Chapter 7

Alex wheeled himself into his mansion's living room, his face as harsh and icy as ever. His uncle, Mr. Magnus, and his cousin, Jake, were sitting pleasantly on the plush couches when he suddenly halted. Their tones were light and sarcastic as they laughed over a drink.

Alex said in a cold tone, "What are you doing here?" 

Mr. Magnus grinned. "Alex, what sort of greeting is that? We are related. Is there a reason we shouldn't come?"

Swirling the whiskey in his glass, Jake laughed. "Alex, calm down. All we're doing is catching up. How is married life going for you?" He spoke in a sarcastic tone. 

Alex tensed his jaw, but he didn't fall for their trick. He said plainly, "Go if you're here to waste my time." 

Mr. Magnus's face became serious as he leaned forward. "Now, nephew, now. We're just worried. Getting married to a random girl? A nobody? It's not exactly the best course of action." 

Alex shot out, "You have no business knowing what I decide." And my wife is Lauren. Be respectful. 

Jake snorted. "Decency? Alex, hurry up. Everyone is aware that she is only interested in your money. It's clear. Do you believe that someone like her would wed someone like you out of love?" 

Alex's speech was calm, but his eyes flashed with rage. "You don't know what you're talking about. I advise you to leave if you are here to disparage my wife." 

Mr. Magnus dismissively waved a hand. "Alex, stop being so defensive. We solely have your best interests in mind. Considering everything you've gone through, your choice doesn't seem to have been well thought out."

Alex's face was unreadable as he reclined in his wheelchair. "You wouldn't meddle in my private affairs if you were genuinely worried. Are we finished here, or is there anything further to do?"

Jake's smirk faded a little as he looked at Mr. Magnus. "All right, Alex. Get what you want. However, if she turns out to be precisely what we're saying, don't come to us in tears." 

Alex's eyes become stony. "Leave." 

Mr. Magnus and Jake stood with icy stares and comfortable attitudes. "We'll take care of ourselves," Mr. Magnus declared.

"But keep in mind that we're always available if you need us, Alex. Family is family."

Alex let out a deep breath as they walked away, his hands clutching his wheelchair's armrests. He detested their arrogant demeanour, but he refused to show them how much their remarks disturbed him. He pledged in silence to disprove them. 

Melissa was sitting in her brightly lit living room, looking glum as she browsed through her phone. She was furious after seeing the news about Alex and Lauren's unexpected marriage. How could her sister marry someone like Alex Magnus, of all people? 

Her phone started ringing, interrupting her thoughts. Jake's name appeared on the screen as she picked it up. She scowled as she replied. "What are you looking for?" 

Jake's tone was cool and collected. "I have an idea for you, Melissa, my love." 

Despite herself, Melissa reclined back on her couch, interested. "I'm paying attention." 

Jake started by saying, "We both know Lauren doesn't belong in Alex's world."

"She's out of her league, and she will eventually make a fool of herself. However, we can hasten the process if we cooperate". 

Melissa's eyebrow went up. "What do you propose?" 

"Easy," Jake said. "We bring misery into Lauren's life. She should be pushed until Alex realizes she isn't worth the trouble. We can concentrate on what truly matters once she is gone." 

Melissa twirled a strand of her hair and grinned. "And what can I gain from it?" 

Jake said, "I'm satisfied." "And the opportunity to remind Lauren of her true place." 

Melissa grinned more broadly. "You've got a good deal." 

That morning, when the hospital was quiet, Lauren sat by her mother's bedside and tenderly held her hand. Her mother's eyes fluttered wide as she stirred. As she said, "Lauren?" 

Lauren grinned. "Mom, I'm here. How do you feel?" 

Her mother spoke steadily but weakly. "Better. According to the doctors, everything went smoothly. 

Lauren nodded, relief causing her heart to swell. "Mom, you will be alright. I will ensure that it does". 

Tears filled her mother's eyes. "I'm grateful, Lauren. Thank you; I'm not sure how you paid for all of this." 

After a brief pause, Lauren squeezed her mother's hand. "Don't be concerned about that. Just concentrate on improving". 

They conversed for a long time in a lighthearted and consoling manner. For the first time in weeks, Lauren felt at ease. But as the day wore on, she kept thinking about Alex. She questioned whether he gave her any thought at all and what he was doing. 

Lauren was in her room that night when Dan left her a message. "Mr. Magnus is eager to see you right away. The vehicle is en route". 

As she read the message, her heart was pounding. Now what could Alex want? As soon as the car arrived, she hurriedly changed into something respectable and went downstairs. 

It was a stress filled journey to the Magnus home. Lauren's mind was racing with questions, despite her best efforts to relax. Dan was waiting at the door when she got there. 

He abruptly whispered, "Follow me," and ushered her into Alex's study. 

As she walked in, Alex's expression was unreadable as he looked up. He motioned to the chair across from him and said, "Sit down." 

With her hands firmly clutched in her lap, Lauren complied. "What's wrong?" she inquired. 

Alex slipped a document toward her from the other side of the desk. "Read this." 

Lauren took it up and started reading. When she realized it was a contract, her eyes widened. The conditions were straightforward: in return for her mother's medical bills, she had to remain in the marriage and carry out specific duties. 

Lauren looked up at him and muttered, "You can't be serious." 

Alex's face remained fixed. "Yes, I am. Lauren, this is how my universe operates. You must now fulfil your half of the agreement since you requested my assistance. 

Lauren put the document back on the desk, her eyes welling with tears. Though she realized she had no other option, she felt stuck.

"I need some time to think," she said. 

Alex gave a nod. "Take as much time as you require. However, keep in mind that this cannot be negotiated". 

Fear and uncertainty weighed heavily on Lauren's heart as she exited the study. She wasn't sure if she was prepared for the permanent change that was about to occur in her life.