I stood at the altar, my heart racing with joy. After months of planning and sacrifice, I was finally marrying Alan, the man I loved. I had mortgaged my parents’ house to help him repay a massive loan. I had paid for this extravagant wedding myself.
I believed in us. Rebecca, my best friend, stood beside me as my maid of honor, and my smile only grew wider when I saw Alan’s expression. But then, as the officiant began to speak, Alan held up a hand. “Rebecca, this is my wedding,” he said, turning to her.
Rebecca smirked, walking forward to wrap her arm around his. “Well, now it’s my wedding. ”
My blood ran cold. “What?
”
“Catherine, it’s time to wake up,” Alan said coldly. “Did you really believe I would marry you? A pauper? I only needed you to get the loan.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t even be with you. ”
The room spun. “How dare you, Alan. And you, Rebecca.
How could you betray me? ”
Alan shrugged. “So what if we betrayed you? You’ve already signed the loan documents.
”
I heard laughter from the guests, but I couldn’t see them. All I could see was his ugly grin and my best friend’s smug face. “Well, anyway,” Alan gestured to the door, “do you still want to stay at my wedding? ”
I spat on his shoes.
“You shut up. This is my business. You have no say in this, homewrecker,” the words came out as a desperate scream. “SHUT UP, YOU PATHETIC WOMAN,” Alan yelled.
“WHY SHOULD I shut up? ” I could feel my entire body trembling. “She was my best friend for such a long time, and she betrayed me just like that. You have no shame, Alan.
I mortgaged my parents’ house to help you repay your loan. I even paid for this grand wedding myself. Now you’re telling me to shut up? ”
“No one was forcing your hand, you cheap—” Rebecca raised a hand, but I slapped her first.
“How dare you hit Rebecca,” Alan seethed. “Are you trying to go against us? ”
I stared at both of them in disbelief. “You people are unbelievable.
”
Alan looked me up and down with pure disgust. “Look at yourself. You can’t even give me a grandson. No one would ever want to marry a loser like you.
Huh? ”
Just as he said that, an old voice cut through the chaos. “No one wants her? Well, I do.
”
Everyone turned to look. It was Harold, an elderly man I’d only met a few times, but who had always treated me kindly when I was growing up in the orphanage he helped manage. He was leaning on a cane and staring down Alan. “Hey you,” Alan sneered.
“Hey you—old man, what’s wrong with you? ”
“Catherine, are you alright? ” Harold asked. “Oh, come on now,” Rebecca laughed.
“Seriously? At your age, you want this? ”
Harold ignored her. He walked to the front of the altar, turned to the stunned officiant and the crowd, and announced clearly.
“This is 10 million for her as a gift. ”
Gasps rippled through the hall. Guests began to whisper and snicker. “Looks like he really wants to marry a young woman.
”
Alan’s eyes bulged. “You’re crazy. I’ll be damned if you really have that amount. ”
“Seems the poor old man likes younger women,” Alan sneered, recovering.
“But then, if you think about it, choosing a cheap woman like her, how pathetic could that be? ” He looked at Rebecca. “You think highly of this loser, Alan? ” I shot back at Rebecca.
“You are really full of crap,” Rebecca scoffed. “Empty vessels like you are noisy,” Harold returned. Then he looked at me. “Catherine, don’t worry.
My grandson will be here soon. ”
Within minutes, a young, sharply dressed man arrived and strode toward us, a phone at his ear. “Sir,” he was saying into it, “the Evans group wants that piece of land. So, raise a bid.
I never fail to get what I want. ”
Alan’s eyes narrowed. He turned to me. “This is ridiculous, Catherine.
He’s just a pauper. So it is his grandson. You’ll bear more paupers after you marry his old man. Birds of a feather flock together.
”
I ignored him. I was watching the grandson, and something about him felt strangely familiar. “Catherine, how can you marry an old man? ” Rebecca jumped in.
“Obviously, you just want to use him so you could pay off that 2 million. ”
I froze. “Excuse me. 2 million?
”
Alan pulled out some papers from his pocket. “Catherine, you signed those papers. You offered to repay the loan. We didn’t force you to do that.
”
A police car pulled up outside just then, and two officers walked in. “Who is Catherine Adams? ” one of them called out. Alan pointed directly at me.
“Oh no, I forgot to tell you. You need to pay today. It’s her. She’s Catherine Adams.
”
One of the officers looked me over. “I’ll give you a discount. Down to 2 million. It’s not much.
”
“Hey, Alan,” I spat. “You took 2 million. How can you make me pay for it? What’s wrong with you?
Aren’t you ashamed? ”
Alan shrugged, smirking. “Catherine? You signed that contract yourself.
