As the warmth of the evening enveloped them, Ophelia found herself unable to resist the urge to ask Alexander the question that had been lingering in her mind since the moment they left the Devereux mansion.
"Alexander," she began, turning to him with a curious expression, "why did you choose to marry me?"
Alexander met her gaze, his eyes softening with affection. He took her hand in his, his touch gentle yet firm.
"Ophelia," he began, his voice filled with sincerity, "from the moment I met you, I knew there was something special about you. You're not like anyone I've ever known. You're strong, intelligent, and fiercely independent. But beyond all that, there's a kindness and warmth in your heart that drew me to you."
He paused, searching her eyes for any sign of doubt or uncertainty. Finding none, he continued, "I've loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you. And when the opportunity presented itself to marry you, I knew I couldn't let it slip away. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, Ophelia. That's why I chose to marry you."
Ophelia felt a rush of emotion wash over her at Alexander's words. She had suspected that he cared for her deeply, but hearing him say it out loud filled her with a sense of joy she had never known.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached out to cup his face in her hands. "Alexander, I... I love you too. More than words can express."
They sat there for a moment, lost in each other's gaze, the warmth of their love enveloping them like a comforting embrace.
At that moment, Ophelia's phone rang, breaking the spell. She glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was from her own company, SKYHeights. With a sigh, she answered the call, fully expecting it to be yet another mundane business matter.
But as she listened to the voice on the other end of the line, her expression shifted from one of boredom to one of amusement.
"What is it?" Alexander asked, sensing her change in demeanor.
Ophelia couldn't help but smirk as she relayed the message to him. "It seems someone has been trying to hack into our system. But don't worry, I've taken care of it. I instructed them to create a false database that will show 'Better luck next time' to whoever tried to breach our security."
Alexander chuckled, impressed by her quick thinking. "You never cease to amaze me, Ophelia."
She grinned, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over her. "Well, what can I say? It's all in a day's work."
As they settled back into the comfortable silence of the evening, Ophelia couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected turn her life had taken. She had found love in the most unlikely of places, and she knew that with Alexander by her side, there was nothing they couldn't overcome.
But amidst their serene moment, Ophelia's curiosity couldn't be contained. "Alexander," she began, her voice soft, "did you ever imagine we could become childhood sweethearts? You know, grow up together, go through all the phases of life, and eventually end up here?"
Alexander's eyes twinkled with amusement at her question. He pondered for a moment before shaking his head gently. "As much as I'd love to entertain the idea, Ophelia, life doesn't always follow the script we imagine. But I believe that every twist and turn has led us to this moment, and for that, I'm grateful."
Ophelia smiled, a sense of contentment washing over her. "Me too, Alexander. Me too."
---
Meanwhile, back at the Devereux mansion, chaos reigned. Eleanor and Clarissa were frantically discussing the latest developments with Eleanor's family, who had arrived in response to her urgent call. The tension in the room was palpable as they tried to make sense of the sudden turn of events.
Eleanor paced the room, her anger barely contained. "How could this happen? How could Ophelia marry Alexander Blackwood so suddenly?"
Clarissa, looking equally flustered, tried to calm her mother. "We didn't see this coming. We underestimated her."
Eleanor's brother, Richard, leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. "The Blackwoods are powerful. If Ophelia has married into their family, we need to reconsider our approach."
Eleanor's frustration grew. "This was supposed to be our chance to take control. Now, not only does she keep her shares, but she's also aligned with one of the most influential families in Europe."
Richard interjected, "Perhaps it's time we start considering a strong alliance for Clarissa as well. It could strengthen our position."
Clarissa's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean, Uncle? I'm already in a relationship with Jack. We love each other."
Eleanor, her expression cold and calculating, turned to her daughter. "Clarissa, this isn't about love. This is about securing our future and protecting our family's legacy. If Jack isn't the right choice, we need to find someone who is."
Clarissa's jaw clenched in frustration as she fought against her mother's manipulative tactics. "I won't do it, Mother. I love Jack, and I won't let you ruin that."
Eleanor's eyes narrowed, her tone icy. "You will do as I say, Clarissa. This is non-negotiable."
"Do you want my relationship to be a business deal like yours? Don't even think about it or else be prepared for everything that I will ruin." Clarissa's words struck like rubbing salt on a wound.
Richard also got shocked and he could not help but scold her.
"Clarissa, watch what you are saying. Is this the way you talk to your mother?"
Clarissa was already angry and that added to her anger.
"What? Did I say something wrong? It was true just like herself she wants me also to be a part of a business contract marriage."
As the argument escalated, tensions reached a boiling point. Meanwhile, Ophelia and Alexander, unaware of the chaos unfolding at the Devereux mansion, continued to bask in the glow of their newfound love, cherishing every moment they spent together.