Chapter 2: Is Twenty Minutes Enough?

The voice was cold, mysterious, and yet elegantly rich, so pleasant to the ear that Aurora Geordie felt intoxicated. The man in the suit, whom she had initially thought was her husband, stood by with an extremely respectful posture. So, this man, who could easily rival any model on a fashion show, was actually her husband? Not someone with a receding hairline, a beer belly, or a bulbous nose? And not someone with a fat face and big ears?

Aurora Geordie looked at the man in disbelief, glancing nervously at Dennis Boyle. Dennis Boyle, having lost his umbrella and now sunburned, calmly wiped his sweat and nodded, "Yes, this is your husband. Call him 'husband'."

Aurora Geordie still stared at the man in shock. She had thought that if her husband could be physically intact and around her age, it would already be the best scenario. But she never imagined he would be so perfect, so perfect that she felt like she was dreaming. Her tongue tied, she struggled to utter those two words.

Her prince-like husband didn't force her, holding the umbrella for her while conversing with Dennis Boyle. Aurora Geordie didn't hear a word of their conversation; her mind was fixated on one thought: This doesn't add up! It's too strange! How could such a perfect man be single, and even a virgin? There must be some hidden condition, like impotence or some kind of perversion, and a really extreme one at that!

Aurora Geordie shivered in fear. Dennis Boyle's voice came again, "This is your destiny. She just happened to bump into me, and you were in need of a woman. She has a simple background, being the illegitimate daughter of a small business owner."

The prince-like husband continued to observe Aurora Geordie, nodding, "Hmm." Marrying a woman without any threat, at least she wouldn't be like the previous one, who almost died under mysterious circumstances. Although she was dark and thin, her features were striking, and with proper grooming and care, she would definitely be beautiful.

Dennis Boyle was quite pleased, "Her horoscope matches yours well, and her appearance is one in a million. With a few days of proper care, she will surely be a great beauty. Buying her for ten million is a steal!"

Aurora Geordie was speechless, "…"

After chatting for a while, Aurora Geordie, incredibly nervous, got into the Maybach and followed her husband. Her mind was still blank, unable to process the fact that she was worth ten million and that her husband was a prince. She even secretly checked inside the car to make sure there wasn't a man with a receding hairline and a bulbous nose.

The prince-like husband sat beside her and told Dennis Boyle through the window, "Let's have dinner after you close up shop tonight."

The car started, moving at a steady pace. The partition between the back seat and the driver's seat automatically rose, and the windows turned opaque, creating a private space for the two of them. As soon as they were alone, the prince-like husband began to touch Aurora Geordie.

A pair of long, fair hands reached towards her collar without warning. Before coming, Elliot Cecillia had sent Aurora Geordie to a hotel to take a bath, and she had worn her best outfit—a pink knee-length skirt that made her sunburned skin look even darker. The dress, which she had bought for thirty dollars from a classmate, was a brand name but ill-fitting, loose around the waist.

He disdainfully tore off her pink dress, revealing a worn-out, faded bra, which he found even more distasteful. "What are you wearing?"

Aurora Geordie cowered beneath him, her shoulders trembling. Her body was actually as white as jade, but her face was tanned from her time on the streets. Terrified, she pushed away the prince-like husband's advancing body. "When are we getting our marriage certificate? I brought my ID and household registration book..."

Feeling insecure, she thought getting a certificate would give her some peace of mind. Her prince-like husband didn't answer her, instead instructing the driver, "Harry, go to the Civil Affairs Bureau."

The car changed direction, heading straight for the Civil Affairs Bureau. Despite the bumpy ride, the prince-like husband continued to touch Aurora Geordie, feeling all over her. He caressed her sunburned face, noting the heavy bags under her eyes and her messy, dog-chewed-like hair. She was thin and pale, but her features were exquisite—double eyelids, large eyes, a cherry mouth, a delicate nose, long, dark lashes, and a heart-shaped face. Yet, right now, she looked like a scrawny little chicken.

He didn't believe in horoscopes, but keeping such a seemingly innocent little beauty by his side wouldn't raise suspicion, and it could be fun.

