"Good morning!" Harper greeted brightly as Oliver wandered into the kitchen, still rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Want some toast?"
"Morning," he replied with a warm smile, sliding into a seat at the breakfast bar. His gaze followed her as she moved between the counter and stove. "Toast sounds perfect."
"What do you think your mum's got planned for us today?" Harper asked, mirroring his unease. Eleanor's cryptic behaviour wasn't out of the ordinary, but today, it seemed to carry a bit more weight.
Oliver sighed, running a hand through his hair. "No clue. Probably something small, but inconvenient. I had to take the morning off work, and we've already got so much going on." Harper glanced at him, remembering the balancing act Oliver was struggling with—work, college, and the personal project he was knee-deep in. The stress showed in the tight line of his shoulders. She placed two mugs of steaming coffee on the table before sitting beside him and handed him his toast.
Before either could continue, Eleanor swept into the room with her usual enthusiasm. "Good moooorning!" she sang, her eyes twinkling. "Look at you two, having breakfast together—you're just adorable."
Harper smiled, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. Oliver, however, barely reacted, lost in thought. He managed a small eye roll at his mother's antics, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.
Eleanor clapped her hands together, as if to remind them of her presence. "Well, our appointment is at 10, so we should get a move on!" she chirped, her tone a little too bright.
Both Harper and Oliver exchanged a confused glance, realising Eleanor had just casually dropped the word "appointment." Without another word, she spun on her heel and disappeared down the hall, leaving an air of curiosity—and mild anxiety—in her wake.
In what felt like mere moments, Eleanor had driven them to the other side of town, pulling into a crowded car park. Oliver glanced around, feeling a vague sense of recognition. He thought they might be near his father's office, but he wasn't certain—he had never been to this part of town before. As they approached the entrance and he glanced up at the sign overhead, realisation hit him like a jolt.
"Mum, what's going on?" Oliver asked, turning sharply to Eleanor, catching sight of the mischievous grin tugging at her lips.
"Come on, you two!" she urged, nudging them through the glass doors. Eleanor breezed up to the reception desk, confidently presenting their birth certificates and passports to the staff behind the counter.
"Oliver, do you have any idea what this is about?" Harper whispered, glancing at him with wide eyes. But when she looked over, she found him sitting on a nearby stool, head buried in his hands. He had figured it out, but his reaction left her uneasy—she couldn't tell if he was angry, upset, or something worse.
"All set!" Eleanor returned with a spring in her step. "They'll call you in shortly for some questions."
"Mum," Oliver stood up, his frustration finally breaking through. "Are you out of your mind? You didn't think to tell us about this?"
"I wanted it to be a surprise!" Eleanor laughed, seemingly oblivious to the rising tension. She glanced at Harper, who looked completely bewildered.
"Harper Fields?" A woman's voice called from a nearby office. Harper, still processing, glanced over to see a registrar eyeing them with a polite but concerned expression.
Harper stepped forward. "I'm Harper," she murmured, following the woman into the office.
"Hello, I'm Annette, the registrar," the woman introduced herself, gesturing to a chair across from her desk. "Please have a seat. Let's start with some basics—could you confirm your full name and date of birth?" Harper nodded, answering despite the anxious flutter in her chest.
"And the name and date of birth of your future spouse, please?" Sarah asked, looking at her with an expectant smile.
Future spouse. The words hit Harper with the force of a realisation she wasn't prepared for. She hesitated, blinking as the pieces fell into place—this was a marriage interview. Harper's heart raced, but she answered the registrar's questions flawlessly, too shocked to protest. As the interview concluded, Annette smiled warmly. "You may marry after the mandatory 28-day waiting period. Best of luck!"
Dazed, Harper walked out of the office to find Eleanor practically glowing with excitement. "How did it go?" Eleanor asked eagerly.
Harper blinked, still struggling to find words. The interview had gone smoothly, yes, but... what did it all mean? Before she could respond, Oliver exited another room, his face tight with frustration. Eleanor's smile faltered as she sensed his mood.
