CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 5: BECAUSE YOU LIKE ME?

Big brother Stephen pushed the gold-framed glasses up his nose and said to Shane, "Actually, our family is against Audrey getting married so early, but we also support Audrey’s decision. We don’t have any demands; just be good to her."

Second brother Franklin, a police officer, spoke less politely, "If you dare make Audrey shed a single tear, I’ll report you for domestic violence and let you taste the meals in the detention center."

Fourth brother Scott flicked his long hair, "This little girl isn’t easy to deal with. You still have time to call off the engagement."

Audrey: "Fourth brother! Can you say something nice!"

The fifth brother isn’t here, and even if he were, he wouldn’t talk to you guys.

Sixth brother Norman said nonchalantly, "You’re getting on in years; don’t call me ’bro’ around my sister in the future."

Audrey immediately retorted, "Norman, if you can’t speak properly, then shut up!"

"It’s so rude to call a brother by his first name!"

Samuel glared at him, which made him sulkily shut up.

No matter how unpleasant the words he heard, Audrey noticed Shane was always gracious, passing them by with a light smile.

He’s the kind of man she likes—dignified and charming.

Later, Helen gave Hazel Yates a bank card, saying it’s a token of her feelings, considered as the betrothal gift.

Samuel then voiced a lot of concerns, asking many questions about Shane before letting the butler fetch the household registration book, agreeing to let the two register their marriage.

Seeing Samuel with the look of an old father, eyes glistening with tears as he handed over the registration book to Audrey, she nearly broke down crying, "Dad... why are you doing this? I’m not going away forever."

Samuel waved his hand, "Go, go, hurry up, get things done, and come back for lunch."

"Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Mom!"

The family stood at the entrance, watching Audrey get into Shane’s car.

Although everyone knew marriage was a happy event, the family’s baby suddenly became someone else’s, which was quite poignant to think about.

Watching the car drive away, Samuel looked at the receding car tail, sighed deeply and muttered, "I still feel he’s too old; he’s almost eight years older than our Audrey."

Hazel Yates poured cold water, "You’re eight years older than me! I think the young man is quite good, see how polite and gentle he was chatting today; when they got into the car just now, I saw him protect Audrey’s head with his hand, he’s quite considerate. Audrey has a temper; finding someone a bit mature is good to take care of her, accommodate her."

Big brother: "It’s our little sister’s own choice, let’s respect her. We hope she can be happy."

Fourth brother, leaning against the door while holding a cat, indifferently said, "This’ll always be her home; if she’s treated badly, at worst she gets a divorce; it’s not like we can’t support her."

Audrey didn’t know that, even on her way to get her marriage registered, someone was already thinking about her divorce.

In the car, Shane’s parents were also present, making Audrey quite nervous.

After sending his parents back home, they headed to the civil affairs office.

Audrey then noticed that with only the two of them left in the car, she felt even more uneasy.

Feeling suffocated, she reached out to roll down the passenger side window; as the wind poured in, she heard his voice over the sound of rushing air, "So you were lying to me yesterday?"

"Huh?" Audrey turned her head, looking at him confused.

He turned his head slightly, looking at her calmly, his voice gentle and deep, "You said your family was forcing you to get married."

Audrey immediately realized what he was referring to, but before she could gather her words, Shane asked, "Why lie?"

"Because... because..." She stammered, unable to give a reason.

He responded for her, "Because you like me?"

Audrey’s eyes widened instantly, and without thinking, she blurted out, "Like hell I like you!"

Shane laughed, glanced at her again, and while moving the steering wheel, said, "Then why are you marrying me?"

"Because it’s fun! I just think it’s fun!" she insisted.

"Fun?" he murmured softly, "She’s a child, after all."