Marrying My Enemy

Chapter4

“Ms. Brown, you can be discharged anytime today,” the doctor said after checking her. “Just finish this IV drip, and you can settle your bill at the cashier.”

“Yes, doctor, thank you so much. I'll just wait for my family to come and settle my bill,” she replied to the nice doctor assigned to her.

“Alright, I'll leave you now. Please come back for the follow-up check-ups needed for your fast recovery,”

“Yes, doctor, I will.”

Valerie watched the doctor and nurses exit the room. Then, she picked up her mobile phone and dialed her mother's number.

Unfortunately, her mother’s phone was out of coverage, probably out of charge.

She took a deep breath and checked the time on her phone's screen. It was still early, so she was pretty sure her parents were still in bed, especially since they had left the hospital late last night after accompanying her.

They had only left when she told them she was going to sleep and even convinced them to take the servant with them. She didn't want anyone in the room with her, especially since she couldn't deny that she was hoping Daphne and Jayson might visit.

Though it was impossible, they were obviously guilty of cheating on her. She shook her head and placed her hand on her chest as she felt the pain caused by those two people.

After calming herself, she grabbed the book on her bedside table, trying to distract herself from thinking about the night that almost ended her life.

She was engrossed in reading when she suddenly heard the door opening.

Her forehead furrowed when she recognized the man in the doorway, holding a bouquet of flowers.

“Yes, may I help you?” she asked, wondering what this man was doing there. Could he have entered the wrong ward? He was wearing a blue suit, ready for the office, which made her wonder what he was doing there. Or could he be visiting a patient in the hospital and mistakenly come into her ward.

The man walked closer to her bed. “You’re Valerie Brown, right?” the man said, smiling. For the first time, she noticed his straight teeth, which could be a model for any toothpaste product.

“Yes, that’s me. And you’re the man from the bar, right?” she replied and asked, since she recognized him from that night, the night that almost ended her life.

“Yes, it’s me. I’m glad you recognize me. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to introduce ourselves. What a coincidence, isn’t it?” the man said, smiling, and extended his hand for a handshake. “Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Alexander Hamilton, your fiancé,” the man added, which left her dumbstruck.

She swallowed a lump in her throat, as no words came out of her lips. She couldn't believe that the formerly overweight Alexander Hamilton was now a hunk. She couldn't believe that the man she had been engaged to for almost twenty years would look like this—handsome and well-built, the kind of man every woman would fall head over heels for. It was a stark contrast to the fat man with thick eyeglasses she had been picturing a few days ago, when her parents talked about the arranged marriage.

“Valerie Brown, I believe you know about arranged marriages, don't you?” Alexander said, bringing her back to reality.

“Ah, yes. Nice meeting you, Alexander,” she replied, accepting his handshake. “I'm aware of it. What are your thoughts on arranged marriages?” she asked, hiding the undeniable awe she felt for the man before her. It was only natural for any woman to be impressed by such an attractive man, with his impressive stature, handsome face, and especially his clear blue eyes, like the sky.

“Well, I agree with this marriage,” Alexander stated straightforwardly, which didn’t surprise her. From the first day her parents told her about it, they'd mentioned that Alexander Hamilton had agreed to marry her, and they were only waiting for her consent. The engagement would then be announced and the wedding settled on the same day.

“Anyway, let's not talk about it for now. How are you feeling? I apologize for not visiting you sooner. My mother was hospitalized too, and we only found out about it yesterday, and…” Alexander began, but she interrupted him.

“No, it's okay. I understand. Mrs. Hamilton explained it to me yesterday when she visited. How is she now? I was worried after learning she was just discharged and still came to see me,” she said sincerely, remembering Mrs. Hamilton's kindness and the pain etched on her face.

“Mom is much better now. In fact, she asked me to bring you the porridge she cooked,” Alexander said, glancing at the table where his assistant had placed the lunch bag and fruit basket. “And here are some flowers for you,” he added, handing her the bouquet.

“Thank you,” she said, accepting the flowers. “It's a shame she's still struggling to make porridge while recovering from her illness.”

“Oh, please, have a seat,” she offered, gesturing to the vacant chair beside her hospital bed.

“Thank you,” Alexander said, sitting down.

“That's why you have to finish the porridge Mom prepared for you.”

“Sure, I will. I'm sure it's delicious,” she said, her stomach suddenly rumbling audibly. They looked at each other and laughed.

Alexander stood up, retrieved the porridge from the lunch bag, and prepared to serve it to Valerie.

Valerie quietly observed Alexander's movements, noticing his kindness and caring demeanor as he prepared her meal. She hadn't expected Alexander Hamilton to be like this. He seemed remarkably thoughtful, especially for such a wealthy man.