Chapter 17

“I'm not accepting any offer that comes from you anymore.” I strongly refused Jaxson while we were in the car to head to Ruegold where Jaxson would attend.

I didn’t like his offer to buy me a house and land after we got married.

I don’t even know if I am doing enough for him already, then here he is again, piling me with some offers for my own benefit.

“What if I propose a second marriage? For real? You’ll decline that either?”

“W-What..?” I faltered as I couldn't believe what he just said. My chest rose, holding my breath, and giving him a startled gape.

Jaxson chuckled, “Calm down. I'm just kidding. You're taking it too seriously.”

I rolled my eyes away from him in mirth. “It's not funny.”

“It is, only if you are seeing your face.” he continued to chortle. “But, seriously, don’t you think it's for your own good? Besides, your brother will need a comfortable place after his therapy so he can recover well.”

“Jax, you know what?” I cut him off. “You've been far too generous. It was enough for me to know that Charles will be treated by a good doctor in America. Why am I even studying if I'd end up relying on you anyway? Sometimes, you should learn to also save for yourself.” I couldn’t help but speak my mind to him.

“You’re overreacting, Cattleya. A house and lot won’t affect my wealth as much as you are imagining. I can earn it back again in no time.”

I scratched my head in frustration because he isn't actually listening and doesn't understand what I'm trying to say. “I see that. But, don't you think that you still worked hard for that money? You should not simply give away everything you have struggled for. And also, it's fine even if it takes me a long time to buy my family our own home. Although, I'm not gonna get there as quickly as you, I believe that one day I will be able to buy it with my hard earned money. And for the time being, that dream is enough to keep me striving.”

When Jaxson opened his mouth, I expected him to respond, but he seemed so reluctant and chose to remain silent instead.

Because he was born into riches, Jaxson is quite generous and easily offers everything. He obviously has no experience with scarcity.

Silence fell over us so I just decided to simply switch my gaze outside and stare at the highways along which the cars we were driving passed.

It's a good thing my mother and Charles are in another country. Because I don't want them to hear about the wedding just yet. I'm sure they'll find out about it eventually, especially when they return to the apartment since Uncle Joe and all of our neighbors will be there. But, for the time being, I'd like to take my mother's mind off of her worries.

“Do you have your ring on?”

I swiveled to face Jaxson as he spoke. I raised my left hand to show him the ring on my finger.

“— Alright, we're here.”

I quickly returned my eyes outside as soon as I heard his words, and the extremely high skyscraper building we had stopped at left me stunned.

“Woah…” a gasp of amazement escaped my lips.

This is not the first time I've seen a building since I was born in the city, but it is the first time I've seen one that is so high and colossal. Because of the magnificent and menacing metallic structures, it looks like I am standing in front of a gigantic cyborg that is about to step on my head.

It also features a large screen in the centre that displays commercials. I think that’s a product of their company because of the logo placed below it. Also noteworthy is the massive RueGold letter on the front of the building.

I assume it is a product of their corporation because of the label below it. The golden characters of the Ruegold name on the front of the building also flare out with the glass and metallic designs.

I could hardly reach the top of it with my eyes, and it's making me feel dazed as if I was going to fall into a trance.

I know Jaxson and his family are well-off, but I didn't expect them to be this wealthy. Like rich, rich.

And the name Ruegold, I always know that I've heard of it before. Now I know, because it is the producer of some of the country's most well-known products.

“Let's go.” Jaxson uttered with a frigid tone.

His obnoxious and solemn attitude has returned.

I'm not going to question this abrupt mood shift any more because I'm becoming used to it.

Jaxson gingerly pulled me closer to him by sliding his fingers between mine and holding my hand.

I nearly bolted in shock when we were suddenly surrounded by masculine security wearing black suits.

They lined up on both sides of us with their hands raised sidewards to maybe protect Jaxson, as they escorted us while walking toward the building.

I often forgot his authority and reputation.

Because what they're doing. It makes me feel like a princess in dramas that are being protected because I can be shot in the head at any time due to my assets and my father’s wrongdoings.

I shifted my gaze to Gunther, who was still after us and also walking in the middle. I began to notice that his badge was different from the badges worn by other security personnel.

Does that make him special?

When we eventually arrived at the building's entrance, we heard a car that pulled off from the back.

I winced when Lance and Daniella came off, both dressed in fancy clothes. Lance took Daniella's hand and wrapped it around his arm before walking.

Lance seems to be not treated the same way as Jaxson because no guards were lining up where they were walking. This most likely means Jaxson is in a lot higher position than he is.

“Hey, let's get going,” I said softly, while gently pulling Jaxson's hand away from Lance and Daniella as they approached us.

Jaxson flashed a smile and began to also turn around and follow me inside.

I bowed back to every single employee who bent and bowed to Jaxson every time we got past them.

“Good morning, Mr. Madrigal.”

“Good morning!” I answered happily while bowing even though I knew well that he wasn't talking to me.

The employees seemed to panic as soon as their eyes met Jaxson, and I, on the other hand, couldn't help but return their greetings by bowing to each one of them with a smile.

“Why are you banging your head?”

“H-Huh?” I replied, ignoring the fact that I understood what he meant. “I'm just greeting them back.”

I was irked by Jaxson's bitter smile. “You don't have to. They're greeting me to keep their jobs.”

“Uh? What made you think that?” My brows furrowed. “You are assuming that because you're thinking negatively. They are greeting you out of respect. Not everyone is the same as you think. Come on! Try to say hello to them.”

“No. I'm not doing that.” He whined like a child.

“Good morning, Mr. Madrigal!” Another staff member greeted him with a bow.

My feet came to a halt in front of her. I almost burst out a giggle when the guards that were following us also stopped walking at the same time like a toy soldier.

“Good morning!” I greeted the employee back and she responded to me with a warm smile.

I shifted my eyes to Jaxson and waited for him to say anything. I motioned to him with my eyes and he in turn just stared at me meanly back.

“Hurry.” I whispered to urge him. “Just try it, come on. You'll never know unless you try.”

I was encouraged as Jaxson's gaze shifted to the female employee. He was stunned for a moment, and tried to muster up courage.

“G- Good morning.” He stammered with a forced smile.

I can't help but be thrilled because of what he accomplished. I watched the employee's face light up as Jaxson greeted her back.

“See? They're happy to see you,” I chuckled before continuing to walk with his hand still in mine.

Jaxson simply shook his head with a faint laugh. “Silly.”