What does that have to do with us? You will pay for this. ”
I grabbed him by the arm. “Let go of me.
He took the money. He took all of it. ”
Rebecca shoved me off him. “Catherine, get lost.
Don’t delay my wedding. ”
The officer, Hansen his name tag read, signaled to his partner. “Let her go, Mr. Hansen.
Teach her a lesson. ”
They pulled me toward the door. Just before they got me outside, an angry voice rang out. “STOP IT.
SHE CAN’T DIE JUST YET. ”
Harold’s grandson stepped forward. He moved so fast that before I could blink, he had shoved the officers away from me. One of them swung, but the young man parried and knocked him down.
The other officer hesitated, watching his partner fall. Harold’s grandson stood over them, panting, and I looked at him. There was a protective fury in his eyes that I had never seen in anyone before. “Harold, are you okay?
” I asked, shaking. “Catherine, I’m fine. ” He smiled, but it was weak. “Catherine, I’ll help you pay it back.
”
The crowd murmured. “You’re a jinx. You’ll bring bad luck to others,” someone called out. Then Alan looked at me with a cold stare.
“Catherine, it’s better if you just go with them and find a way to pay it back. Otherwise, you’re dead. ” He turned to the police officers on the ground. “Right, Catherine?
You better behave so you won’t have to suffer. ”
I looked at him. “Is that so? ”
Harold’s grandson stepped between me and Alan.
Then he looked at his friend who had arrived with him. “Johnny, call an ambulance. ”
Alan’s eyes narrowed. “Who exactly is this old man?
”
The younger man turned to face him, and his voice was ice. “Don’t worry. We didn’t do anything. ”
“That’s right,” Harold agreed.
“I think those people are deceiving us. ”
Johnny helped Harold to his feet. “Come on, let’s move back, Johnny,” Harold muttered. Then he looked at me.
“I’m fine. I found a girl for you. ”
I frowned, confused. At the hospital, I waited outside Harold’s room as he spoke to the young man, Johnny.
The doctor had said Harold was stable. I didn’t expect this grandson to be quite handsome, though I tried not to notice. I heard a voice come from inside the room. “This woman?
Is she trying to deceive Grandpa? ” It was Johnny, speaking to himself. “Listen, Johnny. I’m fine.
I found a girl for you. A girl to marry,” Harold’s voice was heavy. “Grandpa, stop fooling around. ”
“Catherine grew up in an orphanage under my care.
She’s nice. She’s smart and lovely. I just want you to marry her. Hurry and give her 2 million to help her pay off the loan.
”
I felt my face burn. I couldn’t accept a handout. “I see now. She’s a gold digger.
She just wants money,” Johnny muttered as he left. I stepped out and walked past him to where Harold was. “Harold, thank you so much for helping me. I will just go with them.
I got this. ”
“Oh, you can’t. ” Harold grabbed my hand, looking at Johnny. “Catherine wouldn’t accept any money from us.
And Johnny is so stubborn. I must help them. ”
He turned to me. “Catherine, you will marry my grandson.
You can’t go with them. We will help you pay it back. And you must accept this from me. Here.
Take it. ”
He pressed a bank card into my palm. Johnny stepped forward. “Grandpa.
Grandpa. Don’t make a scene. ”
Then he turned to me, lowering his voice. “It’s for her.
I’m sorry about this. You see, my grandfather is getting old. He always fantasizes about being rich. But I don’t have much money.
I just returned and live off Grandpa’s pension. ” He looked at me, a hint of arrogance in his eyes. “Uh, you look outstanding. I bet you wouldn’t marry a simple man like me.
”
I looked him dead in the eye. “I will see what kind of tricks you’re playing. ” Then I smiled. “I would.
”
A look of genuine surprise crossed his face. “Good, good, good. ”
Hours later, I signed the papers at the courthouse. I thought, “I never thought I would actually marry a man less than 10 minutes after meeting him.
”
“Uh, wait, please. Here. And I owe you. I’ll have the 2 million paid back to you.
” I shoved the card into his hand. “This card, too. Your grandfather gave it to me. It should be his pension and not my stash, so take it.
”
Johnny looked at the card, unimpressed. “This here is a black card, and she thinks it’s a regular bank card. She’s pretty dumb for a gold digger. ”
But then he pocketed it.
“I don’t know what tricks you’re playing, but my grandfather likes you, so pardon this broke man for being paranoid and suspicious. ”
He turned to walk away, but one of the police officers from earlier approached him. “Sir, sir, I said I’ll pay those extras in a few days. So, why are you rushing me?
”
Johnny’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, uh, yeah, right. I’m just here to confirm the extras contract. ”
The officer nodded and walked away.
