Marcel Horne was still in his car when he saw Ruby Bluen's pure black Mercedes through the rearview mirror. He opened the door and climbed out.

He was still in his military uniform, his skin slightly tanned, and his robust physique seemed as solid as a mountain. His stern military attire made him appear formidable without needing to show anger, and also exceptionally attractive.

As soon as he got out of the car, passing women couldn't help but turn their heads to look at him. He was undeniably handsome; wherever he stood, he drew attention like a magnet.

He paid no mind to the gazes of others; his eyes were fixed only on the woman who broke into a wide smile upon seeing him through her windshield.

With steady steps, his mountain-like frame moved as he gestured for Ruby to park her car next to his, where an empty space waited.

Once Ruby had parked, he immediately played the gentleman and opened her car door.

"Marcel, I'm so sorry for being late and making you wait. If you had told me earlier that you were back, I wouldn't have been late," Ruby said as she got out, unable to stop herself from rambling a little.

Taking her soft hand, Marcel looked at her with deep-set eyes and spoke in a husky voice, "You've waited for me for so long; my waiting a few minutes for you is nothing."

Ruby understood the deeper meaning in his words, smiled, and stopped her rambling.

Marcel led her toward the coffee shop. As they passed his car, he opened the passenger door and retrieved a paper from inside. It was well-protected in a large envelope—though what important information it held was unclear.

Ruby noticed but didn't ask as he closed the car door and ushered her into the coffee shop.

Although they had grown up together, this was their first time having coffee alone.

One could even say this is our first official date, Ruby thought. Her heart swelled with joy, feeling that all her sacrifices and burdens had finally been rewarded.

Thankfully, she had run away from her wedding.

Thankfully, she had mustered the courage to persist in pursuing the happiness she truly wanted.

Even if their parents from both families don't approve of me and Marcel, at least our feelings for each other are clear now. There are no more unresolved feelings between us. This is a good thing, a good start.

They chose a table in a corner. Marcel thought sitting in the corner would attract less attention.

After they sat down, he ordered a Blue Mountain coffee for each of them. Only then did he realize his miscalculation: his military uniform was too conspicuous. Even sitting in the corner, people's gazes frequently swept in his direction.

A delicate hand reached across the table and rested on the back of his. Ruby's soothing voice followed, "Marcel, don't mind their stares."

He smiled softly and nodded.

When he smiled, the iciness on his face melted, adding another layer of charm to his appearance.

He watched Ruby intently. A day apart feels like three autumns to her, he mused. Isn't it the same for me?

Yesterday, Ruby hadn't come to the military base to see him, and he'd worried she might have encountered some trouble. When he called her, she insisted nothing was wrong. But I know her too well, he thought. She's definitely hiding something from me.

I'm no fool. If she's keeping something from me, it must be related to my family.

I know my mother's temperament all too well; she probably went to the Bluen family to cause trouble.

Thinking of this, Marcel's expression turned cold.

No matter what, I will not allow my parents to manipulate my marriage!

Melodious music played in the café, fostering a romantic atmosphere.

Most of the surrounding patrons were couples, either dating or married. After a few glances at the soldier on a date, they returned to their own private worlds, no longer paying Marcel much attention.

"Marcel, is there something wrong with my face? Or is my dress inappropriate?" Ruby asked nervously, sensing his focused gaze. She quickly pulled a small mirror from her bag to check her reflection. Seeing nothing amiss with her face and confirming her clothes were appropriate, she still felt anxious.

She was treating this meeting as their very first formal date and worried about not looking her best in front of Marcel.

Seeing right through her anxiety, Marcel couldn't help but say tenderly, "Ruby, I like your natural beauty."

He spoke the truth. Even if Ruby were to dress up extravagantly for him, he still preferred her natural look. She was inherently pretty, with fair skin and flowing hair; she would stand out as a natural beauty in any crowd. In his eyes, she was as exquisite as Xi Shi, unparalleled in the world. He didn't want her to lose that innate elegance, nor did he want her to be so on edge.

Deep down, he felt a pang of guilt. Her love for him had been too deep, too intense, too fraught with pain. Now that she finally had a taste of sweetness after so much bitterness, she was terrified of losing it, which was why she now showed such anxiety and concern.

It was my fault!

At his words, Ruby finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She truly hated feeling so anxious.

"Why are you free tonight?" Ruby asked with a smile, now back to her usual self. "I was planning to come find you again tomorrow."

"There's something important I need to discuss with you, so I made time," Marcel said. As he spoke, his gaze deepened, fixed on Ruby with an intensity and warmth she had never seen before. His expression was also unprecedentedly gentle.

He took the paper he had brought from the car—it was actually a report, a new marriage application. He pushed the marriage application gently, and with the utmost sincerity, across the table toward Ruby.

The leader who had approved it was an old comrade-in-arms of his father, Lord Horne, and had known Marcel for a long time. In the military, Marcel called him Chief; outside of it, he called him Uncle. This always smiling, kind-hearted, yet astute leader knew very well that Marcel was the only son of his old war buddy and also the second young master of the city's most prominent family. He also knew Marcel was thirty years old—an age neither too old nor too young, but quite suitable for marriage. However, Marcel had always been stationed in Tibet, and in the all-male environment of the military camp, so he'd never had a girlfriend. His family constantly worried about this crucial aspect of his life. The leader, being very close to Lord Horne, was naturally aware of these concerns. So, when Marcel was transferred back and a girlfriend—one with both beauty and talent—came looking for him at the military camp, the leader was thrilled for Lord Horne. He immediately called Lord Horne to share the good news, only to be met with silence. Lord Horne showed no hint of happiness and later even told him not to meddle in Marcel's private life, which greatly puzzled the leader.