Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 659

As the conversation progressed, Stephan's expression turned mischievous. He pinched Felicia's waist and asked, "When are you going to make it official for me, Mrs. Russell?"

Felicia stared at the ceiling, silently counting the tassels hanging from the chandelier above.

Stephan wasn't about to let her avoid the question. Gently turning her face toward him, he smirked playfully. "Didn't you promise to let me marry you? Are you backing out now?"

Felicia, flustered by the teasing hand at her waist, blushed and struggled to breathe. She braced herself and replied, "I'm not backing out! I admit it, okay?"

"That's more like it," Stephan drew out his words before pressing further, "So, are we getting our marriage certificate first or officiating our marriage first?"

Felicia considered the options and couldn't help but laugh. Weren't they the same thing?

It was clear what Stephan wanted. He was worried she might escape, so he wanted the marriage certificate settled first. As for the wedding, that seemed secondary in comparison.

Felicia hesitated, then confessed, "Well... I don't think I've reached the legal age for marriage yet, so..."

So, no marriage yet.

For a moment, Felicia saw a fascinating array of emotions flash across Stephan's face. There was disbelief, confusion, frustration, and a faint twitch at the corner of his lips.

Felicia couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing, her chest heaving as tears gathered in her eyes.

Lying on the bed and too weak from laughter to prop herself up, she ended up collapsing into Stephan's arms, her head pressed against his firm chest.

In the end, Stephan couldn't take it anymore. He gently patted her back, soothing her while saying through gritted teeth, "Alright. You win, darling."

Felicia stared at it in awe, feeling that it looked oddly familiar but unable to recall where she had seen it before. She raised her head to look at Stephan, only to hear him lean close and murmur against her ear, "Here's my wedding gift."

Felicia smiled and shook her head. "Alright."

That word was a promise. The simple response carried the weight of the world.

While Felicia's response was calm and straightforward, Stephan reacted differently. He immediately tightened his arm around her waist.

Even through the thin layer of fabric, Felicia was startled to feel Stephan's racing heartbeat pounding against his chest.

The next moment, he rained kisses on her.