I blinked. “So, he hired some extras to pose as those bodyguards. ”
I followed him to his car, confused. “Why all the modesty, then?
”
He ignored me for a second. Then he turned. “Oh, yeah. Your name is Catherine, right?
I’ll say it again. I’ll only marry you to reassure my grandfather. None of those catching feelings, please. ”
I felt a flash of annoyance.
“Catching feelings? ” I said to myself as he drove off. “What a blowhard. ”
A few days later, I went to the loan company with my papers and bank statements.
“Sir, that loan company is dealt with and those who hurt your grandfather are taken care of,” Johnny was speaking on his phone in the parking lot. As he got out, he looked at the wedding venue across the street. “I didn’t expect her to go through so much of the wedding. And as for those Fletchers, they offended Grandpa.
I’ll make all of them regret it. ”
He switched his phone to email. “Yes. Now, planning is three proposals for the cooperation with the star group.
Please review them. ”
I walked over and got my house back that afternoon. My parents’ house—the one I had mortgaged—was finally mine again. I stood in the empty living room and whispered, “Mom, Dad, I’ll make sure to never lose the house again.
”
Then I heard a knock on the door. It was Johnny, with a suitcase. “Why are you here? ” I asked, arms crossed.
He grinned. “Why are you here? I brought him here. ”
I blinked.
“What the heck? Are you serious? ”
“He’s your husband now,” he said. “And I have to keep him from being a deadbeat.
”
“I’m just doing this because of my grandfather,” he added, walking in and dropping his suitcase on my floor. “All right. ”
I didn’t even have a chance to argue. Then Harold walked up, shaking a finger.
“Hey, hey, hey. No funny business, kids. I’ll know if you ever tried anything. ”
I watched Johnny flinch.
“Talk about crap. And I thought the maids in small rooms. How insane is she now? ” I almost laughed at how quickly he caved.
That night, I found him in my room. “Hey, what’s with the look? ” he asked. “You looking to make some lame moves on me?
”
I rolled my eyes. “Now hold on. You must be projecting. Keep dreaming.
This is ridiculous. ”
He stepped forward. “What are you on about? I’m not projecting or anything.
Hey. Hey. Stop right there. Get out of my room.
Get out. ”
I didn’t move. “Are you seducing me? ” I asked flatly.
“What? Why would I seduce a man living on his grandfather’s pension, though? ”
“You think I’m that mean? You got to be crazy.
But here you are, going to stay here at my place right freaking now. ”
Johnny grabbed a pillow and threw it at me, but he missed. “Johnny, quiet. Quiet.
” I shushed him. He leaned in, voice low. “So, you’re not the one projecting here, then? ”
“I’ll show you projecting,” I whispered, reaching over and yanking the pillow from under his head.
“Oh, I see. You want me to have your babies then? ”
“In your dreams. ”
“Oh, keep going now.
It feels real good. ”
From outside, we heard Harold yell, “HEY, I’m helping you out here. OH, IT FEELS SO GOOD. ”
Johnny’s eyes went wide.
“QUIET DOWN. I’m going to be a great grandpa. ”
I threw the pillow at him. “So, I just helped you out there.
”
He grinned. “But you sounded so shameless there. ”
“You were shameless,” I shot back. “Seriously, you’re the one who pushed me down first.
” He crossed his arms. “Get embarrassed then. ”
“Hey, now you’re testing me here,” I warned. “Um, I got work tomorrow,” he said abruptly.
“I still need to prepare. ”
“Yes, I need to prepare too,” I said. “I need to go fishing. Fishing tomorrow.
”
He raised an eyebrow. “Fishing? You still have to pay those extras you hired. You need to get yourself a job.
”
“Well, I’ll be selling the fish I catch. ”
I stared. “Sell fish? ”
“Yeah, I’ll sell the fish.
Yeah, I’ll sell the fish for more money. ”
“You can do it then,” I said. “Can’t have you living on your grandfather. Good start.
Keep going. ”
The next day, I went to work at the marketing firm where I had a small desk. “The star group’s going to love me after I show them this proposal,” I muttered to myself as I walked in. My colleague Sylvia was already there, fussing with her makeup.
“Just in time. Get your makeup fixed because the CEO’s back and we’ve got a meeting with him coming up. ”
“So, you’re all fussing about your makeup just for a meeting? ”
“Well, you would if you saw a rich hunk of a CEO.
Also, he’s single. Single. You hear me? I’d be set for life if he gave me a ring.
So, I got to keep my game face on. Every single detail about me needs to be absolutely flawless. Okay, Catherine. Get your makeup done.
