Chapter 453: Adrian Stone's Slender Fingers Deftly Peeled an Apple

"Don't worry. I'm here." Adrian Stone's slender fingers deftly peeled an apple, his lips curved in a gentle smile. As fellow military personnel, they'd naturally secured lower berth tickets for the overnight train.

Elena Ward gazed at the blurring landscape outside the window, her heart unsettled. Though now rightfully Adrian's wife, the thought of meeting his family still tightened her chest. She resolved that after their Capital wedding, she'd insist Adrian visit her hometown properly as The Ward family's new son-in-law to meet her siblings.

"That stepmother of yours must despise me," Elena pursed her lips. "She's probably filled your father's ears with poison about me by now."

It wasn't fear—just distaste for forced pleasantries. Rather than endure hollow social rituals, she'd rather reunite with her own kin. Part of her even fantasized about holding the wedding in her hometown instead, surrounded by genuine warmth.

Adrian handed her the peeled apple, affection glowing in his eyes. "Every bride must face her in-laws eventually. Besides," his voice dropped to a conspiratorial murmur, "we're legally married now. What can they possibly do?" His tone shifted unexpectedly solemn. "I've chosen you for life. To grow old together, hand in hand."

Elena burst into laughter at his sudden romanticism, eyes crinkling like a cat who'd stolen cream. "Silver-tongued devil!"

The compartment lights flickered, casting dramatic shadows across Adrian's chiseled profile. In that moment, Elena knew—this man was her lifelong harbor.

As Adrian gathered fruit peels, his confidence far surpassed Elena's. Their marriage license's smooth processing could only mean his father's tacit approval. Otherwise, with Nathaniel Stone's temperament, any bureaucratic pretext could've delayed them for months.

The irony of fate struck him. What he'd anticipated as explosive confrontation had dissolved through this impromptu wedding. Perhaps some designs were truly celestial.

"Rest now. I'll wake you when we arrive." Adrian drew Elena against his shoulder as the train raced through the night, carrying the newlyweds toward their unwritten future.