Marrying My Enemy

Chapter5

Xander couldn't believe that the woman he bumped into at the bar was the woman he was engaged to marry. What a coincidence that night was, finding her in the same bar as him. He wondered what had brought her there. It could be, just like him, she was thinking about the arranged marriage, especially since it was the day they'd received news that she wasn't ready to meet them, particularly him.

His mother was right; she was indeed beautiful and thoughtful, as he could see in the way she spoke about his mother. He could see the genuine care in her words and facial expressions.

After taking the food in the bag, he sat on the bed and was ready to feed her when Valerie stopped him and took the bowl and spoon, eating by herself.

“Thank you, but I can eat by myself,” Valerie said, and he let her.

“Um, regarding the arranged marriage, when I’m discharged from the hospital, you can ask your parents to come to our place and discuss it. I’m sorry for the delay,” Valerie apologized. That made him smirk. “I think there’s no reason for us to delay it since it seems like it’s our fate to be destined,” she added, a trace of sadness in her voice that didn’t escape his notice.

He couldn't help but feel as though she was going through a broken relationship. He thought it might be because of the arranged marriage set by their families, causing her to be separated from her boyfriend.

He would be in the same situation if Martha were still alive, and perhaps he would have a good offer or deal with Valerie so she wouldn't need to break up with her boyfriend. They could be married just to fulfill their parents' desires, and behind it, they could continue their relationships with the people they loved most.

He remembered the investigation into his girlfriend's accident; everything was still unclear to him. He promised at his girlfriend's burial that whoever was responsible for her death would pay dearly.

“Aren’t you going to work?” Valerie’s question distracted him from his deep thoughts.

“Yes, I’m going. And please tell me when you’ll be discharged so I can come here to help you,” he replied.

“Actually, my doctor said earlier that I can be discharged anytime today. I’m just waiting for my parents so they can settle my bill.”

“Is that so? Since I’m here already, I can help you with it,” he immediately offered, looking at Alan, who was standing in the corner.

“Alan, please process Valerie’s paperwork so she can be discharged and bring her home.”

“Oh no, please don’t bother about it. Mom and Dad will be here soon,” Valerie tried to stop them.

“Please, let us do it. Soon we’ll be a couple; let’s get familiar with each other,” he said, looking at Valerie. He could see the shyness in her facial expressions, which made her attractive.

The IV drip finished quickly, and after Alan settled Valerie's bill, they were about to pack her belongings when her parents arrived. Xander noticed the surprise on their faces.

“Alexander, what a surprise!” Mrs. Brown exclaimed as they entered the room. He had met them at dinner when his mother introduced them, during the discussion of the Hamilton Group's takeover of the Brown's company.

“Aunty, Uncle,” he greeted, giving them both a hug. Before he could say more, Valerie spoke.

“Mom, Dad, I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been trying to call you, but I couldn’t get a signal. I’m being discharged now. Alexander was kind enough to settle the bill,” Valerie said, looking at him.

“Is that so? Thank you so much, Alexander, for helping our daughter,” Mr. Brown said with a smile. He seemed genuinely delighted, especially when he added, “It gives me peace of mind knowing my daughter is in good hands with a man like you.”

“Don’t worry, Uncle. I will take care of your daughter, as I promised my grandfather. I intend to fulfill my duty as a good husband to her,” he replied, looking at Valerie. He saw her face flush crimson, which he found endearing.

Despite the Brown family's insistence on taking Valerie home themselves, he decided to go to the office, even though it was almost lunchtime.

He asked his secretary to order food from a nearby restaurant. He was nearly finished eating when his assistant, Alan, arrived.

“Sir, the accident investigation results are in,” Alan announced.

“Excellent. Tell me, who caused Martha’s accident?”

“The car behind Ms. Martha’s, with license plate A1234, is registered to…” Alan paused, looking at him.

“To whom?” he asked, unable to hide his irritation at the suspense.

“Sir…” Alan said hesitantly.

“What is it?” he asked, his forehead furrowed.

“Ms. Valerie Brown,” Alan said, the words landing like a bombshell.

In a fit of rage, Xander clenched the glass so forcefully it shattered, his hand ripped open by the shards. The sound startled Alan, who instantly summoned his secretary. Xander, oblivious to the pain, was consumed by fury. He was certain Valerie was responsible for Martha's death. The memory was vivid: that night at the bar, Valerie, intoxicated, had driven recklessly, causing the accident that killed his beloved girlfriend.