When Willow turned around and saw her mother’s slightly stern expression, she immediately calmed down and followed her mother to the corridor outside. Anastasia observed her daughter for a few seconds before asking, “Do you like Jasper that much?”
Nodding firmly and seriously, Willow replied, “I do.”
“But his career and job will bring some uncertainties to your relationship in the future. Are you sure you’re ready to be with him?”
Willow nodded toward her mother again. “I’m sure, Mom. Besides him, I will never fall for another man.” After the fake engagement plan, Anastasia had a clear idea of her daughter’s feelings. Willow had indeed fallen for Jasper.
“Mom, I would like to seek your and Dad’s approval. I’ve thought about it very clearly. I want to marry him, no matter what circumstances we might face. I’m afraid of none of them.” Willow held her mother’s hand and spoke out her mind.
Caressing her daughter’s head, Anastasia glanced at her. The daughter she raised was about to get married, and though she was somewhat reluctant to let go, she was happy for Willow because she found the man she loved, and her marriage would be out of true love.
At that moment, Willow heard footsteps and turned around to see her father and Jasper approaching. She ran over to her father and asked, “Dad, are you guys done talking?”
Elliot looked back at Jasper. “Jasper, why don’t you think about it again? This daughter of mine is a troublemaker.”
Unable to contain his laughter, Jasper replied, “I just happen to be someone who deals with troublemakers.”
Upon hearing those words, Willow was stunned for a few moments, and her eyes widened with happiness as she glanced at her father. “Dad, so I take it that you approved of our relationship?”
How can I not agree? They had even devised a fake engagement ceremony, so if I keep disagreeing, this daughter of mine might cause an even larger commotion.
“Willy, Jasper hasn’t eaten anything yet. Bring him out for a meal at a restaurant,” Elliot instructed his daughter. It was also a chance for them to spend some time together. Willow happily grabbed Jasper’s hand and said, “Let’s go. I’ll bring you somewhere with nice food.”
Jasper turned to Elliot and said, “Mr. and Mrs. Presgrave, we’ll be leaving first.”
Anastasia watched them leave and said to her husband, “How did it go?”
“Jasper has decided to retire from the military for Willy’s sake. From now on, he won’t have to go on dangerous missions anymore. I believe he will be able to bring happiness to Willy.”
Anastasia also had faith in her daughter’s taste, and after finding out Jasper was even willing to sacrifice his life for Willow, she and Elliot felt assured to leave their daughter in his hands.
In the meantime, Willow felt relieved while sitting in Jasper’s car. She turned to the man beside her and pleaded, “Promise me that no matter what happens in the future, don’t ever disappear from my side again and leave me alone. Okay?”
Jasper’s deep gaze fell onto her face. “I promise.” She recalled a restaurant with great privacy and gave him the address. Then, they headed for that restaurant.
Once they arrived, they chose a quiet room and ordered their food. The room seemed particularly cozy and comfortable, Jasper insisted that Willow sat on the couch.
When she touched his ear, he understood that she was feeling distressed for him, so he held her hand and gazed at her gently. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
After leaning into his embrace and snuggling into his chest, Willow felt a great sense of security. Besides her father and older brother, Jasper was the man she felt the safest with. It was as though she had the courage to go against the entire world whenever she stood beside him.
Jasper rubbed her head and lightly kissed her hair, breathing in the faint floral scent on her body. Whenever he thought about the day of the rescue, he would still feel frightened. Every time he thought about it, his body would tense up, and he would feel chills run down his spine. If he hadn’t succeeded in stopping Calvin at the last moment, the destructive bomb would explode right beside her.
After he came to, he had nightmares about it for several nights straight, scaring him awake, drenched in sweat. Even though he had woken up, he still couldn’t dispel the fear in him.