Oliver grabbed Harper's hand without a word, leading her briskly outside. "Mum, give us a minute," he called over his shoulder. Once outside, Harper stopped him.
"Oliver, what's happening?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. She had pieced together the interview, but everything beyond that felt murky, unclear.
"It was a marriage interview," Oliver said flatly, his gaze fixed on the pavement, that much Harper had already worked out on her own though. "My mum arranged it without asking us."
Harper stared at him, her mind reeling. "Why would she do that?"
Oliver let out a bitter laugh. "Because she still thinks she gets to control everything in my life—even now."
Harper squeezed his hand, hoping to soothe him. "What do you want to do?"
For a moment, Oliver was silent, eyes distant. Then he sighed. "Looks like we're getting married whether we want to or not."
His words landed like a punch in her chest. This wasn't how she had imagined it—not even close. Harper had dreamed of a magical proposal, something filled with love and intention. Instead, here they were, caught in the whirlwind of Eleanor's schemes.
"I need to go," Oliver muttered suddenly. "You can get a ride back with my mum. I'll walk to the office from here."
"Oliver—" Harper started, but he was already moving, his expression unreadable as he turned the corner and disappeared from view. She stood there, stunned, tears prickling her eyes.
Eleanor emerged from the building, her expression softening when she saw Harper's face. "He'll be fine," she said gently, pulling Harper into a hug. "I know my boy. He just needs time. Everything will work out, you'll see."
The late hour pressed down on Harper as she anxiously awaited Oliver's return from the office. Their day had ended on a sour note, and their conversations since then had been minimal, mostly because of his back-to-back meetings. She lay in bed, restless, her mind buzzing with everything left unsaid between them.
When Oliver finally got home, it was already past 10 p.m., and the house was quiet. Harper had retreated to her room earlier, likely exhausted from the emotional weight of the day. He headed straight for the kitchen, hoping a glass of water might help him unwind after the long hours spent working on the game's new DLC. The deadline loomed over him like a storm cloud, and the team had been relentless, pushing well into the evening.
Eleanor, had clearly been waiting up for him. She came storming down the stairs the moment she heard the door. "Where have you been?" she demanded, her voice sharp with concern. "Do you know how late it is? I was worried something had happened."
Oliver rolled his eyes, already anticipating the familiar lecture. "At work," he replied curtly, pouring himself a glass of water. "Are you finished? Can I drink this in peace and head to bed? Or do you plan on controlling every minute of my night too?" His voice carried a tired edge, the accumulated frustration of the day threatening to spill over.
Eleanor's face fell, her features twisting into something between hurt and anger. "How am I controlling your life? You're the one who said you wanted to marry her!" she shot back, defensive now.
Oliver sighed, setting the glass down on the counter harder than he intended. "I know what I said, but you're twisting it. You didn't even talk to us about it first. Is this fair to Harper, too?"
"She seemed content with everything," Eleanor replied, her arms crossed, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in her voice.
"You just don't get it, do you?" He shook his head, the weight of the situation growing heavier with each passing second. Without waiting for a response, he muttered a terse goodnight and headed upstairs, leaving Eleanor standing in the kitchen.
Reaching Harper's door, he hesitated for a moment before knocking softly, hoping she might still be awake. When no response came, he assumed she had already fallen asleep. He stood there for a moment longer, feeling the distance between them more acutely than ever, before retreating to his own room, exhausted but far from at peace.
A couple of days had passed, and Harper moved quietly through the house as she descended the stairs, ready to head to the library before college to study for her upcoming exams. Eleanor, seated at the kitchen table, glanced up, noticing Harper's determined expression as she packed her books into her bag.
"You're really becoming quite the academic, aren't you?" Eleanor said with a touch of pride in her voice, impressed by Harper's dedication.
Harper smiled, a little shy but appreciative. "Oliver gave me some study tips and helped me create a timetable, so I'm feeling pretty confident at the moment." Her voice was warm as she spoke of Oliver, recognising how much his support had meant. She wanted to mirror his hard work, aiming for the grades that would secure her spot in nursing school.