What are you waiting for? ”
I snorted. “I’m not dreaming crazy like you are. You must have been watching too many dramas lately.
”
“As if you aren’t the same there. You’re not fooling anyone with what you’re doing, Catherine. Stop trying to suck up with that grumpy good-girl act. ”
I ignored her and went to my desk, pulling out my proposal.
My draft had taken me weeks. I’d written it from scratch, but I had a draft that was better than anything Sylvia had ever produced. Later, I saw a black sports car pull into the CEO’s reserved parking spot. The driver was a man in dark sunglasses.
I squinted and my heart nearly stopped. “Is that Johnny who should be fishing? ” I whispered. Then I saw something worse.
My colleague Sylvia was walking toward him, her smile wide. He was talking to her, nodding. “Oh, Mr. Hansen, your wife is following the car,” I heard him say into his phone.
I realized he had seen me. “What are you waiting for then? ” he said. “Well, red light, sir.
We’re waiting for the green light. ”
“Uh, figure something out. If I get found out today, you are going to regret it, Phil. ”
I saw him get out of the car and walk toward the building.
I ducked behind a pillar. When I peeked again, he was gone. “Who’s that? Looks pompous.
And he just so happens to look like Johnny,” I muttered. I dismissed it. The meeting was starting, and I was already late. When I got inside, everyone was in a frenzy.
Sylvia was barking orders. “Catherine, watch it. You made me spill it! You bumped into me!
Hey, will you look at yourself? You’re going to disgrace this department. Go back and change your clothes. You did that on purpose.
”
I looked down at the coffee she had thrown on my shirt. I knew it was an accident. But she was already heading to the meeting room. “Oh, by the way, you’ll be late for the meeting.
”
I walked toward the meeting room anyway. I had the proposal. I could still present it. Just as I raised my hand to knock, the door swung open.
I saw the CEO’s back as he stood with the board, but his face was turned away. “Boss, this is my proposal. Please take a look,” Sylvia said, stepping in front of me and closing the door. “Good idea,” I heard the CEO say.
Then Sylvia appeared at the door, blocking me. “Seriously, you won’t pick her proposal, right? Catherine, you better come here quick. ”
“Boss,” I called out.
“I’m here to deliver the planning proposal. ”
The CEO paused. That voice sounds familiar. Sylvia turned to the CEO, frantic.
“It’s no one, boss. That’s one of my team members. She’s just unwilling to lose to me. Don’t you worry.
I’ll handle it. ”
The CEO took Sylvia’s proposal and nodded. “No wait, boss. The thing is that—nothing, boss.
It’s really nothing. I said I’ll handle it. The CEO is all for my proposal. So, you’re free to go.
”
I stood there, seething. Sylvia stepped out and shut the door behind her. “Are you doubting the CEO, Catherine? ” she sneered.
“Rush into his office and he will fire you. ”
I watched her walk away. I hated her. But I wasn’t going to let her win.
Later, I was still fuming at my desk when a text came in. It was Johnny. “Catherine, I’m parked right outside your workplace. If you’re keen on keeping your drama under wraps, then get here pronto.
”
I saw his car out the window. He was sitting there, looking bored. I got in. “Sylvia’s pitch is solid gold.
Let’s roll with it for the business deal,” I heard him say to himself, looking at his phone. “You jerk,” I spat. “What is she doing here? ” I pointed at Sylvia’s proposal, which was now on Johnny’s phone.
“Where is that proposal? Where is it? ”
“What proposal? ”
“The one you wrote before.
I need it right now. Where is it? ”
“Sorry, but that has nothing to do with me. ”
“Hand it over to me quickly.
”
“Are you out of your mind? ”
I grabbed his phone. He tried to stop me, but I was faster. I saw Sylvia’s file on his screen.
It was identical to mine. “You brought it upon yourself. You deserve everything that’s coming to you,” I said. Just then, Alan appeared at the car window, his face red.
“Catherine, I know I was wrong. Give me that proposal. I swear I won’t bother you anymore. Just please help me right now.
Please. ”
I looked at him with pure hatred. “Why? Why should I help you?
You cheated on me with my best friend. You deceived me to help you with the loan. And now you’re after my work? Dream on, Alan.
”
“You’re playing with fire. I’m telling you, I must get what I want. ”
Johnny got out of the car and stood between us. “Hey, do you dare to bring your lover here?
” Alan shouted at me. “Actually,” Johnny said calmly, “I’m not her lover. I’m her husband. ”
Alan’s mouth fell open.
“You got married? I can’t believe you’d stoop so low. You must have slept with him a long time ago. Shameless.
