Chapter 4. Absurd Proposal
"Hey, back off!" He shouted, stepping out of the car a few meters ahead of Elizabeth.
"What?" She murmured, confused, looking in the same direction as the man. She spotted the thief who got startled and ran off because of Richard.
"You should be more careful, what are you doing by the roadside?" He asked, walking towards her.
Elizabeth stood up but fell to the ground while trying to step back, landing on the grass.
"What do you want?" She asked, startled, her vision still blurry as she wiped away tears.
"You're so careless." He grumbled, holding her wrist to help her up." What are you doing in a place like this?
"Who are you?" She growled, moving away, alarmed.
"Damn it..." He muttered inaudibly, backing away from her." You study at Elêusis campus, right?
He swallowed, trying to disguise his posture, but she eyed him suspiciously, never having seen that man before.
"Who are you?
"I'm one of the contributors to that place.
She furrowed her brow, puzzled, as she knew everyone who had investments in that school.
"What do you mean?" She asked, puzzled, scanning him from head to toe and noticing he wasn't an ordinary man, plus his car was one of the more expensive models.
"Quite extravagant..." she thought, contorting her face in disapproval.
"R&K Enterprises. - he responded promptly, raising her eyebrows in surprise.
"Oh... I've never seen any representatives from R&K Enterprises. Are you?
"Well... I'm Kennedy." He lied, then cleared his throat, feeling uncomfortable.
"Sorry, I was a bit rude. Thank you for scaring that man away.
"Where are you headed? Not many taxis pass through here. I can take you." He suggested, making her unsure.
"I don't know...
"You can trust me, it's safer for me to take you than for you to walk... especially with your feet hurt like that." He commented, observing her from head to toe; even though she tried to hide it, her ankles were swollen.
"I thought she was a simple girl, these clothes don't even look like replicas, neither the necklace nor the shoes."
"I really prefer to walk.
"Don't worry, just tell me where to drop you off, and I'll take you.
"Fine.
She bit her lip, apprehensive and discouraged from continuing to avoid him.
He offered his arm for her to lean on for a secure walk.
"I'll sit in the back seat, please." She requested when he tried to open the front door.
"Of course.
As they got into the car, they set off for the address she provided. Within minutes on the road, Richard saw his phone vibrate, receiving a call.
/The wedding will happen soon!" He read the message, feeling bitter.
He slowed down the car, observing Elizabeth through the rearview mirror. Her hesitant gaze revealed her anxiety as if she wanted to do something, while she noticed his look and tried to conceal her insecurity; internally, she regretted accepting the ride, but she didn't care that much.
Richard sighed heavily once again, glancing disdainfully at the message, then tossing the phone onto the empty seat beside him.
It seemed like his plans could be thwarted faster than he thought, but seeing Elizabeth there made him think that perhaps destiny was on his side.
Elizabeth, in turn, was now curious to see a black folder on the seat beside her. She tentatively stretched her arms, briefly moving the folder cover to see what was inside and was surprised to find her picture at the top of a page, a small one that showed just her face. She quickly grabbed the folder and flipped through the pages filled with various photos of different girls.
Richard abruptly parked the car on the roadside as he noticed she had taken the folder.
"Damn! How careless of me now!" he thought, worried, as he got out of the car and went to the back seat, sitting next to Elizabeth, who shrank away, scared by his reaction.
"Who said you could touch my things!" He shouted, his voice strained.
"Who said you could investigate things about me? Who do you think you are? - She growled back.
"Didn't you hear who I am?" He asked abruptly, trying to grab the paper from Elizabeth, who resisted, moving the paper away.
"Give that back to me!" She growled, not realizing how close they were as she leaned away, trying to keep the papers away from him.
He tried to grab the papers until the sweet scent entered his nostrils, waking him up. For a moment, their eyes met, and he could observe that slender figure with a smart look, staring at him in fright yet responding with a sharp reaction that suggested she was fighting against her fear.
In the discomfort of this stranger being so close, Elizabeth pushed him away, her hands on his chest, pushing him. For a moment, she observed and noticed how good-looking this stranger was.
Richard adjusted his posture in the chair after giving up on retrieving the papers. His intense gaze ignored her. She evaluated his face symmetrically harmonious while he clenched his jaw and crossed his arms, allowing him to re-read all the information he had gathered.
