Chapter 5 Most Precious

• Isla’s POV:
• It was already noon. I figured I should head back to tell my parents. So much had happened in just one morning, they must be worried. It was time to introduce my new husband properly. They loved me dearly, and Aiden’s actions had already upset them enough. I couldn’t let them down again.
• “I…” Just as I started to speak, my phone rang.
• It was Rebecca, my best friend and business partner at our art studio.
• “Hey, Isla, why didn’t you come to the studio today? You’ve got a class this afternoon.”
• She didn’t know anything yet.
• I bit my lip. “I have something going on today, I’ll…”
• “She’s not coming today. This afternoon’s class is canceled,” Matthew cut in.
• I stared at him in shock.
• “Who’s that? Isla, who’s talking?” Rebecca was yelling through the phone.
• “Alright, Becca, something’s come up. I’ll explain later.”
• I made a few excuses and hung up.
• Looking at Matthew, I felt a bit embarrassed. “That’s Coco’s class.”
• Coco was Matthew’s little sister, a high school junior who had been taking art classes at my studio for two years.
• “I know.” He was busy texting, his voice low. “You wouldn’t skip class without a reason, but students can take a day off. Anyway, you’re not teaching today.”
• I sighed.
• Matthew texted Coco, telling her to skip class. Then he took me to a high-end French restaurant, booking a luxurious private room for just us.
• The private waiter handed me the menu, but Matthew took it.
• “I’ll take that.”
• He quickly chose the dishes and handed the menu back to the waiter.
• “Would you like white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar with your dipping sauce?” the waiter asked.
• “Bring red and white wine vinegar for her.”
• “Certainly Sir, your dishes will be out shortly.”
• After ordering, Matthew was busy again, replying to messages on his phone.
• I sat quietly, not wanting to disturb him. The food arrived quickly, and I was surprised to see that every dish was my favorite. Even the dipping sauces were exactly to my taste.
• Five years since college, we had rarely eaten together. Mostly at gatherings Aiden organized. Maybe less than ten times. They’d never dined alone before. Yet here he was, ordering all my favorite dishes.
• I ate quietly while Matthew finally finished his messages and joined me.
• “How’s the food?” He asked.
• “Delicious,” I said, putting down my knife, “Thanks, Matthew.”
• He smiled and pulled out a napkin to wipe my mouth.
• His scent enveloped me instantly. Since we got our marriage license, he seemed to be in a good mood, always smiling, acting gentle. This usually aloof man was now doing things so naturally, it felt unreal. I thought, he’s really getting into this husband role fast. These intimate gestures between couples, he’s doing them so easily.
• “Let’s go home,” Matthew said.
• Home?
• Before I could ask, we were at the restaurant entrance. Apart from our Land Rover, there were now four more cars.
• Matthew’s assistant greeted us respectfully. “Mr. and Mrs. Logan, everything’s ready.”
• I was surprised. In one meal’s time, they were already calling her Mrs. Logan so smoothly?
• And what were these four cars filled with gift boxes with different colors for?
• It wasn’t until they headed to my parents’ house that I realized Matthew’s plan.
• Rowan’s POV:
• I opened the door to find several men standing neatly outside, the hallway filled with gift boxes. I was stunned.
• Did we win the lottery? Delivery service bringing prizes to our door?
• That’s the first thing that came to my mind.
• I glanced at the man called Matthew and my daughter Isla, standing together.
• Matthew greeted me politely, “Mr.Eliana, sorry to bother you again.”
• I didn't reply, my expression clearly displeased.
• Isla felt the awkwardness and said, “Dad.”
• I, facing my daughter, refrained from saying more. “Come on in.”
• Third Person POV:
• The 1,500 square foot apartment's living and dining rooms were filled with gifts, so they all had to sit on the balcony around a tea table.
• At the rectangular table, Mila and Rowan sat on one side, Isla and Matthew on the other.
• Five minutes passed in silence, the only sound was Mila making tea. No one spoke.
• Sheer curtains blocked the afternoon sun, casting a soft light on the intricately carved tea set.
• The teapot occasionally clinked, and a faint tea fragrance filled the air.
• Mila poured a cup for Matthew.
• “Thank you, Mrs Eliana,” he said, taking a sip. The top-quality green tea was refreshing.
• Rowan wasn't in the mood to savor it. He downed his cup like it was a shot, eyes fixed on the two marriage certificates lying open. He asked, “Matthew Logan, right?”
• Matthew straightened up immediately. “Yes.”
• Rowan scoffed, “You sure moved fast.”
• Isla, holding her small tea cup, lowered her head, trying to stay unnoticed.
• “It was a well-considered decision,” Matthew said, his voice steady.
• Isla, hearing this, lifted her head slowly. She shouldn't hide; she should face this with him.
• Rowan, still angry, said, “Two hours of consideration?”
• Matthew didn't argue.
• Isla felt she needed to say something, “Dad, Mom, we...”
• Rowan cut her off, “Stop dear.”
• Isla fell silent.
• Rowan thought Isla getting the marriage certificate was just to spite Aiden. He didn't expect she really went through with it. Though Aiden was no good, this guy who took his daughter to the courthourse wasn't much better.
• “Why marry my daughter?” Rowan glared at Matthew.
• “Sir,” Matthew pulled out prepared documents, “Here's my IDs, household register, bank statements, stock and fund accounts, properties, and insurance policies.”
• Rowan was stunned.
• Isla was surprised. So, during lunch, he was busy getting his assistant to prepare these? And the gifts filling two rooms, he really was... a man of action.
• Mila picked up his ID and exclaimed, “You're only 27?”
• “Yes.”
• “You don't look it.”
• He appeared young but had a mature demeanor and style, making Mila think he was at least 28 or 29. She didn't expect he was only two years older than Isla.
• “Don't tell me these things,” Rowan said, still grim. “To me, your wealth doesn't matter.”
• They thought they knew Aiden well, but they were wrong.
• “I understand,” Matthew replied, his face calm. “You care for your daughter and should think about her. It was indeed rash to marry quickly.”
• Isla turned to look at him.
• “But I'm not a careless person,” Matthew said firmly. “Marriage is serious to me. Isla is now my most cherished wife, my only partner. You've loved and stayed together for so many years. I will love and care for Isla all my life.”
• These words moved Isla deeply.
• Matthew added, “I'm not just making a verbal promise here. I'm telling you my stance. I won't let her regret her decision today.”
• Facing her parents, his demeanor was respectful and composed, but firm and steady.
• It seemed like nothing could faze him, always giving off a sense of reassurance.
• Isla looked at her parents and said seriously, “Dad, Mom, I can take responsibility for my own decisions.”
• Hearing this, Rowan had to bow his head and think it over. Mila picked up the teapot and filled Matthew's cup, smiling, “Well then, we should find some time to discuss the wedding details.” Rowan glanced at her, “You...”
• “Oh come on, they're already legally married. I think he seems like a reliable guy.” At first, Mila wasn't too happy with Matthew, thought he was too overbearing, worried Isla couldn't handle him. But his attitude had started to change her mind, and with them already married, she could only wait and see how he would prove himself.
• Matthew smiled, “Thank you for your blessing.”