Chapter 3: Officially Married

September 9th—a day favored by the heavens for weddings.

At City Hall, couples walked hand-in-hand into the registration hall, their faces radiant with joy.

In stark contrast, Clara and Julian stood politely apart, appearing detached and entirely out of place.

The photographer looked at the clearly unfamiliar pair and teased with a smile, "I could fit an entire third person between you two. Move a little closer, please."

Clara and Julian turned their heads simultaneously. Their eyes met briefly before they both looked away, silently shifting one step toward each other.

"Much better." The photographer glanced through the viewfinder. They were a stunning couple, perfectly matched. "Now, adjust your expressions. Especially you, sir—give us a smile."

Julian didn't react.

He stood there, silent and motionless, radiating a natural aura of cool elegance and powerful presence.

The photographer hesitated for two seconds before summoning the courage to remind him, "A smile? If we delay any longer, it’ll be closing time."

Julian lifted the corners of his mouth, forcing an incredibly stiff smile.

Photographer: "..."

Clara looked up at him and suddenly burst into laughter.

How could someone actually smile like that? Hahahaha!

She couldn't stop, her eyes curving into crescents and her shoulders shaking with mirth.

Julian looked down at her, his tone calm yet laced with helplessness. "Is it really that funny?"

Clara nodded, then quickly shook her head.

She had to mentally cycle through every sad memory she’d ever had just to finally suppress her laughter.

Clara’s laughter seemed to shatter the invisible barrier between them. The photographer, sensing the change, immediately signaled, "Look at the camera. 3, 2, 1."

The shutter clicked, the moment was frozen, and fate set its pen to paper. A grand union had begun.

Leaving City Hall, they both held a freshly issued red marriage certificate.

Felix opened the car door. Julian raised his hand to protect Clara’s head as she entered, then circled to the other side to sit down.

As the car started, Felix thoughtfully raised the privacy partition, turning the backseat into a quiet, secluded space.

Clara felt a bit warm and brushed her hair back.

Today she wore an apricot-colored modern cheongsam dress. The sleeveless design revealed her tender, slender arms, which seemed to glow white in the dim cabin.

Julian politely averted his gaze, but he couldn't block out the faint, sweet fragrance that quietly drifted toward him. It was like magnolia blooming at dawn—subtle and lingering, curling into his senses with every breath.

He didn't dislike it; he just wasn't used to it.

This was not part of his familiar order.

"Mr. Julian, um," Clara cleared her throat, "can we discuss something?"

Julian turned his head toward her. "Go ahead."

"When we’re in front of the elders later, can we act... a bit more intimate?" Once the words were out, Clara’s ears burned, but she pushed through. "My grandfather thinks we fell in love at first sight."

"We," Julian paused slightly, as if confirming what he’d heard, "fell in love at first sight?"

"Um..." Clara’s voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz. Remembering the agreement they signed yesterday, she explained quickly, "Don't misunderstand. I'm only saying this to put my grandfather’s mind at ease."

Julian’s gaze swept over her reddened ears. "Fine."

Clara’s eyes lit up, and she smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Julian."

"First, change how you address me," he said.

"Huh?" Clara blinked, then quickly realized.

Indeed, no newlywed couple would call each other "Mr." or "Ms."

What should she call him?

Logically, after getting the license, she should call him "husband." But just the thought of it gave her goosebumps.

Calling him by his full name felt too informal.

After a moment of hesitation, she spoke softly, "Julian."

Julian’s fingers resting on his knee twitched slightly. He gave a low hum of acknowledgement and asked, "How does your family usually call you?"

"They use my nickname, Clary."

Julian repeated it once, "Clary."

His voice was deep and rich, like a soft velvet brush against her ear.

Clara’s earlobes tingled. It was a name she’d heard her whole life, yet hearing it from him made it feel entirely different.

In the quiet car, the air seemed to grow thick and heavy.

Julian reached out and lowered the air conditioning by one degree.

"Sir, Ms.—" Felix caught himself just in time, "Madam, we've arrived."

