Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 443: A Surprise For You

Chapter 443: A Surprise For You

At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion

It was barely past breakfast, and Vernice was already pacing back and forth in her room. She chewed on her lower lip, glancing now and then at her phone, as if expecting someone to call her and tell her what to do. But no one would. This was her decision.

"We should marry now," she whispered under her breath for the fifth time, stopping in the middle of the room. Her brows were drawn together, and she hugged her arms around herself.

’What if he backs out of the surgery again? What if something happens and they miss this chance?’ Her heart ached at the thought. She didn’t want to pressure him, but she also knew Rock too well. He was stubborn, selfless and terrified. He’d keep delaying his surgery unless she gave him a reason not to.

"This is crazy," she whispered to herself, then pressed her palm over her chest. "But if I wait, he’ll find a way to delay it again. He needs this... we need this."

She walked to the mirror, took a deep breath, and stared at her reflection. Her lips curled into a nervous but determined smile. "Okay," she said to herself. "Today’s the day."

She grabbed her phone, took one last deep breath, and began sending the messages and making calls. Whatever happened next, she would face it with Rock... married, united, and ready.

***

Vernice stepped out of her room, her heart pounding with nervous excitement. She found Rock sitting in the living room, reading something on his phone with his glasses slipping slightly down his nose. He looked so calm, so unsuspecting. It made her pause for a moment.

Could she really pull this off? Yes. She had to.

"Hey," she said lightly, walking toward him with a smile that didn’t quite hide her nerves.

Rock looked up, curious. "Hey. You look like you’re up to something."

She laughed, reaching for his hand. "Actually... I am."

Rock’s brow arched. "Do I even want to ask?"

"I have a surprise for you." She tugged on his hand, gently coaxing him to stand. "Come on. No questions. Just trust me."

He stood reluctantly, peering at her with mild suspicion. "A surprise? You do know I’m not great with surprises, right?"

She grinned and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Then it’s time you get used to them. Today’s one of those days."

He chuckled but allowed her to guide him out the door. "At least tell me where we’re going."

"Nope." She playfully wagged her finger at him. "You’ll find out when we get there."

Rock groaned as she dragged him toward the car. "You’re lucky I love you."

"I am lucky," she said under her breath, smiling to herself.

Rock glanced at her again, clearly trying to piece things together. "You’re not kidnapping me, are you?"

She winked. "Would you resist?"

He laughed softly and shook his head. "Not a chance."

After a few minutes of driving, Rock’s brows furrowed as Vernice turned onto a familiar road.

"Wait... this street looks-" he paused, leaning forward as he glanced out the windshield. His eyes narrowed. "Vernice... isn’t this the way to the Civil Affairs Bureau?"

Vernice gripped the steering wheel tighter and forced a casual tone. "Hmm? Oh... maybe."

"Maybe?" Rock’s voice raised slightly, a mix of confusion and realization hitting him. "Why are we going there?"

"We’re just passing by," she said a bit too quickly.

Rock turned to look at her fully now, suspicion plain in his eyes. "Are you seriously... Vernice-"

Before he could finish, she pulled the car to a stop right in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

Rock stared at the building, then looked at her. "You dragged me here... to get married?"

Vernice quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and gave him a sheepish smile. "Yes. And don’t try to escape, or I’ll make a scene."

Rock opened his mouth, then closed it again. He looked at Vernice in disbelief. "You tricked me."

"I prefer the term surprised you with good intentions," Vernice said sweetly. She hopped out of the car and ran around to open his door.

He didn’t move.

She reached for his hand. "Rock, please. I know this is sudden, but I mean it. I want to marry you today. Right now. I know you, Rock. You’ll keep postponing your surgery unless I make it official first. So here I am. Making it official."

Rock stared at her, jaw tense. He glanced at the building again. Then at her. Her eyes were pleading but unwavering. He let out a long sigh. "Unbelievable..." he muttered, shaking his head.

But when she tugged on his hand again, he let her pull him out of the car.

"Vernice, we agreed that I’d handle everything," Rock complained, trying to catch his breath.

"How could I face your siblings and your mother if we don’t do things the traditional way? You’re the only daughter in the family, and I know how much they treasure you. And as your man, I want-"

Vernice cut him off by gently placing her hand over his mouth. "No. Your surgery comes first. You won’t agree to it unless we’re married, so we’re getting married now. We’ll just postpone the big wedding and do it properly once you’ve recovered."

She was desperate. The idea hit her that morning, and without wasting time, she moved quickly. Melanie and Ben, who were probably inside the Civil Affairs Bureau now as witnesses, while she asked Rain and Sanya to take care of the sudden celebration preparations back home. With Alexander and William out early for work, they were the only ones she could drag into her spontaneous plan.

"Don’t worry about my family," she said with a reassuring smile, tightening her grip on his arm. "They’ve always supported me in everything I do. They didn’t even want me to return home. And they’re glad you’re letting me stay here instead of kicking me out."

Rock looked around the office, still stunned. Vernice turned to face him fully, her voice firm and eyes steady.

"Anyway, we’re already here, so let’s get married. Then we’ll have a short three-day honeymoon before your surgery."

Vernice held her breath as she waited for Rock to react. Her hand was still wrapped around his wrist, and her heart thudded loudly in her chest. She was so nervous, hoping he wouldn’t push back or walk away. She just needed him to go with the flow this time... just once.