4: Choice

Chapter 4

Choice

***

POV: Lia Salvador

“Marry me, Lia.”

Being dumbfounded is an understatement.

After what happened to me last night – here’s another surprise of fate.

I want to let out a loud curse – but I simply counted one to ten to calm my raging nerves.

Of course, the proper etiquette class just wouldn’t let me lose my confidence or my patience at that – no matter how much I want to scream right now and act so unladylike.

“You don’t have any other choice, Lia. You must marry me.” Renz's cold voice sent shivers down my spine.

It came out in a whisper that no one around – even Cali – couldn’t hear him say those words, or I might call it a threat instead.

Even if it was too hard to do so, I have to gather all my sane thoughts.

Would I say yes or no?

I can’t stop myself from cursing inside my head already.

I don’t know what to do.

My insides are twirling like I want to puke and simply fake a moment of passing out.

‘Damn! You are in deep trouble, Lia!’ My mind is already in chaos as it murmurs those words.

‘What to do?’ Those words come like a mantra – whispering inside my head, as if it is enough to clear it.

‘Should I say ‘no’?’ I ask myself.

I shake my head.

No.

I know that it won’t do me good.

That is not a good idea.

Renz’ words aren’t empty.

I knew that.

It was a simple warning – and I knew that he could do more if he wanted to, given his background.

I grit my teeth in irritation.

His background.

I swallow the bitterness dripping inside my mouth.

I knew exactly what he meant by that.

Connections. Power. Money.

Everything.

And I know that it won’t do me any good now.

No matter what I do, he has the upper hand.

‘Don’t you want that? He is asking you to marry him! He’s a catch! And you are attracted to him!’ A part of me is already shrieking with excitement – no matter how much I try to hide.

It seems like it is already filled with giddiness and anticipation.

“I am waiting, Lia…” Renz gave me a cold smile as he said those words – as if it is the final indication that he could ever give me.

The last stretch of patience.

The remaining piece of chance.

Not to mention, the way he calls my name seems to be his very last notice for me.

I let out a deep sigh.

“Y-Yes…” I replied fakely – as I gave him a small smile.

He instantly slips the simple diamond ring on my ring finger and stands up.

Cali giggles and congratulates us.

Even the few people inside the café celebrate with us – as if it is real.

Well, it might be to them.

But not to me.

“Thanks. Uhm, I… I mean, we need to talk about something. Will talk to you later, okay?” I immediately told Cali as she is about to ask me more about my relationship with Renz.

I know that.

Especially when she eyed me with playfulness before nodding her head.

I discreetly sigh with relief before giving her a small smile and pulling Renz – I mean, Mr. McGregor – out of the café.

I decided to go to the backdoor instead.

At least we could have privacy at that.

“You are smart. You can easily get into this drama.” The great Lawrence David McGregor praised me – but I know that it isn’t that way.

I purse my lips together – as I try counting one to ten inside my head.

“What do you want from me? I am just a simple woman trying to live my life, Mister.” I told him seriously – hoping that he still has other reasons for asking me for marriage.

Deep inside me, I am still hoping that he doesn’t know the real me and that he is just doing this randomly.

However, my hope eventually vanished as he opened that sexy mouth of his.

“You know, let’s drop these nonsensical explanations. Let’s get straight to the point now. I know who you are, Princess Aurelia Morgan. And I have some propositions to ask you.” He directly stated – causing me to swallow hard.

My heart begins thumping like it is a horse in a race.

“You have to be my wife-”

“And if not?” I cut him off – causing him to smile at me sinisterly.

I bit my tongue inside my mouth – trying to stop the words that wanted to escape from it.

“Princess Aurelia Morgan.”

My name that came from his mouth is enough to shatter whatever ounce of hope left inside my heart.

“Is it enough for you to say ‘yes’ to me?” Renz uttered playfully.

I purse my lips tightly.

“Can I ask why you are doing this? You can have all the women in the country – even abroad. Why me?” I ask in between my gritting teeth.

He gives me a cold look – sending me shivers down my spine.

For a moment, I want to take back the words I said.

However, I won’t.

“If we are going to do this, then, at least give me a reason.” I told him dauntingly.

But Renz just smirks at me devilishly.

It almost blows my sane thoughts away.

‘How could someone like him be so attractive and spiteful at the same time? Damn it!’ My mind tries to comment – but I immediately castigate it from my mind.

“Let’s see…” Renz trailed off – as he looked at me like he was assessing every bit of my being.

I almost want to punch his lovely face.

Well, I haven’t done that in my entire life – maybe it will be very exciting. Of course, it’s a fooling idea.

I clench my jaw at that.

“I want you to pretend to be my wife. And it’s because I know… I won’t fall for you. You are the perfect person for that.”

That is, it.

So simple.

As if everything that he says is as easy as one, two, three.

“And I know that you need me… So, you won’t be exposed.” He added darkly.

This time, I know I am cornered.

It seems like my freedom ends here.

However, a part of me feels like it doesn’t matter – if it is for this billionaire bachelor, Lawrence David McGregor.