It’s a good thing that I didn’t marry a woman like you. Give me back the money I spent on you all these years, you gold digger. ”
Johnny’s jaw tightened. “You’re shameless.
You’ve been living off me for years. You haven’t even spent a penny on me. ”
Alan turned to Johnny. “I’m telling you, since you married her, you better go to the hospital for a checkup.
She might give you a disease. ”
“Shut up,” Johnny snapped. “She’s my wife. You have no right to judge her.
Get lost. ”
Alan stared at Johnny, then at me. I saw a flicker of fear in his eyes. He turned and walked away, muttering, “Just you wait.
It’s not over. ”
I looked at Johnny, and for a moment I was speechless. “I just said I’m his wife,” he said to me, a slight smile playing on his lips. “You…,” I stuttered.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take you to get some medicine. ”
—
Days blurred into weeks. Johnny kept coming home.
We fell into a rhythm of bickering and laughing. He started going to “fishing” which I knew was just an excuse to avoid looking for a job. But he had money. He always had money.
And I still didn’t know where it came from. I was wrong about the bracelet. He gave me a beautiful one for our wedding, a band of silver and blue stones. I loved it.
Then one day, I walked into the company boardroom to find Mr. Payne, the CEO of a company we were negotiating with, pointing at me. “I won’t sign the contract if you don’t bring that woman,” he said to the executives. “Take it away.
Mr. Payne, I know that woman. I will definitely bring her to you,” my supervisor said, eyeing me nervously. I was horrified.
I stayed late that night, trying to find another solution. When I came out, Johnny was waiting in the parking lot. “You’re in trouble, Catherine,” he said. “There’s a man who was very impressed with the proposal you made for Alan before.
He wants to see you. ”
I stared at him. “I don’t think you would help me with business. ”
“Actually, your husband asked me to help you.
He’ll put in a good word for Alan with Mr. Hansen. ”
I didn’t understand. “Johnny did this for me.
”
“All right, fine. ”
The next day, I walked into Mr. Payne’s office. He was already drunk.
“It’s you, Miss Adams. I know I made a mistake last time. Let’s forget about it. Please come here.
Sit down. Let’s have a drink. Let’s have a chat. ”
I stood by the door.
“Rebecca said you wanted to talk to me. What is it? ”
“Miss Adams, why are you in a hurry? Let’s play a game first.
Guess if this coin is heads or tails. Let’s toss it. The loser has to do what the winner says. How about that?
”
“You’re childish. ”
He flipped the coin and covered it. “Please guess, Miss Adams. ”
“Heads,” I said.
He lifted his hand. It was tails. “That’s a loss. ”
I stood up.
“But if I flipped it, it would have been heads. You cheated. ”
He smiled. “Whether you win or lose, I’m the one who decides, Miss Adams.
Go ahead and take her. ”
Two of his men grabbed me by the arms. “What are you doing? Let go of me.
Let me go. ”
I saw Rebecca standing in the doorway, smirking. “Rebecca, why are you doing this to me? Please stop him from doing this.
”
“It’s all because of you. You’re the reason Alan chose to leave me. You deserve it. Why blame me?
Your husband is just an assistant. Stop being arrogant, Catherine. You are nothing. And you will suffer a lot today.
”
She stepped back and gave a nod to Mr. Payne’s men. I thrashed and shouted, but they dragged me out into a back room. Mr.
Payne came in, locking the door behind him. He came close, his breath sour. “You’re so pretty. I’ll have some fun with you tonight.
”
I kicked him in the shin. He grunted, but he didn’t let go. I scratched at his face. “Let me go!
”
He laughed, wiping his face. “I’m getting excited when you beg. ”
Then there was a crash. The door burst open.
Johnny stood there, eyes blazing. He grabbed Mr. Payne by the collar and slammed him against the wall. “How dare you hit me?
” Payne shrieked. “Do you know who I am? ”
Johnny punched him in the jaw. Payne fell to the floor.
“My father will be here soon. Just wait! ” Payne yelled into his phone. “Hello, Dad.
Someone is bullying me. ”
Ten minutes later, an older man walked in, flanked by bodyguards. Mr. Payne’s father looked at his son, then at Johnny.
Johnny didn’t move. “It was your son who was trying to rape my wife. ”
Mr. Payne’s father looked at Johnny, and I saw his entire demeanor change.
“You’re the man from the Hansen group? ”
Johnny nodded slowly. “Yes. I’m Johnny Hansen’s assistant.
”
Mr. Payne’s father turned to his son. “I told you to be careful! Apologize.
Now. ”
“Dad, what are you doing? He’s just an employee! ”
“You brat, shut up!
