Chapter 6

Lauren stood in the courtroom as she signed the marriage certificate, her palms perspiring. As she looked at Alex, who was sitting in his wheelchair, cool and collected, her heart was pounding. 

Behind her, there was a whisper, "I'm amazed that you're doing this." She kept her eyes on the page in front of her and didn't turn around. 

Alex's helper, Dan, came over to them holding a pile of papers. "Mr. Magnus, everything is in order," he said. "Mrs. Magnus, welcome to the family," he continued, turning to Lauren. 

Lauren forced herself to swallow and forced a small grin. "I'm grateful," she whispered. 

That was the first time that day that Alex looked at her. He had unfathomable blue eyes. "You're done here. "You may now depart," he stated plainly. 

At his tone, Lauren winced. "Go? However— 

"You've fulfilled your portion," Alex cut in, his tone icy. "For the time being, return to your life. Dan will make the car arrangements". 

Alex had already turned away, indicating that the conversation had ended, but Lauren lingered. After giving a slow nod, she trailed Dan as they left the courthouse. She felt the weight of her choice pressing down on her chest. 

Dan talked to her for a moment outside. "Isn't it a little overwhelming?" 

Lauren gave a nod. "Yes, but I'll get by." 

Dan held the car door open for her and said, "Good." "We'll be all right, Mrs. Magnus." 

Though she wasn't sure she believed him, Lauren smiled slightly and got into the car. 

There was silence on the drive home. Lauren's mind was racing as she gazed out the window. He was sending her away as if nothing had happened, even though she had just married a man she hardly knew. 

The driver cleared his throat. "Are you alright, ma'am?" 

Lauren mustered a smile and blinked. "I'm all right. Simply exhausted. 

"Comprehensible," he said. "I'm sure it's been a big day." 

Lauren did not respond, but she nodded. She thanked the driver and got out when they got to her house. She waited at the gate and inhaled deeply before entering as the automobile drew away. 

Melissa was waiting with her arms folded in the living room. She insisted, "Where have you been all day?" "Scurrying about like a shameless girl?" 

Lauren did not look at her sister. "Melissa, I have no time for this." 

"Oh, you're too busy?" Melissa lost her temper.

"You're too important to explain yourself now, after disappearing all day?" 

Lauren passed her on her way to her room. “Melissa, I’m not feeling it.” 

Melissa's voice rose as she followed her. "Lauren, what are you concealing? Have you done something foolish once more?"

Lauren paused at her room's door. "I have nothing to explain to you." Leaning against the door, she entered and shut it securely behind her. She attempted to calm herself, but her hands trembled. 

She noticed a message from the hospital verifying the payment for her mother's surgery when her phone buzzed. Her lips curled into a little smile. When all else failed, she had achieved her goal. 

The following morning, Lauren decided to go to the hospital after waking up early. She wanted to be present for her mother's scheduled surgery. 

When her mother saw Lauren in the hospital room, her pale face brightened. She muttered, "You're here," in a shaky but relieved voice. 

Lauren sat next to her and held her hand, saying, "Of course, Mom." "How are you feeling?" 

Her mom gave her a small smile. "It's better you're here now." 

A nurse came in to check on her mother's health. The nurse told Lauren, "The surgery is scheduled for later today." "Everything appears to be in order." 

Despite her internal emotional turmoil, Lauren's voice remained firm as she murmured, "Thank you." 

Her mother gave her a sorrowful glance as the nurse walked away. "How did you do it, Lauren? How was the money gotten?" 

After hesitating, Lauren gave her mother's hand a light squeeze. "Mom, don't worry about that. Just concentrate on improving". 

Lauren could sense the concern in her mother's eyes even though she nodded. She remained by her mother's side, conversing with her and assisting with her meals. The hours flew by, and before long, the procedure was scheduled. 

Lauren muttered, "I'll be here when you wake up," as they wheeled her mother out of the room. 

With a feeble smile, her mother vanished down the corridor. Concern weighed heavily on Lauren's heart as she sat in the waiting area. As she waited for news, each minute seemed to drag on for an hour. 

At last, a doctor came up to her with a kind smile. He declared, "The surgery was successful." She is currently recovering. She will soon be available for you to see. 

Lauren felt a wave of relief as her eyes began to well up with tears. Her voice wavered as she said, "Thank you." "Thank you very much." 

In the evening, a tired but relieved Lauren came home. The physicians told her that her mother's recuperation was proceeding smoothly and that the procedure had been successful. She went to fetch a drink of water from the kitchen. 

Melissa came in as she was pouring the water. Melissa's tone was stern as she said, "So, the hospital called." 

Lauren stopped. "What were they saying?" 

Melissa folded her arms and leaned against the counter. "They verified that your Mom's operation had been paid for. Would you mind sharing where you got the money?"

Lauren clenched her hand around the glass. "Where it comes from is irrelevant. All that counts is that my Mom's surgery is over. 

Melissa squinted her eyes. "Lauren, don't tell me lies. Did you steal it? Or are you engaging in worse behaviour?" 

Lauren put down the drink and tried to speak quietly. "Melissa, I didn't steal anything. Don't make snap judgments." 

"Oh?" Melissa smirked. "Then, tell me how you made that much money. You cannot simply acquire thousands of dollars by magic!"

Lauren inhaled deeply. "You don't need an explanation from me." 

Melissa took a step forward and lowered her voice to a perilous murmur. "Lauren, I'll find out. You can't hide anything from me". 

Melissa turned and hurried out of the kitchen before Lauren could reply. With her heart racing, Lauren leaned against the counter. She was aware that Melissa would continue to investigate and that the truth would eventually surface. 

Dan's message chimed on her phone. "Tomorrow, Mr. Magnus would like to visit you. Be prepared". 

As Lauren read the note, her stomach turned. Now, what did Alex want? She had the unshakeable sensation that things would grow even more complicated in her life.