Chapter 4
"If there is no problem, then it is settled," Magnus said calmly. "I will pick you up tomorrow at the front gate of your university after your lecture. We will go get our marriage certificate."
"…How do you know I have a lecture tomorrow?" I asked in disbelief.
"Wait—did you just say marriage certificate?"
"Yes."
"A marriage certificate as in a marriage certificate?"
"Yes. Grandpa and your Father decided that we should get our marriage certificate first before fixing a wedding date."
I stared at him, completely stunned.
"I know we don't feel any love for each other," he continued. "But we have to get married for the sake of our families. I promise to try my best to be a good husband to you. I can give you anything—but not love. I'm telling you this so you won't expect it from me. And once I find the mother of my son, Annie," he continued in a low, controlled voice, "all of this will come to an end.
This arrangement, this marriage—it will all be over. When that time comes, I will make sure you are compensated properly. Any amount you want, name it, and it will be yours."
I didn't know how to react, so I said nothing. I was still trying to process the fact that my parents had lied to me.
"Let's go," Magnus said, breaking the silence. "I will drop you off at your university."
"Don't bother," I replied quietly. "I'm not going back to school right now."
"It's fine. I will drop you wherever you want to go."
I asked the driver to take me to the coffee shop where Jessie worked. In no time, we arrived. I thanked him, stepped out of the car, and watched it zoom away.
The moment I walked into the coffee shop, Jessie dragged me into a corner.
"Girl, don't tell me your blind date is the owner of that car," she whispered excitedly.
"Is he handsome? When's your next date? Is he a gentleman? Please tell me you collected his number—"
She suddenly stopped. "Leah… are you okay? Why do you look so sad?"
"It wasn't a blind date," I said quietly. "Our parents already arranged everything. I'm getting married."
"What? Stop playing."
"I'm not," I said bitterly. "I'm getting my marriage certificate tomorrow after class. I'm such a fool."
"Don't say that about yourself," Jessie said gently. "You're the smartest girl I know. If you're not comfortable with this, talk to your parents. I'm sure they'll reconsider."
"I'm not so sure," I replied.
"You never know until you try. And honestly, marriage isn't that bad—as long as he's handsome."
"He has a son."
"What?!" Jessie gasped. "Don't tell me your parents are making you marry an old man!"
"No, no," I quickly corrected. "He's not old. And… he's very handsome."
"Then stop panicking," she said, clapping her hands. "Come on, let's meet my boss for your interview."
A few minutes later, my interview was over—and I got the job. But I came out looking miserable just to prank Jessie.
Seeing my face, she sighed. "Don't worry. I'll ask my sister if there are any openings at her workplace. Don't lose hope."
"I got the job!" I suddenly screamed.
"Wait—what?" she yelled. "You little brat!"
"Haha! I got you."
"You played that way too well," she laughed. "Come on, let's hurry back to school for our presentation. We'll celebrate later."
After our presentation, we went to Jessie's house to celebrate. I had so much fun that, for a moment, I forgot all my worries. Later that evening, Mr. Joe picked me up and drove me home.
When I got home, my parents were having their usual couple time. Normally, I wouldn't interrupt—but today, I didn't care.
"Oh, Leah is back," my mom said.
"Yes," I replied coldly. "Let's forget about you lying to me. Dad, Mom—please. I'm begging you. Call off the engagement. I can't go through with this marriage. I don't want to live the rest of my life in a loveless marriage."
"Leah, we can't," my mom said firmly. "If we call it off, the Wilson Corporation will destroy us with just one word. All your father's hard work over the years will be for nothing."
I turned desperately to my dad, dropped to my knees, and tears streamed down my face.
"Dad, please. Don't let me get that marriage certificate tomorrow. Do something—anything. Please."
"Enough, Leah," he said. "Go to your room."
"No!" I cried. "I'm not standing up until you agree."
"I can't call off the engagement," he said quietly. "We'll lose everything. You will go and get that marriage certificate tomorrow."
Then he looked straight into my eyes.
"Leah… can you please do this for us?"
Seeing that look, I gave up. I stood up silently and went to my room.
***
The next morning, I woke up early, hoping to leave before seeing Layla. I knew she would make fun of me.
Unfortunately, my plan failed.
"Leah dear!" Layla called out. "Why are you leaving so early? Do you have class, or are you already making preparations for your marriage?"
She smiled mockingly. "By the way, congratulations. I never thought you'd be getting married this early. I'm so happy for you, little sis."
"What's going on here?" Dad interrupted.
"Nothing, Daddy," Layla said sweetly. "I was just asking her to have breakfast before leaving. Right, sis?"
"Yes," I replied. "But I can't. I'm having breakfast with my man."
Layla's smile froze.
"I have to go now. See you later, sister. Bye!"
***
Meanwhile… at the Wilson Mansion
Magnus's Pov:
I returned from my morning run to find my grandfather waiting for me.
"Grandpa, you don't need to monitor me. I already promised—"
"Hurry up and take a shower," Grandpa cut in. "Then go have breakfast with your soon-to-be wife."
"What?"
"Yes. Spend quality time with her. After you get your marriage certificate, bring her home to meet us."
"Grandpa, I can't," I protested. "I have too much work at the office."
"All you ever think about is work," Grandpa snapped. "I already told you—you're not allowed into the company until you're married. So you're free. Now hurry and shower."