Honey, You're a Billionaire?

"Handle the matters within the family... What matters was Elijah referring to?" Eleanor mused.

Eleanor, who had been so focused on securing the marriage between the Finch and Xanth families, suddenly realized that she might have missed something important. Prompted by Elijah's words, she began to analyze the situation more closely.

Eleanor knew Jonathan was deeply devoted to Rose. Regardless of the intensity of his feelings, his character would never allow him to act inappropriately in the greenhouse, particularly not in front of so many people. The way Jonathan had protectively shielded Rose only reinforced her belief that something was amiss.

Eleanor's face darkened as she carefully pondered the unusual events that had unfolded. Abruptly, she spoke up.

"Everyone, we have some family matters to attend to tonight. So, the birthday celebration will come to an early end. I apologize for any inconvenience, and the Finch family will send a generous apology gift." The implication was clear-the guests were being asked to leave. Disappointment and frustration spread across their faces.

Despite Eleanor's promise of an apology gift, what they truly desired was to uncover the family matters she had alluded to, sensing that something significant was occurring behind the scenes.

The allure of witnessing the Finch family's drama was undeniable, but alas, watching the Finch family matters wasn't something they could indulge in just because they wanted to.

With reluctant sighs and disappointed expressions, the guests slowly exited the greenhouse, resigning to leaving the Finch Manor.

Inside the medical building, the effects of the drug still lingered in her system, and she hadn't fully recovered. Earlier, before the others had arrived, she had only gotten a taste of the temptation she had felt. Frustrated, she had inwardly complained about Jonathan's unyielding nature. However, as her mind gradually cleared, she came to a realization.

Jonathan had been protecting her. She couldn't even imagine the chaos that would have ensued if all those people had witnessed them in such an intimate position.

Thankfully, despite being caught, the situation wasn't overly explicit. It was still relatively reserved.

"Jonathan..." Rose gripped his shirt tightly. She wanted to say that although he had shielded her earlier, their tryst had been exposed, and its reality would be difficult to deny.

She wanted to know Jonathan's perspective on their relationship. Rose's mind was a bit muddled. She tried hard to compose the right words, but Jonathan's voice came first. "We are husband and wife."

His tone was unwavering and resolute, and Rose froze.

"We got our marriage certificate a long time ago. We are legally recognized with a proper and official status," he explained, his deep voice carrying a subtle vibration that she could feel against his chest. Rose's face flushed with heat. Her mind grew increasingly chaotic, and despite her usually agile thoughts, it felt as if her brain had hit a slow-motion button. All she could focus on was the sound of his voice. "It's time for everyone to know that I'm your husband, and you're my wife. What do you think, Rose?"

As Jonathan posed this question, he experienced a newfound sense of nervousness, as if he were proposing.

He had long wanted to disclose their relationship publicly. He yearned to stand proudly by Rose's side, to call her "wifey" without hesitation affectionately, and to shower her with love and adoration. He could take charge in any other matter, but in this, he needed Rose's consent.

Jonathan awaited Rose's response, and although it was only a few seconds, it felt like centuries had passed. Her breathing was the only sound he could hear.

Finally, nestled in his embrace, Rose said softly, "Alright."

"She said alright! She agreed!"

Jonathan thought as a radiant smile

graced his face. His excitement was barely restrained as his voice

dropped to a husky whisper. "Do you know what your answer means?"

Rose blinked. "What does it mean?" she mused.

Her mind was slow at the moment, unable to process such complex thoughts. She looked up at him, finding his face breathtaking from every angle, and asked sincerely, "What does it mean?" Jonathan lowered his gaze to meet her eyes, speaking slowly and firmly, "It means that you can never escape from me again."

Never escape... The words sank into Rose's consciousness, and a sudden realization blossomed within her, making her face flush with warmth.

So he knew all along. He knew she wanted to escape him, to leave Regalia and disentangle herself from their complex affairs.

But when he threw himself into harm's way at Aurora Crest to protect her, she had already made up her mind to stop running. "Yeah, I won't run away anymore." Rose nodded in agreement.

This man cherished her life more than his own. What else could she possibly need to escape from?

Looking up at him, she said in an equally firm tone, "From now on, we'll face everything together."

To Jonathan, those were the sweetest words anyone could ever say. His soul swelled with joy as he held the woman he loved so dearly in his arms and listened to her tender words.

He felt that now, more than ever, they deserved a romantic moment, a private world of just the two of them.

Alas... A slight frown marred Jonathan's brow as he inwardly cursed their predicament.

In the medical room, Leonard and a female doctor had been waiting. Jonathan carefully placed Rose on the bed, his movements and voice as gentle as a flowing stream. "Wait for me."

"Okay," Rose replied.

Jonathan gave Rose one last reluctant glance before finally turning and leaving the room.

Outside, as the guests prepared to leave after the abruptly ended birthday banquet, Jonathan reappeared.

He was still wearing the same shirt, which had been slightly disheveled before but was now straightened out. Even from a distance, his imposing presence was undeniable. Questions arose amongst the crowd. Hadn't Jonathan left with Rose earlier? What was he doing back? The crowd's curiosity rose, but they didn't have to wonder for long.

Jonathan stood before them and spoke with a clear, amused tone. "My apologies for what happened earlier, but there's no harm in a private rendezvous between a married couple, is there?" His words rendered the crowd momentarily speechless, making them wonder if they had heard correctly.

Before they could process the

shock, Jonathan continued, "It's my

fault, really. I just can't resist my

wife. She's already given me an

earful about it, and I promise I'll be more careful in the future."

That "be more careful" sounded anything but sincere, as if he was playfully complaining about being told off.

His expression suggested he was

thoroughly enjoying his wife's management of his actions. It was an emotion that no one had ever imagined seeing on Jonathan's face.

It felt strange yet oddly natural.

As the crowd observed the joy on his face, they began to realize the true meaning behind Jonathan calling Rose his wife earlier. It wasn't just a cute pet name. They were actually married.

"Good heavens! They're married! When did this happen?" the crowd wondered.

Even as they exited the Finch Manor, the shock of this revelation lingered heavily in their minds. Those who remained at the manor were equally stunned by the news.Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.