Love's Perfect Match

Hank's apologies kept coming and coming, yet they couldn't call Yelena's rationality back.
Suddenly, she seemed to have thought of the most heartbreaking part of her story, and she couldn't help but curl into herself. "I
was truly in pain at that time. I hated myself for not protecting the child. It was also then that I knew that there was no possibility
left between us."
She would never be able to accept him as a potential partner if she couldn't get over her baby's death.
He caressed her head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "That's not true. You just need to turn around. I'm always right
here waiting for you."
She raised her head and looked at his chiseled jaw and tender gaze with tearful eyes. Just then, her lips trembled in a miserable
attempt at a smile. "I can't. It's too late now."
"Then, let me ask you this. Do you still love him?"
She blinked. "Of course, I love him. I've always rejected his advances, but I've never denied loving him."
When he heard that, he finally felt relieved. "Since you love him, he will surely protect you. He won't let you be hurt anymore."
Yelena rubbed her eyes, and her head felt heavy. "But... you're not him. How could you possibly know that? Anyway, it doesn't
matter. My relationship with him is already over."
Hank remained silent, his fingers slightly curling, seemingly discouraged.
After that, she suddenly lifted her head and asked, "Since it's impossible between him and me now... It doesn't really matter who
I marry now, does it? So, would you like to marry me?"
Her words shocked him once again.

"I've thought about it. Since this is my emotional baggage, I know I'd feel guilty if I held him back. That's why I've decided to find
a random person to marry. This way, he can finally move on."
"Aren't you afraid that he'll be angry or unhappy after learning about all this?" His tone was icy as if his words could cut through
her very soul.
"Being angry or unhappy is one thing. If he keeps waiting for me and I waste my time and youth, I'll never be able to forgive
myself for the rest of my life." As Yelena spoke, there was a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "Actually, I'm quite reluctant to follow
through, but I have to do this for him."
"Are you doing this for him or yourself?"
Hank felt that she was acting somewhat irrationally today. There wasn't even a single shred of rationality in her words. I really
shouldn't let her drink this much from now on. Luckily, I'm the one here tonight. If it were someone else... Would she find just
someone random to marry?
She impatiently waved her hand. "Alright, let's not talk about anything else. Just tell me, do you want to marry me or not?"
"If I weren't here today... If it were someone else, would you still ask the same question?" he needed to ask this right now for his
peace of mind. It was because he knew that she couldn't recognize him at the moment.
"Of course. I said I was going to find someone." With that, she stood up abruptly and looked at the time, feeling slightly dizzy.
"Luckily, there's still time. City Hall hasn't closed its doors yet. Let's go and sign the marriage certificate right now."
"Now?" He was already being pulled along before he could even react.
Yelena was quite efficient; she quickly returned home and retrieved her birth certificate from some random corner.
"Where's your birth certificate?"
Since Hank's father passed away, many of the family's documents were in his hands.

He pulled his birth certificate from his car's compartment and waved it in front of her.
She grinned when she saw that. "Since we both have the necessary documents, let's go."
As he drove, he asked, "You didn't even ask me for my name, and you're ready to marry me?"
"Of course, I know who you are. You're Hank." She rubbed her nose.
He raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of happiness rising in his heart. "What do you mean? You know who I am? So, you want to
marry me?"
"Of course. Why would I randomly marry anyone?" She laughed heartily. "I was just kidding earlier. I can recognize you, of
course."
This left him speechless. Alright, you win.
"Honestly, I wanted to marry you a long time ago. I've always wanted to marry you. I really, really, really want to marry you." As
she spoke, her head was throbbing intensely. Right now, she could barely recall anything but this plain fact. She could only
repeat the sentence, "I really want to marry you."
He used one hand to gently caress her head upon hearing her words. "Alright, don't overthink things now. We'll be at City Hall
soon."
He knew that she was speaking her heartfelt words under the influence of alcohol. Once she sobered up, it would be too late for
all of this. I have to take her to get the marriage certificate before she sobers up. I need to bind her to me completely. It's better to
be safe than sorry.
At this thought, he stepped on the gas pedal forcefully, accelerating as he quickly drove them toward City Hall.
When they arrived at their destination, he gently carried her out of the car.

She opened her eyes when she felt the slight sting of the sunset on her face.
"We're at the City Hall now. I'll ask you again. If you really want to marry me, come inside with me. I won't force you if you don't
want to. Your courage seems limited after all." The first sentence was meant to give her room for contemplation, but the final
sentence was a malicious taunt meant to goad her into going through with their marriage.
Yelena was infuriated by the last sentence. Since she was still heavily influenced by the alcohol, she grabbed his arm and strode
inside. "Of course, I'll marry you. I think you're the one who's afraid."
With that, both of them sat in front of the staff. When the employee caught sight of the furious Yelena and the smiling Hank, who
seemed to have fulfilled his wish, she suddenly felt that these two were not here to get married. It seemed more like they were
seeking mediation before finally getting a divorce. "Are you sure you want to get married?"
Yelena snorted. "Of course."
There was a strong smell of alcohol wafting off her as she had just left the bar. When the staff saw her like that, she was indeed
a bit troubled. "Are you sure? Marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You shouldn't be hasty."
"I'm sure." As Yelena said this, her eyes sparkled, showing a determined and persistent attitude.
Hank, who was seated next to her, nodded with a smile. "We've already decided. Please help us with the paperwork."
Since both of them agreed to it, there was no need for further persuasion.
They had officially become husband and wife the instant they signed their names on the wedding certificate.
Hank's lips curled into a satisfied smile. You made this choice yourself, Yelena. You can't escape anymore.