Chapter 84

In Isaac's eyes, his action was born of jealousy. Utterly absurd.

Yet he had to admit to himself, the green-eyed monster had taken hold of him. He envied his own younger brother, of all people.

Bobby possessed the kind of background and capability that matched his own, along with the advantage of a strong and healthy body. Standing side by side, Bobby seemed far more fitting for Verena. Any woman weighing her options would almost certainly pick Bobby. And yet...

Isaac's arms tightened, holding Verena as though she were his anchor in a storm.

He would never permit anyone to steal her away-not even his own brother. That was a line he could never allow to be crossed.

His lashes, thick and unyielding, drooped and brushed against Verena's skin, leaving her itching, while his uneven breaths fanned over her bare shoulder, summoning tiny goosebumps.

Verena instinctively drew back her shoulders, her slender fingers tracing idle circles in his hair.

Her voice, husky yet soft, broke the stillness. "Isaac, you're different today... what's troubling you?"

She knew him well enough to sense it. That kiss earlier had not belonged to the lsaac she had grown accustomed to after his memory loss. Something had stirred him.

Isaac raised his head and brushed her lips with his own, his breath deep, steady, almost deliberate. Instead of replying, he countered, "Do you have feelings for me?"

His tone was serious, the kind of question not asked in passing.

Verena's lips curved faintly, her eyes carrying quiet mirth. "Why such a sudden question?"

The light in Isaac's eyes dimmed; her answer had evaded him. With deliberate care, he tilted her chin upward,his gaze lingering on her lips-rosy, moist, and impossibly tempoting. Narrowing his eyes slightly, his breath deepened. "Forget it," he murmured. "Whether you do or not, it's

enough that l love you."

And before another word could rise between them, he kissed her again.

This time, it was no gentle touch. He claimed every breath she drew, fierce and demanding, as though he

could tether her soul to his.

He held her so tightly their chests pressed together, each heartbeat a drumbeat of longing. Every motionevery inhalation revealed the cracks in his armor-his deep-rooted insecurity.

At last, their mingled breaths slowed, and silence reclaimed the room.

Verena, lips tingling and numb, gasped for air, her chest heaving before she steadied herself.

When she had gathered her composure, she gently lifted lsaac's head from her shoulder. "lsaac, truly...

what's happening with you?"

At first, she was only curious about his unusual behavior. Now, she needed an answer.

Isaac lowered his gaze, unwiling to unveil the truth. "it's nothing," he said softly. "Jjust some work matters

wearing me down."

His eyes glimmered faintly as he spoke, and Verena frowned. She could see right through it

Work matters wearing him down? For lsaac, who thrived on work like air? That excuse wouldn't convince asoul.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "You...

Before she could continue, lsaac cut across her words. "Because of your family affairs, our marriage wasdelayed once before."

She blinked, unsure why he suddenly raised the subject, And then he declared, "Let's register our marriagetomorrow."

Not a request. A decision carved in stone. Verena studied him in disbelief, searching for a trace of jest-there was none.

"So suddenly?" she asked.

At that, a flicker of unease flashed through his eyes, his voice stiff. "You don't want to?"

Though caught off guard by his abruptness, once she collected herself, she nodded. "Of course I do."

The following morning, Isaac was already waiting outside Verena's hotel.

After dressing and gathering her documents, she was about to leave when a message from him lit up her phone: "Remember to bring the documents."

Ever since leaving her the previous day, he had been sending the same reminder, as though chanting a mantra, terrified she might have second thoughts.

Standing by the elevator, Verena typed back, "I know. If you scroll through our chat, you'll see you've reminded me more than twenty times already."

When she stepped outside, a black car waited by the roadside.

The driver, spotting her, hurried forward to open the door.

Verena offered a smile of thanks. Once she was seated, Isaac's first words were, "The documents?"

Half amused,half exasperated, she pulled them from her bag. "Why don't you hold onto them yourself?"

He accepted them, and only then did his tension seem to dissolve, a faint smile tuggingat his lips.

The car rolled forward toward the courthouse.

Isaac picked up her ID card, eyes resting on the photo. ID pictures often betrayed their owners-washed-out faces,awkward expressions. But hers was different. Her features were refined, her complexion smooth as porcelain. Dressed in a black jacket, she looked spirited, though the fit was slightly oversized, broadening her shoulders unnaturally-a borrowed garment, no doubt.

His gaze lingered. Verena noticed. Did he remember something? "Something on your mind?" she asked.

Isaac lifted his head, earnest as ever. "Very beautiful."

Verena blinked, taken aback, and then tilted her head. "That's all?"

Sensing her dissatisfaction, he hesitated before adding, "I've never seen anyone as beautiful as you."

Her laughter slipped out softly. He hadn't remembered the past. She nodded, saying nothing more.

Isaac frowned, unsure if her reaction was delight or disappointment.

She turned her gaze toward the window, catching sight of the card in his hand. That very card had been obtained under his insistence. On that day, she'd shown up in only a white blouse. Because ID photos required dark clothing, Isaac had wordlessly stripped off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Seeing him scrutinize the photo a moment ago, she had thought he might have recalled a fragment of that moment.But perhaps... memories required patience.

Soon, the car drew to a stop before the courthouse.

They got out, Verena pushing his wheelchair forward.

Inside, the hall was quiet, with few people about. Following the staff's guidance, they filled in their forms.

Just as the final step approached, Isaac caught hushed voices behind him.

"Isn't it strange, marrying a man with a disability?" a man whispered.

His companion nudged him sharply, murmuring, "Shh, they'll hear you," before the two stifled laughter.