Divorced My Cheating Husband, Married A Billionaire

Chapter 10: Adrian's Conditions

"You need to eat. How can you care for your mom if you don't eat?" Adrian said as he pushed a bowl of ramen in Riley's direction. "This thick broth is good for you. You are so thin."

Riley frowned. She looked at her arms and could not deny Adrian's comment. She had lost a lot of weight in the past few days. She accepted the ramen and slowly sipped on the soup.

Adrian insisted that Riley take a break from watching her mother, even just a few hours. Thus, they were at a famous Japanese restaurant that was about to close, but Adrian was a King, and the owners were more than willing to accommodate him.

When Riley ate, she felt better. The soup and the noodles warmed her stomach. Out of nowhere, Adrian asked, "Are you really going to contest the divorce agreement?"

Riley stared at him. They had earlier talked about her encounter with Claire's mother and the threats she gave. She replied, "I just said that out of spite. I don't care about Brian's money. I want to divorce him as soon as possible, but of course, I want to get even."

"GOOD." Adrian firmly replied. He appeared to be controlled on the surface, but Riley noticed a hint of tension in his words. "Because Brian is not worth that much. Don't waste your time battling over twenty-five million dollars. We'll get even in a smarter way."

Adrian paused briefly before adding, "When you marry me, you'll be worth billions."

The thought of becoming an instant billionaire made Riley choke on her food. She drank an entire glass of water to clear her throat. She mused, 'He sure knows how to catch me off guard.'

"My grandfather will be returning from his trip next month. I need to introduce you as my girlfriend, so your divorce must be finalized before then," Adrian announced. He raised his chin, flaunting his perfectly proportioned face.

"I don't know if that can be processed so quickly," Riley remarked.

"As long as you do not contest the divorce, I can request the Supreme Court to expedite it," Adrian responded.

If anyone would have connections in the government, the Kings would. They were one of the oldest families in Halliport and were practically gods in the city.

"You said your grandfather had been pressuring you to get married. Why?" Riley inquired.

Adrian stared into Riley's green eyes. He replied, "To continue the legacy of the Kings, to extend the family, to have stability, and to have grandchildren. It is in our family's culture."

He paused and admitted, "And, it's part of Grandpa's condition before he gives me part of his company shares - that I must marry. I need his shares for a particular reason."

Riley winced. She ate some more and watched Adrian feed himself with the ramen too. After a while, she questioned, "Why do you need your grandfather's shares?"

Adrian stopped mid-way from eating his food. He looked at Riley and answered, "To secure it. To give me leverage."

He leaned back and added, "It is no secret that my family has not been united since my father remarried."

"My stepbrother was voted as the CEO of King's Enterprises, whereas I was only appointed to manage the conglomerate's healthcare entity," Adrian revealed. His jaws tightened before describing, "I plan to take what is rightfully mine."

Riley's brows met. How can she forget about this? Three years ago, Adrian's adoptive brother was chosen to lead the King's empire instead of him. It was the talk of the town for an entire month. She

thought Adrian must have felt conned. After all, he was the legitimate child, a real King.

"I'm - I'm sorry to hear that," Riley said.

"Thank you for sympathizing with me," Adrian said. "Don't worry. I have taken measures to keep my family's legacy safe, and you will help me ensure it."

"Just because we will marry?" Riley asked, still trying to figure out how her union with Adrian would address his problems. "Adrian, are you forgetting that I am a divorcee? I'm worried that your family will not like me."

"I admit that my father will oppose. He wanted me to marry Leni Eros, but she is out of the picture. It doesn't matter what my father thinks, though. Our relationship has long been stained, but my grandpa will respect my choices," Adrian assured her.

"And please, Riley, don't underestimate yourself." For the first time since meeting Adrian again, he chuckled. He gulped, and Riley could not help but notice how his Adam's apple bobbed sexily. That small laugh line on his face made him look ravishing.

He fixed his gaze on her, making her feel uncomfortable. He implied, "You are worth so much more than you think. In a year, you will be the best jewelry designer in the country. I guarantee that."

"So you are banking on the success of my future jewelry designs?" Riley asked.

"It's one of your outstanding qualities. We may have lost touch, but I know your company's top- selling jewelry were your designs," Adrian informed. "Just trust me, Riley. As long as we will work together, everything will be fine. We will both achieve our goals."

Riley took a deep breath. She answered, "Okay. I - I trust you."

"Good," Adrian replied. "Eat."

Adrian and Riley continued to eat until their bowls were empty. Afterward, Adrian declared, "Since you are technically my girlfriend now, I will ensure you are looked after. I will ask Zia and Clint to check on you now and then. Of course, I will visit your mother too whenever I can. You must eat three times daily and sleep at least six hours."

"To ensure that, I want you to move in with me," Adrian added.

Riley was taken aback. She coughed and reacted, "What? Um. Already? My mother's place is fine - "

"Riley, you need people around you to help you get through this difficult time in your life. I would know; I have been through it," Adrian said. "It's non-negotiable. You will move in with me this weekend."

'I would know; I have been through it.' His words made Riley wonder, 'What could Adrian be referring to? The conflict in his family? Or was it when his mother passed away?'

Riley did not have the opportunity to think further about what he meant because Adrian said, "Moreover, we need to get to know each other. It has been too long."

"This relationship must be believable to my family, especially my grandfather. So, before Grandpa's arrival, we must make the most of our time," Adrian added. "We will go through normal relationship stages because it has to be believable."

When Riley raised a brow, Adrian clarified, "Courtship, engagement, and marriage." NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

"So this will not be like a secret marriage, similar to novels?" Riley asked.

"Now, Riley, why would I keep you a secret?" Adrian asked, a faint smirk forming on his face. "I already said I need you to gain my grandfather's favor and his shares."

Buttoning his suit, Adrian said, "I will have my lawyers draft our agreement before our official engagement. If you have any requests and terms to be included, let me know."

Riley bit her lip. She gasped and looked sideways before finally expressing what was bothering her. She sensed her cheeks burn as she asked, "Are we supposed to have a child? Is that part of your plan?"