Chapter 2: The Decision to Marry

Julian hadn't originally planned to be so blunt from the very beginning.

However, the girl before him was far too young and beautiful, like a white camellia blooming on a spring branch—clean, soft, and radiant. It was obvious at a glance that she was a wealthy young lady meticulously pampered with love and material comfort since childhood.

A girl like her should naturally yearn for an affectionate and happy marriage.

Julian had never been one to waste time, nor did he wish to lead someone astray. He had tried to be as tactful as possible, not wanting to hurt the young girl's pride. But she remained silent for a long time, simply staring at him with her clear, wide eyes.

In that moment, a rare flicker of unease rose in his heart.

He lowered his gaze, lifting the teapot to refill her cup. "Ms. Clara, saying this is not directed at you personally. If I have made you uncomfortable, I apologize."

Clara snapped back to reality, her expression visibly relaxing as she said crisply, "No problem at all!"

A hint of surprise flickered in Julian’s eyes, and he made a guess. "Was Ms. Clara forced to come to this blind date?"

Clara nodded and added, "But don't worry. Since I'm here, I will fulfill all the duties and obligations expected of a wife. Just to confirm—are you looking for a marriage of convenience?"

"No. I need to marry and have children to carry on the Vane legacy."

Clara felt a twinge of disappointment, but she didn't show it on her face. She simply smiled and said, "Alright, no problem."

This was good. Julian nodded with satisfaction. "Does Ms. Clara have any other questions?"

"Yes," Clara asked directly. "Can we get married as soon as possible? The sooner the better. We don't need a wedding for now; we can just go straight to getting the license."

After saying this, she added an explanation: "I'm still in university and don't want to attract too much attention."

"Ms. Clara," Julian leaned forward slightly, looking directly into her eyes. "Are you certain you want to marry me?"

"I'm certain."

"Fine." Julian took out his phone and called his assistant, Felix, to bring in a pre-drafted prenuptial agreement. "Ms. Clara, take a look at this first. If you have any suggestions for revisions, feel free to raise them."

The agreement wasn't complicated; it mostly covered asset distribution and the definition of responsibilities. The terms were clear, fair, and reasonable.

Clara flipped through it without objection until she reached the final clause: Party B shall not fall in love with Party A.

Julian was Party A, and she was Party B.

"Here," Clara pointed with her index finger and looked up at him. "This isn't equal enough. I suggest changing it to: neither Party A nor Party B shall fall in love with the other."

Julian glanced at her slender finger and turned to instruct Felix, "Change it as Ms. Clara said."

Felix left and soon returned with two new copies of the agreement.

Julian turned to the last page, signed his name, and pushed the agreement toward her.

Clara picked up the pen. The moment the nib touched the paper, her hand paused.

A face that occasionally appeared in her dreams surfaced in her mind. She pinched her palm, set the pen to paper, and quickly wrote her name.

Julian took one copy of the agreement and said calmly, "Ms. Clara, a pleasure doing business with you."

These words seemed to strike a chord with Clara. She suddenly burst into laughter, her eyes curving into crescents. "Mr. Julian, a pleasure doing business with you."

Her smile was like a blooming flower; even the gloomy, dim sky outside seemed to brighten significantly.

Julian’s gaze lingered on her clear, spirited eyes as he asked, "Ms. Clara, are you free tomorrow?"

"Hmm?"

"Tomorrow morning, my family will go to your home to formally propose. At 5:00 PM, we will go to City Hall to get our license, and at 6:00 PM, our families will have dinner together. Does that work for you?"

His tone was calm and composed, as if he were confirming a work schedule, devoid of any emotion regarding an impending marriage.

This attitude actually made Clara feel relaxed and at ease. She smiled and nodded, "Okay."

"Shall I pick you up tomorrow afternoon?" Although a second-quarter summary meeting for the group was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, Julian decided to reschedule it. Since they were getting married, he ought to show his future wife sufficient respect.

Clara, however, said, "I don't want to disrupt your work. Tomorrow, I'll have the family driver take me. Let's just meet directly at the entrance of City Hall."

She was very sensible, which made Julian even more satisfied. "See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

A single blind date, and these two people with their own agendas hit it off immediately. In just a few sentences, they had settled their lifelong commitment.

The two said their goodbyes at the hotel entrance and got into their respective cars—one heading south, the other north.

Upon arriving home, Arthur couldn't wait to ask, "How was the chat with Julian?"

Clara sat across from him, resting her chin in her hands with the perfect air of a young girl in love. "Grandpa, he’s so handsome~ From the first moment I saw him, I felt he was meant to be my husband, and it was love at first sight for him too.

We’ve agreed: his family will come to propose tomorrow morning, we’ll get our license in the afternoon, and our families will have dinner together in the evening."

"So fast?" Arthur’s heart skipped a beat, wondering if his granddaughter had found out about his condition.

"Can't be helped, your granddaughter is just too charming," Clara spread her hands helplessly. "Besides, he's not getting any younger, and his family is rushing him."

Arthur was half-convinced but wanted to ask more. Fearing she would slip up if she spoke too much, Clara claimed she was sleepy from waking up early and needed a nap, gracefully heading upstairs to her room.

In a room without anyone else, emotions no longer needed to be hidden. She wiped away her smile, allowing a look of melancholy to show without reservation.

She sat alone by the window, staring blankly at the sky outside.

After a long time, she stood up and locked away all the items that had carried her girlish secrets for the past four years into a drawer.

Tomorrow, I am becoming someone else's bride.

I’m not waiting for you anymore.

Goodbye.