She wanted to know what he had found out, afraid that he might be after her because of her wealth.
"Ah..." She sighed, relieved, glancing at him furtively, then taking the folder.
She carefully leafed through it, reading each page quickly, then showing surprise.
"Why all these women? What do you want?
"Well..." He smiled bitterly, but still, he seemed even more attractive." I don't have time to waste anymore, I'll get straight to the point. What if I told you I'm looking for an ideal wife? - he asked suddenly, changing his tone to give off an air of mystery.
"What?" She asked skeptically." Is the college now a dating site?
"No, I was just trying to find a woman willing to accept a temporary marriage agreement, and as you can see, you're at the top of the list.
"As if I would stoop to something like that. Even though I have power, it doesn't mean you can buy everything.
"I don't want to buy anything; I'm just... look, I'd never tell this to anyone, but I'm desperate." His tone sounded false; he didn't show any emotion." I need a wife... because..." He stumbled over his words as she waited, already considering it a lie.
He looked at her and smiled, pretending to be embarrassed, but despite all these reactions, he didn't show anything sincere, as he only knew one kind of emotion that left him indifferent and bitter; smiling wasn't his forte, even though he looked beautiful when he did.
"It's a bit embarrassing, but my family wants me to marry a woman I don't love because I'm already 36 and don't even have children.
"Do you want me to have children with you? You sadist!
"No! I just want a sham marriage; I don't want anything from you except that you agree to marry me, for at least
two years, and I promise to free you after that. You don't even have to live with me." He made the proposal, hopeful; she was his only chance now.
Chapter 5. Agreement between their parents. Elizabeth stayed silent for a few minutes, observing while Richard uncomfortably cleared his throat, maintaining a distant look and an upright posture as he stared out the car window. "Come on! Everyone has their own problems!" She shouted furiously, trying to open the door. "The car is locked." He informed calmly. "Let me out, I will never marry you! I hate these rich people who think they can have everything and treat us however they want just because they have a lot of money. "I didn't say anything offensive to you; I just gave you the chance of a lifetime. You could live well for the rest of your life; any poor girl like you would accept it. "Oh, please! As if this day hadn't been bad enough already. "Accept the agreement and have the life every girl dreams of. "Do you think things work like that? Does everyone think that way?" She asked, trembling lips and a sad look." I don't want to be forced to marry anyone. What's wrong with
chapter 6: Destined It was nighttime, and Elizabeth's father was in his office with his wife, who was pacing back and forth anxiously. "Do you think she saw it?" She asked anxiously. "I showed her, the investigator said she entered while they were still there. "And the elder Campbell? Is he still available for the marriage? "Despite Richard being a sought-after man, and he rarely shows up for this, he wouldn't find a wife so quickly. He's so calculating and meticulous; he wouldn't choose just any woman, even to throw us off and make me keep my word. "You don't know if he really hasn't found someone; if I were you, I wouldn't count on that man's coldness. He might just want to use any woman when it comes to such an important matter. "Not that man, he's not that type. "Well... what's the deadline, at least? "Actually, I hope Elizabeth decides tomorrow. I want her to be able to marry before her brothers go to the United States; they won't think about going until they're sure thei
Chapter 7: The Expected Yes "Miss Kalgazar…" He murmured her name with disdain, yet maintaining composure as he pulled his hands away. "I don't have time now, but once a decision is made, I'll meet you," he warned dryly. "I hope we can meet soon; I know I'll be the right person you're looking for." She stepped back and left, heading toward the group of friends awaiting her. "Not at all…" She sighed indifferently, keeping her gaze in the opposite direction, remembering Eliza. "I don't know what's happening for her to be on my mind like this," he thought, lost in thought. Elizabeth and her friend Gaby were on the campus field where students gathered to sit on the grass. She tried once again to hold back the tears, though it was almost impossible. "When will you stop coming here? I know it hurts you, so…" "I… I just need to see, see until it hurts so much that I wish for death, but instead of killing me, I'll end his life!" She exclaimed fiercely. "Your mind is hard to understan
