18. Convinced and Married?
Eva paces nervously near the window while Ria folds her arms tightly, eyes flaring with confusion and tension.
RIA
(half yelling)
Wait, what the hell do you mean you're getting married to Dr. Neil Morris?! Are you even hearing yourself?
EVA
(softly but firmly)
Ria,-listen to me first.
RIA
No, you listen to me! He's your BOSS, Eva. He's-he's arrogant, and cold, and... How could you even say yes to something like this?
EVA
(Low sigh)
Because he helped you, Ria.
RIA
(startled)
What?
EVA
(voice low)
That day you were going to be taken into custody... You were seconds away from being booked. I-I didn't know what to do. But he did. He made some calls, he pulled strings, he protected you.
Ria blinks, her expression faltering.
RIA
But... why would he-?
EVA
He asked me to do something in return. A favor.
(beat)
This marriage... it's that favor. It's not what you think, Ria. It's... for legal reasons. There's something more to it.
Ria stares at Eva, the shock draining the fire from her face.
Eva paces nervously near the window while Ria folds her arms tightly, eyes flaring with confusion and tension.
RIA
(sarcastic laugh)
Wow. This is insane. You're marrying the Ice King of Harmony and Care to repay a favor?
EVA
(whispers)
I know how it sounds...
RIA
(turning to her, emotional)
Eva, you're my only sister. I love you. I trust you. But I'm terrified that you're walking into something bigger than both of us.
Eva kneels down beside her.
EVA
Maybe I am... but I trust myself. And... I don't think he's as heartless as he acts. There's something in him, Ria. Something broken. Something human.
RIA
(bitter smile)
Great. Now you're trying to fix a broken surgeon. That's so very you.
Eva chuckles sadly.
EVA
Yeah... maybe.
(beat)
But I won't let anyone hurt you again. Not even me.
Ria sighs, slowly leaning her head on Eva's shoulder, still fuming but softening.
RIA
You're still gonna tell the grandparents though. Good luck with that one.
The backyard is modest but well-kept-potted lilies by the fence, a swing creaking lightly in the breeze. Eva sits on the wooden bench, her knees pulled up slightly, staring at the ground.
Neil stands a few feet away, hands in his pockets, watching her struggle with words.
EVA
(voice low, trembling)
I can't... I can't break my grandparents by telling them this is a fake marriage. They've been waiting for years to see me settled-really happy.
(her eyes shine)
If I tell them it's just for a year, it'll crush them, Dr.Morris.
Neil takes a step closer. He's seen her upset before, but not like this-this feels personal, raw.
NEIL
(softly)
Eva...
She shakes her head, brushing a stray tear with the back of her hand.
EVA
They raised me after Mom and Dad... They've been through enough. I don't want to give them a reason to worry again.
That second he wanted to suck all her problems like a cyclone sucking thin air.But instantly realised he was the reason for it and there is no option left to back off now.
Neil glances at the marigolds swaying in the wind. He hates seeing her like this-defeated, cornered. Then, slowly, an idea forms in his mind.
NEIL
What if we don't tell them?
Eva looks up, confused.
EVA
Don't tell them... what?
Neil walks over, sitting on the bench beside her.
NEIL
That it's fake. We let them think it's real. No big announcement about the "one year" thing. We... act the part when we're around them. Make it convincing.
Eva blinks, caught between relief and disbelief.
EVA
You're saying... lie to them?
NEIL
(smiles faintly)
I'm saying-protect them from a truth they don't need to know right now. If this is about sparing their hearts, then... let's make it look real.
A voice interrupts.
RIA
What?!
They both turn to see Ria standing at the back door, holding a watering can, mouth open in shock.
RIA
(half laughing, half outraged)
You're actually planning to fake an entire marriage in front of Grandma and Grandpa? That's... insane.
Neil shrugs, as if it's the most logical plan in the world.
NEIL
It's better than shattering them with the truth.
RIA
(staring at him)
You're either the most heartless person I've met... or the weirdest kind of thoughtful.
Neil gives her a I have no better option look.
Eva shaking her head at the absurdity of it all.
Neil's thought: She's holding herself together for them... and here I am about to wreck that? No.
