The Disabled Billionaire is My Husband

[2]

Today is my day off. I asked for a simultaneous schedule between my work schedule at the clinic and at the convenience store. So that I can spend the whole day with Cressa at the hospital. Anna informed me that Cressa's condition had gradually improved and had been placed in a hospital room. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to stay with her for the past two days. No problem, I'll pay for it today.

I'm sure Cressa is happy. That's why I made her favorite chicken soup.

“Looks like someone's happy,” someone said which made me turn my head.

A girl was standing in the doorway, playing with the ends of her wavy hair, visually she was a beautiful girl. Much prettier than me, as my mom and dad used to say. She was Diana Rein. My one and only sister.

“I'm going to see Cressa,” I said briefly and went back to struggling with the vegetables and ingredients for the soup.

“Oh, that useless child is awake?”

My hands were clenched tightly. “That child has a name, Diana. And she is your niece.”

“But useless,” Diana giggled. “At least, if you come back with a child, make it useful.”

Normally, I wouldn't have hesitated to severely reprimand Diana for her lack of manners. But apparently, Diana wasn't one to give in. No one in this house would defend me anyway. Everyone would blame me and curse Cressa's existence. I didn't want to hear any hurtful words about Cressa, so I'd better hold back.

“What are you doing here, Diana?” my mother asked in an exaggeratedly gentle tone.

Diana giggled again. She said, “Accompanying my dear sister to make food for her daughter.”

“What a useless person. What's she doing that for?” my mother grumbled. “Don't go anywhere. There will be guests this afternoon. We can't let her go without taking good care of her.”

My forehead furrowed. “But... I have to see Cressa.”

“f**k off!” My mom waved her hand. “There's no point in you seeing your daughter. There's a nurse there anyway.” She grabbed the ladle I was using to make the soup. “Add some meat to this pot and don't even think about bringing it to that child.”

My hands were clenched tightly. “No way. I have to go there.” I didn't care if my mom got angry. I took off my apron and got ready immediately, there was no waiting around because I didn't want to miss this day.

“Heh, damn kid!” My mom pulled my shiny hair. Ugh! It hurts! I'm not a teenage girl anymore who used to receive violence from my mother. “If you dare to step outside, you better pack up all your things and leave! Don't ever come back!”

I looked at Mom with a look of unbelievable. How could my mom say that? While I needed a place to take shelter and just sleep to rest my body. In this house, I didn't live for free. I gave her some money. I even asked for more money without caring that I needed it too.

“My guest is arriving soon. He is an important guest. Don't mess up today, Larrisa,” Mom said in a sarcastic tone. “He's coming from Maine. Most of the influential people in this country live there. If I'm being generous, perhaps I can give you a little money for Cressa's expenses.”

It wasn't me who responded with a happy voice. “Are they really coming, Mom?” Diana asked cheerfully. “Ugh! I never thought that fairy tales could come true.”

I, who didn't understand what all this was about, remained silent. Although I was still trying to break free from the pull of Mom's hand on my hair, which was very difficult to remove.

“Quick! Finish your cooking. And make some more food. We must serve them well." Mom pushed me rather roughly. Her look could no longer be denied. Other than obeying her, I had no other choice. Mom quickly left me with a grunt and a look of disgust in her eyes. It was as if I was a germ that needed to be wiped off the face of the earth.

“Aren't you interested in who the guests are?” Diana didn't do anything. She just sits on one of the chairs near the kitchen. She watched me while observing her freshly painted nails. Just like a witch, if I may comment.

“No,” I replied briefly. I'd better finish this cooking soon. If that guest comes, I can slip away to the hospital. I won't let them keep me too long.

“They're from the Rapael family. I didn't realize that in the past, Grandfather agreed to match their bloodline as a way of brotherhood and returning a favor in the past. And you know, the Rapael family owns the Xeon Group!” Diana explained hysterically. She was overjoyed. Her beautiful face looked so excited.

I didn't care about that. After all, I knew who my parents were going to propose as Grandpa's granddaughter; Diana Rein. Their favorite child. I feel like I'm not my parents' child because I'm often being mistreated. It doesn't matter, I'm already used to it. I didn't intend to get married anyway, let alone get back into love.

Love is the most hypocritical feeling in the whole world. Love can only make you hurt until you can't get up immediately. It traumatizes me so deeply that I can no longer feel happy.

“Don't be jealous, my dear sister. I'm going to marry a rich man soon and I'm sure he's handsome.” Diana held her flushed cheeks. “Ah, I can't wait. I don't have to help you, do I? I should always look beautiful in front of him. I think I should do my hair.”

