Chapter 3 I Bet an Hour
1161 Words
The man's strikingly handsome face left Brittany momentarily dazed.
"Hmm? You're... Mr. Scott?"
It took her a while to recall the information she'd received the night before.
Thanks to her late mother's inheritance, Brittany never had to worry about money. That's why her first criterion for a flash marriage was simple: her partner had to be easy on the eyes.
Among the profiles she'd reviewed last night, Adrian Scott had stood out instantly. She hadn't even bothered to look at the details before making her decision.
But now, standing face-to-face, Brittany realized Adrian looked even better in person than in his photos.
Her dazed expression made Adrian's heart soften, though he kept his lips pressed firmly to hide any trace of a smile.
"It's me," he said, holding up his household registry booklet. "We can get the marriage certificate anytime."
Brittany didn't move. She tilted her head slightly, her clear eyes locking on Adrian's.
"Before we get married, there are a few things we need to confirm," she said. "You're aware of my terms, right?"
Adrian's lips curved into a faint line as he nodded. "I am. I won't interfere with your decisions, whether they're about your career or your family."
She sighed in relief. Thankfully, he understood.
In her seven years with Leo, she'd been forced to give up her career. Now that she was about to inherit her mother's fortune, she had no intention of letting another man dictate her life.
Adrian spoke again, his tone steady. "I have a house and a car. After we're married, I'm willing to buy additional property or vehicles to suit your preferences. I won't live with my parents. My job keeps me busy, but I don't attend meaningless social events. I'll come home on time every day, and my income is more than enough to provide for you. And if you ever have conflicts with others, I'll always take your side—no exceptions. I'll be a great husband."
Coming from someone as good-looking as Adrian, those words didn't feel like empty boasts.
Brittany swallowed hard.
It was as if Adrian had a sixth sense for her thoughts. Every one of his promises landed squarely in her comfort zone.
He'd promised to come home on time, stand by her unconditionally, and never interfere in her career.
Every single one of these was something she'd once hoped Leo would do.
But in seven years, Leo hadn't delivered on any of them.
Now, here was a man she'd just met, yet he already seemed to know exactly what she wanted.
"Alright," Brittany said with a smile, nodding her agreement.
Even as they completed the marriage registration process, Brittany felt a little incredulous.
She glanced at the man beside her, her already racing heart beating even faster.
She'd actually married a stranger, and he was this handsome…
"Let's exchange contact information. I have a meeting to attend, but I'll reach out later," Adrian said.
They exchanged phone numbers and f*******: profiles before parting ways.
Afterward, Brittany opened the marriage certificate and stared at the photo of herself and her newlywed husband. Though they still looked like strangers, the picture was undeniably pleasing to the eye.
Finally, the weight in her chest lifted.
Adrian Scott.
It was a nice name. Yet, for some reason, it felt vaguely familiar…
Leo had slept from noon straight through to 8 PM.
Curled up on the couch, he woke up with an aching back and a throat that felt like it was on fire. His mouth was unbearably dry.
"Brittany, get me a glass of water," he called out.
Ordering Brittany around had become second nature to him.
But after waiting a long time, there was still no water.
Suddenly, Leo snapped out of his groggy haze and looked around the dark, empty house. That's when it hit him—Brittany wasn't home.
Had Nathan failed to deliver his message to her?
That had to be it.
Frustrated, Leo punched the couch.
Nathan always acted like such a goody-goody, but he was constantly pulling sneaky stunts behind Leo's back.
If Nathan had told Brittany, there's no way she wouldn't have come home.
Rubbing his temples, Leo fished his phone out from between the couch cushions.
The screen lit up, and the date displayed on it made him pause.
Today… wasn't it Brittany's birthday?
Suddenly, everything clicked. That's why she'd said she needed to wake up early yesterday.
Not only was it her birthday, but it was also the day they were supposed to get their marriage certificate.
Nathan had mentioned Brittany was sitting at the corner of Harmony Avenue yesterday.
Wasn't that right near the marriage registration office?
Half of Leo's irritation dissipated as he imagined Brittany, small and forlorn, waiting all day outside the registration office for him.
He rubbed his temples again, his emotions tangled. But he still had no intention of calling her.
If she'd waited all day, that was her choice.
She wanted to talk about breaking up and marriage in the same breath?
For those two words—breaking up—Brittany deserved to suffer a little.
Feeling suddenly lighter, Leo smirked.
He and Brittany had been together for seven years.
If he were being blunt, everyone in his circle knew she couldn't live without him.
Forgetfulness over one date wouldn't actually push her to leave him.
Someone: Leo, want to grab dinner?
A friend's text popped up on his phone.
Leo replied without hesitation.
Leo: Send me the address. I'll be there.
After sleeping all day, he was starving.
Half an hour later, Leo arrived at a private room in a new restaurant and joined his friends for dinner.
Leo had plenty of friends in Willow City, enough to attend gatherings every night without repetition.
Coincidentally, Nathan was there that evening.
The moment Leo saw him, his mood soured.
If it weren't for Nathan stirring the pot, Leo would've been sipping Brittany's hangover soup by now.
Nathan, oblivious to Leo's glare, casually downed his drink.
"Leo, did Brittany come back yet?" he asked.
Leo shot him a cold look.
"How could she, with you meddling?"
Nathan looked genuinely puzzled by Leo's hostility.
It wasn't until they compared notes that Leo realized Brittany's absence had nothing to do with Nathan.
She really wasn't planning to come back.
Leo's expression darkened immediately.
Nathan might have been mischievous at times, but he'd never outright sabotaged anything.
"She's really mad, huh? Why don't you call and apologize?" Nathan suggested.
His comment was met with laughter from the group.
"Leo? Apologize? You must be joking!"
"I'll bet you anything—Brittany will call him first in less than three hours."
"Three hours? That's too much credit! With her clingy nature, I'll bet two hours."
The betting and banter lightened Leo's mood.
Two hours? That was generous.
He pulled out a sleek black card from his wallet and slammed it on the table.
"I bet one hour," he declared confidently.
- Writer
