Chapter 5

"Is that your ex-boyfriend?" Julian asked over the phone.

He'd taken the initiative of referring to Carl as Angela's ex.

"Yeah," Angela replied.

"You should move out as soon as possible."

"I will."

"As for our marriage registration, just go ahead and check your schedule. Once you decide on a time, let me know, and I'll be there," Julian said.

Once the call was over, Carl eyed Angela suspiciously and questioned, "Who called you at this hour of the night?"

"Someone who wants to marry me and is asking me to register our marriage," Angela replied.

Upon hearing that, Carl let out a mocking laugh. "Angela, this trick only works once. It gets pathetic if you attempt it multiple times."

Angela breathed in deeply before humming in acknowledgment.

"Hey! I'm talking to you. Are you listening to me?"

"Relax. I won't ever bring this up with you again."

That satisfied Carl.

"It's getting late. I need to head back to Lucy."

"Go ahead."

Before leaving, Carl turned back and said to Angela, "Hang in there a little longer. Just wait until Lucy's condition improves. After all, you've been with me for so many years now. I'll still make you my wife."

This time, Angela said nothing.

…

The next day, Angela began packing her things. She didn't have that many clothes. The only possession of hers of any importance was her laptop. She was a programmer, and her years of coding were all stored in it.

When Julian came to pick her up, he raised an eyebrow at the sight of her carrying nothing more than a computer bag. "Is that all?"

"That's right," Angela said with a nod.

"I thought women loved collecting pretty clothes and bags."

Well, he wasn't wrong. Who wouldn't love having a closet full of pretty clothes and bags?

However, all their money went toward Carl's business, and over time, it became hard for them to make ends meet. Angela pawned off her jewelry, and it had been years since she last bought any new clothing for herself.

Therefore, she simply gathered some of her personal belongings and donated everything else to charity.

Glancing at her lonesome computer bag, Julian said gently, "I'll take you shopping this weekend."

"It's fine."

"Why not?"

"I haven't received this month's salary yet."

Julian couldn't stop himself from chuckling. "I'll give you an advance on it."

Angela chewed her lip. She still felt a little uncertain about the whole thing.

"Boss, are you seriously willing to marry me?"

"Why do you ask?" Julian queried.

"Is your family pestering you to get married?"

"They are. Moreover, being a married man makes me seem more trustworthy to the shareholders, so it's good for the company, too."

"That explains everything. I knew a cunning businessman like you would never do something if you didn't get anything out of it…"

"What did you just call me?"

Angela quickly waved her hands, saying, "Oh, it's nothing."

Smirking, Julian remarked, "You should probably change the nickname you set for me on your phone when you can."

"On it! I'll do it right this instant!"

Angela swiftly deleted the words "The Cunning Businessman" and changed his contact to "The Perfect Gentleman". Then, she held up her phone in front of Julian and said, "Look. All done."

After glancing at the screen, Julian pulled up by the side of the road.

"What's the matter?" Angela asked.

Julian took her phone and tapped on it for a bit before returning it to her. As he began driving once more, Angela checked her phone.

Julian was no longer listed as "The Perfect Gentleman" on WhatsApp. Instead, she saw the word "Hubby".

"We're not married yet, boss. Isn't this a bit too conspicuous?"

Cocking an eyebrow, Julian suggested, "Shall we head over to City Hall now, then?"

While speaking, he made it seem like he was going to make a U-turn.

"No, thanks. I don't think we can do it today, boss."

"Tell me, then. What's your excuse this time?"

"Well, he still has my Social Security card."

…

Carl was out shopping with Lucy when he got the call from Angela.

Lucy had changed into a strapless mini dress and was striking seductive poses in front of the mirror on purpose. When she saw the way Carl's eyes glazed over as he ogled her, she secretly took a photo of him before taking a selfie.

Then, she posted on Instagram. The caption read, "Fate must have made a mistake. Why are you only showing up in my life now?"

Lucy had posted two photos—a sexy picture of her and a shot of Carl staring dazedly at her. She adored the feeling of having Carl wrapped around her finger. It stoked her ego to no end.

But soon, Carl tore his eyes away from Lucy. Frowning, he took a call.

"Angela, didn't I tell you I'll be spending the next few days with Lucy? Why are you calling me?"

"Where's my Social Security card?" Angela asked.

"Why do you want it?"

"I need to register for something."

"Register for what?"

Lucy wasn't going to let Carl take his eyes off her. She purposely raised her voice and called out to him, "Carl, do I look good in this dress?"

Once again, Carl's attention was drawn toward her. When he saw Lucy making an adorable yet sexy pose in front of him, all he could think about was ending the call as quickly as possible.

"Your Social Security card is in the third drawer of the living room cabinet. I'm going to be very busy during this time. Don't call me if you don't have anything urgent. I'm hanging up now."