From the porch, Ria-arms crossed, face already suspicious-leaned against the railing.
Ria: (flat) "What?"
Eva blinked, confused.
Eva: "You mean... pretend...?"
Neil: (nodding, with that irritating surgeon-level confidence) "Exactly. We'll let them believe this is the happiest decision of our lives."
Ria: (mock gasp) "Wow. And here I thought fake marriages only worked in movies."
Neil ignored her jab and gave Eva a reassuring half-smile.
Neil: "Leave the convincing to me."
Neil sat opposite Eva's grandparents, both of whom were sharper than anyone his surgical board had ever thrown at him.
Neil: "... from the first time I saw her, it wasn't her smile that caught me-though it's impossible to miss-it was the way she listened. Like the world could be falling apart, but she'd still hear you..."
Eva's head snapped toward him. Where on earth did that come from?
Neil: (turning to her grandparents, voice lowering just enough to sound intimate) "I've seen her in moments when she's tired, frustrated... yet she still cares. That's when I knew-I wanted to stand beside her. Not just when things are beautiful, but especially when they aren't."
Eva's mouth parted slightly. Her brain screamed: He's lying. Her heart whispered: He's... really good at this.
Ria, sitting in the corner, had her brows arched so high they could cut clouds. Her expression said: Are you buying this? Because I'm not.
Neil: "We're not perfect. But I think love isn't about perfection-it's about choosing each other, even on the days you don't feel like it. And with her... I'd choose her every day."
Eva nearly choked on her tea. The audacity.
Her grandparents smiled warmly, clearly touched. Eva managed a shy nod, cheeks heating-not cause she is blushing but from embarrassment.
Ria mouthed at her sister: He's full of it.
Eva mouthed back: I know!
Neil, completely aware of the silent sibling exchange, only leaned back casually, as though sealing the deal was as effortless as checking a patient's pulse.
Inside, Ria was fuming: This man just took the "Most Cunning" award without even breaking a sweat.
And Eva... she was still standing there wondering how the famously cold Dr. Machine had just transformed into a poetic charmer who could outwit the smartest grandparents on the planet.
Grandfather: "Dr. Morris... promise us one thing. Don't... don't break her."
His old fingers trembled slightly as they rested on Neil's hand.
Eva's throat tightened. She hated this-hated seeing them so vulnerable, so fearful for her. Beside her, Ria crossed her arms, lips pressed into a thin line.
Neil didn't flinch. Instead, he leaned forward, gaze steady.
Neil: "I can promise you this-Eva will always have my respect, my care, and my loyalty.
Whether it's rain or sun, good days or bad, I'll be her constant.
She's... not just your granddaughter, she's my responsibility now. And I don't take that lightly."
Eva blinked. Who is this man? This wasn't the sharp-tongued, impossible-to-please Dr. Machine she knew. This was... different.
Neil slowly stood, walking closer to the grandparents, his tone deepening with sincerity.
Neil: "She's strong. But even the strongest hearts deserve someone who stands with them, not against them. I'll be that person."
The old couple smiled through watery eyes, visibly comforted.
Eva swallowed hard, her chest aching with an odd mix of guilt and admiration.
Ria (muttering under her breath, leaning toward Eva): "Ohh God... never expected this from him. Someone save my sister from this dangerously convincing man."
Eva shot her a look, but her lips twitched at the corners.
Neil turned slightly, catching Eva's gaze for just a moment. It wasn't smugness he wore-it was something steadier. Assured. And Eva hated how, for one tiny second, she believed every word of his lie.
The small office smelled faintly of fresh paper and old wood polish. Sunlight poured through the dusty blinds, striping the floor in golden lines.
Eva sat beside Ria, her hands folded in her lap, fingers nervously twisting the ends of her simple sleak outfit. Ria leaned back in her chair, chin tilted up, her eyes scanning every movement of Neil as though silently warning, One wrong move, mister.
On the other side, Neil sat with Denver and Ryle. Ryle, who had known Eva only as "Ria's sweet sister," now wore a smug little grin, shooting her teasing glances. Denver, however, still looked mildly amused that Ketchup Girl was sitting there ready to marry his friend.
