Transmigrated Into The True Heiress-Chapter 107: Marriage Bureau

Ephyra slept until early afternoon, her body surrendering to the exhaustion she had been carrying for days. She stirred only when Jania entered the room, her footsteps soft but purposeful as she drew back the heavy curtains. Golden sunlight poured in, painting the room in a warm glow, with some rays falling on Ephyra.

"You’re awake," Jania said, her voice bright as she turned to Ephyra, who lay on her side, her expression blank as she gazed out the window before heading to the walk-in closet. "Good. I came to wake you up. Remember, you’re getting married today, right? Well, technically registering the marriage, but still—it’s the same thing. Because of the party last night and knowing you’d need rest, Master Lyle rescheduled the appointment at the NYC Marriage Bureau for this afternoon. Don’t worry—the online application is already done. Han took care of it—"

She paused abruptly as she emerged from the closet, her arms draped with clothing, and noticed Ephyra’s distant expression.

"Ephyra?" Jania called, her brows knitting together in concern as she moved closer.

"Ephyra—"

"Hmm?" Ephyra responded, sitting up with a questioning, neutral expression as though nothing was wrong.

"Did you—did you hear anything I just said?" Jania asked, tilting her head in concern.

Ephyra sighed, brushing her red hair out of her face. "Just because I spaced out doesn’t mean my ears stopped working. I heard you loud and clear. Hard not to, considering how loud you were while rummaging through the closet."

"Good. You’d better have," Jania replied, giving her a pointed look before placing the clothes on an armchair.

"Are we leaving now?" Ephyra asked, standing and stretching slightly.

"Now?" Jania’s eyes flicked to Ephyra’s pajamas, her brow arching. "Dear, even if you wanted to leave now, I wouldn’t let you. Who goes to register their marriage in pajamas?"

Ephyra rolled her eyes. "You know that’s not what I meant. Besides, it’s just a contract marriage."

"It’s still a marriage, as far as anyone else is concerned," Jania countered, crossing her arms. "Or do you plan on broadcasting to the world that it’s just a contract?"

"Absolutely not. I’ve zero interest in telling anyone we’re married at all."

"Then stop wasting time." Jania gestured toward the bathroom. "Go shower and brush your teeth while I call the maids to clean this room."

Ephyra flipped her off as she climbed off the bed. "Fuck you, Jania."

"Yeah, yeah, love you too."

Ephyra made her way to the en-suite bathroom, pausing in front of the mirror as she brushed her teeth. The unfamiliar reflection stared back at her: fair skin, vivid red hair, and striking blue eyes—so different from Eira Kingston’s dark-haired, brown-eyed face she had once called her own.

Was this really her?

Finishing up, Ephyra folded her pajamas and tossed them into the laundry basket before stepping into the shower. The warm water cascading over her skin offered a brief reprieve from her spiraling thoughts. Once done, she wrapped herself in a towel and returned to the bedroom, where sunlight still bathed the room.

Jania was gone, likely summoned by Lyle, leaving Ephyra in quiet solitude. She sat at the dresser, running a hairdryer through her long red locks until they dried into loose, tousled waves. She parted them to the side, letting the soft curls frame her face.

Sliding into the white satin jumpsuit Jania had picked out—a sleek, off-shoulder design with a high waist and wide-legged pants—Ephyra appreciated how effortlessly it draped her figure. She completed the look with platform heels and grabbed a small handbag.

As she took one last glance in the mirror, a flicker of determination lit her gaze. This might be a contract marriage, but appearances mattered now more than ever. Without another thought, she walked out of the room, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.

She met Jania as she descended the last stairs, the rhythmic click of her heels announcing her presence. Jania looked up, smiling warmly as she approached.

"I was just coming to get you. Master Lyle is already outside."

"Are you coming with us?"

"Yes. Master Lyle requested it," Jania replied, falling into step beside her as they walked toward the front entrance.

Outside, the mansion’s grand driveway stretched out before them, bathed in sunlight. Three sleek black cars were lined up in perfect formation, their polished surfaces gleaming under the golden light. At the center of the lineup, a luxury sedan waited with its rear door already open, and beside it stood Lyle.

Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that complemented his sharp features and striking violet eyes, Lyle looked effortlessly handsome. His gaze shifted to Ephyra, scanning her from head to toe, and a faint glimmer passed through his eyes.

"You look... good," he said with a neutral tone that carried a hint of approval.

"How charming of you," Ephyra replied dryly, meeting his gaze with a raised brow. "But thank you."

Jania stifled a chuckle, stepping forward to open the door wider for Ephyra. "Let’s not keep the Marriage Bureau waiting, shall we?"

