Chapter 5Marriage Simplifies Things
The afternoon sky over Pherton was gloomy, and before long, a quiet rain began to fall. The entire city was shrouded in a misty drizzle.
On the 88th floor ofGlory International, inside the lounge of the CEO’s office…
Arthurexchanged a glance with Terrence. Seeing Terrence give a slight nod. Arthur finally turned to Osvaldo, who was sittingon the central sofa. “So you really kicked Cecilia aside and got your marriage certificate with that subordinate of yours? What’s her nameagain? The Frederick family tried to turn toyour grandfather, and heused the chance to trap you. Maybe he just wanteda great–grandson. And you just walked right into the wrap yourself?”
Terrence narrowed his eyes slightly at Arthur’s words, his gaze filled with amusement as it landed on Osvaldo.
They had all been stunned when Tobias told them that Osvaldo had gotten married, and not to Cecilia Frederick!
It was way too sudden.
The man that they all thought least likely to marry had ended up being the first to get married.
Not to mentionundersuchcircumstances…
Osvaldo lifted his gaze, his black eyes calm and unreadable.
“So what if I got married? Just another woman. A subordinate might even be more suitable. Or maybe you’re wondering if she’s just a cover while
21 513
Chapter SManage Stephen Thongs
I’m still waiting for her…”
As he fell silent, Terrence chuckled. But before he could finish his sentence, Osvaldoturnedto him. “Marriage is my personal choice. It has nothing to do with anyone else. She’s not a cover.”
If it hadn’t been her, it would’ve been someone else. Why bother waiting? Thus, he chose to handle it right away.
“Is your familypressuring you that hard? It’s not like this is the first time…”
Arthur looked surprised. Osvaldo wasn’t the kindwho would yield easily.
“Marriage simplifies things.”
With that indifferent remark, Osvaldo stood and walked out.
The air seemed to chill. Arthur and Terrence exchanged a look, both clearly puzzled.
Only after Osvaldoleftdid they let out a quiet breath and instinctively turn to Tobias.
“What’s going on with him? Does she know?”
Tobias hesitated, troubled. After a moment, he lowered his voice and said, “Before Mr. Crawfordreturned to the country, somethinghappened… But I wasn’t sure what exactly…”
All he knew was that Osvaldo decided to marry Ms. Campbell all of a sudden.
Terrence and Arthur were both taken aback.
“You’ve looked into that girl’sbackground?”
amage Sangüden Things –
It was a while before Terrence asked.
Tobias replied hesitantly, “Just the basics. Mr. Crawford doesn’t care. But Ms. Campbell is actually quite nice.”
At the very least, she’s prettier than Cecilia.
Maybe his familywas just worried that Osvaldohadn’t been able to move on all these years, so they forced the marriage, hoping he’d start a new chapter and finally leave the past behind.
But someone like Osvaldo …didn’t exactly seem like the type to be weighed down by the past.
“He’s…really as unpredictable as ever.”
This time, who knewhow many jaws he’ddrop?
“Does the old man even know the bride has been swapped?”
Arthur asked.
“Not yet. Mr. Crawford…might haveotherplans.”
Tobias wasn’t sure. After all, the newlyweds hadn’t seen each other since getting their marriage certificate and having dinner thatnight. No contact, either. Mr. Crawford probably already put the whole thing out of his
mind.
“Well, I got some good stuffon my last trip to Zrexsea. Send someone to fetch them from my place. Consider it a wedding gift for the two.”
Terrence withdrew his gaze as he spoke..
“Got it, Mr. Salazar.”
36 704
***
maga Surplifies Thongs
In the blink of an eye, it wasalreadyevening. The rain still fell steadily.
A black Mercedes slowly merged into the sea of cars from the access road to Glory International.
“Mr. Crawford, shall we return to Peninsula Villa or Maple Vista?”
Tobiasasked from the front.
Osvaldowas silent for a few seconds before his deep voice rang out.
“Riverfront Alley.”
Tobias paused for a moment before realizingthat Valentina’s profileshowed she lived at No. 117, Riverfront Alley.
“Had Mr. Crawford finally remembered her?” he wondered.
“Yes, Mr. Crawford!”
***
Valentina Campbell got home from work at around 7 pm.
She lived in the Riverfront Alley area. The Campbell family hadturned their backs on her and done everything they could to drive her out.
Although the place was in the old town, it had full amenities and wast convenient. She was used to taking the subway to and from work. It helped avoid traffic and allowed her to shop at the nearby supermarket without worrying about parking.
She lived in a two–story old house.
implites. Things
The ground floor could be used as a shop. It also contained akitchen, a living room, and a storage room. Upstairs were the bedroom, study, and a small rooftop terrace. Her mother. Amelie Cochran, left the place to her.
She had just set her things down and was about to wash her hands and cook dinner when the doorbell suddenly rang.
“How come you’re here?”
Valentina was surprised to see Osvaldo at the door.
“Can’t I?”
Osvaldo looked calm as he reached out and took a bouquet of flowers from Tobias. He thenhandedit to her.
The champagne roses looked quite nice.
Valentina’s bright eyes froze for a moment. It took her a while before she came back to her senses and reached out to accept the bouquet.
“Thank you. Please come in.”
To be honest, seeing him again made her feel a little awkward. She wasn’t expecting to see him. But considering what had already happened, there was no choice but to move forward..
Osvaldo stepped inside, and Tobias followed with several gift bags. He thenplacedthem on a table before quickly taking his leave.
Valentina gestured for Osvaldo to sit down and asked, “Have you had dinner? I was about to cook. Want to join me?”
“Sure.”
Osvaldo replied coolly without hesitation, which made Valentina feel
21.510
slightly awkward.
She had only been trying to be polite.
But given the fact that they were already married, having dinner together seemed only too natural.
“Mr. Crawford, do you have any dietary restrictions? Are green onions, ginger, garlic, and cilantro all okayto you?”
Valentina asked politely.
“Yes.”
Originally. Osvaldo had planned to return to Peninsula Villa. But when Arthurand the others dropped by that afternoon, it suddenly reminded him of the woman he had just married.
Since he had married her, he couldn’t just leave her be.
“Then have a seat. Feel free to look around or watch TV.”
Valentina poured him a glass of water.
“I see.”
Osvaldo responded and took the glass.
Valentina placed the TV remote on the table in front of him and headed
for the kitchen without another word.
bide as a Mamed Couple
