The Alpha’s Hidden Marriage, Public Obsession (GL) - Chapter 14

Lin Yulan and Jiang Xue had never imagined that such an important matter as their lifelong commitment would be treated like a game. Standing in front of the bold characters reading “Civil Affairs Bureau,” both women paused in silence at the entrance.

“Are you sure you have really thought this through?”

“What did you say?”

Lin Yulan was surprised to hear those words coming from Jiang Xue. She stood there stunned for a moment before finally responding.

“Wait a minute, shouldn’t I be the one asking that? Jiang Xue, besides being good at holding grudges, do you also enjoy stealing other people’s lines?”

Jiang Xue didn’t want to argue about something so serious. Her tone became calm and serious.

“Once we walk through that door, there is no turning back. If you are having second thoughts, it is not too late to stop now.”

Lin Yulan almost laughed in frustration. She was the one being forced into marriage, yet it was Jiang Xue acting like the reluctant party. To anyone watching, it might seem like they were a loving couple who had spent a long time thinking carefully before deciding to get married together.

“I told you, that line should come from me,” Lin Yulan said as she turned to face her. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted? Now that you have gotten everything you were aiming for, you suddenly want to act pitiful? If you didn’t want to marry me, why didn’t you just say so in front of my mother? If you had stood your ground and refused, my mother would never have forced you. So Jiang Xue, don’t pretend to be helpless now. Honestly, it makes me sick.”

Jiang Xue did not argue. In some ways, Lin Yulan was right. She had indeed been harsh. Maybe that was exactly why she could never compare to Qu Mengxin.

“Well then, let’s go in.”

The Civil Affairs Bureau had just opened for the day. The clerk had only just sat down at their station when Lin Yulan and Jiang Xue walked in. Seeing their tense expressions, the clerk looked confused. The atmosphere between them did not feel like a joyful couple coming to get married. It felt more like two people on the verge of a breakup.

As the two women approached, the clerk cautiously asked, “Are you here to register for marriage?”

Lin Yulan thought to herself that this clerk must not be very professional. They were both clearly young. Anyone could see they were here to get married. Who comes to get divorced at their age?

“Comrade, do we look like we’re here to get divorced?”

The clerk, clearly experienced from many years on the job, replied calmly, “You never know.”

But not wanting to dampen their spirits, the clerk held back further comments and instead asked in an official tone, “Just to confirm, are you here to register your marriage?”

Lin Yulan was clearly hesitating. If they signed the papers, they would officially be spouses under the law. If they wanted to divorce in the future, it would be extremely difficult.

But if she went home without the certificate, Ming Zelan would surely make her life miserable.

She turned her head to look at Jiang Xue, and to her surprise, Jiang Xue turned to look at her at the exact same time. Their eyes met, each filled with unspoken thoughts.

There was something Lin Yulan had once said to Xia Ran that was not entirely honest. She used to complain about Jiang Xue’s looks, saying she only resembled Qu Mengxin by about sixty percent. If not for that resemblance, she would not have even glanced at Jiang Xue.

That kind of comment was only meant to fool people who didn’t know better.

The truth was, Jiang Xue was beautiful. She had bright eyes and perfect teeth. Her large, expressive eyes looked like they held the stars and sea within them. When she focused on someone, her gaze turned incredibly gentle. Her figure was slim, with graceful curves, and her skin was fair. When she stood still in a dress, she looked like a lady who had stepped right out of an ancient painting.

She was unforgettable at first glance.

Back in university, Jiang Xue had many admirers. Lin Yulan had often been asked to pass along love letters from others. If Jiang Xue had not been strikingly beautiful, those Alphas would never have gone to such great lengths to impress her.

“Why are you looking at me like that? The clerk is not just asking me. They are asking what you think too.”

Jiang Xue hesitated, as though she wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words. After a long pause, she still said nothing.

The clerk noticed her conflicted expression. It was not exactly unwillingness, but something more complicated. Jiang Xue’s face revealed her inner turmoil. She wanted to get married, but she also didn’t. Her expression showed the struggle clearly.

“If the two of you are still unsure, perhaps you should go home and think it over,” the clerk suggested gently. “Marriage is a big decision, especially for an Omega like her. This is not something to take lightly. If you are both uncertain about becoming life partners, I would advise discussing it further with your families before coming back. It is a way of being responsible for your future.”

Lin Yulan wanted to shout that there was no future between them. She had been dragged into this against her will. Why should she be the one to consider the feelings of the Omega standing next to her? Wasn’t Jiang Xue the reason she was being forced to marry in the first place?

