The One Above All

C10: Marry Me

The room fell silent and the words "Marry me" lingered in the air.

Veyron stared at Iris. For the first time since they met, there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

But she didn't look away. Her gaze remained steady and calm. Although, beneath that calm was urgency.

Veyron reached for the glass of water beside the bed and took a slow drink. Not because he was thirsty. But because he needed a moment.

When he lowered the glass, his expression had returned to its usual controlled and expressionless one.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes," she didn't hesitate to affirm her words. Then her eyes suddenly widened in horror. Only then did it hit her. What if he is—

"You're not married… are you, Mr Blackthorne?"

He shook his head once. Relief passed through her eyes, quickly and subtly. Before determination replaced it.

"Then marry me, Mr Blackthorne," she repeated, her voice firmer now. "We can go to the bureau of civil affairs and register our marriage today."

He studied her carefully. Her breathing, her posture, and the tension in her fingers. It was clear she wasn't acting on impulse.

She had already thought it through. But he had just one simple question.

"Why?"

"My family wants to force me into a marriage," Her fingers tightened slightly. "I need a way out."

She paused briefly before assuring him. "Don't worry. We will divorce in a year. This is only temporary."

After last night, she knew they wouldn't stop. Even if her mother was safe now, they would still find another way to force her into marrying Julian.

The Blackwell family may not be as wealthy and influential as they used to be, but they still had enough authority to control her.

However, if she fakes a marriage now, would they force her to get a divorce?

Besides, the Hawthorne family is one of the elite families in the city, could they bear to let their precious son marry a divorced woman?

Silence stretched and she quickly added, "I'll compensate you."

Veyron's brows arched slightly. "How much?"

"Two million," she raised two fingers. "I can afford it."

Veyron didn't respond immediately. Instead, he watched her. There was desperation.

Yes.

But also something else. Pride. She wasn't begging. She was negotiating.

A memory resurfaced. The letter written with blood-stained fingertips, containing only a simple message.

[Please, find her…]

He had promised Silas he would find his sister. Naturally, he had to protect her. And marrying her would only make that easier.

Thinking of this, Veyron exhaled slowly. "And if I say no?"

Iris paused, just for a second. "Then I'll find another way."

But even she knew, there wasn't one. Veyron was her only hope now.

She would rather marry her brother's old friend, with an unknown background who has always stepped up to help her instead of that trash, Julian.

---

A second passed and just when Iris was beginning to fear that he would refuse—

"Fine."

She blinked in surprise.

"I'll marry you."

Relief washed over her face. Her swollen but beautiful eyes lit up like dazzling stars in the night sky. "Thank you."

She didn't waste time. "Let's go. If we don't go there on time, we may miss the officials."

---

By the time they arrived, the office was already preparing to close. The staff looked slightly impatient.

"Last registration," one of them mumbled.

Forms were brought out. Their names were written, their signatures placed, and their photos taken.

Everything moved quickly. Too quickly. Iris didn't hesitate once. Her hand remained steady as she signed.

As if she was afraid that if she paused, she might change her mind.

Veyron watched her quietly, then signed as well. A stamp came down on the certificate.

THUMP.

And just like that, they were married.

"It's done."

Two small red booklets were handed over. Their marriage certificates. Iris stared at her copy for a moment, then closed it.

Veyron looked down at his own, his expression unreadable. Marriage certificate?

He hadn't expected this... Not like this.

"To avoid suspicion from others…" Iris' voice broke the silence. "You can call me Iris from now on."

She turned slightly towards him.

"And I'll call you Veyron."

Her voice was not awkward or hesitant. It was distant, as if the decision was already final in her mind.

She reached into her bag and pulled out a key card. "This is the address of where I live."

She handed the key card to him.

"You can move in tonight… or tomorrow. I have something to take care of first."

Before he could respond, she had already turned. Moments later, a sleek black Lexus RX pulled up by the sidewalk and she got in.

The car drove off smoothly, leaving him standing there, still holding the small, red booklet.

He watched the car disappear. His expression unchanged as he shook his head slightly.

"Tsk. Tsk. Silas… your sister is trouble..."

---

Veyron left the bureau of civil affairs shortly after to visit his aunt. When he arrived, the streets were calm and normal.

But, he soon noticed something was off. His steps slowed slightly as his gaze shifted.

In a nearby car window's reflection, he saw the figure tailing him. The youth following him was tall and thin.

His dyed hair stood out like a sore thumb. He appeared to be trying too hard to look casual.

Veyron's lips curved faintly as he walked forward. He didn't react or slow down this time. Nor did he expose the youth following him.

Instead, he changed direction, casually and effortlessly. He turned and walked right into a narrow alley on the left. Quiet, empty, and perfect.

Behind him, the youth paused in surprise. Then smirked and pulled out his phone.

"Brother Antonio… I found him. He went into an alley just now."

"Very good! Keep an eye on him and don't lose him. He is very cunning," A deep, hoarse voice resounded from the other end. "We're coming."

"Okay." The youth ended the call with a smirk.