Chapter 5
The next morning, as if afraid Effie might change her mind, Lyman showed up at her door bright and early to take her to the courthouse.
Because he was Lyman, the whole process was a breeze. They skipped the lines, whisked straight through-no waiting, no hassle.
As they signed the marriage papers, the clerk couldn’t help but tease them, saying they made a striking couple.
Effie felt a little embarrassed. Just moments ago, as they posed for their photo, she thought—maybe it was just her imagination—that she caught the hint of a smile on Lyman’s face.
Half an hour later, they stepped out into the sunlight, marriage certificates in hand. Effie still felt as if she were in a daze.
She was someone’s wife now.
Before she could process it, Lyman slipped a silver ring from his own pinky and slid it onto her ring finger.
Effie froze, examining the band. The pattern etched into it was unique-something she’d never seen before.
She was a jewelry designer herself, well-versed in precious metals and stones, but she couldn’t even identify what this ring was made of. It looked almost like a symbol of what, she couldn’t say.
“This… must be expensive, right?” she asked hesitantly.
“It’s nothing. Wear this for now. I’ll have a pair of wedding rings custom-made soon,” Lyman replied, his tone casual.
Effie opened her mouth to protest, but in the end, just nodded. “Alright.”
This man was possessive-commanding, even. Refusal wasn’t really an option.
He seemed satisfied. “Good. Come on, let’s go. Want me to drive you home? Or to the office?”
At that moment, Effie’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen, pausing for a beat before picking up.
“Hello?”
“Effie, where are you?” Mitchell’s voice was urgent, almost frantic.
“I’m out,” she replied, her tone calm and detached at the sound of his voice.
“What? You’re not back at the office yet? There’s an important meeting today— about the competition. Did you forget?” Mitchell’s voice rose in frustration.
“I’m taking the day off, Mr. Lloyd,” Effie said, her voice cool.
“Effie, is something wrong? Is this about last night? You know they were just joking around—had one too many drinks.” Mitchell sounded defensive, as if the whole thing had been harmless fun.
“Whether it was a joke or not, I don’t care anymore. By the way, I’m off today because I’m getting married,” Effie replied, a hint of irony curling her lips.
“Are you serious? Effie, who are you marrying? Is this some kind of ultimatum?” Mitchell’s reaction was instant-disbelief and suspicion twisting his words.
Effie almost laughed aloud.
An ultimatum? So that’s how he saw her.
Maybe her heart had already gone numb, because his words didn’t even sting anymore.
“Relax. The groom isn’t you. I’ll be at the office this afternoon,” she said, then hung up.
Afterwards, a complicated expression flickered across her face.
Lyman glanced over. “Mitchell?”
Effie nodded softly.
Lyman’s brow furrowed, his expression suddenly darkening. “I hope you’ll keep your distance from him from now on.”
Effie met his gaze, calm and steady. “I know. I will. But we just got married. I’m still adjusting. Could we not make it public right away?”
She needed a little time to get her life in order.
Lyman paused. “Alright, take your time. But remember, since you chose to marry me, I expect you to be my wife in every sense. I don’t need a wife in name only.”
Effie flushed bright red.
His words were intimate, almost suggestive, but he delivered them as casually as if discussing the weather. Effie bit her lip. “I understand. Just give me three days- I want to tell my grandmother first.”