The car stopped at the Civil Affairs Bureau. Aurora Geordie straightened her clothes and followed her husband, only entering after confirming it was indeed the bureau. She clutched her ID and household registration book, recalling how her mother had left the village twenty years ago to work in the city, returning two years later in full bloom. Rumor had it she had become the mistress of a coal mine boss and had given birth to Aurora Geordie, whose father was unknown. Her mother had died on the operating table. Aurora Geordie was raised by her uncle until she was fifteen, when she was kicked out. Her household registration was with her grandparents, both of whom were no longer alive, leaving her all alone.

Her husband seemed to have a lot of influence. By the time they entered the Civil Affairs Bureau, Harry had cleared the area, leaving only the staff, who greeted them warmly. They filled out forms, took photos, and received their marriage certificate. When Aurora Geordie saw the red booklet, she stole a glance at her husband's name: Herbert Bradley.

Herbert Bradley, 31 years old, not too old, just 13 years older than her, which she could accept. Without a wedding, without blessings, without family or friends, she was married. Holding the still warm red booklet, she double-checked several times, confirming it was indeed her name and photo. Her husband, standing beside her, was handsome beyond belief.

She felt like she might have had a fake wedding, pinching her thigh to check if it was real. It hurt a little.

Herbert Bradley said, "My job makes it inconvenient for me to get married, so we’ll keep it secret for now."

Aurora Geordie nodded, hoping for a meal and the chance to continue her education. That was all she wanted.

They got back into the car, where a box of condoms now lay. As soon as the door closed, Herbert Bradley started touching Aurora Geordie again. She never imagined her first time would be in a car, with another person in the driver's seat, making her tense.

Herbert Bradley was indeed a pervert! His upper body was impeccably dressed, but his lower half was indecent. He had had two girlfriends before, one who lost her memory and another who nearly died in a car accident, leading to rumors that he was cursed. Given his public persona, anything could be blown out of proportion. Even when his dog got a skin disease and lost its fur, the media blamed him.

He was indifferent to women, but a wife was a wife, and he couldn't let such a little beauty remain untouched. He prepared himself, grabbing her slender ankle, and said seriously, "Little chick, get ready. I don't have much experience."

Aurora Geordie didn't know where the term "little chick" came from, but she was very nervous, her mind blank. Just as they were reaching the crucial moment, Dennis Boyle called, "Hey, old man, I'm done for the day. Where should we eat? Is Nelson Spenser coming?"

Interrupted, Herbert Bradley cursed, "I'm busy here! Eat your own damn food!"

Dennis Boyle laughed, "Same place, I’ll wait for you!"

After hanging up, Herbert Bradley put away the condoms, pulled up his pants, and sat back, looking dignified. Aurora Geordie's stomach growled, and she felt weak. Realizing she was hungry, he decided to feed her first. She couldn't escape what was meant to happen anyway.

The car headed to a gourmet street and entered a high-end restaurant. In the private room, Aurora Geordie devoured her food while Dennis Boyle and Herbert Bradley chatted, arms around each other.

Dennis Boyle patted Herbert Bradley's shoulder, "Old bachelor, I finally got you married! Let me think of a word to describe you... 'Late Bloomer,' how about that, hahaha—"

Ignoring Dennis Boyle's teasing, Herbert Bradley, cigarette in mouth, stroked Aurora Geordie's messy hair, his face full of affection. Suddenly, a call came in, and a serious male voice spoke, "Old man, something's happened in Europe and America..."

Hanging up, Herbert Bradley's face darkened. Dennis Boyle's playful demeanor vanished, "What's wrong?"

Herbert Bradley's tone was grave, "Something's happened in Europe and America. I need to go there immediately. Harry, arrange a private jet."

Harry quickly made the call and returned, asking, "What about the lady?"

Aurora Geordie tensed. She was supposed to be in her senior year of high school. If she went to Europe and America, she might miss the university entrance exams in the capital! Herbert Bradley was also regretful; he hadn't tasted this little beauty yet, and leaving now was a pity. But taking her along would mean even less time, and it was dangerous there.

"How long to the airport?" He thought he could make the most of the remaining time.

Harry checked the traffic, "The highway is clear. It will take at most 20 minutes."

After answering, he added, "Twenty minutes, is that enough for you...?"