Sophia's lips curved into a smile, her eyes crinkling like crescent moons. "Whatever makes you happy."

Alexander gave a gentle nod. "I'm fine with anything."

Natalie pouted, clearly bored.

Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she dialed Ethan's number. "Call me sister-in-law!"

A cold voice replied, "Looking for trouble?"

"Sophia is my man's sister. Calling me sister-in-law is only right!" Natalie declared triumphantly. "Say it!"

"Get lost."

"Jerk!"

Natalie huffed and hung up, her pink lips puckering in frustration.

Sophia's heart melted at the sight of her sulky expression.

She pinched Natalie's cheek playfully. "If he won't say it, I will. Sister-in-law."

Natalie immediately hugged her and planted a loud kiss on her cheek. "You're the best! If I were you, I'd have dumped my brother ages ago with his rotten temper."

Sophia defended him loyally. "He's improved a lot."

"Not enough!" Natalie rolled her eyes dramatically. "He's not even half as good as Alexander."

Alexander watched their banter with amusement, wishing his mother could see this scene.

After collecting her mother's documents, Sophia bid them goodbye.

Natalie locked the door and skipped over to Alexander, standing on tiptoe to kiss him.

The height difference proved too much.

With a sudden idea, she hopped onto his desk and beckoned him closer. "Come here."

Alexander couldn't help but chuckle.

She was adorable, yet trying so hard to act like a domineering CEO.

He indulged her, stepping forward.

Natalie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him clumsily.

Both were novices, their movements unpracticed.

When her tongue tentatively brushed his, Alexander's breath hitched.

He guided her gently, savoring the moment.

Natalie felt dizzy, as if floating.

Alexander's large hands settled on her slender waist, tender yet possessive.

Her knees weakened, her heart pounding wildly.

His touch was electric, igniting warmth wherever it lingered.

So this was the magic of a kiss.

Meanwhile...

Sophia arrived at the Laurent Corporation and handed the documents to Vincent.

"So fast?" Vincent marveled. "My team failed three times."

Sophia smirked. "I used a little trick."

"Well done."

"With people like him, unconventional methods are necessary."

Vincent passed the documents to his assistant for processing.

Two days later...

Tuesday, February 22nd on the lunar calendar.

A long line stretched outside the marriage registry.

Sophia wore light makeup—her fourth visit here.

Her emotions were indescribably complex.

Vincent escorted them directly to the director.

Ten minutes later, two crimson marriage certificates were issued.

In the photo, the elegant Vincent stood beside Evelyn, her silver hair gleaming.

Sophia recalled a quote by Marguerite Duras, her eyes stinging.

Vincent traced the photo with his finger, murmuring, "From now on, I can protect you openly."

Sophia's nose tingled with emotion.

Such devotion was profoundly moving.

Leaving the registry, Sophia clutched the certificate, dazed.

Ethan took it from her. "From now on, only death will part us."

Sophia gazed at him, thousands of words condensed into one sentence: "If you stay, I'll follow you to the ends of the earth."

Ethan pulled her into his arms. "Once our family recovers, we'll have the grandest wedding."

Her heart swelled with warmth as she cupped his face and kissed him fervently.