Chapter 4

“I am willing to pay you any amount, Cattleya. Just consider my plan. This could be my last chance to save Ruegold. So please, help me.”

I'm already getting annoyed by his repeated questions as he wanders back and forth in front of me, obviously anxious.

For someone like him, this is already a massive problem. But, to be honest, this isn't even half of the issue that other people are dealing with today.

The wealthy strive for fortune and honors. They are not yet content with what they already have. On the other hand, unfortunate people like me are barely surviving only to go back home and put food on the table.

I let out a deep sigh. “No matter how much you pay me, I will never marry you. It is already enough for me that I attended your family dinner as your fake new girlfriend-”

Jaxson cut me off, “Don't say that out loud!”

“Okay, okay, calm down.” I said, raising both hands as if surrendering to him. “All you have to do now is tell your father that we broke up because of— Something? Then get a new girl who is willing to marry you and take your money.”

He paused for a moment before turning around and staring at me with a critical gaze.

“I-I know I need a lot of money right now.” I stuttered because of his stern look. “B-But, I still wish to marry a man like my father. I have this little girl dream in my heart to marry someone whom I love and love me too. Not someone like you who can only give me money.” I emphatically refused while not taking my eyes off him.

“Don't you need the money to pay for your brother's medical expenses?”

I was taken aback by what he said.

My mouth fell open as I am unable to make any words.

“You know what? I can not only pay for his medical expenses. I can even find a skilled doctor from America who specializes in your brother's disease to treat him exclusively. You don't have to be concerned about your mother. Once we've reached an agreement, I'll be able to assist them.”

“H-How did you…” I mumbled, perplexed.

“You really assume I can work with you without having to check your background?” His lips twitched with a wry grin. “Now, can we hear the answer of that little girl from within your heart again? Because it's getting late, and you still have to go back to your mother.”

I couldn’t believe the words coming out of his mouth. I had no idea he knew so much about me. I thought we only knew each other's names.

I was speechless at the offer he gave me. This man does seem to fully understand how to use his money very well.

“D-Do I just have to marry you?” I asked him once again.

It would be hard for me to refuse this man's offer if the price of marrying him was my brother's permanent recovery. It's not every day that someone proposes to cover all of my expenses.

Who am I to say no when I'm already trying to keep my head above water?

Also, he mentioned that Charles would be treated by a professional doctor from America, and that there was a good chance that he would cure my brother.

There was nothing more I could ask for.

I've failed my father before, and I'm not going to let it happen again when it comes to saving my brother.

“Nothing more than that. You heard my father, didn't you? If we are not going to be married as soon as we can, the entire Armani would be transferred to my vicious step brother.” Jaxson uttered. “—And that is the least thing that I wish to happen.”

“But, aren't you worried about what your fiance will think? I mean, I'm sure you still love her despite the reality that she cheated on you. Can you marry some other woman even if you still love someone else?”

I heard his weak cackle as he stuck his hand in both pockets. “Cattleya, don't take our marriage too seriously. Let's not go there.”

“Oh yeah,” I barely concealed a smile. “Yeah, it's not that deep. I know.”

I tucked my lips and followed him with my eyes moving to the chair near a large mirror.

For a few while, we were both silent as he appeared to contemplate something.

“How about, marry me for just one year?”

My brows furrowed in bewilderment.

“Let's sign a contract,” he added. “Play as my wife for a year and after that, I will set you free. Once our contract ends, I no longer have the authority to pursue and stop you from leaving.”

Everything he's cramming into my head right now is bombarding me. It's as if I can't even digest a single word he says.

“I'll make sure the Ruegold Corp. is transferred to me before our contract expires, and your brother fully recovers from his illness,” he stated, pausing slightly to throw me a vanity grin. “What do you think, Cattleya? In the end, we'll both get what we want.”

As I folded my hands, my eyes fell slightly to the floor. “Are you sure… you will be able to find a doctor who can help my brother?”

“I can do that right away as quickly as you start moving here in Madrigal.”

My eyes were drawn back to him instantly.

