Chapter 3

“Mr. Aiden, will you marry me?

Aiden's eyes widened in shock, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. His face froze, his lips parting slightly as if he was about to speak, but no words came out. His gaze locked onto Rose's, his eyes searching hers for any sign of jest.

As the shock began to wear off, a mixture of emotions flitted across his face: confusion, curiosity, and a hint of intrigue. His eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze intensifying as he studied Rose's determined expression. 

He chuckled slightly and asked, “Why? 

“I have a proposal for you, and it will benefit both you and me,” Rose said, still looking determined to get what she wanted.

Aiden's eyebrows scrunched up in surprise, and he said, “What proposal?

“Marry me for just 2 years, and I will help you destroy Ethan's company. I will also make your company more profitable.” When Ethan used to complain about Aiden to her, she had read all the articles and news concerning him. Turns out that Aiden is an opportunist and a very shrewd businessman. 

This will help him in his business, of course. “After all, fewer rivals means more profits to you.”

Aiden's face was full of amusement and mirth; he said, “Is this because of your past connection to Ethan? And I don't see the reason why we need to get married to achieve our goals.”

Rose tightened her hand on the hems of her skirt, took another deep inhale, and replied, “I am about to get married to a scum by my family because of my bad reputation, and I know they won't stop until I get married. So I need to get married before they force me.”

“Hmm… interesting, but can you give me another reason why I should marry you? After all, you are a woman with a bad reputation, as you said yourself. So isn't being with a woman with a bad reputation not risky for me too?

Rose clenched her fist tightly and locked her eyes on his. “I can also help you with your grandma. She trusts me, and I am sure she will be happy to have me. I may not have experience in taking care of someone with dementia, but I will try my best, and I am a quick learner too. And also you know about the best bookseller of the year.”

Aiden nodded, indicating he knew about the highest award any writer could get. The best bookseller of the year.

“I am sure… no… I am certainly sure that I can win the awards with my next book. So Mr. Aiden I am sure this greatly benefits you well, so what do you say?

Aiden's eyes narrowed, and he looked at Rose with a calculating gaze. “I will consider your proposal, but first, I want to know what happened between you and Ethan. If I am to marry you, I don't want any loose ends.”

Rose hesitated; she didn't want to say anything about her relationship with Ethan, but she gave in when she saw Ethan gaze at her.

“Okay, I will tell you everything.” 

Rose took a deep breath and started telling Aiden about the history she had with Ethan. Their secret relationship, the public scandal, and Ethan's denial of the situation. 

“He made me lose everything, my job, my life, and I want to destroy what he holds close to him,” Rose said after finishing her story.

When Rose finished her story, Aiden sat in silence for a moment, his eyes fixed on her. Then a calculating glint passed through his eyes.

“Okay, I will marry you.” He said, his voice firm, and was already standing. “So Miss Rose, let's get married today.”

Rose's eyes widened in shock and surprise; honestly, she was sure that she could convince Aiden this easily. She thought she would convince him more.

“But I have some conditions for this marriage of ours, Miss Rose. I hope you can agree to it.” Aiden said, looking down at Rose, who was sitting down on the bench. 

Rose gulped and asked, “Conditions? Can I hear it? 

“Of course, but let me ask my lawyer to set up a contract and our marriage certificate before Grandma comes out.”

“We are getting married now?

Aiden chuckled and said, “There is no need to waste more time. After all, the more you get married to me, the more profits I get.”

Aiden then walked to a corner outside the hospital. Rose started biting her lips and playing with her fingers. This shows how nervous she was.

“I am back. My lawyer will be here soon, so I will tell you the 3 conditions I have before we get married. Aiden said, coming back to Rose's side. Rose nodded eagerly. 

“Good, one, this marriage will last only for two years. Not more or less. It must be two years. Aiden said, looking at Rose, who nodded, indicating she agreed with that condition.

 “Two, you must win the best bookseller of the year, and I will help you take revenge and destroy Ethan. I will also clear your reputation. But you must win. If you don't, there will be monetary compensation, which I am sure you can't afford easily.”

Rose nodded again. She had confidence in the new book she was writing. She only thanked God that she hadn't shown the manuscript to Ethan. After all, love had done foolish things to her.

Looks like she is confident about the book. Aiden thought, still looking at Rose and the confidence that passed through her eyes when he talked about winning the awards.

“And lastly, this is the most important. This marriage isn't real, so no love. Don't fall in love with me. I am not a fan of that emotion.”

“Yes. I agree to this condition and don't worry; I won't fall in love with you. My heart can't handle it.”

After all, she is still slightly in love with Ethan, but she is sure that she won't be opening her heart to love again.

“Mr. Aiden.” A man wearing a suit and carrying a black suitcase interrupted them.

“Lawyer Kim, thank you for coming. I saw a coffee shop near the hospital. Let's discuss it there.”

Rose then stood up and followed them to the coffee shop that was just around the corner.

“Welcome.” A petite woman sitting by the counter said, smiling at them, but when her eyes passed Rose, her smile faltered, but she regained it quickly.

“I will order the dessert; you and Rose should go and take a seat.”

Both the lawyer and Rose nodded and went to a seat by the window.

“I will just take three scones,” Aiden said, looking at the waiter with a cold expression. 

The girl nodded and was about to go, but Aiden stopped her and said, “Also, kindly delete that picture you took earlier, or don't blame me for the consequences.”

The girl nodded with an embarrassed blush and left. Aiden went to the seat and sat down beside Rose.

“I have explained everything to Miss Rose, and she said she's ready to sign the contract.” Lawyer Kim said, looking at Aiden. Aiden looked down and saw the contract paper on the table.

“Are you sure about this, Miss Rose? Aiden said, looking at her with a calm expression.

“Of course, and if possible, I will sign first,” Rose replied and picked up a pen. She then signed the contract; Aiden signed following after her.

“Congratulations, you got married on the 25th of December by 12:02 am. Once again, congratulations.”

“Merry Christmas, Rose,” Aiden said, looking at Rose, looking dazzling as the light highlighted his appearance more.

Rose gulped, “Merry Christmas, Aiden.”