After nearly dying multiple times herself, what she despised most was precisely this–treating human life as if it were worthless.
Countless times she had clawed her way back from the brink of death, yet he treated it as a mere joke, a means to an end. It was revolting!
Maxwell was already numb with pain, but seeing her reaction, he couldn’t help feeling anxious and hurt.
“I’m sorry, Jessica… I’m sorry… I didn’t want to… but I had no choice… I couldn’t win you back… couldn’t make things right…”
His body was so weak that each word nearly drained all his remaining strength.
Though covered in blood, he still struggled to reach out, trying to touch Jessica’s hand as he had countless times before–to hold her hand, to draw her into his arms and comfort her.
However, Jessica withdrew her hand coldly, only calling an ambulance to send him to the hospital.
“Jessica… Jessica!” Maxwell called as emergency personnel loaded him into the ambulance. He stared fixedly in her direction, desperately calling her name.
Jessica felt nothing but exhaustion.
Just then, Adrian appeared beside her, quietly remarking, “This situation could affect your performance in the lab. You might want to consider a way to make him give up completely.”
“Do you have any suggestions?” Jessica turned to ask him, adding, “I’ve already contacted his parents and family, but it was useless. When Maxwell sets his mind to something, he usually succeeds.”
“If you don’t want something to happen, he can’t force it,” Adrian stated firmly, looking directly into her eyes.
Before Jessica could react, Adrian pulled out a velvet ring box from his breast pocket.
Opening it revealed a pair of simple yet beautiful rings.
“Marry me. We’ll have a contract marriage. Let him give up once and for all.”
Jessica froze, unable to process what he had just said.
As if to ease her concerns and encourage her acceptance, he added: “This project is crucial. Professor Smith is elderly and can only guide our direction, provide insights, and verify results. Most of the work falls on us to lead the others.”
“I want to focus completely on this project without any distractions, especially from Maxwell Reed.”
Hearing his explanation, Jessica gradually relaxed.
She wouldn’t be vain enough to think her charm was overwhelming; this arrangement suited Adrian’s personality.
During their time together, she had learned that Adrian was a research fanatic who practically lived in the laboratory. He’d probably only consider his future direction after completing this project and taking a brief rest.
Looking at it that way, a contract marriage with him seemed like a reasonable arrangement–just another form of collaboration.
Jessica thought briefly before agreeing to his proposal.
She took the ring and put it on, then took his hand and slid the other ring onto his finger.
12:13
His ‘Harmless‘ 10–Year Fling? My Secret Divorce Paners Say Goodhve Forever!
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Chapter 25
“To avoid complications, let’s draft a marriage contract immediately and return to the States to get married!”
Her decisiveness surprised Adrian momentarily before he nodded.
“Alright.”
Their thinking aligned perfectly, and the marriage contract they drafted was straightforward: the marriage would automatically dissolve once the project concluded.
They caught an overnight flight back to the States, and after signing the agreement, headed straight to the county clerk’s office with their necessary paperwork in hand.
Two fresh marriage certificates were issued, making both Jessica and Adrian feel as though they were dreaming.
To ensure Maxwell would completely give up, they returned to Paris after resting briefly, changed into matching outfits, and visited Maxwell’s hospital room with their fingers intertwined.
12:13
