Chapter 4: The Whole Family Frowns
Huh?”
Vivienne Snow stared at him, convinced she had misheard. She stammered, “Y–You’re joking, right?”
The man in front of her was clearly wealthy, and he looked nothing short of stunning. Why would someone like him want to marry her?
Lucien Dragne cast a glance toward the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau and said matter–of–factly,
“Your ex–husband and his mistress just tried to have you killed. You’re completely alone now, and you can’t even guarantee your own safety tonight.
“If you dic, your son will be your first legal heir.”
Vivienne’s eyes widened.“How do you know that?”
“I heard it.”
He had been standing near Devin and Riley earlier, after all. Vivienne had felt their murderous intent–combined with the fact that she now possessed a billion dollars, they had every motive to kill her.
Lucien’s words made sense.
“Thank you for the warning,” she murmured, a shiver running down her spine. So, her earlier fear wasn’t just paranoia after all.
Marry me, and I can protect you.” Lucien repeated his proposal, his voice calm but firm.
Vivienne pressed her lips together. “Mr. Dragne, please don’t joke about things like this. We’re practically strangers–we only just met. I don’t believe in love at first sight, and I don’t do impulsive marriages. I’m a traditional person.”
She took a step back, deliberately widening the distance between them. She would rather let the snow fall on her than stand too close to him.
She didn’t even want the umbrella back. Lucien didn’t chase after her. Instead, he simply lifted the umbrella and held it over her head, allowing himself to get drenched in the snowfall. His gaze lowered slightly.
“I’m traditional too.”
Vivienne exhaled in relief.
“I never change once I’ve decided I like someone,” Lucien continued. “After marriage, my wife will manage all finances. I’ll handle all the housework. I cook. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I don’t speak to other women unless necessary.”
His voice was flat, but his gaze was unwavering.“For someone as traditional as you, I’d say I’m a perfect match.”
“T–That’s not what I meant!“Vivienne’s thoughts spun into chaos.She couldn’t keep up with his logic.” No, I mean–I just got divorced! My ex–husband literally wants me dead. Where do I have time to think about remarriage right now…”
Lucien’s presence was too overpowering. Just standing there, he drew attention. His gazing almost got her dazzled.
Lucien took out a business card.
“I own a private security firm. My estate has the highest–level security measures. if you marry me, I can guarantee your safety.”
Vivienne took the card and glanced at the name. Dragne Group. Her breath hitched.
So that’s why he seemed familiar! Lucien Dragne–wasn’t he the former military commander who had been honorably discharged after an injury? And the sole heir to the Dragne family fortune?
The news had made waves back then. Lucien had been a legend in the military world–young, brilliant, and set to have an unparalleled future. Even after his medical discharge, he had seamlessly inherited his family’s business and risen to the top as the nation’s wealthiest man.
Vivienne had once marveled at how some people were just born to shine–nothing could dim their brilliance.
She pulled out her phone and searched his name. At the very top was a recent article: Dragne Family Matriarch Seeks Wife for Her Son. Apparently, Lucien’s mother had gone public about looking for a daughter–in–law. Countless eligible women had rushed to apply.
The topic had even trended on social media. The article included several photos of Lucien–flawless from every angle. And that scar on his forehead no doubt about it.
And in that instant, she understood why he wanted to marry her. This was exactly like the contract marriages she had read about in romance novels. He needed a wife to deal with his family’s pressure.
As for why he had suddenly chosen her She was a second–time bride, had a billion dollars, and wouldn’t interfere with his life. All he had to do was assign some people to protect her. And maybe she looked trustworthy?
Vivienne felt ridiculous even considering it, but it inade sense.
I’ll agree to marry you,” she said after a moment. “But only if you guarantee my safety. And we need a prenuptial agreement if I die, all my assets will be donated to underprivileged children.”
Lucien’s faint sinile vanished. “Fine,” he said after a beat, “But don’t talk about dying.”
Vivienne noticed the shift in his expression. He really was unpredictable. She grew even more wary of hun.