“Then maybe we should just…”

“We already talked about everything. There is no problem. Please help us complete the registration.”

Lin Yulan had no idea what was going through her mind at that moment. For a brief instant, she thought that if they did not walk away with that certificate today, the one who would end up regretting it might actually be her and not Jiang Xue.

As soon as she said it, she realized how ridiculous the thought was.

How could she possibly regret anything because of this woman?

It had to be the pressure of the past few days. Ming Zelan had been constantly pushing her to meet with Jiang Xue. That must have messed with her thoughts.

“What do you mean maybe? Why are you so indecisive? Don’t tell me you still have unresolved feelings for your ex-girlfriend?”

Lin Yulan was used to speaking to Jiang Xue in that sarcastic tone. Without thinking, she blurted it out in front of the clerk.

The clerk immediately frowned, their patience gone. Forgetting professionalism for a moment, they raised their voice in frustration.

“Excuse me, Alpha. Please watch your words. Even if your Omega had a past relationship, that is completely normal. Do not pretend that you have never had a girlfriend, boyfriend, or first love. No one only meets one person in a lifetime. She is standing here, ready to spend her life with you, and you are still mocking her for her past? Don’t you think that is incredibly unfair?”

Lin Yulan knew she was in the wrong this time. She wanted to explain that things were not at all how they appeared. The clerk had been completely fooled by the pitiful expression of the Omega standing beside her. But then she realized that even if she explained, the clerk would still side with Jiang Xue. Her explanation would only seem like an excuse and make things even harder to explain.

In the end, she forced a smile and swallowed her frustration.

“I came here to register for marriage, not to get scolded by you. Can we hurry up? I have things to do and need to make the most of my time.”

The clerk’s expression became even colder. She turned to Jiang Xue with a look that probably meant something like, “You don’t have to marry this kind of Alpha. There are so many Alphas in the world, and someone like you won’t have any trouble finding a better one.”

Jiang Xue gave a polite smile and declined the silent gesture of sympathy.

“Thank you for your help.”

The registration process was quick. It was noon, so no other couples were around. With the clerk’s guidance, Lin Yulan and Jiang Xue quickly submitted their documents, filled out the necessary forms, and were soon told to go take their marriage photo.

The photography room was simple. A red backdrop, two chairs, and a photographer dedicated to capturing official marriage photos.

That day, Lin Yulan was wearing a dark green women’s suit paired with a white shirt. She looked sharp and professional, like one of those strong corporate women who carried a bit of coldness but also a confident energy. With her striking features, it was hard not to be drawn to her, especially for an Omega.

Of course, that was assuming Lin Yulan could keep her sarcastic mouth shut. Otherwise, the moment she spoke, the charm disappeared.

“Miss, please remove your jacket,” the photographer instructed.

Lin Yulan just wanted to get the photo taken and leave as soon as possible. Without hesitation, she tossed the green jacket onto a nearby table, revealing her well-defined figure.

Jiang Xue paused for a moment. Her eyes instinctively moved toward Lin Yulan’s upper body. After a few seconds, she glanced down at herself. She couldn’t help but question things in her mind. Was it really because Lin Yulan was an Alpha?

But she worked out regularly too. Why was the difference still so noticeable?

Lin Yulan seemed to notice her gaze and turned around.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Are you jealous?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Come on, you are jealous of my body. That’s why you were staring at me like that.”

Jiang Xue felt this was completely unreasonable. She might have been slightly envious, but certainly not to the point of jealousy. Besides, there was nothing worth being jealous about. Most of what Lin Yulan had, she had too.

“Then tell me, how do you know I’m jealous? If I were, why would I be marrying you in the first place?”

That question actually made some sense.

If Jiang Xue truly disliked her figure, she wouldn’t be forcing herself into this marriage just to suffer through it.

Lin Yulan couldn’t figure it out. But that look in Jiang Xue’s eyes clearly meant something. She was definitely staring.

“Then what were you looking at earlier? People don’t just stare at someone for no reason. You’re clearly trying to cover up your guilt.”

The photographer, who had been standing nearby, was speechless. If an Omega was staring intently at an Alpha, it was usually because they were attracted to them. This Alpha must be missing a few screws.

“Excuse me, but I think…”

Before the photographer could finish, Jiang Xue quickly interrupted, trying to stop Lin Yulan from embarrassing herself further.

“Didn’t you say you were in a rush? Then let’s finish the photo and go.”

Lin Yulan, however, seemed to have an obsessive need to argue with Jiang Xue and insisted on getting an answer.

“I’m not leaving. You need to explain yourself first.”

Jiang Xue fell silent.