Asher continued to reside at the Snow family residence for some time. However, once Melanie started her new semester, he moved out.
He settled into a place near her school, and Melanie followed suit, choosing to live with Asher instead.
The reasoning was noble: it was closer to school and more convenient than dormitory life.
Leonard could only inwardly sigh. He thought that just as out of sight, it is out of mind. As long as they weren't under his nose, he wouldn't have to witness whatever transpired.
Yet, the thought still left him with a nagging discomfort.
Vivienne, somewhat exasperated, reminded him of her earlier conversation with Asher, where he promised not to overstep boundaries before Melanie's graduation.
Leonard felt a weight lifted from his chest, his mood lightening considerably. It dawned on him that Asher could look but not touch for now. Suddenly, his anger dissipated.
Vivienne, however, was tempted to call him a fool, knowing full well that once Melanie graduated, she would belong to Asher all the same.
Melanie and Asher embarked on a blissful life together. Asher was attentive to the smallest details, especially after noticing others expressing interest in Melanie.
He began picking her up from school daily, under the guise of protecting her from unwanted attention. He would never admit that his jealousy had reached new heights.
Melanie playfully teased him, "I've told them I have a boyfriend, who's also my fiancé since he proposed, but they just don't believe me!"
Asher's silent response spoke volumes. They didn't believe her? No problem. He would make his presence known every day.
Indeed, Melanie was incredibly popular among her peers. Taking it a step further, Asher marked her neck that night, leaving a clear symbol of possession.
Melanie was startled but soon found that the number of suitors dwindled within days. Encouraged by the outcome, Asher continued his efforts. A month of consistently asserting his presence effectively extinguished all romantic interests around Melanie. Everyone at school now knew she was engaged to a senior, a perfect match of talent and beauty.
When Melanie reached her senior year, fresh juniors would inquire about her, only to be promptly educated by sophomores, juniors, and seniors alike about her engagement status.
Junior, "..." I'm sorry, I'll leave you alone now!
Senior Sister, goodbye!
Wish Senior Sister and Senior Brother a lifetime of happiness and joy!
Upon confirming the look in her eyes, it's clear these juniors can't afford to provoke her!
Upon Melanie's graduation, Asher eagerly dove into wedding preparations. His face spelled urgency—he was desperate to make her his legal wife. The anticipation of finally being able to claim her fully was too much to bear. He yearned to couple with her.
Vivienne, thrilled to be marrying off her daughter, was quite pleased with Asher. Leonard, after a sigh, also joined in the wedding preparations, acknowledging that while he had initially opposed, Asher was indeed a suitable match for his daughter.
Asher fulfilled every promise he made to Melanie. His future was intertwined with hers. In just two years, he had gone from having nothing to reaching the pinnacle of his career, with potential for even greater heights. People hailed him as a genius, but he knew that his driving force was her. Without her, there would be no Asher as he was today.
Their wedding was a spectacle of falling white rose petals, symbolizing purity and beauty. With a smile, he slipped the dazzling diamond ring onto her finger. Melanie gazed at Asher, her expression earnest, "Asher, I truly love you!"
He had paved the path she dreamed of, leaving her no choice but to express her love once more.
Asher, filled with adoration, replied, "Perhaps my love for you is just a tad bit more than yours for me."
They stepped into the sacred bond of marriage in the prime of their lives.