"You sure you don't want to wait for him to wake up so he can see you off?" Eleanor asked, rising from her seat as if she was ready to follow Harper out the door.
"Nah, it's okay," Harper reassured her. The truth was, she missed Oliver dearly. They hadn't spent much time together in days, and while she longed to see him, the thought of confronting their current situation—the engagement, the pressure—made her uneasy. "I'm off then!" she cheered, stepping outside and starting her walk toward the bus stop.
After a long day at college, Harper headed to tennis practice, though her heart wasn't fully in it. She pushed herself through the drills, trying to stay focused, but the weight of everything that was going on felt like it was dragging her down. Despite her best efforts to appear cheerful, an undercurrent of anxiety simmered beneath her surface.
"Why so glum?" Jenny asked, walking over to her as they finished practice. "I thought you'd be over the moon after your latest win."
Harper tried to brush it off, forcing a smile. "I'm fine. It's just... I haven't seen Oliver in a few days." There was a quiet sadness in her voice. "He's been working nonstop."
"Oh, so he's already regretting confessing his feelings for you, huh?" Jenny teased, her voice light but with a sting of sarcasm. "I mean, come on, Harper. It must've been a mistake—how long did it take him to even get to this point?"
Harper flinched at Jenny's words, her confidence rattled. "It's not like that," she stammered, not entirely sure if she was trying to convince Jenny or herself. "He's just busy... there's a lot going on at work."
Still, Jenny's insinuations hit a nerve, planting seeds of doubt that Harper couldn't quite shake. She tried to stay focused on the conversation, but all she could think about was how much she missed Oliver. Without another word, Harper left the court early, changed out of her tennis gear, and made a split-second decision to head straight to Oliver's workplace.
Maybe if she saw him—if they could just talk for a few minutes—it would settle the ache that had been growing in her chest.
Harper's heart raced as she stepped into the elevator, riding it up to the top floor where Oliver's office was located. The hum of the busy workplace surrounded her as she approached the reception desk and informed them she was there to see Oliver. After being instructed to wait, she sank into one of the lobby chairs, her nerves swirling as she kept glancing at the clock. She missed him. The days of barely seeing him were taking their toll.
A few minutes later, Oliver emerged from a meeting room, looking distracted but concerned when he spotted her sitting there. He quickly made his way to the foyer.
"Hey, what's up?" he greeted, his brow furrowed with worry, immediately fearing something might have gone wrong at home.
"I just wanted to see you," Harper replied, trying to keep her voice steady. The emotional distance between them had become unbearable, and she needed to feel close to him, even if just for a few minutes.
Oliver glanced over his shoulder at the meeting room he had just left, his mind still ticking with work responsibilities. "I have back-to-back meetings with the development teams and marketing," he said, his voice strained. "Can I see you when I get home?"
Harper's heart sank. "But you always come home really late," she murmured, her disappointment evident. "I'm already asleep by then."
Oliver shifted uncomfortably, sensing her frustration but feeling trapped by his schedule. He checked his watch. "I know, but... I have to get back. We'll talk later tonight, okay?"
"Are you even listening, Oliver?!" Harper's voice rose, her emotions bubbling over. It wasn't just about tonight or the late hours. It was about feeling like she was slipping away from him, like they were becoming strangers.
"Yes, but I really have to get back to this meeting," Oliver replied, his tone more frustrated now. "We'll talk when I get home. Please, just—"
"But you won't, will you?" Harper cut him off, her eyes brimming with tears. "Is this how our relationship is going to be from now on?" She reached out, gripping his shirt as if to stop him from drifting further away.
Oliver looked at her, torn between his duty to work and his responsibility to her. He felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him, but all he could think about was the time ticking away and the colleagues waiting for him in the meeting. With a sigh of exasperation, he muttered, "Good thing we're not married then, huh?"
Harper froze, her grip loosening. The words hung in the air between them, sharp and cutting. She looked at him, her voice trembling as the realisation hit her. "I knew it," she whispered, barely audible. "I knew you didn't love me. Were you just teasing me this whole time?"
Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and ran out of the office, her tears falling freely. Oliver stood there, dumbfounded, as her words echoed in his mind. Just as he was about to chase after her, a man from the meeting room approached him, urgently requesting his input.
He clenched his jaw, torn in two directions. For now, he returned to the meeting, hoping he could fix everything when he got home. But deep down, he wasn't sure if he could.
Once more, the late hour greeted him as he returned home, prompting him to ascend the stairs and quietly approach Harper's door. He gently rapped his knuckles against it, hopeful for a response, but silence lingered in the air. Attempting to call out her name yielded the same outcome, confirming that she was likely fast asleep. Respecting her rest, he retreated to his own room, careful not to disturb her peaceful slumber. Tomorrow held immense significance for the company, as it marked the culmination of their tireless efforts in recent weeks. Realising the importance of a good night's sleep, he settled in, determined to rise early in the morning, ready to face the challenges that awaited them.
The following morning, Harper woke with a knot of apprehension in her stomach. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on her mind, making it difficult to shake the feeling of unease. College proceeded as usual, but she found herself distracted, her thoughts drifting back to Oliver and their unresolved argument. In an attempt to clear her head, she decided to attend tennis practice, hoping the physical exertion would help.
As she waited for her practice partner, a luxurious car pulled up nearby, and to her surprise, Oliver emerged, looking more urgent than ever. Harper's heart skipped a beat as he hurried toward her.
"Harper!" he called, his voice filled with a mix of urgency and relief. "Come with me quickly."
Confused and a bit flustered, Harper hesitated. "I need to change," she said, glancing down at her tennis gear. But Oliver was already reaching for her hand.
"No time," he insisted, gently but firmly guiding her toward the car. "Just get in."
As the car sped off, Harper's mind raced with questions. "Oliver, where are we going?" she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.
"To a hotel," he replied shortly, turning his attention to the driver. Harper could hardly keep up with the sudden shift in their day.
Upon arriving at the hotel, Oliver led her to a conference room. The space was bustling with activity, and cameras lined the room, capturing every moment. Harper's confusion only deepened as she followed Oliver inside.
Aaron was delivering a speech about a new game development. The atmosphere was formal, yet buzzing with excitement. "Now, I would like to introduce my son, who has spearheaded the development of our newest character," Aaron announced.
Oliver gave Harper a reassuring pat on the shoulder before making his way to the stage. As he began his presentation, Harper watched in awe. "Thank you all for joining us today," Oliver began, his voice steady and confident. "This expansion has been eagerly anticipated, and I want to express my personal gratitude to our dedicated fan base for their patience throughout the delays."
He proceeded to explain the new features of the game and then revealed the new character. "Introducing Racquet Warrior Harprin," Oliver continued, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Some of you may recognise her from the popular online comic, created by a pair of talented individuals from my college. We collaborated with them to bring Harprin into the game."
Harper's eyes widened as she saw the character, a striking resemblance to her comic counterpart. She noticed some deviations, but the effort and creativity behind the character were undeniable. The presentation was engaging, and Harper felt a pang of regret for the earlier argument, realising how much Oliver had invested in this project despite their recent tension.
As Oliver spoke, Aaron, approached Harper with a broad smile. "What do you think? Isn't it fantastic?" Aaron asked, clearly excited.
"Oh, absolutely," Harper responded, though her gaze remained fixed on Oliver. "He must be exhausted," she remarked, feeling a mix of admiration and concern.
Aaron nodded. "Yes, I think so too. I suggested he have someone fetch you so he could rest before the press conference, but he insisted on coming himself."
The excitement in the room intensified as Oliver made an announcement. "I would now like to introduce the inspiration behind Harprin, if she wouldn't mind joining me on stage."
Harper's heart raced as Oliver extended a hand, guiding her to the stage. "Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Harper," Oliver announced proudly, handing her the microphone. "Do you want to say something?"
"Hello..." Harper started nervously, her voice wavering. "I'm really thrilled to be marrying this incredibly brilliant man." Her words elicited laughter and applause from the audience. "Thank you all for coming."
