Chapter 3

"Amazing!" I wasn't expecting that view. The sea is so beautiful, and the cool breeze perfectly embraces my body. The shade from those trees is exquisite. It all complements the perfect and serene ambiance of this place.

A quiet yet relaxing place. Magnus leaned against his car, crossing his arms as if he succeeded in impressing me with the place.

"I said it right, yeah?"

"Yes," I smiled. I slowly took off my footwear and felt the rough white sand under my feet.

"It's warm," I said, glancing at him. He seemed to be enjoying my view at that moment as if he had deep thoughts.

"Hey? Are you okay?" I raised an eyebrow at him. He widened his smile and leaned on the bumper.

"Uh, uhm yes. I'm fine."

"What are you looking at there?" He shook his head.

"Nothing." He lied. I furrowed my brows.

"Really?"

"Well, I'm just thinking about something."

"What? Is it about our marriage?"

"Yep," Magnus bitterly smiled. I know he's been thinking about that burden. He knows I am a burden. I know he's doing this for the partnership of our companies. We don't have attachments this time, and as he said, he's not ready to settle in a relationship like this.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I walked towards him and sat beside him. We both gazed at the ocean. I know there's something bothering him. Even if he doesn't admit it, it's obvious. He sighed and looked in one direction...the ocean.

"I want to tell you something...Vanna."

"Yes, I'm listening."

"I want you to know that I have a daughter."

When he said that, I immediately turned to look at him. "Seriously?" Doubt filled me.

He nodded. "Yes."

"Do your parents know about this?"

He shook his head. "No, not even my brother and sister, no one knows."

"W-why are you telling me this now?" I asked him seriously. He gazed at me.

"I want to be honest with you, Vanna. I don't want to hurt you when you find out that I have a child with someone else. At least I'm letting you in on my secrets." I nodded curtly.

I understood where he was coming from. It's not easy in our field to show weakness.

"So, do you still love her mother?" I asked involuntarily. He chuckled and looked at me.

"What kind of question is that?" I was taken aback. What was wrong with my question? "Uhm, I-I just want to know if...you still love her mother."

"No. Not even once." His words confused me even more.

"What?"

"We had a one-night stand, Van. You know what that means, right?" he raised an eyebrow.

I nodded slowly, even though I wasn't sure of his point.

"It's a mistake, she got pregnant and she used that to extort money from me. She used the baby! That bitch!" Magnus's voice was tinged with irritation.

"Then where is she now?"

"I have no idea, and I don't care, all I care about is my child."

"How did you find out about your child? Did she tell you?"

"No, she just left Ysabella at the church, but luckily she was taken in and raised by the nuns. I hired an investigator to make sure my daughter is in good hands. These days, I often visit her at the church facility."

I was pleased with Magnus' words; it seems he knows how to love and appreciate as well.

"How old is she now?"

"She's eight." Magnus proudly replied to me. It's obvious he is happy about his only daughter.

"If you want... we can get her, once we're married." I said with my usual tone. He stared at me, still puzzled by what I said. It seems he can't believe my words.

"Do you really mean that?"

"I do." I nodded. Overwhelmed with joy, he hugged me.

"Thank you, Vann. I know I can rely on you. Thank you!" he said, then faced me.

"What do you want in return?" he asked. It seems everything for him follows a 'give and take' cycle method. I shook my head.

"Nothing. I just want..." I paused to think. "...uh, for you to treat me to ice cream." I smiled.

He laughed and took my right hand. "You're unbelievable. Alright, let's go!"

He pulled me towards the car and we drove off.

"Where are we going?"

He just started the engine without giving me an answer. Despite his rude demeanor, he looks handsome when he smiles. He's undeniably good-looking when he smiles. I don't know why I find myself complimenting him, even though I didn't like him at first.

We didn't stay long before we found ourselves at an ice cream hub station. It was filled with lined-up customers. The place was a bit small but charming to look at, with pastel colors on the walls and lots of happy children and families enjoying their treats.

Magnus scanned the area, and I could tell he wanted his child with him right now.

Despite being in our formal attire, we were surrounded by cheerful and eccentric people, including the men in black bodyguards trailing behind Magnus and us. I couldn't help but smile at the sight. I observed the children playing with the guards, who seemed unfazed even as their suit sleeves were being tugged.

"Are you really going out with bodyguards?" I asked Magnus, noticing him holding the tray of ice creams.

"Take it first," his hand slightly shaky, hinting that he wasn't accustomed to being out like this.

"Are you okay?" I saw him struggling in his suit due to the playful kids surrounding him.

"Yep, I'm fine," Magnus grinned as he handed a scoop to a young boy who requested one.

"Alright, listen up kids...anything you want from the ice cream buffet, it's on me. Go ahead and place your orders," Magnus declared, prompting the children to eagerly line up at the counter. Even the three bodyguards joined in, standing in line like excited kids.

I laughed at his behavior. We sat in the corner, and I smiled at him, admiring his well-shaved face.

"So, you're not stingy after all, huh?" He widened his smile and shook his head.

"I even have trouble figuring out how to spend my billions, dear," he said, clearly trying to impress me.

Damn! Why is he so cool? It's very annoying!