PAMPERED BY MY THREE BROTHERS: THE RETURN OF THE NEGLECTED HEIRESS Chapter 1863: Extra: III

[Extra 5: Hugo and Kiara II]

Typically, romances begin with traditional courting or a formal date where the man declares his intentions. However, Kiara viewed her connection with Hugo as something far more peculiar.

There were no grand confessions or admissions of affection from him.

Instead, he simply integrated himself into her daily life, offering help, understanding her world, and providing a constant presence. By the time she realized her heart belonged to him, she was already in too deep—far past the point of no return.

Consequently, when Hugo finally made his move, it was in a manner she really should have foreseen.

Standing before the civil marriage bureau, Kiara slowly turned her gaze to her side. Hugo stood there, looking sharp in a formal polo shirt and slacks.

"This... is the party we’re supposed to be attending?" she asked, a skeptical scoff escaping her lips.

He gave an innocent blink. "No."

"Huh?"

"The party is at a different location, but we need to register our marriage here first," he explained with a matter-of-fact tone. "Afterward, we’ll head to the venue. Everyone is already waiting there."

"..." Kiara’s mouth hung open, her words failing her completely.

She had been under the impression they were merely going to a dinner party. They had even departed early to ensure they wouldn't be late for the supposed event.

"Let’s go," Hugo said, tilting his head and grabbing her hand to lead her inside. "I’ve already spoken to the staff, and they’ve agreed to let us register at the last minute."

"Wa—wait!" Kiara instinctively jerked her arm back before he could pull her through the doors.

Stopping in his tracks, Hugo looked back. "What’s wrong?"

"What’s wrong?" Kiara repeated with a scoff. "Hugo, you can't just keep acting like this!"

"???"

"Goodness." She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration, then dropped her hand to meet his gaze. "We are only getting married because you decided it. You haven't even asked if I’m ready for this! This is a marriage! It’s not something to be taken lightly."

He tilted his head curiously. "I am not taking it lightly, and I did ask you."

"What?"

"I asked if you were going to marry," he reminded her, referring to their previous casual chats. "And you said yes."

"What?" Kiara searched her memories until she recalled a movie night they once shared. "No, I said I might!"

"Your exact words were: I might if the right person for me comes into my life."

"Hah!" she scoffed. "I didn’t mean right this second."

Hugo smacked his lips and moved closer, taking both of her hands in his. A faint, gentle smile appeared on his face as he looked directly into her eyes.

"Am I not that right person?" he asked with genuine sincerity. "Because for me, you are. I know that if it isn't you, I won't get married at all."

In his worldview, there was only one woman who truly mattered: Kiara. Everyone else was just... a person. His sisters were simply his sisters—not women in that sense. And Allison was... Mom.

"If you truly don't want to get married, I understand," he added gently. "But from my perspective, why should we date for five more years when I’m already certain I want you as my wife?"

"..." Kiara could only blink. The words he spoke after "if it’s not you, then I’d rather not" barely registered in her mind.

"I am certain about you. Are you not certain about me?" Hugo took a deep breath and exhaled. "Whatever you decide will determine if we walk through these doors or walk away. I can accept either choice, though I would prefer it if we went inside."

Their acquaintance hadn't even reached the one-year mark, yet he was proposing marriage. Under normal circumstances, Kiara would have rejected such an absurd idea. However, she thought of her parents, who had been together for a decade before marrying.

What kind of marriage did they end up with?

She swallowed hard, her lips pressing into a firm line.

No.

That was the answer she intended to give, but the opposite word left her mouth. Before she realized what was happening, she was exiting the bureau with a marriage certificate gripped in her hands.

Thus, her romantic journey and marriage to Hugo remained strange—a path many would call unconventional.

Still, only time would reveal if this was the greatest decision she ever made—perhaps when they are both elderly and grey, dancing slowly to soft music and laughing at the memory of this whirlwind wedding.

---

[Extra 6: Hugo and Kiara III]

Despite their unconventional start, Kiara and Hugo remained deeply devoted to one another. Their bond might lack the overt sweetness of Zoren and Penny, the maturity of Finn and Nina, or the traditional romance of Grace and Haines, but it was uniquely theirs.

So, why were Kiara and Hugo discussing divorce? And why did their social circle seem so unbothered by it?

There was a very specific reason for this turn of events.

"I'm being deployed soon," Hugo announced during dinner in the modest home he had purchased for them. "The exact date isn't set, but they need me for medical and physical testing shortly."

Kiara chewed her food slowly. "Oh."

Her heart was a whirlwind of emotions. She had always known deployment was a possibility, but the reality of it hit her with unexpected force.

Hugo observed her quiet reaction before smiling. "I’ve informed my commander that I’ll do this one deployment and then retire."

"Huh?"

"I might look for a position in the police department after that, somewhere local," he said casually. "But that’s for after I get back. We can plan it then—haha! Assuming I even make it back—ack!"

SLAP!

Hugo rubbed his shoulder, frowning at her. "What was 그게 for?"

"That isn't a funny joke, Hugo," she hissed. "Take it back."

"But—"

"Take. It. Back."

"..." Hugo cleared his throat, nodding in submission. "I apologize. I wasn't thinking."

Kiara huffed and shook her head, her chest tightening with the very fear she had been trying to suppress. Being the wife of a soldier meant living with the constant dread of whether they would return.

As she fell into a pensive silence, Hugo watched her. He sighed and reached out for her hand.

"Hey," he said softly, giving her a reassuring nod and a smile. "It's all right. I'll be fine. Now that I have a real reason to come home, I promise I'll return."

Kiara bit her quivering lip, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.

"You will?" she whispered, and he nodded firmly.

"I will. I promise," he replied with a smile.

She remained silent, searching his face. He had many flaws, but his word was something she could always find peace in.

She wished the conversation had ended there. But Hugo couldn't help himself and added after a moment:

"But even if I don't—in the worst-case scenario—it’s okay," he said with a wider grin. "I'm glad I’m not leaving my wife with nothing. You’ll receive compensation."

He gave her a proud wink. "It's a good thing we got married."

The warmth on Kiara's face vanished, replaced by a freezing glare.

And so, the saga of their "divorce" began.

If the thought of a payout made him comfortable with the idea of not returning, then she wanted no part of it. She would rather have nothing, as long as he came back to her in one piece.