Once N finished ordering, she handed the menu to Damon.


    After he ced his order, she finally said, "By the way, I told Vrie about our marriage today. I n to invite her and Brandon over for dinner in a few days."


    Damon nodded. "Alright, it''s up to you."


    "Also, when will you have time to visit my dad and tell him about us?" N asked.


    "I might be busy for the next couple of days. How about Saturday?" Damon suggested.


    "That works," she replied.


    Looking at her seriously, Damon said, "N, I owe you. Once everything is settled, I''ll make it up to you with a proper wedding."


    Seeing the guilt and sadness in his eyes, N took his hand. "Don''t be silly. I''ve already said I don''t care about that. As long as the three of us are together and happy, that''s all that matters."


    "But I still feel like I''ve let you down," Damon said, his voice heavy with emotion. He loved her and couldn''t bear the thought of her suffering, even a little. His heart ached for her.


    "Enough of that! Today is our wedding day. Let''s not dwell on these things. We''re here to celebrate, so cheer up," N encouraged.


    "Alright," Damon agreed.


    After dinner, Damon drove N to the riverside.


    She nced at him, puzzled. "Why aren''t we going home?"


    "There''s one more thing I need to do," Damon answered.


    "What is it?" Just as she asked, fireworks suddenly burst in the night sky nearby.


    Startled, she turned toward the disy, her eyes widening in surprise. "This was your doing?"


    He nodded. "Yes. I hope you like it."


    "Thank you. I love it." Without saying more, she focused on the dazzling fireworks filling the sky.


    Damon stood quietly beside her, his gaze not on the sky but on her.


    ...


    In a restaurant overlooking the river, Drake and Alexander sat across from each other.


    Hearing the crackle of fireworks, both turned their heads toward the spectacle. Drake chuckled. "Beautiful fireworks, don''t you think, Mr. Kinsey?"


    Alexander''s expression hardened. "From what I''ve heard, they registered their marriage today. You''ve always wanted to marry N. How can youugh at a time like this?"


    N and Dangon had been together for so long without registering their marriage. For her to do so now, during the precarious state of Prospectus Technology, clearly demonstrated her loyalty. She would not leave Damon.


    Drake raised an eyebrow. "You''re too old-fashioned, Mr. Kinsey. This is the modern age. Marriage is just a piece of paper. Even if they''re married, they can still get divorced. The process doesn''t matter to me as long as the result is what I want."


    "Alright, then. I''ll wait to see your result," Alexander said, his voice cold.


    One way or another, N and Mason had to go to Meristate.


    If not, the Nixons would fall into the hands of Edward''s mistress-a result neither Emerald nor the Kinseys could ept.


    "Fine, but I hope you won''t interfere when I take action," Drake reminded him.


    "If your actions harm N or Buddy in any way, I won''t let you off!" Alexander warned, his tone sharp.


    Drake sipped his wine, raising an eyebrow. "You can rx about that. My goal is to be N''s fiancé. Hurting her or Buddy wouldn''t serve me any purpose."


    "You better keep your word!" With that, Alexander stood and left.


    Drake nced at the fireworks outside, smirked, drained his wine, and exited the restaurant.


    After watching the fireworks, Damon and N returned home around 10:00 p.m.


    As they stepped into the living room, Damon''s phone began to ring.


    Upon seeing that it was Spencer, his face darkened slightly. He turned to N. "Kneed to take this call. You should head upstairs and get some rest. Don''t wait up for me."