Hurry and apologize or else I’ll kick you out of this family. Do it right now. ”
Mr. Payne, the younger, finally looked at me with terror in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Miss Adams. I shouldn’t have acted unfairly. I shouldn’t have done such despicable things. ”
His father bowed to Johnny and dragged his son out.
I stood in the middle of the room, shaking. Johnny walked over and grabbed me. “Let’s go home. ”
That night, he told me the truth.
“Catherine, I need to tell you something. I am the CEO’s distant relative. I have say in the company. ”
I felt a wave of betrayal.
“You’re a distant relative of the CEO? And you’re only a driver? ”
“It’s complicated. ”
He couldn’t meet my eyes.
—
The next day, a woman with a sleek black bob and an expensive suit walked into our department. She smiled at all of us. “I’m Emily Curtis, the new manager of the Hansen group. ”
I watched her walk around, stopping at my desk.
“You must be Miss Adams. ”
I nodded. “Just call me Catherine. ”
“I want you to show me around.
” She smiled too sweetly. “Actually, I heard of you when I was abroad. You came up with an idea for our cooperation with the star group. Mr.
Hansen is so proud of you. ”
I blushed. “Oh, it’s nothing. ”
Her smile was fixed.
“I heard that your husband loves you very much, Catherine. ”
I felt a knot in my stomach. “Yes, I know you two as well,” she continued. “Am I right?
”
I frowned. “Actually, I’m not married yet,” she added, looking down. “But I do have a boyfriend. Then he and I had a fight, so he got married to another woman just to make me jealous.
”
My blood ran cold. “What did you say? ”
She looked me directly in the eyes. “We were together for years.
But he chose you. Did he never mention me? ”
Later that afternoon, Johnny walked into my office, and Emily was standing right there. She jumped up and wrapped her arms around him.
“Hey, it’s been a while. ”
Johnny peeled her off, looking furious. “Emily, what are you doing? ”
“What’s wrong with you?
Come on. We used to be this way when we were abroad. ”
“Why are you here? ”
“Of course, I’m here for you.
I just passed the job interview to be a manager at this company. ”
Johnny turned to me, but Emily cut him off. “Catherine, this is the guy I was telling you about. ”
I stared at Johnny.
“Is that true? ”
“Stop it,” he said to Emily. “The truth is, we just played a couple in a play. You and I were never really together.
”
“Come on, Johnny. Don’t joke around. Even though you’re still mad at me, you shouldn’t hurt Catherine. She’s innocent in all this.
Just get a divorce. ”
Johnny looked at her. “I don’t love you. Okay.
I’m already married to Catherine, and I will never divorce her. ”
I watched Emily’s face harden. —
From that day on, Emily made my life a living hell. She assigned me to work with Colton, a wealthy and powerful heir, who she said was a major client.
But she knew exactly what he was like. On my first meeting with him, he grabbed my hand and refused to let go. “Miss Adams, you are very capable and beautiful. I was wondering if you’re married.
If not, perhaps you could marry me. ”
I pulled my hand back. “I’m married. ”
That night, I was late, and when I came home, Emily was standing in the living room with Johnny.
She was holding his arm. “Johnny, you said you were in a meeting. ”
His face was red. “Emily, I don’t care how you got to be the manager of my company, but you have to leave now.
”
“Wait a minute. How come you’re so heartless? Our families have been close for years. And also, our families have an understanding.
”
“So what? ” Johnny crossed his arms. “Listen, Johnny. How can you say that?
We were so close when we were a little. You even promised to marry me. What happened to that promise? ”
“I told you, it’s just a play.
Are you out of your mind? If you can’t distinguish reality from a script, go see a doctor or ask your family for help. ”
Emily’s face twisted. “I know that you love Catherine, but that woman is basically broke, do you know?
There’s no way that she can help you in business. You can just treat her as a mistress and then marry me. ”
Johnny stepped forward, and for a moment I thought he was going to hit her. “Show her some respect.
If it weren’t for Grandpa, I would never have tolerated you. Stay away from Catherine. ”
Emily poked his chest. “Since you love her so much, why don’t you tell her who you really are?
Are you scared she’ll find out you’re lying, or that she’d be after your cash? ”
Johnny’s jaw tightened. Then he said, “It’s none of your business. ”
Emily looked at me with a smirk.
“Then tell me, do you really like Catherine? ”
“Of course not,” Johnny said flatly. My world shattered. He had said the worst possible thing.
I saw the words leave his mouth, and I thought my heart stopped. I felt sick. Emily looked at me, triumphant. “Catherine, you’re really silly.
”
After she left, I confronted him. “Johnny, if you don’t love me, just tell me. When do we get a divorce? ”
“Catherine, let me explain.
