Jonathan smiled indulgently. The sunlight streaming across his face made him look handsome and gentle.
"Of course," Jonathan said softly and gently patted Olivia's shoulder.
Olivia nodded and took a deep breath to calm herself. She knew she couldn't give up now. Even though she was usually gentle, she had her own determination and courage.
"Alright, I'll do my best!" Olivia clenched her fists, her eyes shining with resolve. She decided to face this challenge head-on with Jonathan.
That day, Olivia returned home and gathered several books on the Harrison Group and some strategic planning books. However, the sheer number of them was overwhelming, and she couldn't find the key points even after hours of searching.
Jonathan had been by her side the whole time. He chuckled and handed her a few specific books. "Read these. They're the important ones. We need to save time."
Olivia raised an eyebrow and blinked at Jonathan. "Are these the important ones? Really? How do you know so much about business? Weren't you in the army? Did they teach you this there too?"
Jonathan shrugged. "I was once the heir of the Parker family. I've been exposed to business management and various projects since I was fifteen. Back then, my parents..." His expression suddenly turned cold, and his mood plummeted. He stared at the books in his hand and mumbled, "I want to visit my parents' graves in a few days."
Olivia stood up immediately. "I'll go with you. Even though we aren’t married officially, they're my parents-in-law!"
Jonathan suddenly grabbed Olivia's hand and dashed out of the Harrison Villa.
Half an hour later, Jonathan and Olivia emerged from City Hall with a freshly issued marriage license. With this document, they could hold a wedding ceremony and, in the eyes of the law, they were now husband and wife.
Jonathan lifted Olivia in his arms and looked up at her with a smile. "You've always been my wife in my heart. But now, I owe you a wedding. Trust me. I'll give it to you soon."
Olivia's eyes welled up. She hugged Jonathan tightly, and a broad smile lit up her face as she gave a heavy nod.
That day belonged to Olivia and Jonathan. Only they understood their simple yet profound romance.
When they returned to the Harrison Villa, Olivia was still clutching the marriage license.
"Where have you been? I've been looking for you all over," Sally suddenly burst out of the cabin, her face full of anxiety. Chad followed her out with a cold expression.
"Mom, what are you doing here?" Olivia forced a smile and tried to hide the marriage license behind her back.
Sally was about to say something, but then she noticed Olivia's suspicious behavior. She asked, "What are you hiding? Show me."
"N-Nothing." Olivia tried to evade, but Sally snatched it from her. The moment she saw the marriage license, Sally let out a dramatic wail. "A marriage license! Did you actually register your marriage with Jonathan? Olivia, have you lost your mind? Are you really going to marry this loser?"
Olivia, flustered and scared, tried to explain, "Mom, I love Jonathan, and he's Ruby's father."
"You love him? How long have you known him? If he hadn't r***d you in a drunken stupor five years ago, you'd be married into a wealthy family. He ruined your life! Are you really willing to marry him? That's insane! Cancel this right now!" Sally shouted and tried to pull Olivia outside.
Jonathan grabbed Sally's arm with a cold expression. "Mrs. Harrison, this is between Olivia and me."
He pulled Olivia close and wrapped an arm around her delicate shoulders. "Starting today, Olivia is my wife. I'll protect her for the rest of my life. No matter what you say, I won't leave her. And I'm warning you, speak to Olivia with respect. If you threaten or force her again, I won't let it go."
Sally got furious. 'I am the elder! And no one has ever talked to me like this. Damn Jonathan!'
"Shut up! Who do you think you are? Olivia is not my real daughter, but I'm her mother in the eyes of the law. I don't agree with this marriage!" Sally roared with rage.
She had plans to introduce Olivia to some wealthy heirs or businessmen. Despite having a child, Olivia was still one of the most beautiful women in Yonderville. Many affluent families, struggling with infertility, would gladly accept a woman with a child.
Jonathan ignored Sally and pulled Olivia past her.
Sally chased after them, shouting, "How dare you ignore me? I'm Olivia's mother. I call the shots here. If I tell you to leave, you'll leave right now!"
Jonathan suddenly stopped. Rage flared around him.
Sally almost bumped into him from behind.
"If you kick us out, your son will never get a chance to be part of the partnership with the Apex Group," Jonathan said coldly.
Sally fell silent. 'If my son loses this chance, my future is gone!'
Chad rushed forward, pulled Sally back, and smiled obsequiously. "Jonathan, don't be upset. My mom was just anxious. We came to check on Olivia's preparations." He handed over a few gift boxes. "See, my mom even brought gifts for Olivia. She's concerned about her."
Jonathan sneered, "You're just desperate to get a piece of the partnership. Take your gifts and leave. We don't need them."
"Jonathan, how can you talk like that? My mom brought gifts out of kindness," Chad fumed. He had lowered himself to please them, and they dared reject him.
"If you don't leave, I'll throw you out," Jonathan said bluntly and stepped forward. His imposing stance made Chad scramble to grab the gifts and leave with Sally.
"Jonathan, don't get cocky. You'll face the consequences later," Chad spat out a threat before running off.
Jonathan turned to see Olivia looking at him with admiration in her eyes.