News of Jonah and Julien secretly registering their marriage in Bernardia without their families'' knowledge spread like wildfire. Within a day, their entire family knew.
Although everyone had epted Julien as Jonah''s partner, they were still shocked to hear about the marriage between the two men.
The next evening, Jonah and Julien, hand in hand, went to see Winston and Mandy.
Alyssa and the other Taylor family members hurried over, fearing the couple would get a dressing down.
"This is a major event. Why didn''t the both of you inform Mandy and me?"
As expected, Winston''s displeasure was evident in his stern expression.
Julien, towering beside Jonah, shrank back, not daring to breathe. He clung tightly to Jonah''s hand, appearing entirely submissive.
"Dad, Mandy, this was all my idea," Jonah said firmly, intertwining his fingers with Julien''s. His protectiveness was evident. "I nned everything behind Julien''s back. He had no clue about the proposal until the veryst moment."
"me me if you need to me someone," he continued. "Don''t me Julien. But one thing remains unchanged."
Jonah turned, gazing deeply into Julien''s blushing face. "Julien and I have registered our marriage. He is my husband-my only partner for the rest of my life."
Afraid of further criticism from Winston, Alyssa tried to lighten the mood. "Congrattions, Jonah! Congrattions!" she eximed, pping loudly.N?velDrama.Org owns this.
She nudged Jasper with her hip and winked as she pped, silently urging him to join in.
Jasper, initially stunned, joined in.
Winston pinched the bridge of his nose. He couldn''t hide the gloominess on his face. "Is it because you don''t trust me, Jonah? Don''t you believe that I''ve already epted Julien wholeheartedly?"
The room fell silent. Jonah and Julien were taken aback.
"You kept it a secret and made yesterday such a big asion without even bringing Julien back. Doesn''t that suggest you think I''m still against your rtionship?" Winston''s voice grew more agitated, his eyes reddening.
Jonah was at a loss for words. "Dad, I... That''s not what I meant..."
"This is an important life event. Not just for you, but also for Julien!" Winston hit the couch''s armrest, his face reddening. "Yet, you just went on with it so sloppily? You didn''t even give him a proper wedding before signing the papers?
"Don''t men deserve something decent too? I thought you were the most caring, understanding, and mature of all my sons, but you''re no better than Ss!"
Shocked to be dragged into the argument, Ss ced a hand on his forehead. Winston still managed to scold him even while reprimanding Jonah!
Jonah and Julien were floored while everyone else was speechless.
Mandy smiled helplessly. She spoke up in a warm and kind voice, "You''ve misunderstood your father, Jonah. Deep down, he''s happy for both of you when he found out that you proposed to Julien and registered your marriage."
Jonah''s chest tightened as he looked at Winston with regret.
"He''s afraid that Julien didn''t get the treatment he deserves. It''s rare that everyone in the family is around. He''d hoped that we could all help you out. We didn''t think you''d decide everything on your own, hide everything even from your father,
and go ahead without telling anyone.
"I think Winston has a right to be mad at you. I''m angry too. You didn''t even say a peep before whisking away my nephew!" Mandy pretended to grumble when, in fact, she was feeling gleeful. "Dad, Aunt Mandy... I''m sorry," Julien choked. He lowered his head in embarrassment.
Alyssa leaned on Jasper''s shoulder
and watched them. She was moved to tears. Jonah had always been a man of few words, achieving great things quietly. His hard work and dedication were why KS Group thrived under his leadership before Alyssa pursued her career. He was a natural leader and the ideal heir,
though it might not have been his true passion.
The only time Jonah felt truly content was when he married Julien.
Winston sighed. "Seeing as Julien called me ''Dad,'' I''ll forgive you. But you must keep me informed about your ns next time!"