Chapter 4 Marriage to the Impotent Billionaire
1416 Words
The atmosphere in Carleone’s private dining room felt increasingly intimate—not because of the soft classical music playing in the background, but because the two families had grown closer after learning that Trystan and Layla already knew each other.
“What if we marry them tomorrow?” Mr. Grayson said, causing Boston and Meghan’s smiles to vanish. Their faces turned shocked, just like Trystan's and Layla’s.
“Tomorrow? You mean… in two days? Forty-eight hours from now?!” Meghan said, blinking several times as if she couldn’t believe it.
“Wow. That’s fast. Should we just skip straight to the honeymoon tomorrow morning to save time?” Trystan replied sarcastically.
“I think that’s a great idea. We don’t need to wait too long,” Boston added, then quietly tapped his wife’s thigh under the table and winked at her.
Meghan immediately put on a fake smile.
“Right, besides, you two already know each other. It won’t be hard for you to adapt to each other. Our daughter won’t disappoint Mr. Trystan.” Meghan touched Layla’s shoulder. Actually, Layla felt uncomfortable being treated that way. But she knew it was part of the code for her to smile. Reluctantly, Layla pulled the corners of her lips upward. Seeing this, Trystan raised an eyebrow. He felt something was off.
“It seems like you want to say something, Miss Boston. I remember the last time we met. You weren’t this quiet. Is something wrong?”
Layla stammered, but finally mustered the courage to say, “Is this too sudden? I haven’t even—”
Mr. Grayson interrupted firmly.
“Sudden? That’s exactly what I want. We need the element of surprise for the media. So when the company’s anniversary comes next week, I want the shareholders to see Trystan standing... with his wife. Not alone, like... a man who...”
He stopped. His tone softened. Trystan simply turned away, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation.
“Yes. I understand,” Layla replied quickly. She caught Trystan’s expression and felt a little sorry for him.
Trystan turned quickly. His eyes narrowed. He watched Layla’s expression as she also watched him.
“Wow. Surprised! Turns out my future wife is such an understanding woman,” Trystan said sarcastically. Of course, he was certain that Layla’s words were only because she needed the money Grayson would give her after they got married.
‘What a sly girl,’ Trystan thought.
Layla didn’t want to back down. She forced a smile on her lips and replied,
“We don’t know each other yet. Remember that! So, there are many things you don’t know about me.”
Hearing that, Boston and Meghan immediately glared at her. Under the table, Meghan pinched her waist. When Layla turned with a pouting face, Meghan pretended nothing had happened, shifting the conversation.
“Sorry. Forgive our child. She does tend to speak without thinking sometimes,” Boston said quickly.
“True. Especially with this handsome Mr. Trystan. She must want to get closer and more familiar as soon as possible.”
Layla puckered her lips. She wanted to argue, but Meghan glared at her again.
Trystan could only smile amusedly at the scene. In his heart, he bet that after marrying and getting money from his father, Layla would soon divorce him.
****
Trystan stood before the altar in the middle of the grand ballroom of the Bellvue Hotel. Marble walls, crystal chandeliers, and premium white flowers waist-high adorned the space beautifully. Everything looked festive, and the VIP guests present smiled joyfully as they welcomed the event. But not Trystan. He felt empty.
Not because he was nervous. Not because it was sacred. But because his soul was humiliated. This marriage was only to cover up his illness, and the girl would surely leave Trystan soon for the same reason. Trystan exhaled heavily. Just as the emcee announced Layla’s arrival.
Everyone cheered as Layla walked in. They seemed to be shouting with joy, but Trystan refused to turn his head even slightly. He was there only for formality, just like this event, which was created solely to save the company’s reputation.
Soon, Layla stood beside Trystan. The man reflexively turned his head. And how surprised he was to see Layla’s stunning appearance.
In a flowing white satin dress, with a delicate beaded veil, and high heels that somehow made her legs look even longer. Her hair was elegantly styled, yet still messy in a sexy way. Her makeup was soft, but those eyes—usually sarcastic and irritating—today looked... clear and beautiful.
Trystan didn’t know whether to breathe first or be mesmerized. It felt like the two things were fighting for control inside his soul.
“Damn. She’s... so beautiful.” Trystan could only mutter to himself.
“Why?” Layla asked—whispering—which immediately snapped Trystan out of his reverie. “Is something wrong?” The girl was being annoying again, but for some reason, her words made Trystan’s heart race.
Trystan shook his head quickly and replied in the same tone, “No. It’s just...”
“Do I look that beautiful?” Layla asked quickly.
“Don’t be too confident. You’re not my type.” Layla felt annoyed.
“You’re not my type either.”
The priest coughed softly, trying to draw the attention of the couple, who were whispering sarcastically during this sacred ceremony.
“Let’s begin.”
Layla and Trystan looked at each other. Then they quickly looked straight ahead. Seriously.
“Trystan Alexander Grayson, do you willingly take Layla Marshal as your lawful wife and share in joy and sorrow?”
Trystan took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before answering softly and reluctantly, “...yeah.”
“And you, Layla?”
Layla glared at Trystan.
“Sure. Why not.”
“With this, you are officially husband and wife. Now, you may kiss the bride.”
Trystan and Layla looked at each other. Shocked. They had never imagined this would happen. Silence. No one moved.
The guests held their breath. And with frustration mixed with pride, Trystan leaned in first. Layla followed.
Then... they kissed. Not a fake kiss. Not the awkward kiss they had expected. But it turned out... no. Long. Silent. Intense. They enjoyed it.
Until Layla opened her eyes first, gently pushed Trystan away, and whispered, “Damn! I ran out of breath.”
“That’s clear! You’ve never kissed before.” Trystan teased. Layla glared.
“Easy for you to say. I even had a boyfriend before this.” Trystan’s smile faded.
“Really? Then how did he allow you to marry another man?”
Before Layla could answer, Shopia arrived with Aaron.
“Here’s our new bride. It seems you two are a perfect match,” Shopia said mockingly, wrapping her arm around Aaron’s playfully.
“If you’re done here, please leave!” Layla dismissed them.
“Sister. You forgot. We’re siblings. And as a good younger sister, of course I also want to see your happiness,” Shopia said with emphasis.
“Happy? Of course, I’m very happy. Look at my husband! He’s handsome, successful, and wealthy. It’s completely different from the man before him.” Trystan overheard their unhealthy conversation. Though deep down, he felt happy. Because he heard Layla praising him while clinging his arm.
“Hahaha.” The two of them laughed. Mocking.
“How can you enjoy yourself with a man like him?”
“Enough! If you just want to cause trouble, I’ll kick you out of here!” Trystan snapped. Hearing that, Meghan and Boston hurried over.
“Mr. Trystan. Please forgive my daughter’s foolishness. She sometimes can’t determine the right way to express her feelings,” Meghan said softly.
“Yes, sir. Please forgive her foolishness,” Boston added.
Layla furrowed her brows at the scene. Hadn’t she always been the one to give in to Shopia and accept all the punishment for mistakes she never made?
“Alright. This might be good!” Layla thought to herself.
“Then get them out of here, Dad. His words just now really hurt me.” Layla feigned sadness.
“Hey, don’t try to deceive us! It’s no use!”
“Shopia!” Meghan snapped. Shopia immediately fell silent, shocked. “Don’t make a scene! Let’s go!” Finally, Meghan dragged Shopia away. Boston and Aaron quickly followed.
Layla smiled joyfully, celebrating her victory. Unbeknownst to her, Trystan also smiled slightly, watching her happiness.
- Writer