Julian glanced at him and stepped out of the car.

He walked to Clara’s side, opened the door, and reached out his hand.

His hand was fair, slender, and well-proportioned, with clean fingertips tinged a pale pink.

"Hold my hand," Clara whispered. "My grandfather is watching from the window."

That old man, honestly...

Julian understood and took her hand to lead her out.

Her hand felt small in his palm—soft, delicate, and seemingly boneless, a stark contrast to his own.

Clara let him lead her, her other hand naturally reaching up to clasp his arm, leaning slightly against him as they walked.

To any observer, they were the picture of a devoted couple.

The door to the private room opened. Julian led Clara inside. Arthur, along with George and Beatrice, all looked up together. Their eyes fell on the joined hands, and all of them broke into satisfied smiles.

"Grandpa, please have some tea." Julian offered a cup with both hands.

Arthur accepted it with a chuckle, took a sip, and took out a white jade pendant carved with a dragon motif from a silk box. "Julian, I'm entrusting my Clary to you. She’s still young, and I’ve pampered her a bit too much. Please be patient with her."

"Thank you, Grandpa." Julian accepted it respectfully. "Clary is wonderful. I will take good care of her, you have my word."

Arthur looked relieved. He hadn't been wrong about this grandson-in-law.

Clara also smiled as she served tea to George and Beatrice. "Dad, Mom, please have some tea."

The two smiled and took the cups. George handed over a Centurion Black Card.

Clara instinctively looked at Arthur.

She had seen the Vane family’s dowry list this morning—cash, jewelry, antiques, sports cars, real estate, and stocks. It was incredibly generous.

She wasn't sure if she should accept this black card.

Seeing her grandfather nod, Clara accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Dad."

Beatrice took out an Imperial Green jade bracelet from her bag and slid it onto Clara’s wrist. "Clary, Julian’s grandmother gave this to me when I married into the family. They say it's a heirloom for Vane women. Now, I’m giving it to you.

The style is a bit old-fashioned. If you don't like it, just tuck it away and save it for your daughter or daughter-in-law later. We’ll go shopping together another day to pick out something you like."

Clara almost failed to suppress a laugh.

She hadn't expected her mother-in-law to have such a fun and lovable personality.

Nearby, George and Julian silently turned their faces away.

During the meal, Beatrice pulled Clara aside to whisper, "Clary, to tell you the truth, Julian came home yesterday and said he wanted to marry you immediately. He told us to get the dowry ready and propose. I asked him if he wanted to meet a few more girls first.

He refused without a second thought, saying 'No one else, just her!'

This boy has been stalling on marriage for years, but the moment he saw you, he agreed. I said it was love at first sight, but he’s too stubborn to admit it."

She spoke with great enthusiasm, completely ignoring the "death glares" her son was sending her way.

Julian, while mentally grumbling about his overly flighty mother, chatted with Arthur and George about future collaborations between the two families.

The atmosphere was harmonious.

After everyone was full, they walked out chatting and laughing.

A black extended Rolls-Royce pulled up. Arthur turned back and smiled, "In-laws, I’ll take my leave first. Come over for tea when you have time."

George and Beatrice agreed with smiles.

"Dad, Mom, Julian, bye!" Clara habitually followed behind Arthur to get into the car.

Arthur held her back, looking at her with "tough love" in his eyes. "Silly child, you have to go with Julian. You only come back for the three-day return visit."

Clara suddenly felt like crying.

Now, even going home was restricted to specific days?

Logic told her to be obedient, but her emotions stubbornly refused to retreat. She pursed her lips. "But all my daily things are still at home."

Arthur said with a beaming smile, "I've already had them packed and sent to your new home."

"..."

Arthur didn't dare look into his granddaughter’s eyes again and ordered the driver to start the car.

The Rolls-Royce drove away, leaving Clara standing there in silence.

Beatrice dropped a quick "Clary, come visit us often!" before pulling George into their car and leaving, leaving Julian and Clara facing each other.