Also,” she added, “since this is a contract marriage, I’ll have my lawyers draft the agreement.”
Setting
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Chapter 4: The Whole Family Frowns
The wealthier a person was, the more loopholes they liked to include. She wasn’t taking any chances.
Lucien’s expression dimmed further. “..Contract marriage, huh?” His smile faded a little more, but he didn’t argue. He only stared at her deeply, as if holding back countless thoughts.
Vivienne didn’t dwell on it. She immediately contacted her lawyer, sent over the requirements, and received an estimate–The first draft of the contract would be ready in an hour.
“Let’s wait at the cafe across the street,” Lucien suggested.
The sky was getting darker. The snow was falling harder. Even in her thick winter coat, Vivienne was starting to feel the chill. She might actually catch a cold if she stayed out any longer.
“…Why don’t we just go home and meet tomorrow?” she suggested.
Lucien’s lips pressed together.
“No. We’re doing it today.“His entire demeanor turned heavy.
He looked like a man who absolutely could not wait until tomorrow. Vivienne’s lips twitched. She glanced at the news article about his mother searching for a wife.
Even the nation’s wealthiest man
sn’t immune to family pressure.
With the Dragne family’s influence, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to keep the Civil Affairs Bureau open past closing time.
She sighed and followed him into the café. Lucien ordered a black coffee. Vivienne, who hated anything bitter, got a hot chocolate.
As they waited, she gazed out the window-
And spotted Devin and Riley exiting the Civil Affairs Bureau. Neither trying to endure some sort of pain.
of
them looked happy. Even their walking posture seemed off, like they were
Vivienne propped her chin on her hand, watching them with amusement.”
Judging by the medical reports she had seen, the lubricant incident had caused serious skin irritation and infections–possibly even necrosis. It would likely leave lasting consequences.
Even she wasn’t sure if it could be fully treated.
Outside, Devin and Riley started arguing.
Vivienne could read their lips through the window.
“This is all your fault! That damn lube! Now that the weather’s colder,
ww
hurts
even morel”
Devin snapped.
“I’m sorry!” Piley winced. “I’m in pain too!”
“Hurry up and put some medicine on it.”
The two of them climbed into their car and drove back to the West estate.
“Daddy! Mommy! You’re back! Play with me! Play with me!” Danny West ran over excitedly to greet them.
“Good boy,” Riley Hart smiled as she patted his head, but the warmth never reached her eyes.
Devin West, however, was in no mood to entertain his son. He dismissed him casually, “Daddy has things to do. Go play with Auntie Riley for a while.”
With that, Devin headed straight upstairs to the master bedroom. After carefully applying medicine to a certain unmentionable area, he opened his wardrobe.
Inside, his clothes were neatly arranged, just as if he had been living there all along. His heart warmed slightly–his mother must have organized everything for him.
But after searching for a while, he realized something was missing
“Mom, where are my boxers?” he called out.
Mrs. West replied from downstairs, “Everything of yours was always arranged by Vivienne. You’ll have to look for it yourself.”
“Hurry up, son. Dinner’s ready,” she urged.
“Alright.”
Devin hesitated for a moment, then resumed his search: But no matter how much he rummaged, he couldn’t find a single pair. Frustrated, he grabbed his phone and sent a message to that woman–only to discover he had been blocked.
His expression darkened instantly. Hmph, So she actually has some backbone this time.
He let out a cold laugh, convinced that he wouldn’t forgive her so easily.
His old boxers already had an odd smell, so he had no choice but to wear a men’s sarong for the time being and ordered the house staff to buy him new ones immediately.
Finally, he headed downstairs to the dining room. The entire West family was seated neatly around the table, Mrs. West’s face beamed with joy, her smile as bright as a chrysanthemun
“That wretched woman is finally gone. The whole house feels lighter. Come, let’s celebrate!” Everyone lifted their glasses.
2/3
Settri
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Chapter 4: The Whole Family Frowns
Except Danny, who had a juice box. But the moment they took a sip-
