Chapter 2 I Got Married
- The man standing was dressed in a suit and leather shoes, looking slightly younger.
- The man in the wheelchair, on the other hand, gave Vivian quite a surprise.
- He had a breathtakingly perfect countenance, tapered eyebrows, and sparkling eyes. Every line on his face was seemingly a painstakingly carved work of art without a single flaw.
- He wore a simple white shirt, but one could tell that the tailoring was impeccable, highlighting his tall and slender figure.
- Although he was in a wheelchair, it did not diminish his detached and regal presence. He was like an unreachable star, his aura deterring others from coming too close.
- Vivian worked in a magazine company. She could tell at a single glance that the man in the wheelchair was the superior one.
- She plunged into a momentary trance, only snapping back to her senses when the man spoke. “Huh?”
- “After registering our marriage, we'll live separate lives. And I also know the true reason you responded to my marriage advertisement, Ms. William. As long as you cooperate with me enough, I'll bear your mother's medical fees.”
- Vivian's eyes promptly went wide.
- How does he know about my family's situation? He investigated my background? At once, all the hairs on her body stood on end, for someone who could investigate another person in a short time was definitely something else.
- But he promised to bear Mom's medical fees. Someone is now willing to help me pay the astronomical medical bills that are almost crushing me to death!
- Upon that realization, she found herself breathless. She felt as if she had hit the jackpot, the shock and fear within her washed away by the immense delight. Right then, settling her mother's medical fees was the most important thing to her.
- “Among the applicants, you match my requirements better, Ms. William. I need you to stop the rumors and gossip from my family while you need money.” Without waiting for Vivian to reply, the man continued speaking. His voice was so calm that it was as though he was not talking about marriage but discussing a business deal.
- It was only then that understanding dawned upon Vivian.
- So, this man before me is planning to have a marriage of convenience with me. But does such a windfall truly exist in this world?
- After turning it over in her mind, however, she felt that there was nothing worth swindling her for.
- Not only was she debt-ridden, but she also had a critically ill mother.
- A myriad of thoughts raced through her mind. Ultimately, she bit her lip and suppressed the last sliver of hesitance in her, abruptly giving a nod of her head. “Okay, I got it.”
- An hour later, Vivian felt as if she is walking on air when she stepped out of City Hall. She felt as though she was dreaming.
- They had already registered their marriage. Barring unforeseen circumstances, they would be having the wedding tomorrow.
- She had never imagined she would suddenly marry someone, much less a stranger.
- Finnick Norton was the name of the man in the wheelchair. Only when he signed the marriage registration form did Vivian learn his name.
- It was a simple yet elegant name, matching the man's aura perfectly.
- “Vivian William?” The man slowly recited her name. His low and hoarse voice brushed across Vivian's heart like a feather, bringing along a ticklish feeling.
- While Vivian was in a daze, a well-defined hand appeared before her eyes out of the blue, with a card held between two fingers.
- “Here's three months' allowance, Ms. William. You can use it to buy wedding rings and a wedding gown. As for your mother's medical fees and subsequent treatment, I'll arrange for my assistant to follow up.”
- Vivian lowered her gaze and met Finnick's obsidian eyes that resembled bottomless whirlpools.
- “Thank you.” Vivian took the credit card and bowed to him as she thanked him. “Thank you so much.”
- She had long passed the age of pursuing romantic relationships. More crucially, she couldn't bear to squander the money she had received and was determined to spend all of it on her mother's needs.
- At the end of the day, she still hoped that she could return the money to him in the future.
- “I have a meeting later this afternoon, so I won't be able to give you a ride.” Finnick's voice remained placid.
- “No worries.”
- Vivian was already beyond grateful for the money. As for whether he would drop her back off at the hospital, she did not mind it at all.
- Besides, they were not a true couple.
- Suddenly, something came to Finnick's mind. He added, “Ah, regarding my address, my assistant will send you the details shortly. Just move in at your convenience.”
- “This doesn't matter. I'm in no hurry,” Vivian said nervously.
- Although they should be living together after marriage, she was not ready to live with a stranger under the same roof.
- Perhaps the aversion in her voice was too apparent, for Finnick raised his eyes slightly and glanced at her, promptly making her feel somewhat embarrassed.
- Nonetheless, he did not say anything, merely pressing the button on the wheelchair and shifting directions. “If there's nothing else, please excuse me.”
- “Sure.”
- Vivian watched as Finnick got into a black car before she left.
- She immediately took a bus back to the hospital and told them she would pay off the medical fees within three days.
- Despite the recklessness and absurdity of the wedding that day, it at least resolved her most pressing concern—her mother's medical bills.
- Vivian worked at Glamour Magazine. When she arrived at the office, it was not yet time for the afternoon interview.
- Seizing the extra time she had, she went to the adjacent mall and bought a pair of wedding rings with the credit card given by Finnick.
- Upon returning to the office, she sat down and was just about to go through the information for the interview later in the afternoon when her colleague, Sarah, glided her chair over and leaned close to her. With eyes sparkling brightly, Sarah asked, “What's with this ring of yours, Vivian?”
- “I got married.”
- “Wow, congratulations, Vivian!” Sarah's gaze went back to the diamond ring. “Did your husband buy this ring for you? The diamond doesn't look too big. How much does it cost?”
- “A little over a thousand.”
- Vivian knew nothing about Finnick's background. Nonetheless, she could tell that he was likely pretty rich. Otherwise, he would never be able to afford her mother's expensive medical expenses.
- However, they were not a couple in the true sense, nor did she want to keep too high a profile. Thus, she had chosen the cheapest and most common style.
- Sarah's brows furrowed even more intensely.
- She said solemnly, “This won't do, Vivian. A ring is the symbol of marriage. How can you rely on a man who won't even buy you a better ring?”
- “Well, it's what he can afford,” Vivian replied calmly. She caught a flicker of pity in Sarah's gaze as she looked at her. The latter was likely assuming that her husband was facing financial difficulties.
- Not wanting to dwell on that matter, she added, “All right, let's not talk about this anymore. How's your preparation for the interview this afternoon?”
- “Haha, I'm already a hundred percent ready! Look at me, Vivian. Am I pretty today?” Sure enough, the question succeeded in diverting Sarah's attention.
- It was only after Sarah had said so that Vivian noticed she was wearing a pink and white dress. Her hair had also been meticulously styled.
- “Yes, you look stunning,” Vivian complimented generously.
- Sarah was promptly delighted, her eyes sparkling like stars. “Then, do you think that eligible bachelor president of Finnor Group would take a fancy to me?”