Chapter 3 Unexpected Marriage
888 Words
Chapter 3 Unexpected Marriage
After talked to her bestie Kelsey, Lily felt much better.They enjoyed a fine afternoon tea at the Royal hotel together，the opulent ambiance of the hotel's tea lounge transported them to a realm of refined elegance.
Seated in plush armchairs adorned with intricate patterns, they marveled at the crystal chandeliers casting a soft, golden glow over the room. The fragrance of freshly bloomed flowers wafted through the air, complementing the soothing melodies played by a live pianist in the corner.
“This is real life，Lily.”Kelsey said, “We only live once.”
“Stop talking, keep eating.”Lily was drinking fragrant jasmine blossom tea.
A selection of delicate finger sandwiches are in front of them,each meticulously crafted with the finest ingredient---smoked salmon,cucumber and egg salad.
The centerpiece of the table was a three- tiered stand adorned with an assortment of pastries and desserts.Miniature éclairs, dainty fruit tarts, and intricately decorated petit fours beckoned, tempting the senses with their artful presentation. The atmosphere, enriched with the clinking of fine china and soft piano melodies, allowed them to momentarily forget the storms in their lives.
But the phone the ringing from the phone broke the calm.
“Dad, how’s everything going?”
“Well, your mum...Lily, i am really sorry,She is in ICU now...”
“Oh my god!How’s mom doing?”
“I’m not sure Lily.But you know, ICU ward is really expensive but i am broke.I can’t afford that and can’t borrow any money nowThat doctor’s indifference attitude made me feel so angry...”
“I’m on my way to hospital,Dad.Don’t worry.”
“Jeez, you know we need pay $20k deposit at first，you know i can’t afford that.here is the last opportunity we have.I have a contract if you sign this,someone will pay all expenses.”
“Sorry dad， but what is this contract about？”
“Ah don’t worry, you just need to marry a man and we can get that sum of money to save your mum’s life,my dear.”
"Dad, you can't be serious," Lily uttered, her voice a mix of disbelief and concern.She knew her father is a helpless gambler who had lost money for her mother’s medical treatment，and she was suspicious of this inexplicable contract.
But, the truth is she don’t have enough money to pay.
"Think about it, Lily," her father pleaded. "This is our only option. The man who's offering to help is in need of a marriage, and he's willing to cover all the medical expenses in exchange. It's a win-win."
"Dad, I need more information," Lily insisted, her voice resolute. "Who is this man? What does the contract entail? We can't rush into something so significant without knowing the details."
Her father sighed on the other end of the line，“Lily, this man is wealthy, influential, and in need of a marriage for reasons he hasn't disclosed. The contract outlines the terms—marriage for a set period, and he covers all medical expenses. It seems straightforward.”
“If you not sign this contract, the result is your mum will die.”He emphasized.
Lily's heart sank at her father's words. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her shoulders, and the world around her seemed to blur.
As she navigated through the bustling streets of the city towards the hospital, Lily couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped between a rock and a hard place. The contract presented an ominous choice: sacrifice her own happiness for her mother's life or watch helplessly as her mom die.
Upon reaching the hospital, Lily rushed to the ICU, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. The sterile scent of the hospital corridors heightened her anxiety as she entered her mother's room.
Tubes and machines surrounded the frail figure on the bed, and Lily's eyes welled up with tears at the sight of her mother's pale face.
“Dad, if you hadn’t gambled , everything wouldn’t be like this.”
“Are you balming me,Lily Smith?”her father retorted defensively.
“Anyway, i will sign this contract.But i sign this only for mom.”
After a phone call from her dad，a man in suit appeared in front of the ward.
“Hello, I’m James.I'm here to take care of contract.”The man held out his hand.His demeanor was professional, yet his eyes hinted at a touch of empathy.
“Yeah, i ’m ready to sigh.”Lily said.
James nodded and handed her a folder containing the official documents. "Miss Smith, Mr. Blackwood awaits your signature. Once the formalities are complete, the necessary arrangements will be set in motion."
Lily read every sentence on contract carefully.
“The contract of marriage is only valid for one year but you will keep paying hospital bills right?”
“Yes, Miss Smith.But before sign that contract, you need to sign prenuptial agreement at first.I’m sorry but i need to make sure the demand of Mr.Blackwood.”
Lily hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath, finding a measure of strength within herself. "Sure, give me prenuptial agreement.Let's get this over with. I'll sign the contract."
James produced a pen, and as Lily affixed her signature, it felt like sealing a pact with fate.
From that moment,she married a man she’d never know.
- Writer
