Chapter 4

Reene

After a short speech made by Dale, he stepped down from the stage, approaching my table with his gaze fixed on me.

Lowering himself onto the empty chair beside me, he said, “You look beautiful, Reene.“

Before I could respond, Aaron beat me to it. “Now I see why you cheated on me without batting an eye, Reene. You hit the jackpot.“

“Mind your words, Mr. David. I won’t tolerate anyone talking down to my wife,“ Dale countered. “And to be frank with you, I only invited you tonight because this arrangement was already prearranged. Don’t make me regret my decision.“

Aaron snorted, standing to his feet. “I’ll save you the trouble. I’m no longer interested in a collaboration with you or your company.“

Turning to Gezelle, he added, “Get up. We’re leaving.“

She looked hesitant. “But—“

“Now, Gezelle!“

Scurrying to her feet, I watched Gezelle’s gaze linger on Dale a little longer than usual before trudging behind Aaron.

Alone at the table, Dale leaned in closer to my ear. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions for me. Can we go somewhere else, more... private, and talk?“

“Do I have the right to ask for an explanation?“ I asked. “I was the one who stated we shouldn’t get involved with each other’s personal affairs after all.“

“Still, I owe you one.“

Since Dale didn’t look like he was going to drop the matter anytime soon, I gave him a chance. Strolling out of the hall, he led me to a private suite behind the building. Inside, Dale cleared out all the staff with a single glare. With their heads hung low, the staff scurried away as if running for their lives. Then, he pulled out a chair for me. Taking my seat, he settled beside me, reaching for a bottle of wine and filling my glass.

Taking a sip, I braced myself for Dale’s explanation.

“At first, I was curious about you,“ he began. “My secretary informed me about a lady who persistently kept disturbing her to arrange a meeting with me. I wanted to know what kind of woman that was and who she was doing it for, so I showed up at your wedding. I thought you knew who I was and were using this marriage as a ploy to get what you wanted until you offered me money to be your groom.“

I buried my face in my palm as I recalled how much I had offered him.

“...I’m sorry.“

Dale shook his head. “Don’t be. Things worked out for the best anyway.“

I raised a brow. “How so?“

“I’m saying I’ll be your husband whenever you want me to, regardless of the occasion, but in exchange, you grant me something in return.“

I blinked, confused about what I could possibly have to give the one man in the country who lacked nothing.

“Which is?“

He cleared his throat. “What I’m going to ask of you might sound a bit ridiculous, but may I remind you that we are publicly married? My face is all over the news with you as my wife. Thus, it would be scandalous to do this with another woman if you hope to turn down my request. Moreover, the only way I can be with another woman is if we get divorced, which is logically impossible in less than twenty-four hours after getting married. Additionally, that would cause an even bigger stir than our wedding.“

My brows knitted together. “With this much explanation, what is it that you want from me?“

Dale didn’t hesitate. “An heir.“