Chapter 4

Quinn came to ask for her hand in marriage.

The engagement gifts filled the entire living room of the Cantrell family, gold, silver, jewelry, and property deeds, making my stepmother's eyes go wide with amazement.

My mother pulled me aside and whispered, "Louise, are you and Mr. Bradley really together?"

"Mom, it's an arrangement," I said honestly.

"An arrangement?" My mother frowned. "How can you treat marriage like some kind of business deal?"

"I already sacrificed everything for love once in my previous life." I patted her hand. "This time, I'm putting myself first."

My mother fell silent.

She knew everything that went on between me and William. She'd seen with her own eyes how much I'd given up for that man all these years.

My mother finally sighed, "Well, so be it. It's your life, and whatever you choose, I'll stand by you."

"Thanks, Mom," I said.

In the living room, Quinn was negotiating with the lawyer my father had left behind.

Quinn's terms for the marriage were fair. We would have a prenuptial agreement. After the wedding, we'd live our own lives. If I ever wanted a divorce, I could walk away whenever I wanted.

That was exactly what I'd asked for.

The lawyer nodded at Quinn。 "You're very straightforward, Mr. Bradley. Miss Cantrell has no objections either."

Quinn looked at me. "Miss Cantrell, the wedding is set for the fifth day of next month. Is that okay with you?"

There were only twenty days from now.

"No problem," I replied.

Either way, I would get married. Honestly, marrying Quinn was way better than marrying that scumbag William.

After seeing Quinn's people out, my stepmother sidled up to me. "Louise, Mr. Bradley's got so much to offer. Don't let this chance slip by."

I ignored her and headed upstairs.

My phone buzzed. It was a message from Quinn.

Quinn: [Lunch tomorrow?]

I stared at the message, a little surprised.

I replied: [What for?]

He replied almost instantly: [To build some chemistry. Or would you rather we end up like one of those couples who look good together but are totally disconnected?]

He had a point.

I replied: [Alright. Where to?]

Quinn: [I'll pick you up tomorrow.]

Quinn was more considerate than I expected.

The next day at noon, Quinn showed up right on time at the Cantrell family's front door.

He was wearing a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showing off his strong forearms. Unlike his usual cold demeanor, he actually looked kind of approachable.

"Get in," he said.

The black Maybach headed toward the city.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked.

"You'll see when we get there," he replied.

Twenty minutes later, the car pulled up in front of an old apartment block.

I gave him a skeptical look. "Why are we here?"

"To eat," he said, heading inside first.

Inside, there was a tiny restaurant with a few tables. The place was pretty ordinary.

"You brought me here to eat?" I asked, a bit surprised.

Quinn didn't say a word. He picked a spot and ordered a few dishes with practiced ease, like he was a regular.

The food came out fast. It was all simple home cooking, looked plain, but smelled amazing.

Quinn said as he served me some food, "I've been coming here since I was a kid. The owners are really good people."

I took a bite.

It was surprisingly good.

"How is it?" Quinn asked.

"Not bad," I replied.

He smiled.

It was the first time I'd ever seen him smile.

When Quinn smiled, a faint dimple appeared on his right cheek, softening his whole vibe.

"Why are you treating me so well?" I couldn't help but ask.

"We're husband and wife," he replied, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, "If I don't treat my wife well, who else would I?"

"But this is a business arrangement," I said.

"Because it's a deal doesn't mean there can't be feelings," he said, meeting my eyes, "Louise, I'm serious about this."

I was confused.

I didn't know if I should trust him.

Last time I trusted a man, it ended in disaster.

But Quinn seemed different.

"Got some bad blood with William?" I asked.

"He snatched my project," Quinn said straight up, "So, the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

So that was what this was about.

He was only helping me because William was his competition.

I figured that guys like him only cared about money. Nobody would help others for free.

I thought I was overthinking it.

"Don't worry," I said, keeping my head down as I ate, "I won't interfere with your life. We both get what we need, and when it's over, we go our separate ways."

He went quiet for a moment and didn't say anything else.

By the time we finished eating, things felt a little awkward between us.

As we were about to leave, Quinn suddenly called out, "Louise."

"Yeah?" I replied.

"From now on, don't call me Mr. Quinn," he said.

"Then what should I call you?" I asked.

"Call me Quinn," he replied.

I paused for a second. "Okay."

As I watched his car fade into the night, I stood there, lost in thought.

I wondered what Quinn was really thinking.

I couldn't read him at all.