"Was that weird?" she whispered to Oliver as she returned the microphone.
"A bit," he chuckled, "but it's good to see you."
They exchanged warm smiles and posed for pictures, their bond evident despite the earlier strain.
Later in the evening, Oliver entered Harper's room, having changed into his comfortable pyjamas. She looked up from her book and shifted to make room for him on the bed.
"I quit the company today," Oliver said, his voice carrying a mixture of relief and uncertainty. "As of Monday, I'll be returning to college full-time to prepare for the exams."
Harper's brow furrowed with concern. "Do you think you'll be okay? You've been away for quite some time."
"Yeah, I should be able to catch up on my work relatively quickly," Oliver assured her, a reassuring smile on his face. "If all goes well, I'll be starting my medical degree in September." He paused, his expression turning apologetic. "I'm sorry for being so distant. I've been exhausted, working around the clock to get that character ready for release. But there was another reason why I put so much into it."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal a sparkling diamond ring. "I know this isn't the most romantic setting, and I hate that my Mum has been pressuring us, but I felt you deserved something more when we got engaged."
His voice softened, and his eyes met hers with earnestness. "So, I understand if this isn't what you envisioned, but how would you feel about marrying me?" His lighthearted tone brought a smile to Harper's face, even as tears welled up in her eyes.
Anticipating her ecstatic reaction, Oliver pulled her into a passionate kiss, savouring the moment as they held each other close on the bed. The exhaustion from the past weeks finally caught up with him, and he soon drifted into a deep sleep. Although they hadn't shared a bed together yet, Harper didn't want to disturb his rest, so she too surrendered to slumber.
The following morning, Harper woke early, deciding to let Oliver enjoy a bit more rest. It being the weekend, there was no rush for either of them to get up. She slipped quietly out of the room and made her way downstairs, where she found Eleanor and Finley already busy in the kitchen.
"Good morning, Harper!" Eleanor called out, her voice cheerful as she spread butter on a piece of toast. "Is Oliver up yet?"
"I'm not sure," Harper replied, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. She wasn't certain if they were aware that Oliver had spent the night in her room.
"Well, hopefully, he'll be down soon," Eleanor continued, taking a bite of her toast as she headed back upstairs. "We have a lot to accomplish today. Go get dressed; I'm taking you dress shopping."
Harper nodded and headed back upstairs to gather her clothes. She changed quickly in the bathroom, and by the time Oliver finally stirred, Harper was already dressed and back in the kitchen, preparing some toast for him.
"Good morning, Oliver," Eleanor greeted him with a bright smile as he shuffled into the kitchen. "You two have a busy day ahead!"
Oliver glanced at her suspiciously, clearly puzzled. "Why is that?"
"Well, we need to make all the necessary preparations for the big day next Saturday!" Eleanor exclaimed, enveloping Harper in a sideways hug.
Oliver's eyes widened, and he put his head in his hands for a moment before asking, "And what exactly is happening next Saturday?"
"Your wedding, of course!" Eleanor declared, bouncing with excitement.
Oliver's frustration boiled over. "Of course you would do this!" he shouted, rising abruptly from his seat and slamming his hand on the table. "We were supposed to wait until after college, until we settled into university. Not next Saturday!"
Harper stood between them, laughing nervously, unsure of how to mediate the escalating situation. "Well, I couldn't risk you changing your mind, could I?" Eleanor only semi-joked.
Oliver sank back into his chair, looking exasperated as if he might have just headbutted the table in frustration.
Ignoring his reaction, Eleanor firmly informed him that she and Harper were leaving now. With a determined grip on Harper's arm, she tugged her out of the house, leaving Oliver behind to wrestle with his mixed emotions.
A week later, Sarah and Niamh stood outside the venue, their excitement palpable as they awaited the opening of the doors for Oliver and Harper's wedding. The morning sun bathed the scene in a warm glow, adding to the anticipation.
"This is quite sudden," Niamh observed, glancing around. Her curiosity about the whirlwind romance was evident, having only recently been informed of the wedding.
