Chapter 6: Mr. King Needs A Wife
Chapter 6: Mr. King Needs A Wife
Riley's eyes widened in disbelief, her mind struggling to process the unexpected proposal. She blinked repeatedly and probably did the whole blinking cycle three times.
"Yesterday, I missed something important, so I need a wife. Since you owe me a favor, I was hoping you would marry me," Adrian said. His expression remained calm as he offered marriage, as though it were of little significance.
"W-what?" Riley gulped. "Marriage for a favor?"
Adrian didn't respond. He stared at her intensely, then pointed to his assistant and ordered, "Explain."
Riley darted to the man standing behind Adrian. The assistant, whom she had known as Clint Rodriguez, narrated, "Miss Allen, the other day, in order to bring you to the hospital and ensure your health, Mister King missed his engagement party with his fiancée, Leni Eros, the heir to the Eros Empire in Dowel City."
"And because Mister King missed the engagement party, Miss Leni Eros canceled their engagement," Clint added. "So, Mister King needs a new wife."
Hearing Clint's explanation, Riley's heart raced. She reacted, "What?! You were engaged to Leni Eros?"
Who doesn't know Leni Eros? The Eros family was the wealthiest in the state, second to the King family of Halliport!
'What in the world did Adrian think of? He abandoned a beautiful heiress to bring me to the hospital! Why didn't he just leave me with his assistant? Oh, that's right. He can't drive himself because he is in a wheelchair. Stupid, Riley.' Riley scolded herself.
'But why did Adrian stay with me until ten in the evening? He did not have to hug me and comfort me too!' As she debated with herself, her brow unwittingly raised. Reluctantly, she said, "So, it was my fault that you lost your fiancée?"
"I'm not blaming you," Adrian replied calmly. "You said you'd do me a favor, and this is the favor I am asking for."
"I may not be the wealthiest in my family, but I am far richer than Brian Martin. I can provide for all your needs, take care of your mother's hospitalization, and ensure her recovery. I can also help you build an even better jewelry company, one that will thrive with my assistance. Lastly, I will ensure you get justice for what Brian has done to you." Adrian raised his chin, narrowed his eyes, and declared, "I promise you, he will be punished."
"After I'm finished with him, he and his family will kneel before you, begging for your forgiveness," Adrian claimed. "And I will stand by your side, mocking them for the choices they made in favor of Brian's mistress."
There was a short pause before Clint remarked, "Shouldn't it be sitting, Sir? Sitting beside Miss Allen?"
Adrian glared at his assistant, causing Clint's face to turn ghostly white with fear. Adrian responded with a hint of irritation, "I can stand with support, Clint."
"Right," Clint stood rigidly, as straight as a stick. His hands were at his sides as he said, "Stand it is, Sir."
"And don't worry. This is a simple arrangement," Adrian assured Riley as he fixed his tie. "My grandfather has been pressuring me to get married. You don't need to know all the details, but what I'm saying is that getting married is advantageous to me in many ways."
"Like a contract marriage?" Riley clarified.
"Hmmm," Adrian answered. "You could say that, but it will be a respectful one. I will be honest. I will never do anything against your wishes, and I expect the same courtesy from you, Riley."
"Consider my proposition, but if you agree to this marriage, you must stay with me for at least one year." Adrian ran his fingers through his long, dark hair. He took a deep breath and studied Riley briefly before asking, "What do you think, Riley?"
Riley blinked again. "I—"
***
While Riley faced a tough decision, back at Halliport General Hospital, Brian gaped at the signed divorce papers. He glanced at Claire, who was sleeping at that moment, then returned his attention to the documents in his hand.
Riley, his wife of four years, had agreed to leave him. He was baffled by how she signed the documents without throwing a fit.
'But why?' Brian thought while his hand caressed his jaw. 'Something is not right.'
"Why am I even asking this? Shouldn't I be relieved?" Brian softly muttered. He couldn't understand his own feelings. Just hours earlier, he had wanted the divorce finalized. So why did Riley's actions affect him?
He couldn't shake off Riley's words: 'I regret everything. I regret loving you and marrying you. I don't want anything to do with you. I hate you!'
Brian thought back to the years he had shared with Riley. He had to admit, they had beautiful memories together. Since they did not have children, they often took weekend vacations. RileyCopyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.
loved adventure, so they frequently traveled to distant places, learning about new cultures, diving, hiking, and swimming.
Then, Brian unwittingly recounted the sacrifices Riley had made for the company. When he reread the compensation he had given her, he acknowledged that the money she received was unfair compared to her contributions.
The truth was, Brian was ready to give Riley more, but he honestly thought that his now ex-wife would reject the divorce. So, he and his mother, Beatrice, used Renee Allen's situation as leverage. The plan worked like magic, but maybe it was too good to be true?
As Brian pondered, Claire called, "Brian. What are you looking at?"
"Um. You are awake." Clearing his throat, Brian replied, "It's the divorce papers. Riley signed them."
Claire's face lit up. She cried with happiness as she exclaimed, "Really? That's great, Babe!"
"You're happy, right? For our baby? We can finally be a family. I love you, Brian, Babe. I love you so much," Claire added, stretching her arms toward him.
Claire's eyes, wide and doe-like, conveyed purity and longing. Her gentle lashes fluttered with hope, and her sincerity seemed to tug at the heartstrings. Brian couldn't resist; he rose from his seat and embraced his new beloved.
"Yes," Brian acknowledged, stroking Claire's back as he affirmed, "We can finally be a family."
They held each other briefly before Claire pulled away with a bright smile. Then, her cheeks turned bright red. She bashfully pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear and took Brian's hand. Claire gently guided his hand under her hospital gown, placing it over her bare breast. Softly, she said, "I missed you, Babe. I missed your touch. I know we can't do much because of the baby, but we can at least touch each other, right?"
A hiss escaped Brian's lips, feeling a surge of arousal. Claire had a powerful effect on him, and now he was filled with desire, no longer burdened by guilt towards Riley.
Brian locked the door to the hospital room and turned to Claire. He unzipped his pants and said, "Remember what I taught you about using your mouth?"
"Oh, Babe," Claire exclaimed, her face flushing as she covered it coyly. "I'm feeling shy."
Nonetheless, Claire gave Brian a lip service in the next few minutes. When he finished, he was so gratified that his moans filled the room. After getting released, he kissed Claire's lips and complimented, "You are just amazing."
Claire smiled brightly. She said, "I love you, Brian."
"I love you too," Brian responded, caressing Claire's angelic face.
"More than your wife?" Claire teased while biting her lip.
"Ah," Brian was taken aback by the question, so much that he nearly choked. He chuckled and reluctantly replied, "Y - yes, I chose you, remember? I love you more than I ever loved Riley."