The process for the registration of marriage was surprisingly easy. All they needed to do was bring along their identification, fill in some papers, and sign. However, since it was such a spontaneous decision, they did not even have the time to go for a premarital body checkup. As they emerged from the courthouse, Nancy clutched the papers tightly in her hands, trying to fathom what had happened. She could not believe it. That was her second marriage! She stared at the picture of herself and Yaacob on the paper. The man's face and name were totally foreign to her, and yet they were going to spend the rest of their lives together. Nancy was so engrossed in the photo that she missed a step and almost tumbled off the steps. Fortunately, Yaacob reached out to catch her just in time, and she landed against his well-toned chest. "I look better in real life than in photos, so there's no need for you to worry. You have plenty of time to admire this handsome face. As for now, pay atte

Nancy frowned when she saw them. "What are you doing here?" she asked, directing her question at Spencer. Teresa, clearly displeased that Nancy was ignoring her outright, strode over to her grandfather and greeted him in a syrupy sweet tone, "Hi, Grandpa." "Oh… it's Teresa!" Andrew gazed at her lovingly, but at the same time, the look in his eyes was not at all the way he looked at Nancy. It was clear who was his favorite. All of a sudden, his gaze fell on the man standing behind her. "Spencer? Nancy told me… you were busy with work." "Uhm… yes! He was, until now!" Nancy piped up before Spencer could say anything. She walked over to his side and asked, "I didn't know you'd be coming, Spencer. Why didn't you call me first?" "I'm here to accompany Ter—" "I know. You're worried about me coming here alone, so you decided to surprise me. I had been telling Grandpa about how busy you were because I didn't want him to think you're an irresponsible grandson-in-law!" Nancy said, lac

"What the hell are you doing?" Nancy's eyelids flew open, and she swatted his hand away. She sat up in the bed, and her gaze met Yaacob's. At this moment, he was wearing his bathrobe with the belt wrapped loosely around his waist. From the way he was perched above her, Nancy could see every crevice of his well-defined abs through the gaping bathrobe. His gaze was sharp, burning with fiery passion. It was no secret what he was thinking. Nancy pulled her collar up and shot him a warning glare. "Not tonight!" Yaacob's expression darkened at this. "Is it because of him?" "No, it's not. What does this have to do with him?" Nancy peered at him out of the corner of her eye. "It's because of something else. I'm sure I don't need to tell you what." She still remembered how quickly he had been to kick her out of his study. Now that they were not yet on speaking terms, how was she supposed to make love to him? Even if she relented, it would not be enjoyable for either of them.

Nancy decided she would pretend this never happened unless Yaacob brought it up. Perhaps neither of them would want to bring it up considering there were other people here. Nancy was hoping Yaacob would forget about this when all of a sudden he said, "Before we start our meal, I believe someone has something to say." Nancy's heart leaped into her throat. Before she could even summon the courage to say anything, however, Yaacob called out, "Xander, Lucy?" Xander and Lucy exchanged glances, then stood up and made their way to Nancy, each clutching a glass of mine in their hand. "Nancy, we're sorry for how we treated you the last time we met. We sincerely hope you can find it within yourself to forgive us," Lucy said. Xander, despite casting her looks of extreme reluctance, also raised his glass and said, "Sorry for how we behaved last time." Although one could argue that his apology was not sincere, Nancy could tell that it already took him a lot to put down his ego to sa

Nancy could not help feeling insulted by this. "Hey, what do you think I am? Some kind of prostitute?""Hey, my money doesn't grow on trees. There's no such thing as a free lunch," he said matter-of-factly.Nancy was a little offended by this. She felt like she was just there to satisfy him physically, yet at the same time, he spoke to her in such a solemn tone that it made her feel like he was dishing out philosophical advice. Perhaps it would be more convincing if he were not stark naked."Well, you can insult me, but not my integrity!" Nancy said defiantly. "I don't want your money. Do you think I can't make my own?""Okay then!" he replied, smiling, and put the card back into his wallet."Hey, wait!" Nancy stopped him. "Can you loan me some money first?"After having lived in poverty for over a month, Nancy had basically gotten a clear idea of the entire Athenapolis market. Even if she made her own money, she would only be able to afford a luxurious piece of clothing after