Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 389: Owing Her a Wedding

Chapter 389: Owing Her a Wedding

Ella’s deep feelings for Eric made it unlikely she would heed anyone’s advice, not even Lucas’s.

However, Lucas couldn’t shake his concerns. Eric’s background and status weren’t particularly remarkable. Even though Eric had strength and ability, could he truly protect Ella if they offended a powerful family?

Lucas’s expression turned cold, and his tone hardened as he reminded his adopted son once again, "Make sure to return early, understand?"

"Yes, Father, I’ll make it back within the next few days," Luke replied, not inquiring further about the situation.

Luke had long known Lucas’s ways. For something to be deemed a "family matter," it usually meant a matchmaking arrangement.

Lucas, worried that Luke might remain single his entire life, had spent the past two years seeking out outstanding women for him.

But Luke, much like Lucas himself, had high standards, and most women failed to meet them.

After hanging up, Lucas dialed another number. "Keep a close watch on Eric and Miss Davis. Notify me immediately if they leave Country W."

"Understood, Mr. Anderson."

...

Lucas felt restless, unable to focus on work. Standing by the window, he let his thoughts churn as he gazed at the sprawling view of Wall City. The sky was a brilliant blue, clouds white and fluffy, with bright sunlight bathing the scene below.

...

Meanwhile, Ella was pedaling furiously on her mountain bike, trying to conquer the uphill slope ahead. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, but her spirits had lifted.

Eric quickly caught up to her. "Ella, your stamina is terrible. Even though you started a few minutes ahead of me, I still managed to catch up."

Ella huffed indignantly and pushed harder. But it was exhausting—so exhausting!

Of the twenty or so participants in the race—friends of Eric, company employees, and bodyguards—Ella was now trailing behind nearly everyone. The main group had left her far behind.

Gritting her teeth, Ella silently vowed to herself. In so many areas, she didn’t lose to anyone.

Why, then, am I so bad at this?

"Eric!" she shouted, breathless but determined. "You just wait—I’ll catch up to you!"

Eric chuckled, glancing back at her with a smug and teasing look. "If you catch up, I’ll be your slave tonight!"

Ella’s eyes lit up at the thought, her imagination running wild as she pictured Eric dressed in a maid’s uniform, doing her bidding. The hilarity of the vision gave her a sudden burst of energy.

But the burst didn’t last long. Within minutes, Ella felt her legs grow numb, her muscles refusing to obey her commands.

Eric smirked, throwing a taunting glance over his shoulder. "Keep it up! I’m waiting."

Ella pushed herself harder, her breath coming in gasps. But when she saw Mia, far ahead and effortlessly pedaling, she knew she couldn’t keep up. Bodyguards were always in better shape.

Finally, unable to go any further, Ella slowed to a stop, her feet touching the ground as she leaned on her bike for support.

Eric noticed her struggling and slowed down too, before turning back toward her.

"Ella, this is what happens when you slack off!" Eric scolded, his tone exasperated. "You sleep in every day, and now you’ve even gained a few kilos!"

His words only fueled Ella’s irritation. "Excuse me? Weren’t you the one who told me not to diet? So I gained weight. What’s the big deal?"

Eric rolled his eyes. "Fine. But once we’re back home, just wait and see how I whip you into shape!"

Ella’s face fell as she imagined herself being dragged out of bed at dawn to run laps and exercise under Eric’s strict regime.

Though Eric grumbled, he still got off his bike, took out a handkerchief, and gently wiped the sweat from her face.

The race itself was abandoned, leaving the company employees and bodyguards to continue on their own. After a brief rest, Ella and Eric rode their bikes back to the starting point at a leisurely pace.

"The company might announce Tiffany’s death in the next few days," Eric said calmly.

Ella responded with a quiet acknowledgment, showing no particular reaction.

"Her last film turned out to be The Mount Terror. It’s ironic," Ella said with a sigh. "Thinking back to when we were in Country S, we used to clash so much. But now... she’s gone. And I don’t feel happy about it at all."

Ella’s voice turned somber. "I’m not a saint. I just wanted her to see the truth—that the Miller family’s support for her was only because of Mrs. Miller’s selfish motives. The moment she became inconvenient, Mrs. Miller didn’t hesitate to discard her."

"But now... she’s dead. It’s all over," Ella said, her gaze growing distant. "Life is so unpredictable. We never know what tomorrow holds, so we must cherish what we have today."

Eric’s deep eyes glimmered with a bright intensity. "You’re right. We must cherish the people in front of us. So, Ella, let’s get married."

Ella laughed softly. "We’re already married, remember? Did you forget?"

"I mean, let’s have a wedding," Eric clarified, stopping in his tracks and turning to face her with a serious expression.

Ella froze for a moment, her steps halting as she looked back at him. His eyes held no teasing, no humor—just sincerity and gravity.

"We’ve been legally married for years now, but you deserve a proper wedding. For us, marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it should be the most perfect and grand celebration."

Eric’s tone was firm, filled with conviction.

Ella thought for a moment. She was in her third year of college, with just one year left until graduation. Having the wedding during the winter break seemed reasonable.

"Alright then, how about during the winter break?"

She didn’t protest or insist on some elaborate proposal. Practical and honest—that was Ella.

"We’ll finalize everything when we’re back at the hotel," Eric said with a mischievous grin.

Ella pressed her lips together, smiling shyly. Her heart felt light, like a flower quietly blooming within her, sweeping away the lingering gloom.

...

Over the next few days, Eric took Ella to various jewelry stores and bridal shops around Wall City.

Although Eric had already commissioned custom wedding rings and a gown, he wanted Ella to have the chance to choose anything else she liked. If she preferred something from one of the shops, they could have it tailored for her.

After days of browsing, Ella still couldn’t decide on a wedding gown.

Mia, however, suggested she wait for the custom design, confident it would be more unique and beautiful.

...

During this time, Ella visited Henry again. Lauren shared that Henry had made some progress—he could now hear sounds and even distinguish voices. Ella was overjoyed by the news.

Lauren didn’t dare mention that Henry had shed tears, fearing it might upset her.

"Henry," Ella said softly, sitting beside him, "so much has happened in Wall City recently, but I’ve been safe and unharmed.

"I often think about the days when we used to chat on Facebook or through messaging apps. It feels like just yesterday, but it’s already been over two years. Please get better soon."

Henry remained silent, but Ella believed he could hear her.

"I hope the next time I visit, you’ll be awake to greet me. Don’t let me down, Henry. Because so far... aside from this one thing, you’ve never let me down."

Ella’s large, watery eyes reddened slightly. She stood quickly and walked out, her steps hurried as though escaping her emotions.

Outside, Eric saw her expression and immediately wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.