Chapter 5 - A Marriage Proposal

As if knowing that there was an impatient customer, their food arrived quite quickly. And without further ado, Jane started to enjoy her breakfast. Despite her annoyance, Jane had to admit that she was quite enjoying her breakfast this morning. The waffle she ate was really delicious and became even more perfect when she spread it with her favorite chocolate spread. In less than ten minutes, she had finished her breakfast.

"So, where is your promised explanation?" Jane urged Lucas, who seemed indifferent and was still busy enjoying his pancakes.

Janem thinks that Lucas is getting revenge by not answering his question because he did the same thing to him earlier. He straightened up when he saw Lucas put down his knife and fork, a sign that he was done with his breakfast.

"It's not good to talk while eating, Jane," Lucas said after wiping his mouth.

"I don't need your advice. Now quickly tell me what all this means."

Lucas cleared his throat before starting. "You know, I spent a fantastic amount of money to get you the hell out of there. Not to mention all your debts to those crazy money-hungry women."

"Why did you buy me then?" Jane asked softly.

"First, I didn't buy you. I freed you, that sounds much better." Lucas then sipped his orange juice. "Second, you yourself said that I had to free you from that place if I wanted to marry you."

"You took my words seriously? Really?!"

"Last night I said I was serious. I just proved my words that I'm not playing around."

"And what did you say earlier... marrying me? Why do you want to marry me?"

All of this was becoming more confusing for Jane. This man wanted to marry her even though they just found out each other's names last night. Was her charm that strong on men or was this man in an unstable state?

"Jane, my grandfather just passed away last month," Lucas said with a mournful expression after a moment of silence.

Jane only just met Lucas last night, let alone his family. There shouldn't be a reason for her to be sad. But at least she understood what it felt like to lose someone you loved, especially a family member. She couldn't help but sympathize.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Jane said softly.

"Thank you. Unfortunately, that's not the point of all this."

"Ok? Then what?"

"In his will, my grandfather instructed that I would be the main heir to his wealth with two conditions. First, I had to break up with my girlfriend whom he hated. Second, I had to marry another woman who was equally matched with me within a certain amount of time."

Jane just stayed quiet, knowing that Lucas's explanation wasn't finished yet and still listening attentively.

"I clearly can't choose. So, the only best solution I can think of is to marry another woman, divorce her. Then take my inheritance and leave this place with the woman I truly love."

Jane knew that everyone had their own problems, regardless of their social status or anything else. But no one ever told her that the problems of the wealthy like Lucas could be as complicated as this. Now she was involved even though she didn't want to.

"Lucas," Jane said, taking a deep breath. "I've been wondering. You're already so wealthy, why do you need your grandfather's fortune so badly?"

Lucas looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, then let out a deep sigh. "It's not just about the money, Isabella. It's about family legacy and proving myself to my family."

"I see," Jane nodded, still a little unsure. "But you're already so successful. You're the CEO of a massive company. Why does it matter what your family thinks?"

Lucas's expression softened. "You don't understand, Jane. My family has always been a huge part of my life. My grandfather was a titan in the business world, and I want to continue that legacy. I want to prove to my family that I'm worthy of that legacy and that I can carry on the family business."

Jane nodded slowly, taking in his words. "I understand," she said softly. "But it seems like you're already successful enough without the fortune. What does the money really represent to you?"

Lucas paused for a moment, then spoke quietly. "Security, I guess. Financial stability. It would make me feel like I've really made it, you know?"

"I understand up to this point. But why did you choose me? I mean, there are many other women out there who—"

"Because we need each other, Jane. And we can help each other," he said. "I know you know that."

Jane silently agreed with Lucas's words. They had only known each other for less than 24 hours, but he had already proven that he could help her, getting her out of her job which was actually unlikely to happen. 

Jane was sure that Lucas could do even more than this. And in return, Jane just needed to help him by becoming his wife, and that wouldn't last forever.

"So, what do you say?"

"You know I have to pay for my sister's treatment, right?" Jane asked seriously. She couldn't immediately agree with Lucas's offer. Jane had to make sure first that this person in front of her would really pay for all of her sister's treatment because that was her top priority right now.

"I will pay for all of her medical expenses, Jane. Until your sister is cured."

Jane widened her eyes upon hearing Lucas's words. Lucas clearly knew her weakness at this point. It was definitely the most tempting offer she could ever receive in her life. The cost of her sister's hospital treatment was not cheap, and Lucas easily offered to bear all of it without any burden at all. Jane thought hard. So far, she had made enough mistakes by being a prostitute.

Jane took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I hope you realize that you will be spending more money if you want my help."

Lucas smiled upon hearing her words, knowing that his offer was accepted. And Jane did the same, happy that she no longer had to do a job that she despised but still could help her sister. Even if in the end she had to marry a man she didn't love, it didn't matter. Whatever it took, as long as she could save her sister, she would do it. Even if it would destroy herself.

This was all for her little sister, and there was nothing she wouldn't do for her.