Chapter 7: Marriage Certificate

Eve was furious and confused at the same time.

What is that man planning to do with me? She pondered for a few moments before deciding to compose herself.

She could only hope that he would let her go as he had promised. But realistically, she had no other choice.

After dressing, she stepped out of the room and found an elderly butler waiting outside.

"Shall we, Miss?"

She nodded silently and followed him to the elevator, keeping her thoughts to herself.

Inside, the butler pressed the button for the third floor.

"Young Master’s office is there," he informed her.

Eve remained quiet.

"I hope you’re not too upset with him," the butler continued. "Our Young Master is a good man. He didn’t kidnap you as you think. He brought you here because you were drugged. He even took care of you last night."

Eve's eyes widened in shock. So he was the one who saved me from Dalton?

"If he’s such a good man, then why won’t he let me go?" she asked bitterly, still seething at him.

"Only the Young Master can answer that, Miss. Here we are."

The elevator doors slid open, revealing another expansive space, modern and sleek, exuding power and authority, perfectly mirroring the cold and domineering man who awaited her.

They walked through a sophisticated reception area lined with towering bookshelves before reaching a large office. The butler pushed open the double sliding doors, and there he was, seated behind an imposing desk, his piercing gaze locked onto her like a predator eyeing its prey.

"Here she is, Sir," the butler announced before quietly excusing himself.

Alex’s expression remained unreadable as he leaned back in his chair.

"Sit," he commanded.

Eve didn’t argue. She simply took a seat, her head lowered to avoid looking at his arrogant face, which only fueled her anger.

"Give her the papers," he ordered.

Eve immediately looked up in suspicion. The assistant beside her handed her a sealed envelope, its expensive quality only adding to her unease.

"What is this?" she asked, frowning as she took it.

"Read it."

His tone was indifferent, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

She hesitantly opened the envelope, and the first thing that caught her eye were the bold words: Marriage Certificate.

Her heart nearly stopped.

She dropped the envelope as if it had burned her, shock evident on her face.

"A… marriage certificate? Is this some kind of joke?" she exclaimed.

Why would two strangers end up married? And how did he manage to register their marriage without her consent? Was he insane?

"Do I look like I’m wasting my time on a joke?" he asked coldly.

"Exactly! Why would you waste your precious time on someone like me? And what makes you think I’ll agree to this insanity? You’re out of your mind!"

Rich people were the worst. They thought money gave them the power to control everything.

"You don’t have a choice," Alex stated, his voice as sharp as a blade. "Sign the papers, or say goodbye to your family forever."

Eve’s fury spiked.

She met his gaze head-on, glaring at him with unwavering defiance.

"Are you threatening me?" she snarled through gritted teeth.

"Why would I?" He smirked. "I’m actually doing you a favor."

"You are insane! Even if you were the last man on earth, I would never marry you!" she declared, rising from her chair in outrage.

Alex remained unfazed.

"If I were you, I’d think twice." He leaned back lazily, his gaze chillingly calm. "Before I forget, your mother is in the hospital. Wouldn’t you like to know her current condition?"

Eve froze.

His words echoed in her ears, rattling her. No. He’s lying.

"You dare drag my mother into your sick games?" she spat. "Do you think I’m stupid enough to believe your made-up stories? You’re despicable!"

Alex didn’t react. Instead, he gestured to his assistant, Earl, who stepped forward.

"It’s true, Ms. Carson," Earl said, his tone professional. "Your mother was rushed to the hospital last night by your brother after she collapsed from a severe headache. After running tests, the doctors discovered she has a ruptured aneurysm and needs immediate surgery."

Eve’s breath caught in her throat.

Earl handed her the medical report. Her hands trembled as she skimmed through the findings.

It was real.

Her mother’s life was hanging by a thread.

The room spun around her. Her vision blurred, and she slumped back into her chair, feeling utterly powerless.

Alex stood up and walked away without saying another word.

Earl gathered the documents on the desk before giving her a meaningful look.

"Don’t make things harder for yourself, Ms. Carson," he advised gently. "In fact, you should consider yourself lucky. Out of all the women, the boss chose you." He bowed slightly before exiting.

Eve was left alone, the weight of her predicament crashing down on her.

Tears welled in her eyes.

Why is this happening?

She clenched her fists, silent sobs wracking her body.

But what choice did she have?

Her mother’s condition was the priority now.

She had no power against Alex. He had cornered her, and there was no escape.

With a heavy heart, she picked up the envelope again. Her fingers trembled as she signed her name on the document.

As soon as she finished, she stared at her signature in despair.

Just a few minutes ago, she had been a free woman. Now, with this one piece of paper, she was shackled to a man she despised.

Taking a deep breath, she closed the envelope and rushed out to catch up with them.

"Wait!" she called.

Alex and Earl, who had been about to leave, halted.

She threw the envelope onto the table.

"I signed it," she said coldly, her face unreadable.

Earl immediately checked the papers and gave Alex a confirming nod.

"Very well, Young Mistress. You made the right decision," he said respectfully.

Eve walked up to Alex, her gaze icy.

"I’m coming with you. I want to see my mother now."

She didn’t wait for a response. She simply walked past him.

Alex watched her retreating figure, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

What a bold woman.

*****

On the Way to the Hospital..

The car ride was eerily silent.

Earl focused on driving while Eve stared blankly out the window, her expression distant and desolated.

Alex sat beside her, scrolling through his phone, but every so often, he stole glances at her.

Earlier, when she had pleaded with him, tears in her eyes, something had stirred within him.

A discomfort. A feeling he couldn’t name.

For years, he had been ruthless and indifferent. Yet, for the first time, he found himself affected by someone else’s pain.

He closed his eyes briefly, trying to suppress the unwelcome sensation.

"Earl, cancel all my appointments for today," he ordered, his voice quieter than usual.

Earl glanced at him through the rearview mirror.

"Are you feeling unwell, Sir?"

Alex’s eyes flickered toward Eve before he answered.

"I’m accompanying my wife to the hospital."

Earl’s lips twitched in surprise.

"That would be best, Sir." He was genuinely pleased. The way Alex had casually said “my wife” was something unexpected.

His grandmother would be overjoyed to hear that her grandson was finally married, even if it was a forced marriage.

Meanwhile, Eve tensed upon hearing those words.

My wife.

Her heart skipped a beat.

‘No. I hate him. I despise him,’ she told herself firmly.

But when she caught him stealing glances at her, her heart betrayed her by racing wildly.

Annoyed, she turned to him.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked warily.

Alex smirked.

"You’re my wife now. I can look at you whenever I want."

She rolled her eyes and turned away, hiding her flushed cheeks.

Alex, having already noticed her blushing, smirked again.

This was going to be interesting.