You didn’t hear what I said after that. I don’t like you because I love you. I admit I married you just to please my grandfather at first, but I realize that I have truly fallen in love with you. ”
I was trembling.
“But she told me that you two used to be a couple. ”
“She has delusions and spreads rumors everywhere. She’s been bugging me for so long that I’m almost going crazy. Now she came back for me.
”
“Then why did you say you were having a meeting? ”
“Can’t you even answer such a simple question? Because I just wanted to handle it myself. I met her to clear things up.
I didn’t want you to know. I didn’t expect you to find out. I promise that from now on, I will tell you all my whereabouts. ”
I looked at him, my heart a tangled knot.
“Good. ”
—
But Emily wasn’t done. The next week, I was called into Harold’s hospital room. He was lying in bed, looking pale and frail.
“I’m sorry for hiding our identities from you,” Harold said. “It was I. I am the one who should take all the blame. ”
I frowned.
“It’s not your fault. ”
“Actually, Johnny wanted to rebel against me arranging the marriage. That’s why he was suspicious of you and kept his identity a secret, but later he wanted to tell you the truth. You know, it’s not easy to cover up a lie like that.
”
I looked down. “Johnny has always been so hard on himself since he was a boy,” Harold continued, “but ever since he married you, he has changed a lot. Thanks to you. He has learned how to take care of others and how to love someone.
Do you know what? There was one time when he even asked me about what you would like so he could reward you with something special. And he said you are always busy with your work and that you neglect your health. He’s worried about you.
Johnny is very concerned. ”
I felt tears prickling. “It’s nothing. I’m fine.
”
“Really? Last time someone stole your proposal, it was also Johnny who helped you fix your proposal. ”
My head snapped up. “He helped me with that?
I thought it was Phil. ”
Harold smiled. “Johnny appreciates you. It’s not just because you’re his wife.
You know, Catherine, you have skills and talents, so you should be more confident in yourself. It seems like I am the one speaking for him. But I just feel that you should know what he did for you. I think the two of you should have a good talk soon.
It’s very important to be clear and honest about everything. ”
I left the hospital with tears running down my face. That night, I was sitting on the couch when I suddenly felt dizzy. I fell to the floor and woke up in the hospital.
The doctor came in. “Miss Adams, you’re pregnant. That’s right. You’re pregnant for 1 month.
You need to have regular checkups. ”
I put my hand on my stomach. “I’m pregnant. ”
I didn’t tell Johnny.
Not yet. —
Days later, I ran into Emily in the hospital parking lot. She was in a white coat. “I was rejected by you before,” she said coldly.
“After that, I thought about it. It seems like I haven’t done anything meaningful. My family owns a hospital, so I know a bit about it. But of course, I want to learn more about it.
” She smiled. I just nodded. “I can refer you to a reliable doctor for your prenatal checkups if you need one,” she offered. I paused.
“Sure. Thank you. ”
She was strangely nice. I should have known it was a trap.
—
A few days after that, Johnny came home looking tense. “Catherine, I just found out that Johnny hid the marriage certificate,” he muttered. “What? ”
But before I could ask, his phone buzzed.
He looked at it and his face went white. “Grandpa. He’s collapsed. I have to go.
”
I jumped into my car and followed him to the hospital. The doctor met us in the corridor. “He had a heart attack. Luckily, you brought him in time, because otherwise he could have died.
”
“How could this happen? ” I cried. “He was fine yesterday. ”
“It’s a complicated case.
He needs surgery right this instant. But only Dr. Curtis can do this surgery. Mr.
Curtis is a renowned figure in medicine. Many wealthy individuals are competing to ask for his service. But you have no money nor influence. I’m sorry.
”
Dr. Curtis. Emily’s father. I drove to Emily’s house.
When she opened the door, she didn’t bother hiding her smirk. “Miss Adams, what are you doing here? I’m sorry, but I have other guests in my house, so I can’t let you in. ”
“I came here to ask for your help.
”
“So, you’re asking for my help? Since you’re so capable, why do you need my help? ”
“Your father is a famous surgeon. Please help me.
Talk to him. To help Johnny’s grandfather. ”
“What’s that? You want me to help Johnny’s grandfather?
” She laughed. “Tell me, why should I help you? You know what? I don’t want to do it.
Just get out of here. ”
“This isn’t just for Johnny. His grandfather has taken care of me. Even if he was an ordinary person, I would still do this for him.
”
“Stop pretending you’re some noble person. Do you really want me to help you? If you do, I want you to get on your knees and beg to show me you mean it. ”
I looked her in the eyes.
