Chapter 3

Before Axel encountered Adeline.

On that same day, Mrs. Eleanor's house was bustling with people helping her prepare the wedding gifts for the bride-to-be. She was incredibly enthusiastic, as this was Julian's first marriage. Several types of gift hampers were specially crafted and exquisite to behold, containing designer clothing, footwear, and branded bags. She was determined to make it a grand affair.

"Are you happy with the gifts, Raya?" Mrs. Eleanor asked her future daughter-in-law. The woman nodded with a sweet smile.

"Even without all of this, it wouldn't have mattered, Mother. I would still accept Julian," Raya said, looping her arm through her future mother-in-law's. Despite her words, her eyes betrayed a deeper satisfaction. Among the many items she was to receive was a diamond of a fantastic price. She thought to herself that if she could get all of this before the wedding, her life would be more than secure once they were married.

"How could you say that? You are Julian's future wife; I will provide nothing but the best."

Raya's smile widened. "Thank you so much, Mother. You are the kindest mother-in-law I could ask for."

They both beamed with happiness, the wedding was just around the corner, and Raya was about to become a Sterling. Raya had also undergone fertility testing, just as Adeline had, and the results had highly satisfied Mrs. Eleanor. There were no issues; they would be blessed with children soon.

"Darling...."

Someone entered the room, and the slender woman with shoulder-length hair immediately greeted him. Julian had just returned from work, his final day before taking his wedding leave.

"Julian, you're home! Well? Did you get your leave? The timing is so tight, darling," Raya said in a playful, pampered tone.

The man embraced Raya briefly. "Yes, you know I'm still an employee, Raya. My brother only just gave his approval."

"Be patient, Julian. If your brother says you aren't ready, it means you have much to learn. You need to be like your late father—a successful entrepreneur," Mrs. Eleanor added, joining the conversation.

"But it feels a bit unfair. I've been a manager for two years now, and there's been no progress. Is my brother doing this on purpose?"

"It only feels unfair to you. Before Axel became the CEO, he worked his way up from the bottom just the same. Your father never handed out high positions without experience, so you must be patient. I'll speak to your brother later and ask about your progress at the office."

Julian merely let out a frustrated sigh.

Meanwhile, Axel, who had just arrived, overheard their conversation. His signature stoic expression caused Raya to immediately let go of Julian's arm. If there was one person truly respected—and feared—in this house, it was Axel Sterling. His cold demeanor and his prestigious position as the CEO of a massive corporation made him a man few dared to approach.

"I'm glad you're home; I need to speak with you," his mother said.

"Can it not wait until another time?" Axel asked.

"Now... you are so difficult to see, Axel. Since you're here, follow me."

Axel followed his mother away from the crowd to a private lounge on the second floor. Mrs. Eleanor sat on the sofa while Axel removed his black blazer as his mother began to speak.

"So, have you thought about my request? Marrying Vania? She is a good girl, from a clear lineage, and she clearly likes you. Don't keep her hanging. She's waiting for an answer," Mrs. Eleanor stated.

"I believe I've already given you my answer, Mother. I refuse..."

Axel's flat response irritated his mother.

"How could I possibly tell her that—"

"If you only want to hear the answer you desire, why ask me at all?" Axel interrupted. "I've decided not to marry again, and that is my right."

"Axel!" Mrs. Eleanor's voice sharpened; she wouldn't accept this. "No man lives alone until the end of his life. One day, you will need a companion to care for you."

"So, are you asking me to find a wife or a maid?"

"Axel, I only want the best for you. Julian is getting married soon; don't you have any desire for the same? Life goes on, and you must have an heir so that your father's legacy doesn't go to waste."

Axel let out a weary sigh. He was exhausted from hearing the same speech repeatedly since Rihanna passed away two years ago. He had initially planned never to remarry, but the constant pressure was becoming unbearable.

"Fine. I will marry. Are you satisfied now?" Axel stood up from the sofa.

"Are you serious? So you'll accept Vania? I'll tell her immediately."

"Don't tell her anything. It isn't her I'm marrying. I will introduce my fiancée to you when the time is right."

Now, Axel stood before Adeline with a specific intent. A contract was offered to the woman, despite the consequences he knew would follow at home.

The twenty-nine-year-old woman was stunned. "One billion for one year? Are you serious?"

For a moment, the room fell into a heavy silence, as if time had stopped. The air was thick with tension; the friction between Adeline and Axel was palpable. Adeline struggled to make sense of the man's offer. The money wasn't a gift, but a proposal for a one-year marriage.

"Is it not enough? I can add more."

"It's not about the money. I am not a gold-digger. Are you trying to insult me?"

Adeline rejected him firmly. Her tense face and tearful eyes showed that this decision was far from easy. She clenched her hands tightly, trying to withstand the sharp pain in her heart.

"Tell me the truth—what is your purpose in proposing this marriage contract? I will only decide if your reason makes sense to me."

"I only need a wife as a status on paper. You can rest easy... there's no need for children, and we can continue to live our separate lives."

"Is it that simple?"

Axel nodded.

"Then I accept. But... I cannot take your money. There are things you simply cannot buy. I am accepting your offer for my own specific reasons."

Amidst the sharp gazes and piercing silence, Adeline stood her ground, trying to maintain her dignity. Even with a fantastic sum of money laid out before her, she maintained that this wasn't about wealth, but the status she needed from marrying Axel.

"Fine, suit yourself. Once you've signed the agreement, send a copy to my email."

Adeline watched the man rise from his chair. Whatever his reasons, the Axel she knew had never invited a single woman into the house—yet here he was, suddenly asking her to marry him.

"Is he being forced to marry because of his mother, too?" she whispered to herself.

She knew Mrs. Eleanor well enough; the sixty-two-year-old woman was notoriously fussy because none of her children had provided an heir. Axel had been married once, but his wife had died in an accident two years ago before they could have children.

"I might be stepping into the lion's den. Mrs. Eleanor will never approve of me. But looking at Axel, he is different from Julian. He can actually stand up to his mother," Adeline thought again.

She admitted she was being reckless, knowing full well her future mother-in-law was a massive 'red flag,' but she truly only wanted the status.

"Julian... you will see how I show you that you aren't everything. You are an irresponsible man, and the trash is where you belong!" Adeline balled her fists, even as her tears continued to fall.