone into his suit pocket, and pinched the bridge of his nose in resignation. Then, as if nothing had happened, he quickly returned to his seat.
By then, Elena Vance had already started cutting her steak. When Julian Harrow sat down, she said, "Mr. Harrow, I usually prefer my steak medium rare. I ordered the same for you. Is that acceptable?"
Julian Harrow was momentarily distracted. On his way back, he had been wondering what exactly had won his mother over. Was it the girl's straightforward nature?
"I'm not picky. Let's eat," he replied, picking up his knife and fork.
Elena Vance glanced at Julian Harrow as he ate, noting his elegant manner and slow, deliberate chewing.
She had started earlier, so she waited for him to finish.
Julian Harrow wiped his mouth gracefully with a napkin, and Elena caught sight of his long, slender fingers and clean nails.
It seemed he was meticulous about hygiene.
"Finished? Let's go register now. I have a meeting this afternoon," Julian Harrow said, lifting his gaze. He ignored Elena's appreciative look and casually checked his expensive watch.
Elena's eyes flickered to the watch as well. It had to be worth at least ten million. Though the Harrows were comfortably middle class, could they really afford something that extravagant?
Julian Harrow noticed her attention and inwardly cursed himself. In his haste to change clothes and swap cars today, how had he forgotten to take off this watch?
But then again, could a low-level employee even recognize such an expensive timepiece?
No—she was probably just drawn to its exquisite craftsmanship and felt a woman's natural admiration for beautiful things.
Elena, however, made a mental note to ask about the watch later. Perhaps, for the sake of appearances on their wedding day, Julian had gotten a fake. She stood up, and Julian followed.
The two walked out one after the other. The drizzle had mostly stopped, but the cold wind still blew.
Julian Harrow took a large step forward, his coat billowing as he blocked a gust of wind for Elena.
Elena paused, momentarily frozen, a warmth she had never felt before welling up in her heart.
He really was quite considerate.
Her dark, glistening eyes met his deep, unfathomable gaze for a fleeting moment—then both looked away.
In the parking lot sat a Buick worth just over three hundred thousand. Julian opened the passenger door and invited Elena to get in.
Once inside, Julian fastened his seatbelt and glanced at Elena, who sat upright, eyes fixed ahead, her own seatbelt already secured. He started the engine.
The restaurant his mother had chosen wasn't far from the civil affairs bureau.
It was only a fifteen-minute drive.
Before Julian had even stepped out of the car, his mother, Susan Harrow, was already approaching with identification documents in hand. She smiled warmly at Elena, who had already gotten out. "Elena, isn't my son handsome? Don't worry—after you marry him, I'll always be on your side. I won't let you suffer. That rascal just loves his work—please be understanding. I'll also make sure he finds time to spend with you."
"It's fine, Susan," Elena replied. She was busy too and couldn't always come home on time. In fact, it was better this way—less awkwardness if they didn't see each other often. As long as she could visit her grandmother twice a month with him, she would be satisfied.
Julian parked the car and walked over. Susan Harrow immediately urged, "Go on, you're the man—take the lead. Elena will be shy."
Julian smiled and nodded, playing the obedient son—a complete contrast to his earlier demeanor.
Encouraged by Susan Harrow's supportive look, Elena followed Julian into the marriage registration building, step by step.
- Writer