“You better keep your word. ”
I knelt on her driveway. It began to rain. I stayed on my knees all night, shivering and soaked, as her guards watched from the porch.
At 6 a. m. , she finally opened her door. “You really are impressive.
You knelt all night. I will talk to my dad about the surgery. ”
“Emily, don’t push my patience. ”
“Wait a minute, Catherine.
Who’s the one asking for help here? Tell me, what is it now? ”
“I want you to call Johnny and ask him for a divorce. ”
The world spun.
“Grandpa’s in the hospital now. How could you use his life to threaten me? ”
“Are you going to do it or not? It’s up to you, Catherine.
Because if you refuse, then Harold might not make it. One more thing. If you dare to tell Johnny about our deal, I’m not going to help Johnny’s grandfather with surgery. ”
I had no choice.
I went to Johnny. I told him I wanted a divorce. He stared at me, confused and betrayed. “Why?
”
“Because I made a mistake. I never should have married you. I’m in love with someone else. ”
He looked like I had stabbed him.
That night, Emily called Johnny. I don’t know what she said, but within an hour I was sitting alone in the hospital, watching Harold’s door, when Emily sent me a text. “Looks like you didn’t pay them enough. Not enough for them to risk their lives for you.
”
That was when the kidnappers came. They dragged me into a van and took me to a warehouse. I struggled, but they were too strong. When the door opened, Emily was standing there, flanked by two thugs.
“Where’s Johnny’s grandfather? ” I demanded. “He’s fine. He’s not going to die.
All I did was switch his medication. He just fainted. My only goal was to frame you. But then you took him to the hospital, so I guess I’ll just have to come up with another plan in order to get Johnny to marry me.
”
Her eyes gleamed. “You’re a monster. ”
“Say what you want, because that’s all you can really do right now. You see, I told Colton to get close to you because I wanted him to get you so that Johnny would divorce you.
But I didn’t expect that Colton would actually fall in love with you. What a waste. ”
She leaned in. “Do you know why you look down on Colton?
Because at least he still has a conscience. You are just a lunatic. ”
I spat at her. “Shut up, Catherine.
I’ll tell you the truth. It was Johnny who told me to kidnap you. ”
“That’s impossible. ”
“You heard his grandfather.
How could he not hate you? You were his wife before and he loved you, so he couldn’t deal with doing this himself. Just go to hell. ”
I started laughing.
“What’s so amusing? ”
“You know what, Emily? You are nothing but a fool. Now listen, there are police outside.
”
Her eyes went wide. “The police? How can that be? Who called them?
”
I shrugged. “How would I know? ”
I heard sirens in the distance. Her face went white.
Her thugs looked at each other, then lunged for the door. I heard them hissing: “Let’s go. ”
Emily screamed after them. “Wait.
Come back here, you bastards. ”
I watched her panic. “Looks like you didn’t pay them enough. Not enough for them to risk their lives for you.
”
She turned her fury on me. “Catherine, tell me, did you call the police? ”
“Seriously, I’ve been tied up. How could I do that?
”
“You just wait here. I’ll deal with you later. ”
But it was already too late. The door burst open, and Johnny was standing there.
“Johnny, I didn’t do this. Believe me,” Emily begged. “Are you still denying it? I’ve recorded what you said.
Do you want me to play it? ”
Her face crumpled. “Johnny, I love you. Is it wrong to love you and fight for your love?
”
“You made the wrong decisions and tried to kill someone, and that makes it wrong. ”
“Fine. You love her, right? You love her so much.
Then you can both go to hell. ”
He grabbed me and carried me out of the warehouse. A few days later, we sat on a bench in a park near the hospital. I rubbed my stomach.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “For what? ”
“For not trusting you. For not telling you who I was.
For letting Emily get so close to you. ”
“You can’t control her. ”
“No, but I should have told you everything. I’m sorry I wasn’t honest.
”
I was quiet for a moment. Finally, he looked at me, and his eyes were soft. “Did you mean what you said? About not loving me?
”
I shook my head. “No. I just said that to keep you safe. I knew Emily was dangerous.
I didn’t want her to hurt you. ”
He pulled me into his arms. Then I said the words I had been holding in. “Johnny, I’m pregnant.
”
He froze. “What? ”
“I’m pregnant. We’re going to have a baby.
”
He cupped my face and kissed me. He was crying and laughing at the same time. Then he pulled back, a wide grin on his face. “So… about that wedding gift I promised you?
”
I raised an eyebrow. He got down on one knee right there on the grass, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. “I know we’re already married, but I want to do this right. I owe you that.
Catherine Adams, will you marry me? For real this time? ”
I looked at him, and I nodded, tears streaming down my face. “Yes.
”
