Ariel and Jayson share a quiet moment reflecting on their unconventional marriage, which had been kept secret from the start due to family complications and media pressure. They had only completed the legal paperwork without any wedding ceremony, a decision made to protect Ariel’s reputation amid blackmail threats. Despite the lack of celebration, Jayson expresses a wish to hold a proper wedding, though Ariel views such events as mere formalities and feels it might be odd to have one after being married for years.
Jayson reveals his desire to publicly declare their marriage to deter Ariel’s persistent admirers, especially recalling past incidents that left him feeling protective and possessive. Ariel understands his feelings and agrees to plan a wedding after returning from her work trip, surprising Jayson with her willingness. Though Ariel is initially daunted by the thought of wedding preparations, Jayson’s enthusiasm quickly becomes clear.
After settling their daughter Claire to sleep, Jayson dedicates himself to designing their wedding invitation late into the night. Despite his usual decisiveness, he takes extra care to perfect every detail, showing how much the event means to him. He also takes on the responsibility of tending to Claire whenever she wakes, ensuring Ariel can rest. The chapter ends with Jayson quietly balancing his focus on the invitation and his care for their child, highlighting his commitment to both his family and the upcoming celebration.
Chapter 827
Ariel met Jayson’s steady gaze, a quiet understanding passing between them.
Their marriage had been anything but traditional—everything had happened in a whirlwind. They had only managed to complete the bare minimum: signing the paperwork and receiving their marriage certificate. There was no wedding celebration, no gathering of friends and family. From the very beginning, they had agreed to keep their union a secret, so there had been no reason to hold a ceremony.
Claire had finally finished her milk, her eyelids growing heavy as she nestled comfortably in Jayson’s arms. Gently setting the bottle aside, Jayson turned his attention back to Ariel.
“It’s a pity we never had even a simple ceremony back then,” he said softly. “If only things hadn’t started off on such a rocky note, I would’ve loved to give you a proper wedding.”
At that time, both their families were caught in an awkward situation. Reporters had tried to exploit the incident to blackmail them, and under those tense circumstances, keeping their marriage under wraps was the safest way to protect Ariel’s reputation from unwanted gossip.
In truth, Jayson had always wanted to make it up to her with a real wedding. He’d even planned to bring it up once their relationship was on steadier ground. But his pride held him back—especially after uncovering something he wished he hadn’t seen.
Ariel, for her part, was never one to romanticize weddings or fuss over ceremonies. To her, they were merely formalities. From a practical perspective, she felt it might be strange to hold a wedding now.
“Wouldn’t it feel odd to have a wedding at this point?” she asked quietly.
After all, they’d been married for a few years already.
Jayson carefully placed Claire back into her cradle. “That’s not what matters. What’s important is that we finally have a proper wedding ceremony. Honestly, you’re even less particular about it than I thought you’d be.”
He felt a little helpless in that moment. Compared to Ariel, it seemed like he was the one who was more eager for the celebration.
Ariel blinked, a small smile tugging at her lips. “A lot of people already know we’re husband and wife anyway.”
More than anything, she simply didn’t have the time or energy to plan a wedding. The very idea of endless details, guest lists, and preparations gave her a headache.
“It’s not the same,” Jayson countered, gently pinching her cheek with a teasing pout. “Otherwise, your admirers will never back off. Don’t you agree?”
He was thinking of Lucas and Samson—two men who probably still hadn’t given up on Ariel. Though Jayson had made sure neither could come near her anymore, what he’d witnessed years ago had left a deep scar on his heart.
He wanted to declare their marriage to the world, to make it crystal clear that Ariel belonged to him and no one else should even dare to think about her.
Looking back, Jayson realized how possessive and dark his thoughts had been.
Ariel understood exactly where he was coming from. Even though the misunderstanding with Lucas had long since been resolved, the past still cast a shadow over Jayson’s mind.
Seeing no reason to refuse, Ariel reached out and gently took his wrist. “We can do it. How about I get home from my work trip, and then we prepare for the wedding?”
Jayson raised an eyebrow, surprised but pleased.
“You can just come home and get ready to attend the wedding,” he said with a grin, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.
Ariel couldn’t understand why he was so excited. Planning a wedding was a huge undertaking, and with their hectic lives, she knew they would both be exhausted long before the big day. But she clearly underestimated his determination and enthusiasm.
After his shower, Jayson immediately opened his laptop and dove into designing their wedding invitation.
Despite the long flight earlier that day, he showed no signs of fatigue. His focus was absolute, eyes locked onto the screen as he meticulously worked on every detail of the invite.
“You should get some sleep first,” he said without looking up. “I’ll work on this for a while. If Claire wakes up, I’ll take care of her.”
Babies often woke several times during the night, and one parent usually had to get up each time. Jayson wanted Ariel to rest, so he took it upon himself to watch over Claire while he worked on the invitation.
Too tired to question his energy, Ariel decided to leave him be and went to bed.
Jayson was capable of handling almost anything, but when it came to the invitation card, he spent an unusually long time tweaking and adjusting every element.
Normally, he made decisions quickly and decisively. But tonight, he wanted the card to be perfect.
Throughout the night, Claire stirred and woke three times.
Jayson had moved her cradle right beside his desk so he could reach her easily without disturbing Ariel’s sleep.
He gently soothed Claire back to sleep each time, his focus never wavering from the screen, as the soft glow of the laptop illuminated the quiet room.
The chapter delicately explores the quiet intimacy and unspoken desires between Ariel and Jayson, revealing how their unconventional marriage is grounded in mutual understanding and care. Despite the absence of a traditional wedding, their connection is marked by tender moments and shared responsibilities, highlighting the depth of their bond beyond societal expectations. Jayson’s eagerness to create a formal celebration is not just about ceremony, but a heartfelt wish to affirm their commitment and protect their family from past shadows.
Their journey reflects the complexities of love intertwined with past wounds and present realities, showing how they navigate challenges with patience and quiet strength. The gentle rhythm of their night, with Jayson tending to Claire and crafting their invitation, symbolizes a renewed hope and dedication to building a future together. This chapter closes on a note of serene anticipation, capturing the essence of a love that perseveres through the ordinary and the extraordinary alike.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional layers between Ariel and Jayson as they embark on the journey of planning a wedding that neither of them initially expected to hold. The contrast between Jayson’s eagerness and Ariel’s practical reservations sets the stage for intimate moments that reveal their true feelings and vulnerabilities. Readers can anticipate a tender exploration of how their past struggles continue to influence their present, especially as they navigate the complexities of making their union public.
At the same time, subtle tensions may arise as outside influences and lingering doubts test their resolve. The shadows cast by former admirers and past misunderstandings hint at potential challenges that could complicate their path forward. As Jayson pours himself into perfecting the invitation, his determination reflects more than just a desire for celebration—it’s a statement of commitment that may stir unexpected emotions. This chapter will likely balance quiet domestic scenes with undercurrents of anticipation, leaving readers eager to see how Ariel and Jayson will reconcile their differences and face what lies ahead together.