Ophelia looked at her mother's stern expression, feeling a bit flustered, but still attempted to explain, "Mom, Connor and I decided to get married privately because we take our relationship very seriously and felt that the timing was right. We didn't mean to disrespect you and Dad; we just wanted to be prepared before telling you, hoping you could understand."
Fiona listened to Ophelia's explanation, her expression still grim. "You're being too impulsive, child. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, not something you can decide privately! Getting married without even informing us is disrespectful! If your father finds out, he'll be furious."
Feeling a twinge of guilt, Ophelia persisted, "Mom, I truly love Connor. We've thought about this for a long time and believe now is the best time. We'll respect your and Dad's opinions, but please understand our choice."
Fiona sighed, the anger on her face softening slightly but still showing concern. "Since you're already married, what are your plans for the future? You're both young, there's a lot to consider. Marriage isn't a magic solution to everything."
Grateful for her mother's concern, Ophelia looked at her with determination. "Mom, we'll plan our future together, work hard, and face life's challenges as a team. I believe we can overcome difficulties and live a happy life together." Her voice exuded confidence and determination.
Seeing her daughter's resolve, Fiona realized she couldn't change her decision and sighed softly. "Ah, you young people, always so impulsive. I just hope you'll be happy."
Feeling relieved that her mother had accepted the situation, Ophelia gently squeezed Connor's hand, signaling him to express his gratitude as well. "Thank you, Mom. We'll do our best," Connor nodded slightly, expressing his gratitude to Fiona.
However, Fiona angrily waved the broom in her hand and roared at Ophelia, "You, Ophelia, just wait and see what I'll do to you!"
Ophelia, sensing the situation, instinctively hid behind Connor.
Seeing her daughter hide behind Connor, Fiona couldn't help but laugh. "Do you think you can hide like that?" With that, she raised the broom, seemingly intending to clean up Connor as well.
Facing this situation, Connor felt somewhat surprised. He immediately shielded Ophelia, protecting her from the broom.
"Mother-in-law, this has nothing to do with Ophelia. I willingly married her," he tried to explain, while also protecting Ophelia.
Fiona snorted. "So you quietly took my daughter away? You're going too far!" She stared at Connor. "Young people nowadays, don't even understand basic etiquette? Your father and I don't ask for much, just that she marries someone she likes. But you two secretly got married. Have you ever respected me and her father?"
Fiona hoped Ophelia would settle down and start a family soon. She didn't want her to end up like her older brother, in his thirties without any plans for marriage or children.
However, Fiona also didn't want to see her daughter being mistreated just because she had a marriage certificate. Who wouldn't want their daughter to marry into a good family?
Ophelia just wanted to meet her parents' expectations for the holidays, but her actions seemed to contradict their wishes.
In her current situation, she really didn't want to come home for the holidays only to be set up on blind dates and forced to meet men she didn't like.
"I and Connor truly love each other, so we didn't think too much about it... And, you and Dad have been pressuring me to go on blind dates with men I don't like... I... had no choice," she said, feeling helpless.
Listening to Ophelia's grievances, Connor said to Fiona, "You were planning to set Ophelia up on blind dates with other men. Ophelia agreed to marry me just to reassure me... It's my responsibility, and has nothing to do with Ophelia."
Fiona, seeing Connor defend Ophelia like this, sighed deeply. "Since you two have been together for a while, why didn't you tell us? How could your father and I arrange blind dates for her again?"
Connor squeezed Ophelia's shoulder. "It's my fault. I thought that if I went to see you without having established myself in my career, you wouldn't trust me!"
Fiona glanced at him, somewhat displeased. "So, you just took my daughter away like that?"
Connor glanced at Ophelia. "Well, I was also worried that such an outstanding girl would pass through my life..."
Ophelia shivered as she listened to Connor's words. His words sounded cold yet deeply emotional. It was surprising that he could say such things after only knowing her for a day!
Seeing Connor and Ophelia like this, Fiona sighed deeply. "Well, since that's the case, I won't say anything to you two for now. It's almost New Year's, so when you go back, explain everything to Ophelia's father!" With that, she glanced around. "Are you moving now?"
Connor nodded. "Since we already have the marriage certificate, I don't want Ophelia to live alone outside, and I'm worried about her. So I want her to move in with me!"
Fiona pursed her lips. "Move in with you? I'm not sure about that!"
Ophelia, hearing Fiona's words, immediately nodded and added, "Yeah, I also feel the same. I want to find another place to stay temporarily!"
Fiona was puzzled. "Why not stay here?"
"The landlord doesn't want me here anymore!" Ophelia explained.
Connor added, "The landlord has a son who has always been interested in Ophelia... I've never wanted Ophelia to live alone outside, and some landlords are not very reliable, some even install cameras in the rooms."
Despite Ophelia's cleverness, Connor still couldn't trust her to be alone outside.
The world is dangerous, how could a young girl handle it?
Otherwise... what happened over two years ago wouldn't have happened!