Chapter 9
I couldn’t wrap my head around why Alex would want to marry me. I mean, a guy like him? He could have any woman he
wanted.
Just based on his looks and status, I bet he’d have ladies lining up from the restaurant door all the way to Newton City if he just waved his hand.
But in all the years I dated Austin, I didn’t remember hearing about Alex having a girlfriend. It was hard to believe a guy in his thirties could still be a virgin, right?
Ugh, why was I even thinking about this? I needed to forget about his charm.
Austin and I were practically engaged-even if we’d broken up-but why was Alex suddenly interested in marrying me? It always seemed like he had ulterior motives.
Was he even into women? It was baffling how a good-looking, wealthy guy like him could be single. I felt suddenly enlightened and was about to ask him.
Just then, I noticed Alex tapping his fingers on the table and he casually mentioned, “I can give you 1.5 million dollars of pocket money every year.”
1.5 million dollars? That definitely got my attention. I mean, I couldn’t realistically earn that much in five years slogging away at a regular job.
I’d been surviving on one meal a day ever since I graduated, just to save up for a house. I did get an allowance from Austin, but it was just his sub card, and I tracked every penny on everyday expenses.
Sure, people thought Austin treated me like a queen, always buying me designer bags and clothes, but the reality was I hardly wore them because we barely went out.
And with my salary being under 3,000 dollars a month, there was no way I could sport a bag that cost way more than my salary without setting myself up to be a target at work.
Plus, every time Austin gifted me something, I found out he was splurging on Rosemary even more or buying her the same stuff. It was infuriating.
I bit my lip, lost in thought for a bit, and shot Alex a playful glance. “Any chance you would sweeten the deal?”
Alex’s deep gaze narrowed, his expression shifting just slightly.
“Just kidding.” I quickly looked away, trying to escape the intensity of his eyes. I nervously picked up my drink and took another sip. Ugh, it was so sour it felt like my teeth were about to fall out, but I forced it down anyway.
“Why would you want to marry me? I’m not exactly worth 1.5 million dollars.” I smirked at Alex.
“You’re not,” Alex replied casually, a lazy grin on his face. “But my wife’s definitely worth it.”
I almost cursed at that but didn’t have the guts to actually say it. Instead, I gave him a wry smile. “But I was so close to marrying Austin. If you tie the knot with me, that’s gonna ruin your rep, right?”
I studied him closely. It was such a weird dynamic-every time I saw Alex, I had to schmooze with Austin and call him uncle out of respect.
If I married Alex, would I really have to call him my husband? Ugh, that sounded awkward.
1/3
Chapter !
“You said it was close,” Alex smirked, the corners of his mouth twitching up. “I wouldn’t worry about my reputation if I were You’
He had a point, and honestly, it was hard to argue with that logic. But why did his tone always carry a hint of cockiness and disdain?
“I’ll give you ten minutes to think it over,” Alex said, glancing up at me with a slight smile before checking his watch.
I raised an eyebrow, shocked. Ten minutes? Was he really that eager to get married? Just as I was about to say no, my phone buzzed with a text.
My heart sank when I saw it was from Rosemary. [Laurel, let’s just keep things chill so Austin doesn’t have to feel awkward. You don’t feel bad for him. I do.]
I frowned, surprised that Rosemary was still haunting me. A wave of unease washed over me.
Alex was right-Austin wouldn’t let go of me so easily. After all, we had been together for six years.
It was not like he couldn’t move on. It was because he wouldn’t let me break up with him, especially not because of Rosemary.
Otherwise, that competitive streak of Rosemary’s wouldn’t allow her to make peace with me.
I picked up my glass and took another long sip, then glanced up at Alex. “I’m on board.”
He nodded, clearly expecting that answer.
“Aren’t you curious why I agreed?” I asked with a smirk.
“Because you’re low on cash.”
Bingo. He hit the nail on the head.
I kept my expression steady, but inside I wanted to scream-he really had a way of chatting up a storm. No wonder he struggled to keep friends around.
“So, it was Rosemary who sent you the message, right? And you were planning to reject me initially, weren’t you?” he asked.
I raised an eyebrow at him, my guard up.
He must have noticed the confusion and worry creeping on my face because he leaned in and said, “Look, Rosemary may not even be Austin’s real sister, but you can’t deny her spot in the Herrera family. Leaving was the right call for you.”
He paused and met my gaze before adding, “And honestly, marrying me was the smartest move you’ve made.”
I couldn’t help but purse my lips. He could be really cocky.
For the sake of 1.5 million dollars, I could tolerate it. Plus, teaming up with Alex was my best bet in dealing with Rosemary in the future.
“Honestly, you really put an offer on the table that I couldn’t refuse,” I said while raising an eyebrow.
Alex chuckled. “You’ve been great. How about I let you in on another secret?”
As soon as he mentioned a secret, I was all ears. “Austin’s been seeing other women behind your back,” he spilled.
2/3
Chapter 9
1 shrugged. “That’s not exactly breaking news.”
I rubbed my temples. In the six years with Austin, I’d seen enough flirtation to fill a book. All Austin would tell me to laugh it off, like it was some kind of joke.
Love-struck women always think their guy is their one true love.
“Actually, he’s been wanting to break up for a while now. He just hasn’t found someone who can accept Rosemary,” Alex
added.
When Alex said that, I froze, staring at him in disbelief.
“You don’t buy what I’m saying?” he asked gently.
I shook my head and bit my lip, I had convinced myself Austin was all about Rosemary and me and hadn’t really considered the reality. Turns out I was just his backup option.
“Now that we’re broken up, why’s he still hanging around?” I asked.
“The Herrera family sees Rosemary as the daughter, not a daughter-in-law,” Alex said, pausing to let it sink in before he sighed. “An adopted daughter with their son? It would ruin Austin’s reputation.”
