[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-255":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},255,41,"Chapter 41: \"I Want to Make You My Wife\"","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Men really lose their IQ the moment they fall in love, don't they? It’s painful to watch.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The two girls finished their meal in peace.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Can we go home now?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I say, Marcellus, what’s the rush? It’s not even dark yet,\" Damian teased, leaning back.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Cough! Cough! Cough!\" Evangeline nearly choked on her water. She glared at him. \"Dr. Spencer, what kind of risqué things are you saying?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus patted her back, his expression smug. \"Ignore him. He’s just barking because he’s anxious.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Beside them, Remi, who had been enjoying the show, suddenly froze. A deep blush crawled from her neck all the way to the tips of her ears.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, let’s head back to the studio!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline swallowed a laugh. \"Alright, let’s go. I’m exhausted.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline!\" \"Remi!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Both men spoke at once, their voices sharp and urgent. But the girls didn't care. They hooked arms and swept out of the private room with effortless grace, leaving the two men to stare at each other.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian shot Marcellus a glare. \"That’s what you get for showing off! Serves you right.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Right back at you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Once outside the restaurant, Evangeline and Remi shared a look and burst into laughter. The sight of those two arrogant men left speechless was too good to pass up.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The next day, the finals arrived at the same venue. The staff was busy finalizing the stage layout. Today’s competition had no specific theme; designers were encouraged to showcase their absolute best work. Following the runway portion, there would be a special segment: an auction for those interested in the designs, provided the designers were willing to sell.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline… I’m nervous,\" Remi confessed, her heart racing. Getting eliminated early would have been one thing, but making it to the final round was a different kind of pressure.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline gripped her shoulder, her gaze steady. \"Remi, do your best and leave the rest to fate.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yeah,\" Remi nodded firmly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The host’s voice echoed through the hall. \"Thank you for your patience, everyone! Today is the final showdown. Which designer will take the crown? Let’s see the top three contestants from yesterday.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Good luck, Remi!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Bolstered by the encouragement, Remi stepped onto the stage with confidence. She wore a crystal tiara, her white wedding gown featuring an off-the-shoulder cut that accentuated her rounded shoulders. The fishbone-corseted waist created a delicate silhouette that contrasted perfectly with the voluminous skirt. Intricate floral embroidery and sequins caught the light, sparkling like a night sky.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The moment she appeared, the room erupted in applause.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian couldn't hear a thing around him. He stared at his princess with unadulterated longing. She looked ethereal, like a fairy draped in starlight, absolutely intoxicating.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wow! Our first-place designer certainly didn't disappoint! This piece is an absolute stunner. Now, let’s look at the second-place entry.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The second design was a mid-sleeve wedding dress made of heavy silk, accented with pearls and layered tulle. It was grand and sophisticated.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"A true battle of the titans! The second design is luxurious and high-end. I’m quite excited to see what the third place has in store.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The third design featured layers of sheer tulle, puffed sleeves that were both elegant and adorable, and a skirt adorned with floral appliqué. It was like a dream.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"All three designs have been showcased. Now for the tense scoring segment. We’ll be back in a moment.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Our judges have finished their evaluation. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for! Entry No. 8 scores 96! Entry No. 9 scores 96! Entry No. 6 scores 90!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"A fascinating turn of events! Entry 8 and 9 are tied! We’ll have to look at the total combined scores of all three designs to determine the winner. Let’s look at the big screen.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The designs and their respective scores appeared. Hearing the praise surrounding Evangeline’s work, Marcellus felt a surge of pride. He had once tried to chain her to his side, nearly causing her to lose the glory that made her shine so brightly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian nudged his arm. \"Looks like your Evangeline has the first-place spot in the bag.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I was already aware of that.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Heh, look at you, acting all high and mighty.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The host’s voice returned. \"The scores are clear. The first-place winner is our Entry No. 8, with a total score of 288! Second place, Entry No. 9, with 280 points! Third place, Entry No. 6, with 272 points! Congratulations to our winner!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Thunderous applause filled the room.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"We did it! Evangeline!\" Remi hugged her, her voice thick with emotion, tears welling in her eyes.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't cry,\" Evangeline chuckled, patting her back.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"And now, our final segment. All nine designs are exceptional. We’ll now consult the designers to see if they’re open to auctioning their work.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, do we want to sell ours? Or should we keep them as our shop’s signature pieces?\" Evangeline asked.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi wiped her tears. \"Sell them! With you around, *you* are the true signature of our shop!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Heh, alright.\" Evangeline turned to coordinate with the staff.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Our three finalists have agreed to put their works up for auction. Except for Entry No. 8’s preliminary round piece, the rest will go to the highest bidder!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It seems everyone is quite interested in the 'not-for-sale' piece from Entry No. 8. Let me ask her: why is it not for sale?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline took the microphone and smiled. \"Thank you for the support. This piece is for my own collection. One day, I will wear it to marry the person I love.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The crowd cheered. Marcellus’s heart skipped a beat. His throat felt tight, and a warmth spread through his entire body.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, I see! In that case, we won't press her to part with it. Now, let’s start with the first-place design, *Deep-Sea Mermaid: Dawn*. Starting bid is $200,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"220,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"250,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"280,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">...\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"500,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The crowd turned toward the source of the bid, gasping. Once they saw who had raised the paddle, the room fell silent. Who had the guts to snatch something away from the Little Demon King?\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline was speechless. *Why is that man bidding? Is he just moving money from his left pocket to his right?*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"$500,000 going once! $500,000 going twice! $500,000 three times! Sold! Congratulations, sir!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Next, the final round design from Entry No. 8. Starting bid $200,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian gave Marcellus a warning look. \"Don't you dare compete with me for this one.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus understood his intent and chuckled. \"Fine. I’ll let you have it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"250,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"270,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"300,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"500,000!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The room erupted in shock again, looking at the man sitting beside the Little Demon King—a man just as powerful and poised. *Well, it’s not like anyone can mess with them!*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"$500,000 going once! $500,000 going twice! $500,000 three times! Sold! Congratulations, sir! Next, we have the work from our ninth-place designer…\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">With Evangeline’s work settled, she pulled Remi back to the dressing room to pack up, with the two men following close behind.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">On stage, a woman who had noticed the men hadn't even spared her or her work a glance, clenched her fists until her nails dug deep into her palms.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi~ Dr. Spencer bought your dress!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Ever since Remi saw Damian bidding on stage, her heart had been racing. Now, her face was as red as an apple.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Knock, knock, knock.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you girls finished yet?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hearing Marcellus’s voice at the door, Evangeline got up to open it.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"We’re done.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline handed the packed wedding dress to Damian and said with a grin, \"Dr. Spencer, your auction item.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian took the gown and walked slowly toward Remi. \"Remi, we haven't known each other long, and I know saying this now might be sudden, but I want you to know where my heart is. I want to… make you my wife.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Heaven knows what kind of flowers bloomed in Remi’s heart when she heard those words. She hesitated; saying yes this quickly felt too reckless.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing that she didn't reply, Damian grew nervous. \"I’m sorry, Remi. I’m being impatient. You don’t have to answer me now. We can take our time…\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline leaned against Marcellus’s chest, practically squealing with excitement. Watching other people fall in love was just too good.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Just pack it away first,\" Remi said shyly. \"We still need to finish the paperwork with the organizers.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Right,\" Damian murmured, a hopeful smile playing on his lips.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272912526]