Chapter 1423

Chapter 1423:

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I passed the document to Nicole, who quickly took it and began flipping through the pages.

Jarrod's influence was truly vast. He was even able to obtain any information for the marriage registry without Nicole having to sort out the documents.

Nicole had her doubts. With so much influence at her disposal, she could have easily processed her marriage certificate without her having to be present at the town hall.

Why insist on her coming? Besides, they were far from a couple in love. Pretending to be one in such a public place was more than awkward.

Nicole looked at him sternly. “Since you are so influential, this visit seems pointless.”

“Why would it be useless?” Jarrod asked.

He squeezed Nicole's hand tighter and added, "I want this to be handled personally. It adds importance to the process."

Nicole felt a chill and goosebumps rise on her skin. This version of Jarrod, who was talking to her without the usual hostility, seemed completely foreign to her. And if she wasn't mistaken, his tone seemed almost conciliatory.

Feeling uncomfortable, Nicole quickened her pace, trying to create some physical distance between them.

Jarrod watched her subtle movements, but instead of annoyance, a smile appeared on her face, finding her actions somewhat charming.

The town hall had just opened its doors.

Nicole assumed Jarrod would hire a VIP service to speed up her arrangements. However, he surprised her by approaching her with a numbered ticket in his hand. Number 23.

Nicole was speechless. Jarrod seemed to be taking this seriously. He really did plan on waiting in line, and surprisingly, in the short time since opening, twenty-two couples had already queued up before them.

Nicole wondered if today would be an especially lucky day.

Among the crowd of couples, Nicole and Jarrod stood conspicuously apart. Their cold, distant desire made them seem more likely to be here for a divorce than a marriage certificate.

Ardlens Town Hall had separate counters for different needs. Marriages and divorces were handled at separate counters, each with its own waiting area.

Surrounded by cheerful couples, Nicole felt like a fish out of water, unable to pretend that they were here to get a divorce. Unable to contain herself, she asked, “Is my presence really necessary to obtain this certificate?”

Jarrod replied with a chuckle, “What do you think? I’m here too, aren’t I?”

“I’m sure Alec could have done it,” Nicole countered. Considering that Alec was Jarrod's right-hand man, he could surely handle tasks like this with ease.

Still, Jarrod insisted: “I’ve said it before, we should take care of this ourselves.”

Jarrod believed that obtaining the marriage certificate without his presence would reduce their marriage to a mere transaction.

Occasionally revealing a more capricious side, he didn't want their union to feel strictly like a business arrangement.

Nicole was speechless. She watched Jarrod approach her and felt the urge to pull away.

The seats were designed for only one person, and moving would create a noticeable gap between them, which could look odd.

However, Nicole couldn't stand the atmosphere, and the fact that Jarrod was so close to her was driving her crazy.

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