Chapter 4 Congratulations

• Isla POV:
• I froze.
• Mila's eyes widened. “What?”
• Matthew said slowly, “Mrs. Eliana, Isla just agreed. She’s back to get IDs so we can go to courthouse and get married.”
• Mila looked at me, bewildered. “What’s going on here?”
• “I, I...” My hands were clenched tightly.
• I wanted to trick Matthew into coming back, just to buy time and slip away from the basement. I didn’t expect he would come upstairs to block me and catch Aiden causing a scene.
• I thought it was just a joke. How could he take it seriously? And to say it in front of my parents!
• Aiden, with his bruised and swollen face, rushed over angrily. “Isla, you’re going to get married? And you still claim you’re innocent? No one would believe that. You’re both just trash.”
• Rowan, furious, kicked Aiden in the stomach. “How dare you insult my daughter? I’ll kill you, you bastard!”
• Aiden couldn’t fight back against Rowan. He yelled, “It's true! She pretended to love me, but she had her eyes on Matthew the whole time. She just wanted to marry into a rich family. Isla, you’re the one who cheated on me.”
• I was pissed out and suddenly stood up, my voice clear. “Yes, I am going to marry him.”
• Aiden’s face changed, disbelief written all over it. “What did you say?”
• Rowan and Mila were equally shocked. “Isla...”
• I looked at Matthew. “Let’s get married now.”
• My sounded resolute, but Matthew frowned slightly.
• I went to the cabinet, found my IDs, and pulled Matthew’s hand, heading for the door.
• “Isla, have you thought this through? Are you really going?” Mila anxiously followed us.
• “Mom,” I said, “don’t worry.”
• I dragged Matthew into the elevator.
• “Isla, come back!” Aiden, barely able to stand, tried to crawl after them. “If you marry him, I’ll never forgive you.”
• Rowan also looked worried. “Honey...”
• I bit my lip. “Dad, I’ve made up my mind.”
• The elevator doors closed. I held Matthew’s hand, her palms sweating.
• The cramped space blocked out the noise from outside. The whole world seemed to quiet down.
• Matthew glanced sideways at me, who was a head shorter than him. My hands were small, soft in his palm, and sweaty from nervousness.
• I lived on the seventh floor. The elevator reached the ground floor quickly.
• “Matthew, you're hurting my hand.”
• My soft voice snapped Matthew out of his thoughts.
• He immediately let go. “Sorry.”
• The Range Rover waited downstairs. They got in and headed straight for the courthouse.
• I sat by the car door. Even though we were about to get married, I still felt distant from Matthew and kept me distance.
• “Turn your face, let me see,” Matthew suddenly said.
• I pressed her lips together. “No need. It’s much better after the ice.”
• The next second, I felt an arm around my waist, pulling me into Matthew’s embrace.
• He brushed my hair aside, his long fingers gently touching my bruised cheek. The swelling had gone down after icing, but there was still a mark.
• My ear was pressed right against Matthew’s heart, listening to its strong beat. I felt like my own heart was losing its rhythm. His handsome face was so close, it seemed like he might kiss mer at any moment.
• I quickly pushed him away, sitting up and returning to my seat. I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to hide my face. “I’m really fine now, thank you for your concern, Matthew.”
• His voice was deep, carrying a note of annoyance, “If you’re not ready, I won’t force you.”
• I was speechless, a bit taken aback. That’s not what he had said this morning. He had insisted I take responsibility.
• I had made my decision and wouldn’t take it back. Just like breaking up with Aiden last night, telling Matthew I wanted to get the marriage license was also my decision.
• “As long as you don’t back out, I have no objections.”
• Matthew stared deeply at me. “Alright.”
• “So, have you made up your mind?”
• “Of course, I won’t back out.”
• He said it with such sincerity and certainty.
• I was slightly taken aback by his determination. Was it just because we had slept together? I hadn’t asked him to take any responsibility. On the contrary, he was acting like I was the one trying to run away, pushing me to get the certificate with him.
• As I calmed down, I thought of a crucial question. “What about your family?”
• “My parents have been hoping I’d get married for a long time. They’ll be happy.” He seemed to know what i was worried about, and his response was smooth.
• Matthew was 27, two years older than Aiden and I. When Aiden and I started college, Aiden had told her about an exceptional senior in his dorm. That person was Matthew.
• Matthew had graduated earlier than Aiden and had founded a law firm, bringing Aiden in as an intern before Aiden even graduated. They went from being roommates to colleagues.
• Twenty-seven wasn’t old. Why rush into marriage? Plus, he came from a wealthy family and was outstanding. He must have countless admirers. Why marry someone as ordinary as me? Besides, he had no feelings for me. If he was only marrying me out of responsibility, it was too hasty. Last night wasn’t even his fault.
• I thought I should persuade Matthew to reconsider. “I think you should think this through. Marriage isn’t a game.”
• His deep, thoughtful gaze fixed on me, reading my expressions. He looked a bit aggrieved. “Isla, do you not want to take responsibility for me?”
• “I…”
• I was at a loss for words. This man was too much. Since when did men insist on women taking responsibility? He had said I was good, but now he was acting like he had suffered a great loss.
• I had indeed been angry with Aiden. Although it made Aiden misunderstand, I didn’t bother explaining. The current Aiden felt like a stranger to me.
• Matthew suddenly grabbed my hand.
• I was stunned, staring blankly at him.
• “Isla, listen to me.”
• Matthew’s deep eyes showed a hint of warmth and sincerity. He spoke each word with weight, “I, Matthew, want to marry you.”
• His words were powerful and serious. Knowing him for so many years, he always seemed like a workaholic, never seen with any women around. Aiden’s colleagues often brought different dates to gatherings, but he was always alone, silent, aloof, yet inexplicably giving a sense of security.
• Even if he didn’t have feelings for me, he was sincere, responsible, and trustworthy. My instinct told myself his words could be trusted.
• Matthew intertwined his fingers with mine. “From being legally bound, I’ll protect you for life.”
• I caught a glimpse of deep affection in his eyes. This man knew how to play his cards. The once reticent, aloof figure had transformed into a master tactician, making it hard to resist such temptation.
• Matthew’s low voice sounded again, “Any more doubts?”
• I shook my head. “No.”
• “Won’t you miss Aiden?”
• “No, a breakup is a breakup. I’m not one to linger on the past.”
• Matthew’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “So, no disputes, the negotiation is successful?”
• Typical Matthew, the lawyer. I nodded obediently, “Agreed.”
• Then I saw Matthew smile. That smile was like a clear sky after a storm, a summer breeze dispelling all worries. It felt like I had found my way home. Feeling uncomfortable with the sudden intimacy, I pulled my hand back.
• Matthew, seemingly in a good mood, let me go.
• He held a cigarette between his fingers, about to light it, but reconsidered and put the lighter away.
• Leaning his elbow on the car door, he looked out at the scenery, the cigarette resting against his lips, hiding the curve of a smile that couldn't be suppressed.