Chapter 448 Got the Marriage Certificate
When Willow heard that, she froze and blurted out, "What?"
Mitchell looked at her cute expression and grinned broadly. It seemed this surprise was a bit too much; Willow had gone silly.
Mitchell reached out and gently pinched her cheek affectionately, patiently replying, "Silly girl, of course, we're registering our marriage at the Civil Affairs Bureau."
This time, Willow finally reacted, but the first thought in her mind was that her makeup might not be well done, and her hair might not be properly tied. Then, she thought,' Oh no, don't we need a State Identification Card to register the marriage? I haven't brought mine.'
Mitchell stood opposite her, watching her small face change expressions, from conflicted to sad. He hurriedly asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Willow shook her head and said with a sobbing tone, "Mitchell, I didn't bring my State Identification Card, we can't register the marriage today."
Mitchell sighed in relief at her words, his heart settling back down, and gently coaxed, "Don't worry, I brought yours. It's my fault for not telling you in advance; I wanted to create a surprise, but it seems I worried you instead."
Willow felt better upon hearing that Mitchell had brought her State Identification Card. She hadn't paid attention to this matter before and had even forgotten such an important thing as registering the marriage.
Now that they were at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau, she certainly didn't want to wait another day. Getting the certificate was exciting just to think about.
Now it was her turn to be impatient, pulling Mitchell inside.
They arrived exactly at nine o'clock, making them the first couple to be greeted at the window after it opened. Mitchell took out their State Identification Cards from his pocket and handed them to the staff.
The two then sat down to fill out forms, followed by taking photos, and finally, the staff handed them their marriage certificates. From entering the door to walking out with two red booklets, it took less than twenty minutes.
Standing at the entrance, Willow looked at the red booklet in her hand, feeling like she was dreaming, smiling foolishly.
She looked up at Mitchell's face, then down at the red booklet in her hand, still unable to believe it.
Mitchell held her hand and led her to the car. He didn't start the car immediately but took out his phone to take a photo of their intertwined fingers and the marriage certificates, posting it on Stories with the caption: [Today's weather is great, and so are we.]
Willow also posted on Stories, but her picture was just the two red booklets, with the caption: [Twilight and four seasons, all with you.]
After she finished taking the photos, Mitchell put both marriage certificates away in his pocket.
She was finally legally his. Mitchell turned to look at her, his mouth curving into an uncontrollable smile.
The autumn sunlight streamed through the car window, casting a warm and charming glow on his profile. Especially today, Mitchell had dressed up, looking even more handsome, making Willow stare in a daze.
It was a chilly autumn morning, but at this moment, it felt like spring had arrived.
Mitchell's voice slowly broke the silence, clear, steady, yet very gentle, like the first ray of morning sunlight, bringing warmth. He affectionately said, "Hello, Ms. Jonah, please take care of me from now on."
Willow's face instantly turned bright red at his 'Ms. Jonah,' and she shyly turned her face away, her bashful look making Mitchell's heart flutter, his eyes darkening.
He gently turned her face back towards him with both hands, his deep eyes like whirlpools drawing her in. She looked up at him with a flushed face, forgetting to react.
Mitchell cupped her cheeks, lowering his head to plant soft and tender kisses, as if he was handling the most precious thing, kissing cautiously.
Willow shyly responded.
She softly mumbled, "'Ms. Jonah,' what a lovely sound."
After leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau, they didn't return to the office.
Mitchell said he had taken the day off for her.
When their manager received Mitchell's call requesting a day off for Willow to handle important matters, the manager was a bit stunned but quickly responded, "Got it, Mr. Jonah."
Not long after, the manager saw Mitchell and Willow's posts on Stories about them finally registering their marriage. The project manager felt honored, wondering why Mitchell would need to call him to request a leave for registering their marriage.
He quickly congratulated Mitchell in the comments and added.
The manager: [Mr. Jonah, the company has a marriage leave policy. You can apply for marriage leave for Willow.]
Mitchell seriously read the comment, consulted the HR department about the marriage leave policy, and even asked if he was eligible, leaving the HR staff bewildered.
They respectfully smiled and answered, "Mr. Jonah, all employees of the company are entitled to a marriage leave, which can be taken within a year of registering the marriage, in one go."
Mitchell nodded, as if deep in thought, and walked out of the HR department. He decided then and there that he would take a marriage leave with Willow once they finished their current busy schedule.
He told Willow they were going to celebrate their marriage registration, and the first meal as a legally married couple couldn't be casual; he would take her somewhere nice.
He drove towards the outskirts of Horizon City, the buildings getting lower and the city noise fading away, the air getting fresher, and the environment quieter.
Knowing Mitchell had taken the day off for her, Willow relaxed and started to enjoy the day off, opening the car window halfway. The wind blew in, she felt particularly comfortable, and the fresh air made her want to take deep breaths to clear her lungs.
After about two hours of driving, they reached their destination, just in time for lunch.
The destination was a farmhouse in the outskirts of Horizon City. From the outside, it looked quite ordinary, with a large yard where cars could be parked.
As they drove in, they saw two cars already parked there.
'For people to come all this way on a weekday, this place must be good,' Willow thought to herself.
Mitchell parked the car and led her inside. The owner of the farmhouse greeted them, asking if they were there to eat or stay.
Willow then realized it was also a bed and breakfast.
Mitchell replied to the owner that they were there to eat, and the owner asked if they wanted to sit inside or in the yard.
Willow immediately answered to sit in the yard.
The weather was perfect for enjoying a meal outside in the yard.
Mitchell smiled and nodded to the owner, agreeing with her choice.