Episode005
1401 Words
Emily was unable to move, her mind confused by the most surprising thing that had ever happened to her.
This was not what she had imagined.
She had only gone to the office earlier because she had made a promise to her grandmother, a request she hoped would go unnoticed. She was sure that once she told Oliver Mitchell about the old engagement, he would just say no. That was the idea. Gently turn down the proposal, give back the pendant, and rest easy knowing she did what her grandmother wanted.
However, he agreed to it.
Now what?
She had always viewed the arranged engagement as something unimportant. Can you marry someone you don't know? Just thinking about it made her feel sick.
She stood next to him, trying to calm herself. She tried to find a way to leave without hurting his feelings, since he was so important in a city she was still getting to know. Furthermore, how could she forget the only woman who had always loved her as if she were family?
Oliver, on the other hand, appeared to have no doubts. He appeared… at ease. Moreover, he exuded even greater confidence. He was clearly thrilled. He turned to Carlos with a light smile.
“Please drive the car to the front.”
Carlos blinked. “Yes, sir,” he answered right away, still not believing it. He left quickly, not asking any more questions, but the shock was still visible on his face.
Rafael bent down to Carlos as he was about to leave through the hallway. Did I understand correctly? Is he really going to do it?”
Carlos nodded his head once, looking very surprised.
“It must be a hex that’s affecting him.”
Back at the office, Emily held her purse strap tightly and looked at Oliver.
“Mr… Mitchell, are you absolutely certain about what you’re saying?”
He looked a little puzzled by what she had asked. “You just asked me to marry you not long ago, right?”
She blinked.
“Yes. Yes, I did. I didn’t expect you to truly agree with me.
He spoke in a steady voice. I said yes because I wanted to. Is something bothering you, Emily?”
The way he said her name was so smooth and gentle. She couldn’t think of anything. All the thoughts she had before became confused and mixed up.
Say something. Say anything. Let him know you’ve decided against it.
She struggled to say what she felt, but the words wouldn’t appear. His hand grazed hers, and his intense gaze held her attention. So she just shook her head.
As a result, Emily left the Mitchell Group building while holding hands with a man she barely knew.
Those who worked alongside them appeared to be in a state of inaction. People whispered as they walked by, but Emily didn’t pay attention. She was so caught up in the moment that she couldn’t think straight.
They went outside, and the black car stopped at the curb. Oliver let her in by opening the door. She entered the room quietly, still feeling confused. He walked over and closed the door softly, making sure not to break the silence.
After a few minutes, the car stopped.
Emily looked out the window at the plain, official building that was in front of them.
She turned her head slowly to look at him. “This is…”
“The Civil Registry Office,” he concluded for her.
Her lips opened up a little.
He stepped out first and opened the door for her.
She hesitated. This really happened. Too real.
Oliver reached out his hand once more. She picked it up.
Within the building, everything seemed to move at a slow pace. Paper rustled. The sound of footsteps could be heard on the tiled floors. A staff member gave them a form to fill out. Oliver signed the contract quickly, as if it were just a confirmation of a delivery. Her heart paused for a moment as she saw the pen move.
He’s actually carrying it out. He didn’t even hesitate.
The official smiled at her and said something. “It’s your turn, ma’am.”
Emily’s hands shook as she reached for the pen. She looked at Oliver with her eyes. He looked at her gently, without trying to force or pressure her. Just… waiting.
She shut her eyes for a moment.
This could transpire swiftly. Perhaps this is the intended course of events. Perhaps this man isn’t as evil as I thought.
She opened her eyes and made a sign.
The clerk took both copies and gave them to me. He grabbed both and put them inside his coat.
She gave him a curious look. “Why are you stealing from me?”
He smiled. This will help them stay together for a longer time. Just as we are.”
Her mouth opened a little in surprise.
Hopeless romantic. How did that happen?
Carlos, who had been watching from the outside, moved forward with a smile. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell. May your home be filled with love, laughter, and many children.
Oliver chuckled. “Get a job that pays twice as much.”
Carlos’s eyes grew bigger. I’ll get the nursery ready for the baby!
Emily blushed. She felt dizzy. Her life had turned upside down, but she still didn’t want to stop.
Oliver looked at her with the same calm attention.
Where is your home? Do you want me to take you home right now? Or… why not move in with me?”
She pressed her lips together.
I live in an apartment building that is just outside the city center. It’s not very far away. I’ve been spending time at that place lately.
His eyebrows rose a little.
She continued. “It’s… small. Two years ago, Gino helped me purchase it. I tend to stay at that hotel whenever I visit Buenos Aires.
He took a moment longer than usual to look at her and then nodded.
“Your phone?”
She carefully removed the bag and handed it to him, observing him with a hint of suspicion.
He entered his number on her phone, saved it and then called himself. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.
“Perfect. I’ll take you back to that place now, but I’ll be there to pick you up soon.
She blinked.
Can you please pick me up?
“I’ll take you home with me,” he said, as if he knew what she was thinking.
The word home settled in her heart, just as warm tea does on a chilly day. She couldn’t explain it, but she felt secure.
Perhaps… it wouldn’t be that awful.
Before long, Carlos arrived at a peaceful, simple complex where the hedges were trimmed and the balconies were covered in vines.
Emily looked at Oliver as she held her bag.
“Well, this is the moment.”
He gave a slight nod without moving.
See you later… Mr. Mitchell.”
He nodded but remained silent. She stepped out of the car and walked into the building. She was unsure about the future but still held on to hope.
Oliver came back to the house by evening.
She didn’t think he would, but the knock on her door seemed like something she recognized. She opened the door and let him inside.
He took his time to look around. The area was well-organized, clean and simple. The warm lights and floral curtains gave the place a homey feel, even though it was rarely used.
“This is… pleasant.”
She gave him a bottle of water. “I don’t have many things in my room.”
“When did you move into the place?”
“It was two years ago,” she explained.
He paused for just a moment.
Two years ago… She was already here in the city, while he was still looking for her.
He didn’t speak the words, but his eyes showed what he was thinking.
He gazed at her, who was standing in the apartment, her feet bare. And he smiled, not because of the paperwork or their marriage, but because he felt at ease inside.
She was meant to be here.
With him.
The best part is that…
She didn’t realize how deeply he had already fallen for her.
- Writer
