Jasper's chest tightened as he listened silently. "If he says 'yes' tonight, we will register our marriage first thing tomorrow morning." Jonah was always the calm and restrained type of person. At this moment, however, there was a sense of happiness in his voice. A slight tremble accompanied his every word, as if he was forcing himself to hold his excitement back. "Same-sex marriage is legal in Bernardia. There can be no better opportunity than this." "Congratulations, Jonah," Jasper said in a low voice, which carried a hint of envy. "I have been keeping this thought to myself for a really long time. I didn't know who to tell. It didn't feel right to tell Lyse either."Jonah chuckled awkwardly. "After thinking about it, I figured you are the only one I can tell." "It is my privilege to be the first to find out about your good news." Jasper smiled. He gave them his blessings from the bottom of his heart. "I give my sincerest blessings to the both of you. You and Julien m
Jasper's heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drum solo threatening to burst through his chest. He clenched his hand into a fist against the door. "Why not?" Winston was perplexed. "Jasper treats you the best. The relationship between both of you has already stabilized, and you've lived together for so long. Why don't you just register your marriage? That way, things will get a lot easier once your relationship is legally recognized." Alyssa pressed her lips together lightly. "A marriage certificate makes no difference for Jasper and I." "How is there no difference? If you ask me, the most realistic way to express one's love is to give their lover a status that no one else can replace!" Winston's gaze was fiery, and he started getting a little emotional. "The only person I have married legally was your mother. She is the only one who has a special place in my heart. She was the only wife I had legally. Although it has been many years since she passed, her place in my hear
"I'm sorry, Lyse." Winston shut his eyes, which were now welled up with tears. "I can't tell you the reason. But please trust me on one thing—what your mother and I had was eternal. She's the only one I love, even till today." "Dad…""Truth be told, during those days when I was really ill, there was one thing I thought about every day. I thought about giving up on treatment and just letting it all go. That way, I would be able to be reunited with your mother in heaven sooner." Alyssa rested her head on Winston's knees and let out a long sigh. The ambiguity of Winston's response made her feel even more troubled. It gave her an even stronger desire to pursue the truth about Jennifer's life story. …Xavier was startled to see Jasper returning to his room. "That was a quick proposal, Mr. Beckett! Did madam say 'yes'?" Jasper shook his head dejectedly. "I didn't propose." "What? Why not? This is such a great opportunity!" "I'll wait for another chance in the future." Jas
The cloudless sky was a brilliant blue. After a long drive, the luxury car came to a stop outside a private manor. "We're here," Jonah announced. Jonah's broad frame dwarfed Julien's as he reached across to unbuckle Julien's seatbelt. All he felt was that the atmosphere around him was warm. It felt even warmer than sunshine. "Why isn't there anyone around? We're not in the wrong place, are we?" Julien blinked, a flicker of unease crossing his features. Julien was intelligent, but around his lover, his mind seemed to cloud over. Jonah easily manipulated him, taking advantage of Julien's lovestruck state."We're not. Maybe we're just early. Let's go." Jonah exited the car first, then circled around to open the door for Julien. This grand gesture left Julien speechless. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously."Why are you acting so attentive, Mr. Taylor? People aren't usually this nice without an ulterior motive."Jonah took Julien's hand and helped him out. He then gave Julie
"Julien." A familiar voice gently called out his name, prompting Julien to turn around. His eyes were red. Just a few steps away, Jonah stood in a smart, black formal outfit that matched Julien's. He had an outstanding air about him. Jonah had been wearing that outfit all along, concealed under his coat to keep it a surprise from Julien.In that moment, even Julien, often dense to subtleties, grasped what was happening. Overjoyed, he let out a shriek. Simultaneously, a bright streak shot up into the sky, blossoming into the words—Marry me!"Among a thousand roses, you are the only one in my heart."Jonah walked forward confidently, then knelt down, presenting a bouquet of the only bright red roses in the entire manor."I love you, Julien. Will you marry me?" The passion within him made his voice husky and extremely sexy. Fireworks burst in the blue sky, adding the final touch to this romantic proposal. Julien's eyes welled up. In the end, he cried before the love of h
News of Jonah and Julien secretly registering their marriage in Bernardia without their families' knowledge spread like wildfire. Within a day, their entire family knew.Although everyone had accepted Julien as Jonah's partner, they were still shocked to hear about the marriage between the two men.The next evening, Jonah and Julien, hand in hand, went to see Winston and Mandy.Alyssa and the other Taylor family members hurried over, fearing the couple would get a dressing down. "This is a major event. Why didn't the both of you inform Mandy and me?" As expected, Winston's displeasure was evident in his stern expression. Julien, towering beside Jonah, shrank back, not daring to breathe. He clung tightly to Jonah's hand, appearing entirely submissive."Dad, Mandy, this was all my idea," Jonah said firmly, intertwining his fingers with Julien's. His protectiveness was evident. "I planned everything behind Julien's back. He had no clue about the proposal until the very last mome
"I'm sorry, Dad," Jonah furrowed his eyebrows and smiled awkwardly. "Jonah, Julien, when are you having your wedding?" Everyone grew excited upon hearing Silas' question. The atmosphere became lively again. "I don't need a wedding. Jonah has given me the perfect proposal." Julien's eyes twinkled like the stars. He gazed deeply into Jonah's eyes. "I feel very happy. This is all I need." Jonah Taylor and Julien Lovelace, a match made in heaven. They were now married. …Happy times always flew by. Landon and Lauren remained at the estate to begin their long honeymoon together. One by one, the others returned to Solana City and Belbanks. As for Yuliana, she was quick-witted. She bid everyone goodbye and followed Miley back to Kontina. She never even glanced back at Liam as she left the estate.What she heard that night blew her mind. It made her feel like she was struck by lightning. When she thought about the possibility that their royal family had something to do wi
Sean pushed thoughts of Tatiana aside temporarily, refocusing on work. "Since our trip to Bernardia until now, Chief Novak hadn't gone home at all. He has been at the station the whole time. Even if he had things to buy, he'd get his subordinates to go out and buy them for him. He seems to be almost cutting himself off from the world." The look in Alyssa's eyes deepened. "Didn't he visit his wife?" "No, he didn't. Not even once." Sean frowned in disbelief. "The more I think about it, the stranger it feels." Alyssa spun her pen nimbly, her eyes dark. "It's not strange. Chief Novak is an exceptionally alert man. I'm sure he has realized the danger he's in. Acting rashly could be fatal."Sean was dumbfounded. "Ms. Alyssa, do you mean—""I wouldn't be surprised if Jamiper is prepared to take him down," Alyssa interrupted, her grip tightening on the pen until her knuckles whitened. "There's also a chance Chief Novak dodged an attempt already, prompting his extra precautions and