The proposition
Bella held Theodore's business card, her heart pounding with uncertainty. Could he possibly help her in her dire situation? After a moment of hesitation, she dialed his number, her fingers crossing in anticipation.
Theodore glanced at Bella's name flashed on the screen. He couldn't help but smirk, feeling a twinge of amusement. He knew she would contact him, but he didn't anticipate it would happen so quickly. He had assumed she was different, but now it seemed she was just like the rest—another opportunist seeking his attention.
He snorted derisively. With a calculated motion, Theodore answered the call with a cold indifference. "Hello?"
"Mr. Reid… I am Bella." Her voice quivered on the other end of the line. "Bella Dawn. Do you remember me?"
"Yes, Miss Dawn. What is it?" Theodore responded, his tone remaining aloof.
"I… I need to talk to you. Can we meet?" Chewing her lip, Bella stuttered, her nerves palpable even through the phone.
His thin lips twisted into a sly smile. "Where are you now?"
"Um… I am in front of the city hospital," Bella replied.
Theodore's smile faltered slightly as he remembered the morning incident. He thought she had come to the hospital to treat her wounds.
"Wait there. I am coming," he responded tersely before abruptly ending the call.
"Uh!" Bella stared at her phone in surprise. "He didn't wait for my reply?" She pouted, annoyed. "How long do I have to wait here?" She darted her gaze on the road, hoping for his quick arrival.
Bella was so engrossed in watching the busy road that she didn't notice the intimidating figure approaching her from behind.
Theodore halted his steps right behind her and cleared his throat.
Bella spun around, heart leaping into her throat at the sight of Theodore's imposing figure looming over her. She flinched, her breath hitching in her throat.
"You! Here?" she blurted, bewildered by his sudden appearance. She wondered what he was doing at the hospital.
Theodore felt bored. He had come here for a check-up. Who would have thought that she would also visit the same hospital to treat her wounds?
Feigning disinterest, he shoved his hands into his pockets. "This happens to be my family's hospital," he said flippantly.
"I see!" She murmured in a daze.
This could be a good sign, a stroke of luck! Theodore was handsome, wealthy, and smart—the desires of every woman. Marrying him would be considered fortunate, right?
Bella believed that marrying this man could solve her mother's medical woes. She smiled expectantly.
Theodore shifted, uncomfortable under her scrutiny. "Miss Dawn! You wanted to talk to me," he reminded her with a hint of annoyance.
"Yes, right!" she fumbled for words. "About your offer… I was thinking about it. Is it still valid?"
He slightly tilted his head and studied her with a narrowed gaze.
"I, uh, meant…" Bella continued, her voice trailing off. "If you haven't chosen someone else yet, I'm interested."
"Miss Dawn, many women want to marry me," Theodore claimed, a cold edge returning to his voice. "Why do you have the misconception that I am still waiting for your reply?"
"Oh! You… found someone already!" Bella's face fell. The hopeful light in her eyes dimmed. Despair engulfed her again. She had to find another way to arrange the money. "I am sorry to disturb you. I'll leave then." She turned to leave.
"Wait." Theodore stopped her and grasped her hand, surprising her with its firm touch. "Come with me." Before she could ask anything, he led her towards a sleek, black car parked at the curb.
The plush leather interior of the car swallowed them whole as Bella sank into the back seat. Theodore slid beside her and turned towards her, his expression unreadable.
He began, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice, "My grandpa is pressuring me to settle down. Marriage isn't exactly on my agenda right now, so I've devised a solution."
Bella couldn't understand what he meant by that. She simply nodded, unsure of his intension. "What solution?"
He locked his gaze with hers, taking his time to answer. "A contract marriage," he stated bluntly.
"What? Contract marriage?" Bella exclaimed with disbelief.
Theodore had anticipated such a reaction from her, a flicker of discomfort crossing his features. He wasn't proud of this proposition, but he couldn't offer her more than that. He didn't like her. His heart belonged to Isabella.
"Exactly that," he confirmed. "We'd be married in name only, for a set period."
Bella gawked at him, her mouth agape. She had not anticipated a contract marriage.
"Look, I'll compensate you handsomely," he persuaded her. "You will get fifty million right away and another fifty upon completion of the contract, which would be a year. I'll give you a villa, too."
"Total hundred million!" Bella's breathing hitched.
The sum was staggering, a solution to all her problems. Accepting this arrangement would cover the cost of her mother's treatment; she could repay her stepfather's debts, and even reclaim their mortgaged house. For the rest of her life, she no longer had to worry about money. She and her mother could have a peaceful and happy life anywhere in the world.
"Do you need more?" he asked, a hint of skepticism crossing his face.
"No…" She said it frantically. "It's more than enough. I am willing. I accept your offer."
Theodore's gaze narrowed as he studied Bella. He had half expected her to balk at his proposition of contract marriage, but she readily agreed. A twinge of repulsion toward her settled in his heart. It turned out that he was right about her.
She was, just like other women, a gold digger.
"Very well then," he said curtly and straightened his posture, darting his gaze ahead. "I'll have my lawyers draft the contract. You can go now. My assistant will be in touch."
As soon as Bella got out of the car, Theodore asked the driver to drive. The car purred and ran away like a shooting arrow.
"How rude!" Bella muttered under her breath, watching the taillights disappear into the distance. But the annoyance was quickly overshadowed by a surge of relief. The money, a life-changing sum, meant her mother's treatment was secured. A genuine smile spread across her face.
"It's not that bad," she murmured. "I don't have to worry about my mother's surgery."
She grew hopeful. The future held the promise of a fresh start, free from the crushing weight of financial burdens.