The registrar, a plump man with round glasses, cleared his throat and looked up from the form.
"Alright, Mr. Morris... Miss Walter... please sign here."
Eva's heart skipped. This was it. No flowers, no music, no vows in the open air-just ink on paper.
Her hand trembled slightly as she signed her name. Neil took the pen after her, his signature sharp, precise, confident-as if this was the easiest thing in the world.
Ria leaned closer to Eva and whispered, "If he smirks one more time, I'm throwing this pen at his head."
Eva bit her lip to hide a laugh.
The registrar looked at them over the rim of his glasses. "Congratulations. You're now legally husband and wife."
The papers were signed. Simple. Quiet. No flashing outfits, no vows, no grand celebrations-just a signature binding two lives together.
Eva's grandparents stood a little away, their hands clasped together, eyes soft yet heavy with unshed emotions.
Grandmother reached out, gently taking Eva's cheeks in her palms. "It's not the wedding we dreamed for you, child... but sometimes the quietest bonds are the strongest." Her voice wavered. "Promise me, no matter where this road takes you, you'll find happiness."
Eva, already glassy-eyed, nodded and whispered, "I will, Grandma."
Then Grandfather's stern but trembling voice broke the silence. He turned to Neil. "And you-Dr. Morris." His gaze was sharp, but his tone carried the weight of love and fear both. "We've trusted you with our girl. She is our heart. Don't... don't you ever break her."
For a second, everyone held their breath.
Neil didn't rush his answer. He stepped closer, straightening his posture, his voice steady but sincere.
"I give you my word, sir. She may have been your heart until now, but from today-she's mine too. I won't let a single crack touch her, not as long as I breathe."
Eva froze. Her heart skipped a beat. This man... is this really Dr. Machine speaking?
Ria's jaw dropped, muttering under her breath, "Oh, for God's sake... who knew he could actually talk like that? Someone save my sister from Shakespeare in a lab coat."
Just enough that Ryle could hear.
Denver tapped on Neil's shoulder with a quiet, "Guess there's no turning back now, Doc.
"
Ryle grinned, "Welcome to the family, dear sister in law"
Eva gave him a look that promised revenge from his teases.
Ria clapped for them knowing it was fake but she unknowingly trusted Neil for some reason.
And mouthed "shut the fuck up Ryle morris. "
Behind the teasing, though, there was something heavy in the air-Eva could feel the unspoken reality pressing on her: she was now tied to Neil, not just in front of strangers, but in the eyes of her grandparents.
Neil glanced at her then, and for a split second, there was no smugness-just an unreadable steadiness, like he was silently saying, I'll handle this.
The grandparents then blessed the couple quietly, pressing their hands over Eva's head and giving Neil a look that said we're trusting you, son.
Ryle, who was standing close to neil walked towards Ria, smirked. "Excuse me? You don't have to worry about your sister. If anyone needs divine habibi come here, it's Neil."
Ria whipped her head toward him. "Excuse me? Eva is literally sunshine in human form. She can fix anyone. Even your grumpy, robot-mode brother."
Ryle scoffed, running a hand through his hair dramatically. "Robot? Please. Neil is a top surgeon. The man saves lives while you're still figuring out which eyeliner matches your outfit."
Ria narrowed her eyes. "First of all, rude. Second, Eva is a resident who is also brilliant. She doesn't just save lives-she heals hearts. Your brother is lucky to have her."
Ria , leaning in. "And your brother is lucky that Eva agreed to marry him. Let's not forget that."
"Agreed" Ryle shot back. "But Neil is the once-in-a-lifetime man."
"Wrong!"
"you are Wrong Mister!"
walked out of the registrar's office, adjusting his blazer. He paused, looked at the two of them arguing nose-to-nose, and let out a long sigh.
Ria and Ryle both turned to glare at him.
Denver smirked, pulling out his phone. "Wow, Let me just call the fire department. Because with these two... sparks are guaranteed."
Ria groaned, covering her face. Ryle laughed.
"Children," denver said, voice dry, "in case you forgot, Neil and Eva are officially married. Both of your darlings are now stuck with each other. So instead of fighting who's the prize... how about you pray they survive each other? "