"They've only been together for about a month," Sarah replied, adjusting her dress as she prepared to enter the venue. "I can only imagine how nervous Harper must be right now."
Inside, Harper was indeed feeling a whirlwind of emotions. The final touches were being made to her look as she emerged from the room, stunning in her wedding dress. The gown was a beautiful white satin ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, the fabric catching the light and accentuating her grace. Her hair was styled in elegant curls, with a veil delicately pinned at the back, framing her face perfectly.
As she made her way toward the waiting area, Eleanor's reaction was immediate and heartfelt. Tears streamed down her face as she saw Harper, overcome with joy. "You look absolutely breathtaking," Eleanor managed to say through her tears.
Harper's father stood behind Eleanor, his own eyes glistening with emotion as he struggled to hold back his tears. It was clear that this moment was as meaningful to him as it was to Harper.
Eleanor and Ian approached Harper, ready to escort her to the ceremony. Ian had arranged for a hired car to take Harper to the venue, while Eleanor decided to go ahead with Finley.
As Harper took a deep breath to steady her nerves, she became acutely aware of how tight her dress felt, making each inhale a struggle. The anticipation and the constriction of the gown added to her mounting anxiety.
"Hey, Harper!" Finley's voice cut through her thoughts as he made his way toward his mother, who was waiting by the car. His eyes sparkled with mischief. "I have something interesting to tell you. Come here."
Harper leaned down, curiosity piqued. Finley's whisper was filled with excitement and a hint of secrecy. As he shared his news, Harper's eyes widened in shock, and she let out a squeal of astonishment.
"What?!" Harper exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and excitement. The surprising revelation had clearly overwhelmed her, causing her to react with sheer astonishment.
Finley grinned, pleased with her reaction, before stepping back to allow Harper a moment to process the news.
As the ceremony began, Oliver stood at the end of the aisle, a mix of nerves and anxiety etched on his face. The crowd murmured softly, unsure if his demeanour was frustration or anticipation. The doors at the back of the venue closed, signalling the start of the ceremony, and guests settled into their seats. The gentle strains of music filled the air, setting a serene tone for the proceedings. The doors swung open once more, and Harper appeared with Ian on one arm as they made their way down the aisle.
Oliver's breath caught in his throat at the sight of Harper, her radiance causing murmurs of admiration and even some tears among the onlookers. Ian placed her hand in Oliver's, looking him in the eye as he asked him to take care of his daughter. "I will," Oliver assured him, his voice steady as he took Harper's hand and extended his arm for her.
The registrar began his speech, outlining the purpose of the gathering, and paused to see if anyone would object. An awkward silence followed, broken only by a small chuckle from the crowd. The registrar continued, guiding Harper and Oliver through their vows and the exchange of rings.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
As they faced each other, Oliver noticed a mischievous smirk playing on Harper's lips. "What is it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"You've been secretly in love with me for longer than you've let on, haven't you?" Harper whispered, her voice barely audible to anyone else. Oliver's eyes widened in surprise.
"Finley told me about what happened when we were on holiday, how you kissed me," she added, nodding toward Finley, who quickly looked away. "You were just as smitten with me, weren't you!"
Harper giggled, wrapping her arms around Oliver's neck and pulling him into a heartfelt kiss. For a moment, Oliver was taken aback, but he soon melted into the embrace, savouring the sweet intimacy of the moment. When they finally pulled apart, Harper's bright smile met his eyes.
"Serves you right," she said with a playful grin.
"Alright, you win," Oliver chuckled, his heart full as he looked at his new wife. They turned together to walk down the aisle, hand in hand, as husband and wife.
They reflected on their journey, cherishing the path that led them to this day. Surrounded by loved ones, they embraced the beginning of their new chapter, knowing that while this day marked a beautiful conclusion to their story so far, it was also the joyous beginning of their life together.
A/N: Just wanted to clarify with the marriage. In the UK, you have to give 28 days notice in order to get married, which is why I did it this way instead of having the surprise wedding! I did consider not having them get married until later on in the story but that marred a lot of the storylines that follow and would feel too unfaithful to the source material.