Chapter 4 Get Married Today

The cityscape outside the window melted into streaks as the car sped along the road.

Noelle noticed that Ethan hadn't touched the stack of documents beside him since she got into the car. Instead, his long fingers kept brushing gently against a faint scar on his left wrist. It looked almost like a bite mark.

Noticing her staring, Ethan spoke casually, a playful edge in his voice. "A little wild kitten gave me that."

Noelle blinked speechlessly.

Ethan lifted his brows slightly, like a memory had just surfaced. "Short fuse, sharp tongue-real firecracker, that one."

Once again, she was speechless. A wild kitten? Short fuse? Sharp tongue?

That scar... it had to be from when they were kids. She remembered it clearly now-one of their silly childhood fights. In a burst of frustration, she'd grabbed his wrist and sunk her teeth in. Hard.

She hadn't thought he'd remember it, let alone still have the mark.

Why hadn't he used scar cream or something? Why was the bite mark still so clear? Did Ethan look at it and secretly hold a grudge against her every time he saw it?

Feeling a mix of unease and confusion, Noelle rubbed the bridge of her nose and turned toward the window, pretending to admire the scenery.

Ethan said nothing more. He leaned back in his seat, eyes fixed on her side profile, his fingers tracing the scar again and again-like it meant more than just skin.

The air between them felt heavier now. Noelle squirmed a little, feeling his stare. She turned her head, ready to call him out on it.

But the moment their eyes met, she forgot what she was about to say.

Ethan raised his eyebrows slowly, his voice low and full of amusement. "What's wrong, Noey? Thinking of biting me again?"

Noey.

The nickname rolled off his tongue so naturally, so smoothly. His tone was deep, almost lazy, but there was something in it that made her heartbeat skip.

She couldn't stop the memories from flooding back-Ethan had always called her that when they were kids.

Wait... What? Who was even thinking about biting him again?

Before she could respond, the car rolled to a stop in front of Scenery Estate-one of the Martin family's properties.

The tall wrought-iron gates creaked open slowly, and the car eased into the wide, perfectly manicured estate grounds.

Looking out the window, Noelle took in the breathtaking view-a large, calm man-made lake shimmered nearby, surrounded by a bright, colorful garden overflowing with rare and exotic flowers.

Farther out, a vineyard and an orchard stretched across the landscape.

The whole place was far more impressive than the Moss family's villa.

They stopped in front of a grand fountain.

There, waiting with a cane and surrounded by a few maids, stood an elderly man.

His silver hair was neatly combed, and though he leaned on his cane, his eyes sparkled with life and wisdom. Time had carved lines into his face, but it hadn't dulled his spirit.

Even after all these years, Noelle knew him the moment she saw him. It was Levi.

The moment she got out of the car, Noelle rushed toward him, her eyes welling up with emotion. "Levi, I've missed you so much!"

"Noelle! My sweet girl!" Levi's whole face lit up as he took her hand in his. His voice trembled with warmth. "I've waited so long for this moment."

"How have you been, Levi? Are you feeling okay?" she asked.

"Don't you go worrying about me now." He looked at her affectionately. "This old body still works. But look at you-you've gotten thinner. Still beautiful, though. As lovely as ever."

Noelle beamed, her smile soft and sincere. Her eyes curved like crescent moons, shining with a gentle light that made her look even more stunning.

She had always been beautiful, even as a child. Her features were delicate, the kind that looked painted on.

But it was her eyes-bright, clear, full of life-that were most attractive.

Levi beamed as he looked at her, the joy in his eyes warm and genuine, like he was seeing his own granddaughter. He passed his cane to a maid, and then gently took Noelle's hand in one of his and reached for Ethan's with the other. "Come on, let's head inside and talk."

Inside the lavish living room, the three of them settled onto plush, velvety sofas.

A maid appeared with a tray and quietly served coffee.

Levi held on to Noelle's hand. He let out a deep sigh before speaking. "My health hasn't been the best these past few years. I had to travel abroad for treatment, and it's been a slow road to recovery. I only just got well enough to return home. But the moment I got back, I heard things hadn't been good for you with the Moss family. I couldn't bear to hear that, so I asked Ethan to bring you here. If they can't treat you right, then forget them. From now on, this is your home. You're not alone. I'm your family."

His words hit her straight in the heart. They were so kind, so full of love, that Noelle felt her throat tighten. Her voice came out soft, thick with emotion. "Levi..."

"There, there." He gave her hand a gentle pat. "You've had a tough time these past two years."

Then, the mood shifted slightly. Levi gave her a knowing smile and nodded toward Ethan. "You remember Ethan, don't you? You two were always together when you were little. You were really close back then."

Of course she remembered.

Noelle nodded politely, offering a small smile.

Ethan, sitting beside her, looked completely at ease.

His face gave nothing away-calm, composed, unreadable. Without a word, he picked up the coffee pot and poured a cup for Levi smoothly, making even something as ordinary as pouring coffee seem elegant.

Levi's eyes twinkled with mischief as he asked casually, "So, what do you think of Ethan?"

The question caught her off guard. What did she think of Ethan? To be honest, they hadn't exchanged many words on the ride over. And from the way he acted, it seemed like he still held onto whatever past grudge they had. She didn't really like him, and she was pretty sure the feeling was mutual.

Still, Levi wouldn't let it go. "Come on, sweetheart, tell me. What do you think of Ethan?"

Noelle sighed quietly and looked down, mumbling, "He's... fine."

Ethan's expression didn't change much, but one of his eyebrows rose slightly.

Then, slowly, he turned his head and looked at her. His gaze lingered just long enough before he looked away again.

Levi's face, however, lit up. "Perfect! That's all I needed to hear. Now I can rest easy."

Noelle stared at him, puzzled. "Levi... what do you mean?"

Laughing warmly, Levi said, "Years ago, Jeffery and I agreed on getting the two of you to get married. And seeing you now, I must say, you're still a perfect match. Tell you what, Noey-no better time than now. Why don't you and Ethan go ahead and get your marriage registered today?"

Her jaw nearly dropped. She was shocked and said in protest, "Levi, that's way too sudden!"

Levi's face turned serious, and suddenly, he looked a little older. "Noey... my health's failing. I don't know how much time I have left. But if I could see you and Ethan settled, it would put my heart at ease. Don't worry, child. The Martin family will always protect you. Ethan will always be your support."

Noelle didn't know what to say. The love in Levi's voice was undeniable, and she didn't want to hurt him.

She instinctively turned to Ethan, silently begging him with her eyes to turn this down. Surely he didn't want this either. They didn't even get along. He'd always been oddly distant with her-annoyed, even. No way he'd agree.

But then Ethan placed his cup down quietly and looked straight at Levi. His face was calm, firm. "All right, Grandpa. We'll go register it today."

Noelle stared at him, stunned. What the hell just happened?