Chapter 2097
Chapter 2097
In an instant, Justin felt like his heart was about to burst out of his chest. His large hand on the doorframe suddenly clenched tightly.
"Why?" Wyatt was utterly baffled. "Justin is already the best version of himself, thanks to you. You two have a solid relationship and have been living together for so long. Why not just make it official with a marriage certificate? That would legitimize everything and make things a lot easier to manage."
Bella pursed her lips and said, "Justin and I don't need a marriage certificate to validate our relationship."
"How could it not matter? In my opinion, the most concrete expression of love is giving the person you love irreplaceable status!"
Wyatt's eyes lit up, and his emotions stirred. "I've only registered for marriage with your mother, and she was the only special person in my heart. She was the true matron of the Thompson household. Even though your mother has been gone for many years, her place in my heart has never changed; she will always be my wife!Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
"Now, when you're out, people will only call you Ms. Thompson or Mr. Salvador's girlfriend. You love Justin so much; don't you want to be rightfully known as Mrs. Salvador? Isn't that what you've been longing for?"
Bella lowered her gaze, remaining silent.
"Bella, are you bothered by the fact that you two were once divorced? Is there any lingering resentment in your heart?" Wyatt asked worriedly.
Justin's heart ached with pain. He wasn't sure if Bella's wounds had healed, but he knew his had not.
He felt anxious, upset, regretful, and guilty. He had hurt the woman he loved most, an injury he could never get over in his lifetime.
It was a deep, penetrating wound that struck him to the core.
He did not dare fool himself into thinking Bella had forgotten. Her silence and lack of mention did not mean she had forgotten.
"No, Dad. I stopped blaming him a long time ago. And you know me--I can endure physical pain, but I can't stand even a bit of emotional pain. So, please don't overthink it. The reason I don't want to get married now is because there's still something major on my mind, and that's Christopher."
Bella's gaze turned cold. "As long as that guy is still a threat, I can't find any peace of mind. I can barely sleep or eat properly. Plus, I know he's lying low now because Justin and I haven't taken our relationship further. But I know him too well. If I were to marry Justin, it would really set him off. Just wait and see, Dad. Christopher will definitely come after the Salvador Corporation and KS Group. He won't hold back against my friends and family just because he supposedly likes me."
She continued, "Christopher is like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. When provoked or when the time is right, he'll strike and deliver a deadly bite to his prey's throat. Ryan and Carrie have gone through so much to be together. I don't want our families, or anyone around us, to suffer any more harm right now."
As Justin listened from the hallway, he was deeply moved by Bella's words, gaining a newfound respect for his beloved.
He realized she had a level of vision, wisdom, and foresight that surpassed his own. All Justin knew was that he deeply wanted to resolve their relationship, give Bella the rightful status she deserved, and make
up for her past regrets.
However, he had not considered that making a big move now could provoke that crazy bastard Christopher to retaliate violently and without mercy.
Even if they were to have a secret wedding, Christopher would surely find out, given his capabilities.
Besides, this time, Justin wanted the grandest wedding. He would not let her deal with the disrespect and lack of dignity that came with a secret marriage.
"Bella, I'm impressed by how deeply and far ahead you think. I'm getting old, and I can't match your foresight anymore." Wyatt sighed deeply, finally accepting the situation. "In that case, you and Justin should take your time and plan this carefully. But from what I see, that boy, Justin, is completely smitten with you. Even if you two don't get the official certificate, he's not going anywhere!"
"Heh, he wouldn't dare!" Bella knelt by her father's side, gently massaging his legs. "If he tries to leave, I'll catch him and break both of his legs!"
Wyatt chuckled. "Why does that sound like something I used to say about your fourth brother?" "What's the difference? Men need to be kept in check, or else they'll get carried away."
The father and daughter exchanged a knowing smile.
Justin smiled quietly and retreated to give Bella and her father some privacy. Still, he couldn't help feeling a tinge of disappointment.
He understood Bella's worries, but deep down, he longed so much to make her his wife. After all, he loved her dearly.
Once Justin stepped out, Bella paused for a moment before asking her father softly, "Dad, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, go ahead and ask," Wyatt replied, relaxing back into his chair. "There's no need for formality between us, father and daughter."
"Dad, did you truly love Mom?" Bella asked earnestly.
"Love her? I loved her more than anything, with all my heart," Wyatt answered just as sincerely.
"If you loved her that deeply, why couldn't you just be with her only?" She looked up at him, her face reflecting her confusion.
Wyatt felt like there was a lump in his throat, the veins in his weathered hand on the armchair standing out prominently.
"Of course, Aunt Mila, Aunt Celeste, and Aunt Sasha are all wonderful people. They've been great to Mom, to me, and to my brothers. But I'll admit, I'm a little selfish. I wish Mom didn't have to share her husband with other women. I don't want the love that should have been hers alone to be divided among others." Bella's voice was choked with emotion.
"Bella, I'm sorry," Wyatt said, closing his eyes as tears welled up. "There's something I need you to believe, though I can't explain why..."