“Wait! I'm supposed to stay in this mansion as well?!” I exclaimed.

He responded with a simple nod. “Of course, you're marrying me. We can't get married and live separately, don't we? When you marry me and take the Madrigal's name, you will be hunted by those who want to overthrow Ruegold and are waiting for the chance to smear our family's reputation. That's why, each of your moves must be calculated. Except for you, me, and my lawyer, no one else can know that our upcoming wedding is fake. Not even your friend.” he emphasized.

My heartbeat already races just by thinking about all the things that will happen next.

The fact that I can't tell Loren about any of this? I'm going to go nuts.

Moreover, this Madrigal is all about the luxuries in life. It makes me feel nauseous.

“Will you still let me study?” My questions are piled up that a day won't be enough to answer.

“Um yeah, you can finish your studies at the same university you are currently in. But, I can't promise that you can attend your classes everyday. You must understand that being my wife and a part of Madrigal is not just a typical living. It involves a certain amount of responsibility. You'd absolutely go to events and interviews that you can't cast aside. Nonetheless, if you fail your classes, I will contact the school to-"

“No!” I snatched his words. You don't have to do that. I want to graduate on my own.”

“No problem.” he replied with a grin. “You never fail to amaze me.”

Even though it will be difficult, I shall make every effort to complete my studies. I am in my final year of college before our graduation, so I had to work harder.

Jaxson helping Charles is already more than enough. I don't have the guts to leverage his connections any farther just to go through college.

My lips let forth a resounding sigh. Compared to a night as a bottle service girl, this day was tremendously exhausting.

With so much to absorb, I'm not just physically drained, but mentally as well.

“By the way, Jax, I have to leave tonight to say goodbye to my mother. I don't want her to worry about me while I'm gone.” I said softly before quietly standing up from my seat.

“Let me drive you home.”

“No it's alright-”

“Cattleya, let me drive you home.” he cut me off so I was startled.

“I won't run away from you.”

“I can't risk it.” he replied.

_______________________

I peered out the window on the second level of the hospital to see the car parked in front.

Is he really going to wait for me outside?

It's not like I will actually run away from him.

I'm irritated by how he treats me as if I'm his property. What more if we get married?

“Catt? Honey?”

When I heard my mother's voice from a short distance away, my attention was drawn to her. When I turned around, I was struck with her tired eyes.

“Mom,” I said as I approached her and helped towards the seats.

“It's too late in the evening, Catt. Why did you return just now?”

“Mom, have you eaten yet? I got you some dinner,” I said, handing her the food I had bought before we headed to the hospital. “Take the meals to Charles's room first, then I'll go downstairs to pay his hospital bills.”

My mother's face lit up with relief as she heard what I said. “Are you serious, Catt? Do you have enough cash to pay the medical bill tonight?”

I responded to her firm grasp on my shoulder with a hearty smile. “Yes! And not only that. I've also found a job abroad, so I'll be able to provide you with even more. My boss was also kind enough to offer covering Charles's medical treatment. when I started working for them.”

When I noticed the edge of her eyes drooped down, I extended my smile even more, trying to suppress my tears that began to well up.

“—Don't worry mom. I'll be working with them for only a year.”

“Is that so Catt..?” she murmured softly. “I'm sorry you have to make this sacrifice for our family…”

I shook my head with a giggle even though it is hard because of the blockage on my throat. “Here, accept this money that my boss paid me in advance. Our flight to another country is tonight, so I'll leave as soon as I pay Charles' bills,” I said as I slid into her hands the money Jaxson had paid me earlier. “I'm going to call you all the time...”

When I felt my tears stream, I quickly squeezed her into a hug so she could not see it.

I promise, mom, after a year of our agreement, I'll be back. I had also finished school at that time and would have a regular job enough to support our family.

But, for now, I can't let this chance to save Charles' life pass me by.

“We can go now...” I mumbled quietly as soon as I got in his car.

I tilted my face slightly to the right side so he couldn’t see my tears welling.

“You're making me feel like a bad guy.”