At the banquet hall, Lorie’s face was livid. She couldn't help but glance at Lee and his wife. They all knew there was no other way out. The Sawyers hadn't expected such humiliation on their special day. Meanwhile, Hannah's parents and Oscar's parents chatted happily, oblivious to the countless eyes upon them—eyes that felt like knives.

"Oscar, take Hannah and get your marriage license," Robert urged.

"Yes," Oscar replied respectfully. His every movement was gentle and courteous, a stark contrast to the "Master Oscar" persona. He led Hannah away from the wedding party, in full view of everyone.

Hannah took a deep breath. "I didn't think you'd come," she said.

Oscar raised an eyebrow. "So you were disappointed?" Offstage, he seemed his old self, the performance on the stage clearly a masterful act.

"No," Hannah said, slightly exasperated. "I just… didn't think you'd be so serious."

"I've always been serious about you," Oscar said, his voice magnetic.

Hannah was moved, yet also slightly overwhelmed by his seductive intensity. With things as they were, there was nothing left to say. Then, the thought of Charles's wretched expression filled her with joy.

"Mr. Wells, we're here," Jimmy, the driver, announced. Hannah noted the use of "Mr." instead of "Master," sensing a significant difference in meaning. Oscar nodded, exiting the car before circling to open the door for Hannah. "Miss Cooper, you may get out now."

"I didn't say we're getting a marriage license," Hannah protested, distracted and forgetting to ask their destination.

"Charles, with his intelligence, will suspect a charade and investigate our marital status," Oscar explained. "The only way to convincingly prove we're a couple is to obtain a marriage license."

Hannah hesitated, but agreed. Charles might not suspect immediately, but he would eventually discover their deception, making their actions today a monumental embarrassment. "Okay," she conceded. "But I won't take advantage of you." She emphasized her refusal of any benefits, such as the just-announced bride price. Oscar, however, offered a wicked, ambiguous smile, causing Hannah’s face to flush. What was he thinking?

"Miss Cooper, don't delay the auspicious time," Oscar gently reminded her as she started to lose her temper.

Hannah followed him into the marriage registration hall. Oscar had thoughtfully provided a casual dress, the perfect fit preventing any embarrassment. Hannah panicked, realizing she hadn't brought her identification. Just then, Alice, her family's maid, arrived breathlessly, "Miss, your household register and ID card. Mr. Cooper asked me to bring them."

Hannah looked at Oscar. "I informed my father-in-law," he admitted. She found his thoughtfulness surprising. Without further comment, she accepted the documents.

They obtained their marriage licenses in under twenty minutes. "Happy Newlyweds!" the staff cheerfully exclaimed. The phrase brought back memories of her last life, when she and Charles had obtained their licenses after a wedding ceremony—a ceremony after which Charles had torn up the license, claiming it was unnecessary since they wouldn't divorce. Now, she realized his gesture had been a slight, a declaration that her name was unworthy to be associated with his.

Looking up to ask Oscar's next plan, she found him staring vacantly at the certificate. "The picture's nice, I know," Hannah teased, "but you don't have to stare at yourself all the time." He hadn't looked away from the certificate since receiving it.

"You just noticed that?" he replied lightly, still fixated on the license. Hannah rolled her eyes. "What's next?" she asked seriously.

Finally, Oscar looked up. "...Have a wedding, of course."

Hannah was bewildered. They had already publicly declared their marriage; another ceremony seemed unnecessary.

"I've asked my father to notify the guests. Our wedding ceremony will be tonight."

"Tonight?" Hannah confirmed.

"Tonight," Oscar affirmed.

"Is that necessary?" she questioned, considering the expense and effort, especially after the day's humiliation of the Sawyers. Even another wedding wouldn't change that.

"I need to show you what a wedding ceremony is," Oscar said slowly.

Hannah was left wondering what he had planned.