Chapter 8: The Man I'm Going to MarryElizabeth could hardly rest; she headed to the garden, where she walked until late, pondering how Taylor would react upon learning that she was suddenly married. Yet, she was also afraid, having no idea who the man she was marrying was. This troubled her chest even more. In seconds, she thought of a thousand possibilities and hells she might experience at the hands of this man her father deemed someone who would keep her safe.After much contemplation, her insomnia only worsened. Still, she retreated to her room and locked herself in. Early in the morning, she awoke to her mother opening the curtains of her large window, flooding the room with light."Mom!" she protested as the maids entered eagerly."Get up, okay? Even though it's a blind marriage, let's make it perfect. You're getting married today, and everything is being arranged in haste.""And this dress?" she asked indifferently as the maid carefully placed the shimmering crystal-like piece
Chapter 9: Delivered to the One I DespiseElizabeth was ready and anxious, her gaze fixed on the clock on her dresser, torturing herself with each passing minute as if they were flying by."Mom, is this clock broken?" she asked irritably, turning it to hide its display."What do you think? Is it taking too long? I know, I'm so excited," her mother commented enthusiastically, drawing Elizabeth's serious gaze, leaving her astounded."No! It's the opposite; it's passing so quickly. Suddenly, it's less than an hour. I'm...""Liz... I don't know how you can accept this... it's so scary," Gaby grumbled, distressed."My goodness! You look beautiful!" Brian exclaimed, enchanted by his sister, the bride."I never thought I'd see such a beautiful bride," Ryuk celebrated. "Come on, strut around to see how it would be walking down an aisle.""You... at least, you guys have your heads on straight," Elizabeth grumbled, then adjusted her posture and began walking.The bride was stunning in her beaut
Chapter 10: Subtle AttractionFor Elizabeth, the wedding felt like a funeral; her stomach churned constantly. After the forced "yes" and the ceremony concluded with the signed contracts, there was no further contact between them.She remained in the hall since her father wouldn't allow her to leave."So?" Gaby asked, apprehensive."I just want to get out of here as soon as possible!" Elizabeth grumbled, while sneakily observing Richard, who was beside her father and mother, all engrossed in lively conversation.Her parents smiled eagerly, and Richard attempted to appear receptive, even if he didn't smile. However, in a few brief seconds of contact, his gaze met Elizabeth's sulking stare, one of the few things that made him feel like laughing, though it remained a mere urge."That jerk, how dare he go through with the marriage," she continued grumbling."Why do you keep complaining? He doesn't seem so bad, even if the circumstances aren't the best.""You know... I didn't tell you, but
Chapter 11: Agreement or ThreatRichard promptly accepted the invitation from Elizabeth's mother, who invited him to dance as soon as she saw them stepping away. Generously, Elizabeth gifted each of her brothers a dance."Siblings... my foot is throbbing, and this atmosphere is starting to make me nervous. I'm going for a walk outside and leaving Gaby in your care; she seems quite downcast," she announced."Are you plotting something, Elizabeth?" Brian asked suspiciously, as he knew his sister well."It's nothing serious, just let me be alone," Elizabeth replied.She exited, crossing the hall to one of the balconies, where she sat on a bench near the railing. She sighed with relief as she finally took off the heels that had been hurting her ankle.Meanwhile, Richard continued chatting absentmindedly with his parents, as if Elizabeth wasn't present."I still believe you and Elizabeth can get along. It's a bit strange that, after being husband and wife, you remain distant," Zeus comment
Chapter 12 "A Not So Cold Man"On that day, Elizabeth's parents weren't home as they were attending a business dinner and couldn't accompany her. This, in fact, was a relief for her. When Richard informed her that he was waiting for her outside the gate, she came down to meet him. However, upon seeing her, he was taken aback while she approached slowly, avoiding making eye contact.Once she reached the gate, he regained composure and opened the car door for her to get in. As expected, she hesitated and attempted to head towards the back door."Don't think of doing what you're thinking," Richard warned."I don't want to sit next to you.""Elizabeth, dear, I'm not letting my beautiful wife sit in the back seat; the Campbell heiress should arrive by my side.""You just want to show me off?""Exactly, just get in and go with the flow."Once inside the car, Richard had never felt so uncomfortable next to a woman. However, Elizabeth seemed completely at ease, while he felt oddly affected by