Chapter 1
Mica
"Marry me," I just stopped the cart and was about to place the food on the table, so my hand was hanging in the air when I looked around after I heard it. "I am talking to you." Someone from behind me said it again. So, I turned and saw a handsome man standing with his hands in his pockets. I don’t know him personally; he is the guest occupying the room where we are now at the hotel where I work part-time.
“Pardon me, sir?" I replied, asking in a confused tone. My mind was on my mother, who was in the hospital and needed medical attention, and, of course, money, which I didn’t have and was trying to earn so hard.
“Marry me, and I am going to deal with all your financial problems,” he replied. That was tempting. I had been chasing after money for how many months already after my mother was hit and run by a car and was now in a coma? “I needed a wife; you needed money; it's a great deal, don't you think?”
“Marriage is not something you can do just because it’s a great deal,” I replied.
“Money is not something you can earn just because you need it or do five part-time jobs a day, right?”
“I don’t know you,”
“I don’t know you either.”
“If you don’t, how come you know about my problem and my job?” I asked.
“With a little investigation, I can easily find everything that I want to know. How about the cause of your mother’s situation? Do you want me to find out about the driver who ran away from his responsibility?” I was stunned, and I couldn't believe what I heard. When did he start digging into my life? “Don’t overthink; my assistant looked into you just yesterday. As for other things, I intend to find out after we’re married. That is if you’ll agree.”
“I’ll think about it,”
“Do it now while I am having my meal," he replied, sitting on the chair. “Sit down and eat with me.” I looked at him and found him doing the same as if waiting for me to sit next to him. In his 4 days of stay here, he usually orders a meal that is good for one person. But today is different. He even asked for an extra plate. Is it because of me?
It’s not that I took the liberty to notice everything about him; it’s just that I am always at my wit whenever I do my job in fear of getting fired, although I admit that there are times that I am thinking about my mother. I sighed and did as he said. For months, I had been trying to be brave and strong because of my mother. I don’t think there’s something wrong if I let someone take care of me, right?
Getting married is not in my vocabulary, especially when I have just been through a failed relationship. My boyfriend, or rather, my ex-boyfriend, cheated on me while I was busy making money for my mother. He is rich, but I don’t have the guts to ask him for help since we aren’t married yet. But little did I know that during those times that I was keeping myself busy with work, he was with another woman, satisfying his needs, which I couldn’t provide. What makes it worse is that the one who fulfills his needs is also the one who builds us up together. His best friend, Carol.
Then I was startled when I heard the man say, “I told you to eat while thinking about my offer and not to think about your ex.” Is he going to take notice of everything I do?
“I am eating,” I replied in a low voice. He has no right to command me; he is not my husband yet. How did he know that I was thinking of Adrian?
“It was written all over your face," he said, so I looked at him. Is it true? Am I so transparent that my face reflects everything I think?
Does it show on my face, or does he just know everything about me? He looks dignified and scary at the same time. I don’t know why he wanted a wife, but if he can help me with my mother, I don’t see any reason not to accept him. As the saying goes, I will just cross the bridge when I get there.
“Let's get married,” I said instead. He was already expecting my reply, judging by his quick nodding. Only a fool will refuse to accept his offer; whoever is in my position will agree with me on this. My life’s mother is more important than anything about this man.
Yes, I was being hasty. But I desperately need his money, and he knows that. “Why me, though?” I asked. “Don’t think that I am thinking you’d say that you fell in love with me at first sight. I am poor, not stupid. But I still want to know your reason.”
He chuckled and wiped his mouth after he drank his water. “Because you look like you don’t care about what I’ll do. I need a wife, but I don’t need a clingy one. I am always away, and I didn’t want to marry someone who would require me to stay with her all the time. You, on the other hand, will be very busy attending to your mother’s needs.”
“That’s it?” I asked,
“Is there anything you can think of?” he asked as well.
“No. I just want to make sure that you’re not going to expect anything from me. You will be spending a lot on my mother, and you don't look like the kind of person who does good deeds without getting anything in return.” I answered, and it was too late before I realized what I just said. He was looking at me sternly when I glanced at him, and out of shame, I didn't dare meet his eyes, so I looked back at my food and continued eating.
“I'll call the hotel and inform them about your resignation, which will take effect immediately. Boris, my assistant, will come later with the documents that require your signature for our marriage.” He said before he got up, “Don’t leave this room; I want a submissive wife." Then he left. If he is going to give me everything I and my mother need, I have no problem with being submissive. So I do as he says and wait for his assistant, ready to become Mrs. Wait, what’s his name again? How stupid could I get?
