Chapter 3

"What do you think I am? A murderer? For your information, yes, we may be poor, but my grandfather raised me well."

I couldn't help but get angry, though I tried to control myself. Yes, I once fooled him in the past, but it feels like he’s going overboard.

"Will you accept the deal or not? Let's stop wasting time."

His mood suddenly shifted. He sat down in his swivel chair and looked at me directly.

I walked slowly toward the table, took a deep breath, and finally spoke.

"Okay, I’ll accept the deal. I’ll marry you, not because I’m guilty of your accusations, but because I want to prove that you’re wrong."

He grinned and clapped.

"Alright then, I’ll sign this contract. Seems like you’re obedient after all," he said, then immediately signed the contract.

"Why do you look so sad? You should be proud, you’re about to marry someone like me. Imagine, you once ruined my wedding… now you’re the bride."

"Should I be happy about that? I'm marrying a billionaire, so what? You’re probably just going to make me miserable," I said bluntly.

His eyes narrowed, and he stood up.

"I’m interested in getting to know you better, Miss Del Vega. Don’t worry, I won’t make you my servant. The truth is, I just need to marry you so I can receive my father’s inheritance."

"So after the marriage, I’m free?"

I felt a glimmer of hope, but it faded instantly when he shook his head.

"You have to give him a grandson."

"Son of a—are you hearing yourself right now? What if my first child is a girl? Then another one, and what if I give birth to a dozen daughters?"

I grabbed my head in frustration, while he chuckled a bit.

"Then we’ll have a lot of children. The more, the merrier," he said proudly.

"Do you think giving birth is easy?"

"I wouldn’t know. I’m not the one giving birth," he replied.

"Why not just adopt? Or hire a surrogate mother?" I asked, irritated.

"I would never sleep with someone I don’t even know."

"And me? You don’t even know me."

"At least I know you’re a virgin."

I covered my mouth, shocked by what he said.

"How rude," I whispered.

"What’s rude about that? You should be proud, Miss Del Vega. And I’d be honored to bring a virgin bride to the altar, at least I’m not getting ripped off," he said with a smug grin, lighting a cigarette.

"Never mind. Since you already signed the contract, I’ll be leaving now, Sir Lawrence."

I bowed before turning around.

"See you tomorrow, my fiancée. And don’t you dare try to escape again. I’m not someone you want to make angry."

I didn’t say a word. I nearly fainted as I stepped out of his office. Despite the strong air-conditioning, I was drenched in sweat.

"He wants to get me pregnant? And it has to be a boy? My God, I might die from just one child. And marriage? That’s not even in my vocabulary!"

"You look troubled."

I forced a smile as Madam Luz greeted me, she was clearly waiting outside the building.

"Here, Madam. The contract is signed, so no need to stress anymore," I said, handing her the folder. I saw how her expression changed, her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Thank you so much, Kath. Finally, we won’t be closing down!"

"Yes, Madam. That’s why we should celebrate… before I leave," I added, which made her pause.

"Leave? Why would you leave?"

She held both my shoulders.

"Because Sir Lawrence said he’s hiring me as his personal assistant. That was the condition for signing the contract."

Her eyes widened.

"He wants you? Oh my...jackpot!"

She even jumped slightly, her smile stretching from ear to ear.

Jackpot? Seriously?

"Why do you look unhappy? Your new boss is so handsome. And I’ve heard Kurt Lawrence Llego is a real gentleman," she teased, trying to cheer me up. Not wanting to ruin the mood, I played along.

"Yes, he’s handsome… but what if I fall in love with him?"

"Well, that would be a good thing! If you two end up falling for each other, who knows, he might actually marry you. Instant riches, girl! Just don’t forget me when it happens, okay?"

I went quiet at her words.

If I weren’t so worried about Grandpa, I’d rather lose my job than marry that man.

And honestly, it’s embarrassing… after what I did at his wedding.

Even worse, he accused me of killing his fiancée.

My phone suddenly vibrated.

Who’s calling me? It's an unknown number.

"Hello, this is Katherine Del Vega. How can I help you?"

I waited a few seconds… but no one responded.

"Hello? Is anyone there? Can you hear me? How may I help you?"

Still nothing. So I ended the call.

What the heck? Calling and not saying anything?

Then a message popped up on my screen.

"Hi Kath, how’s life? Have you met Lawrence again?"

It was from Sir Anthony.

"Katkat!"

I nearly dropped my phone when Madam Luz screamed. My heart jumped.

She came running toward me, her face full of excitement.

"Come on, quick!"

She pulled me out of the office, and I froze when I saw what was outside.

"Flowers for you, Kath. I’m here personally to ask for your permission, Mrs. Luz De Guzman. I want her to be my personal assistant," said Lawrence, handing an envelope to Madam.

I took the flowers he gave me, but I winced.What kind of show is this?

I used to say, the first guy to give me flowers will be the one, and now, someone already has.

"Oh Sir, no problem at all. I know you’ll love having Inday Kath. She’s obedient, hardworking, and very smart," Madam said enthusiastically.

I just smiled, while secretly praying for the ground to swallow me whole. I didn’t know how to react.

"I actually liked her… from the very start."