Chapter 5: You will be mine

The meal began. Not beyond Primrose's expectations, the story still revolved around her and Joel's marriage. Both sides of the family agreed that they wanted the wedding to take place as quickly as possible. After all, both of them were not young anymore.
Primrose sat next to Joel, not knowing how to interrupt her parents' conversation, just trying her best to finish the food in front of her quickly and by eating as badly as she could. Anyway, she didn't think any family would love a daughter-in-law who ate as much as if she hadn't eaten in a month like this.
Primrose ate happily, trying to make a loud chewing sound to show her ignorance. Joel next to him was extremely lenient and kind enough to help her order more dishes she liked. Primrose ate until her cheeks puffed up.
"Can the wedding be next month? Then Primrose's work will be less, very free. That time is very reasonable."
Primrose's father spoke up, and Primrose choked on the food in his mouth, covering his mouth with a dry cough. Joel was beside her, still patting her back intently to make her feel better, then handed her a glass of water.
"Eat a little slowly; be careful of choking."
Primrose choked until her face turned red, coughed for a few hours, then reluctantly became more comfortable and hesitantly glanced around. Her parents' eyes were narrowed in dissatisfaction; Joel's parents were not disgusted. On the contrary, they also called the waiter to bring Primrose a glass of water.
Feeling that this method was not working, Primrose began to move on to the next plan.
"Next month? It's too early; I don't want to get married yet. I want to continue a one-night stand with a few more people before marrying Joel."
Primrose thought this news was shocking enough—enough to make Joel's parents consider her a slutty and lowly woman. She smugly raised her eyebrows at Joel, not having time to be happy before hearing his mother's approval.
"Okay, it's all right. Previously, Joel also had a few girlfriends. You also need to love a few people to have more experience in love. At that time, the feelings of both of them also become stronger."
Primrose almost gasped. How could his mother be so calm about her hanging out with so many men? Don't they feel she's too arbitrary?
"I don't want to do housework, I don't want to have children, and I like spending money. Can everyone accept this?"
The more Primrose spoke, the more exaggerated it became, directly wanting to reach the limits of the Joel family's tolerance so that they could annul the engagement. But contrary to her expectations, from start to finish, their attitude was extremely mild.
"Okay. You and Joel are young and need to build up their feelings first; there is no need to rush to have children. The housework already has a maid to do, so don't take it too seriously."
This time it was Joel's father who responded, causing Primrose's eyes to widen in surprise. What kind of fairy parent is this? You are so unruly that they also accept you as a daughter-in-law?
"Also, in the future, all my bank cards will be kept by you, so you can buy whatever you want. I will make money just for you to spend as you please."
Joel was also added, further confusing Primrose. Their kindness left her at a loss for words.
Primrose still wanted to do something childish to fight her way out of this bizarre marriage, but her father spoke in a low voice.
"Okay, Primrose, let's put an end to your rude behavior. Everything has been decided. Next month, you and Joel will have a wedding."
Her father cleared his throat to announce it and continued to look her in the eyes with determination.
"Don't say rude things like before; we can't tolerate your disobedience anymore."
Primrose's father's voice echoed throughout the room with an unquestionable determination. Primrose pursed her lips for a long time, still not daring to protest. Obviously, her thoughtless actions and purpose were seen by everyone. Joel's parents are kind to her, but that doesn't mean her parents will let her talk nonsense.
Primrose had no choice but to sigh. Marriage was obviously bound to happen, and it couldn't be changed anymore. As Primrose silently tried to accept the truth, Joel also noticed her frustration and quietly pulled her to her feet.
"People just keep talking. I took Primrose out to get some fresh air."
Primrose desperately did not resist, letting Joel slowly take her hand and leave out onto the restaurant balcony. Finally, he let go of her hand, gently grabbed her shoulder, and whispered.
"Primrose, because my words last night and the bouquet this morning made you angry with me. Did you do that?"
Primrose couldn't see his expression and could only be honest.
"Partly. Since I never had any intention of marrying someone I've only met a few times, I'm a bit confused. I'm also somewhat hostile towards this marriage."
Primrose pursed her lips and spoke her true thoughts. Originally, she had thought it was okay to get married yesterday but thinking about it again still felt like a myth. Moreover, Joel's jokes and initiative also made her anxious to escape.
"I won't force you. Relax a bit, okay?"
Joel pondered Primrose's words, replying softly. Primrose had no choice but to agree. In her father's words earlier, everything is like a board that has been built for a boat.
Joel took advantage of Primrose's deep thought, bent his lips, kissed her lightly on the forehead, and whispered.