I ignored all of Diana's ramblings. It's much better if she's not around. I can finish this annoying extra assignment soon. Hopefully, they'll be so excited to welcome their guests that they'll forget I exist.

Unfortunately... my wish didn't come true.

Two weeks after their visit, I sat here. In a room that is dominated by a dark brown color. The design looked elegant and like the perfect place for a photoshoot. I don't know how many times I sighed and tried to calm down but still, why is something this crazy happening to me?

I looked at what I was wearing. The ivory white dress that clung to my body looked perfect. The makeup on my face was like a perfect mask. My hair was in a high bun and pinned with a crown studded with expensive diamonds.

“Tck! Why is this happening to me?” I grumbled as I looked down in annoyance. “And why do I have to wait here anyway?”

The door to this room suddenly opened. A man wearing a navy suit with the same flower brooch as me entered the room. However... that man didn't walk like he was supposed to. Instead, he was assisted in a wheelchair and pushed slowly by a smiling middle-aged woman. From the moment I met her, that woman's smile never disappeared from her face.

It was as if... this wedding was a very exciting thing for her.

“Introducing, he is my dear nephew. Seth Rapael.” The woman, Lisa Rapael, introduced the man in the wheelchair to me. “Your husband.”

God created a very real perfection in the figure of Seth Rapael. His face was as handsome as the great Appolo. His dark brown hair seemed to glow, his body was athletic, his skin was milky white, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and most notable of all-he had a mole just below his left eye. Small, yet it made him the center of attention.

But the only thing that made the man dim the light of his life; he was disabled. His legs were paralyzed due to an accident he suffered three years ago. Right on her birthday. And because of this, Diana rejects the arranged marriage that was supposed to change her life.

But my mother and father are not people who would waste an offer of compensation if one of their daughters accepts this arranged marriage. If Diana refused, then I was the sacrifice. No matter how much I refused, I couldn't argue. Moreover...

“He's a rich man. You can ask him for money for your daughter's medical treatment. Think about it. Where else can you get such a good source of precious money? Don't be a moron. After all, you already have a child. who would accept marriage to a woman of uncertain status.”

It was painful, but it was the reality of my life. The only thing that kept me going and finally nodded was Cressa's situation. She need much money. A lot. And I wanted her to get well soon and live a life with me at home. Not in a hospital.

And maybe... this was the only way.

"Soon the photographer will be taking pictures of both of you. Try to make the best photos. It's your wedding day, right? Cheer up,” she said, patting my shoulder gently. “You too, Seth. Be happy.”

Not long after, Lisa left the room. Leaving Seth and me. Just the two of us.

“So... you're my replacement bride?” he asked with an impassive face. I don't know why she was like that, but it felt like... in the depths of those ocean-blue eyes was a huge void.

“Never mind, it doesn't matter who my bride is. As long as she fulfills the conditions Grandfather gave her, I don't care.”

I saw him reach for something from his blazer pocket. It was an envelope that he immediately handed to me. “Sign it.”

“This is... a contract?”

“I only ask three things of you. Don't apply for a divorce unless I ask. Survive at least three years of marriage. Take care of each other's interests because we're really just strangers.” Seth even showed his three fingers in the desired count.

I paused, thinking for a moment what I could gain from this contract. “What about my job? Aunt Lisa told me I should come to Maine. But you don't seem to know anything about me yet, do you?”

"Larrisa Rein, 28 years old, almost a doctor at one of the top universities, has a daughter out of marriage whose health condition is quite bad, the first child of the Rein family, works as a therapist at a clinic near the house as well as a convenience store. Sometimes she does odd jobs to make ends meet and pay for the hospital.”

I was stunned. “You're searching for my background?”

“That's naturally what happened.” He moved his wheelchair skillfully to come closer to me. “Your compensation will be taken care of by my assistant. Take it easy. Do what you want after today. Remember, we are strangers.”

I could only nod obediently. Accepted the pen handed to me and signed without hesitation. Then my eyes followed her gaze around the room. At first the face only showed a flat look but a smile could be created on the man's lips. Unfortunately, it was the most sardonic kind of smile I'd ever seen.

“There's no need for wedding photos,” he said firmly. “Such things are useless. You agree with me, right?”

I let the man walk out of this room. It was true what he said. All of this was useless. It's enough to fulfill what was an arranged marriage and I get the benefits too. At least Cressa's medication can continue. I just need to find a new job that I can do in Maine later.

I hope so.