Chapter 440
Owen answered without hesitation. “Yes. This is just between us. It has nothing to do with anyone else. There’s no need to tell them.”
“As for my parents, if you don’t want to tell them, we’ll just keep it between us. If you change your mind, I’ll handle the conversation–it’s really not complicated…” He paused, then added firmly, “We could keep this secret forever, if that’s what you want.”
That contract wasn’t drafted on a whim–he made the decision only after careful consideration.
Owen had told his parents he might remain single for life, and they chose to respect his decision.
So, he could keep this secret for a lifetime.
Seeing her lost in thought, Owen continued, “Marriage binds two families together. In reality, a woman usually spends less time with her own parents after marriage. And after carrying a child for nine months, the baby still takes the father’s surname–like me, I’m a Shaw, not a Brown. The whole institution is inherently unfair, so why should we buy into it?
“Anyway, I’m yours now–don’t you dare leave me behind.”
After a long silence, Aria finally whispered, “You love me that much?”
Owen tightened his embrace, pulling her closer and pressing his forehead gently against hers. “Yeah, I love you so much,” he whispered.
Aria had always known the contract was just Owen’s excuse to bind them together–no need to think ahead, just live in the moment.
Only then did Aria realize that Owen’s love for her ran far deeper than she’d ever imagined.
He’d taken so many steps toward her, and it was her turn to make a move.
Aria reached out, wrapping her arms around his back as she nestled into his embrace. “Owen, I won’t let you go that easily,” she murmured.
“If you ever fall for someone else, I’ll kill you,” she warned.
She made no attempt to hide her possessiveness. Her words, deadly serious and laced with warning, struck Owen’s ears with deliberate emphasis.
Owen’s lips curved into a smile. He knew she was completely his now.
“Alright, if I ever fall for someone else, you have my permission to kill me,” Owen said with a smile.
He held her close, a smile in his voice. “I’m so happy.”
Aria smiled. “I know.”
She could feel his heartbeat.
Owen looked at her gently and asked, “Madelyn, may I call you this when we’re alone?”
Madelyn–a name entirely her own, with no ties to the Colton couple or the Saxon family.
Aria smiled and said, “Sure, you can call me that in front of others, too.”
Owen shook his head with a playful smile. “Better not–I don’t want others copying me.”
Aria teased with a smile, “So possessive?”
Owen grinned and replied, “Absolutely.”
Aria chuckled, “Then why didn’t you say you’d kill me too if I ever fell for someone else?”
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23:50 Sun, 22 Jun
Chapter 440
Owen leaned against her and murmured, “If you ever fall for someone else, it just means I am not good enough.”
Aria couldn’t help but laugh, reaching out to ruffle his hair. Teasing, she asked, “Do you enjoy being this clingy?”
Owen smiled. “Tonly want to cling to you.”
Aria murmured to Owen, “Time to go?”
“Just a little longer,” Owen murmured, tightening his embrace.
“We can cuddle more at home,” Aria coaxed gently.
Owen looked up and asked in a playful tone, “How long can I hold you?”
Aria coaxed softly, “You can hold me as long as you want.”
Aria’s tone was coaxing, as if speaking to a child. Owen noticed, but he didn’t mind. He was thick–skinned enough to enjoy it.
Straightening up, Owen started the car and drove to the restaurant.
Later that evening, fresh out of the shower, Aria heard the doorbell. Opening the door, she was instantly swept into Owen’s embrace.
“Just like we agreed,” Owen murmured.
Aria said with a hint of helplessness, “Let go first.”
Owen let go obediently, and Aria caught his hand. “Let me register your fingerprint so you can let yourself in next time.”
Owen’s lips curled into a bright grin. “Sure!”
After registering his fingerprint, Owen took Aria’s hand and led her across the hall to register hers.
Owen lingered until ten, about to leave when Aria caught his hand. “Wanna stay?” she asked.
Owen leaned down, cradled her face in his hands, and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “As much as I’d love to stay,” he murmured softly, “I think you still
need more time to adjust to us.”
“Good night, Madelyn,” Owen whispered gently.
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