"Besides, your parents already said they would marry you to me. Sooner or later, you will be mine."
Joel's confidence and his half-smile silenced Primrose. Her forehead was burning hot, and her ears were also red involuntarily. She was obviously unable to resist this teasing. She resentfully looked at Joel, only to see his hesitation, like the first time they met.
"We used to be more intimate than that. Why is it so embarrassing when I kiss your forehead now? Need to revisit the past?"
Joel is the type who can't be serious for too long, making Primrose's emotions feel like they're on a roller coaster and extremely chaotic. One second she was touched by his gentleness, and the next second she was so angry that her face turned red.
"Okay, let's go in, my fiancé."
Joel also didn't let Primrose dwell on that feeling for too long, taking her hand again. The two parents had obviously finished discussing the necessary things, and when they saw them entering, they announced
"Primrose, do you have any marriage requirements? For example, what color do you want the wedding room painted, or what do you want Joel and you to do before the wedding?"
Joel's mother took Primrose's hand and asked, at which point Primrose returned to her docile posture, pursed her lips, and shook her head. She could only listen to the arrangements of the two families' parents, not daring to continue to be rude.
"Good, then prepare well for the wedding. There's not much time left."
Joel's mother further advised that, anyway, she loves her daughter-in-law very much. She had met Primrose when she was young, so she also understood that she was a gentle and docile girl, very intelligent, and very suitable for her son.
How the date ends is not so clear to Primrose. Since the plan didn't work out anyway, she wasn't too focused on everyone's stories anymore. Just thinking about her single life coming to an end gave her a headache.
She'd soon realized that things would come to this step, and she'd rather not go to that bar that night. Maybe she didn't know Joel, and he wasn't interested in her but agreed to this marriage.
In the days that followed, Primrose, under the threat of her parents, obediently stayed at home and did not engage in any more pointless resistance. Joel is also very persistent, buying her a large bouquet of flowers every day—sometimes sunflowers, sometimes fragrant lavender—all delicate flowers with a light scent.
Her colleagues also gradually expressed admiration for Joel's pursuit of her, but perseverance and this way of spending money without blinking are things only a billionaire like Joel can do. At least until now, Primrose has never been given flowers every day by anyone.
Time passes very quickly; finally, a month has passed, and Joel and Primrose's wedding day is near. Primrose has always felt that everything is not real because it all happened so fast. She has not had time to adjust to this new identity.
The night before the wedding, Primrose's parents advised her on many things when helping her arrange clothes and things to put in the suitcase. Tomorrow Primrose will have to move into Joel's house, so their attitude is also more conciliatory than usual, saying only pleasant things in the softest voices.
"Primrose, I know you still don't fully accept this arranged marriage. But later you will understand that Joel is a good guy who can take care of you and give you a happy life."
Primrose's father spoke solemnly and seriously while helping Primrose pack her luggage. Primrose nodded repeatedly. Based on her knowledge of Joel, she also knew he was trustworthy.
It's just that the feelings between the two are not deep enough, so she feels that the marriage is a bit sudden.
When Primrose finished packing, her parents only instructed her a little more and then left the room, reminding her to go to bed early. Primrose obediently nodded, and she wearily laid down on the bed.
The sound of the phone ringing in the quiet space became clearer. Primrose looked at the name displayed on the screen, took a deep breath, and pressed listen.
"What's up?"
The sound of the wind was heard in the distance, along with Joel's steady breathing. He seems to be standing outside on the balcony, enjoying the wind, so his voice also becomes melodious like the sound of the wind blowing, adding a layer of affection.
"Ready for your new identity, sweetie?"
Whenever Joel wants to tease Primrose, he calls her "sweetie," but the sound is also sweeter. Primrose silently scolded Joel, who knew how to flirt, snorting in response.
"If I say no, what if I say I want to run away? What are you going to do?"
Joel's laughter came from the other end of the line, clearly happy.
"Is that so? Don't you like having a handsome husband who is a billionaire and spends money every day? There are a lot of girls out there who want to marry me."
Primrose narrows his eyes, and Joel also knows how to promote himself.
"Then whoever wants to marry you, let them take it; I don't want to."
Joel laughed louder, and his voice was also infected with a layer of faltering.
"Okay, go to bed early; don't stress about tomorrow's wedding."
Joel paused for a moment, then lowered his voice, making it all the more appealing and gentle, numbing Primrose, and her mind momentarily stalled.
"Good night, my wife."
Joel finished speaking and quickly turned off the phone, leaving Primrose with a fluttering heart rate and an unstoppable increase in heart rate.
She blushed and secretly scolded Joel for being a rogue man who could only play with her feelings.