Ephyra slid into the car, settling into the plush leather seat. Lyle followed, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Jania climbed into the front passenger seat, giving instructions to the driver before turning to glance back at the pair.

The car pulled away from the mansion, the ride smooth and silent. The cityscape of New York blurred past the tinted windows, a mixture of towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. Ephyra stared out at the passing scenery, her thoughts distant.

"Any last-minute hesitations?" Lyle’s voice broke the silence, his tone casual but probing.

Ephyra turned her head, meeting his gaze. "None. This is as much a business transaction for me as it is for you. Besides, what I’m getting would make anyone say yes, and I wouldn’t be the stupid one to say no."

Lyle stared at her. "It wouldn’t be stupid to say no, but I appreciate you doing this."

Ephyra couldn’t help but smile. "Don’t say that. It would be as if I’m the one taking advantage of you."

Jania shifted in her seat, clearly suppressing the urge to interject. Instead, she busied herself with her phone, sending quick messages to confirm their arrival details.

The drive didn’t take long, and soon they pulled up in front of the NYC Marriage Bureau. The building was understated yet elegant, its steps bustling with couples of all kinds.

Lyle exited first, extending a hand to help Ephyra out. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before accepting it, her grip firm and her expression composed.

Inside, the building was cool and quiet. Jania stayed close but kept a respectful distance, her role as a witness clear.

"Let’s get this over with," Ephyra sighed as they approached the counter, her voice barely audible.

The clerk at the counter greeted them with a polite but disinterested smile, accustomed to the constant flow of couples passing through.

"Names?" the clerk asked, glancing up from her computer.

"Lyle Aelion," he answered smoothly, his tone firm but polite.

"Ephyra Allen," she replied, her voice calm and steady.

The clerk’s fingers on the keyboard trembled when she heard Lyle’s name, and she looked up with wide eyes.

"L-Lyle Aelion?" she asked in a shaky voice, shock and disbelief painted across her face.

"Mr. Aelion! Please, you shouldn’t be waiting behind the counter. Please follow me! We have a private office prepared for esteemed individuals such as yourself," the clerk stammered, hastily stepping out from behind the counter. Her eyes darted nervously between Lyle and Ephyra, her professional demeanor faltering under the weight of her flustered state.

Lyle’s lips quirked into a faint smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "That won’t be necessary. We’re here for the same purpose as everyone else. Please proceed as usual."

The clerk blinked, visibly struggling to recover. "O-of course, Mr. Aelion," she stuttered, returning to her computer. Her fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, entering their information with newfound precision. freёweɓnovel.com

Ephyra watched the interaction with mild amusement, her gaze flickering to Lyle. "You do enjoy making people squirm, don’t you?" she murmured under her breath.

He tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Not intentionally."

Within minutes, their application was processed, and the clerk directed them to a waiting area. Jania trailed behind, her phone in hand as she discreetly observed the other couples scattered throughout the room. Some were dressed in extravagant attire, others in casual clothing, but all shared an air of excitement or nervousness—emotions absent in Ephyra and Lyle’s composed demeanor.

As they sat, Ephyra crossed her legs and leaned back, her eyes scanning the room. "So, how many of these people do you think are here for love and how many for convenience?"

Lyle looked down at her, his hands resting on his knees. "Does it matter? Both are forms of partnership, though one tends to be more enduring than the other."

"Cynical, aren’t we?" she remarked, though her tone carried no judgment.

"Practical," he corrected, his violet eyes meeting hers. "Much like our arrangement."

Ephyra’s lips curved into a small smile. "Touché."

A few moments later, their names were called. Jania rose first, smoothing the creases in her skirt as she gestured for them to follow. The officiant, a middle-aged man with kind eyes and a professional air, greeted them in a private room.

"Good afternoon," he began, motioning for them to stand before him. "Are you ready?"

The officiant proceeded with the formalities, his voice steady and clear as he recited the necessary words.

When it came time for their signatures, Ephyra hesitated briefly, her pen suspended over the document. The weight of the moment pressed against her chest—not from sentiment, but from the magnitude of the decision. With a flick of her wrist, she signed her name, the ink sealing their agreement.

"It’s official," the officiant declared, offering a polite smile as he handed them their marriage certificate. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Aelion."

Ephyra accepted the certificate with a nod, her expression unreadable. Lyle offered his thanks, his tone courteous but detached.

As they left the building, Jania fell into step behind them, her phone in hand as she discreetly captured a photo of the newlyweds. "For documentation," she explained with a sly smile when Ephyra shot a glance at her.

They both got into the car, and Ephyra turned to the window, her gaze fixed on the cityscape as the car pulled away. The certificate rested on her lap, a tangible reminder of the contract that now bound them together.

The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling streets. She was married, for the first time in both her lives.