Unexpected Love, Sweet Marriage

The officer furrowed his brow and rubbed his forehead, clearly exasperated. "I didn't tell you to speed, and I didn't tell you to eat lychees before driving!"

I stood there, speechless.

That comment was so cold.

I thought, "Can I take back my earlier compliment about him being cold on the outside but warm on the inside?"

Since trying to elicit sympathy wasn't working, I decided to go all out.

"I don't care! You ruined my blind date. You owe me an explanation," I said, buttoning up my coat, puffing out my chest, and lifting my chin defiantly, blocking his way.

The officer asked, "What kind of explanation do you want?"

I shuffled closer to him, my tiny frame pressing up against his, and leaned in close to his handsome face, trying to stifle my sobs with a sly smile.

"It's simple. You owe me a boyfriend."

The officer was genuinely speechless.

Before he could respond, I wrapped my arms around his, tilted my head, and said, "You know, you're not half bad as a cop. Why not just be my boyfriend?"

I could feel his muscles stiffening under my touch.

He looked down at me, incredulous.

Two seconds later, he forcibly pried my hand away, his face reverting to its usual impassive state.

"Sorry, that's not part of my job description.

"Then, as compensation, you can just have the clothes. I have to get back to work this afternoon, so you'll need to find your own way to pick up your car.

"Please return the keys, Ms. Ashcroft. I need to leave now."

The officer maintained a calm facade as he reached for the keys, but I could tell he was internally flustered.

Good. I seized the chance to play the victim. "No, you can't leave. As a public servant, it's your duty to solve citizens' problems.

"My mom said if I don't bring a boyfriend home next month, she'll cut ties with me.

"Now my blind date's gone, and my future boyfriend's vanished. Where am I supposed to find another one?

"This is a huge problem for me, and I'm deeply distressed. If I don't have my mom, how will I go on living?

"I might even get depressed, and who knows what could happen then.

"Think about the consequences. Is a piece of clothing worth that much?

"You have to fix this. Otherwise, it's a matter of life and death."

I rattled on, but the officer remained silent, his expression unchanging.

It was like he was silently mocking me, saying, "Keep going with your act."

I wasn't ready to give up. I pouted and complained, "Besides, you've seen my chest. I'm still an innocent girl, and you need to take responsibility."

The officer's face darkened visibly, though his ears seemed to redden.

I quickly changed tactics, propping my chin on my hands and giving him my best cute look.

"Besides, you see? I'm lively, adorable, and kind. You'd actually be gaining by being with me, wouldn't you?"

The officer put his hands on his hips, frowning as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Wendy Ashcroft, please have some self-respect!"

I blinked innocently and spread my hands. "What's disrespectful about that?"

The officer shook his head, clearly exasperated, and turned to leave.

I stared after him.

I had to admit that my future husband had really long legs.

Trying to keep up with his stride was exhausting.

Seeing him finally reach the parking spot and get into his car, I dashed over, barely managing to catch up and grab the door, gasping for breath. "Are you not going to take your keys?"

The officer's face was stormy. "If you like them, keep them. I can have another set made."