CEO'S SECRET BABY

PART 3

"I never intended to marry someone I don't love, Mr. Andrew," Laura looked at the exceedingly handsome face before her. Though, if Laura were to be honest, this man was indeed perfect. His firm jawline, sharp gaze, and prominent nose bridge. Not to mention his sturdy and gallant figure. The fitting word for this man was that he was extremely perfect and the dream of every woman. Truly, Laura envied any woman who became this man's lover. She was certain that if she married this man, it would improve her lineage.

Come on, Laura, don't daydream too much!

"Now, where's the problem, Laura? You need money, I need status! Consider yourself working in my household," Andrew spoke again with a piercing gaze at the girl in front of him.

"But the job I usually do is cleaning the house, not getting married. This is not right. I don't want to deceive God," Laura protested.

"Okay, okay! I understand." Andrew nodded, hands on his hips. He knew that everyone's perspective was different. "I'll compromise then."

Perhaps Laura was the type of innocent girl and a bit different from other women out there. For someone supposedly in need of money, she was too talkative.

"In front of my family, you'll be my wife. But afterward, your task will be taking care of my real future wife, understand?" he pressed again.

"Andrew?" Lana objected. This wasn't what they discussed yesterday. Was she supposed to be a wife and Agatha's servant at the same time?

"Mommy, let me negotiate with this girl." Andrew's eyes were fixed on Laura, completely ignoring his mother's objections.

"Two jobs for you, Laura. Becoming my contracted wife and taking care of Agatha. I think that's worth five thousand dollars, right?" Andrew bargained again.

Laura's jaw tensed. Why were they so insistent? Was something going on? Because if it wasn't important, they wouldn't be willing to pay me this much. Wait! If they really need my services, why not ask for more?

"In that case, I ask for ten thousand dollars for a month," Laura decided.

Ugh! Andrew was getting irritated. "Are you trying to extort me?" he accused.

Now it was Laura's turn to lift her chin high. "I'm not forcing you."

Laura pretended to play hard to get. She just wanted to know how important she was in this rich man's eyes.

"Don't let her go, Andrew." Lana was worried. It's hard to find a woman who is honest and cooperative. Lana could find a replacement, but could they trust her? All the women out there were eager to become Andrew's wife!

"Let it be, Mommy! I'll find another woman out there." Andrew also refused to give in.

Laura's smile widened. Okay. It's fine! Maybe it's not meant to be.

"Congratulations, Mr. Andrew," Laura's voice sounded more like mocking him. Maybe she knew that what Andrew was about to do wouldn't be easy.

Damn! This girl was mocking him.

"Seven thousand dollars!" Andrew's voice rang out loudly. What was on the mind of this handsome man, only he knew. But one thing for sure, he was waiting for Laura's next move.

It would be stupid if this girl refused. And even more stupidly, he was the one who raised the price!

For God's sake, Andrew! If you give in once, she'll trample on your dignity!

"Seven thousand dollars, or—"

"Okay!" Laura turned around with a smile on her face. She approached the handsome man who had almost swallowed her alive. Laura reached out her hand. "I agree to seven thousand dollars!" Her smile was full of triumph.

But as she saw Andrew's indifferent response, Laura had to quickly retract her hand and wipe it on her clothes repeatedly.

Maybe he thinks my hands are dirty. Rich people pretending to be clean!

After making sure they were clean, she reached out again. "We have to shake hands to seal this agreement, right?" she half forced.

Her eyes stared as if saying, hey! My hands are free from deadly germs!

Andrew finally shook hands with Laura.

Lana sighed in relief. So did Sen.

"Deal!" That was all that came out of the lips of the cold-faced man, the only son of the Brown family, Alexander Brown.

"We marry, and there will be no touching! Then I'll take care of your real future wife," Laura explained.

"Yes." Andrew nodded.

"And I demand a thirty percent down payment after I sign our partnership contract." Laura winked at Andrew.

Crafty girl! Andrew cursed inwardly.

"Mommy!" he called out after letting go of Laura's hand.

I hope I don't forget to wash my hands with antibacterial fluid.

"Yes, Andrew?"

"Make sure before we get married, this girl's appearance is changed. I don't want to receive ridicule from the extended family about her appearance. They might think I got a girl from ancient times."

Laura's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Mommy will change it, dear. Don't worry," Andrew reassured.

Then Andrew left the room. His business was done, wasn't it?

Lana approached Laura. "Then sign this agreement. I'll transfer the down payment you wanted shortly."

Laura nodded. "Where should I sign, ma'am?"

And so, Laura found herself embroiled in the issues of the Brown family.

"Please have a seat first. I'll transfer the money to your account shortly. Give me your bank account number."

Laura complied. She sat gracefully and provided her account number.

She didn't know what Lana was doing, but Laura was sure it had something to do with their affairs.

"This is proof that I've transferred a sum of money to your account." Lana handed over the transfer proof she had just printed on her desk.

Laura received it, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Ma'am, is this... is this not wrong?"

She completely didn't understand the mindset of wealthy people. How could they throw money away so easily when for some people, earning it felt incredibly difficult?

"I paid a five-thousand-dollar advance, and you can settle your issues now. Basically, next week, you'll start coming to this house. It'll take three days to groom you to be somewhat more presentable for my son."

Laura understood. She surrendered. As long as she could still breathe to support her family.

"You're very kind, Mrs. Lana. I don't know how to repay all your kindness," Laura's eyes welled up. Honestly, she missed her mother.

Staring into the clear eyes that were so melancholic, Lana's eyes reminded Laura of her mother.

"Work well in this house, Laura. With that, you can repay all my kindness."

Laura nodded, holding back her emotions.

"Mrs. Lana, if I may ask for something... but, you might object."

Laura had to be modest.

"Tell me, Laura, what do you want?" Lana asked with her gentle gaze.

Wiping the corner of her eye, Laura spoke. "You... you remind me of my mother, who knows where she is now. Can I hug you?" she asked with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Lana was moved. Without much ado, she stood up and approached the girl.

Laura hugged Lana, who reluctantly had to endure the girl's scent.

"Thank you, Mrs. Lana, I'm truly happy. Hopefully, one day, I can meet my biological mother," Laura expressed her gratitude. Lana nodded in acknowledgment.

"Sen will escort you out," Lana informed Laura. Upon hearing his name, Sen nodded.

"Let me walk you to the front, Laura," Sen offered.

**

The curtains parted. Andrew watched as Laura left, smiling at Sen. Andrew sighed heavily. He closed the curtains and turned around, facing the motionless figure lying on the bed. Several IV tubes were attached to her body and face. Andrew's beautiful face, which he hadn't seen smile for three months now.

"For me, you're still the most beautiful in this world, sweetheart. Even if Mommy asks me to forget about you, I won't do it."

This was Andrew's routine when he arrived home: talking to the motionless figure. Whenever he remembered the fatal accident, Andrew felt guilty.

"My love, let me be the one to pick up your parents at the airport."

At that time, Andrew was in a meeting. He received a call informing him that his girlfriend's parents had arrived at the airport. Agatha called him when he was extremely busy.

"It's okay, honey. I'll do it. You're busy, I'm not."

At that moment, Andrew felt uneasy. Perhaps because he was waiting for his best clients, and they were going to discuss important business matters. His cousin reminded him not to fail in his task that day.

"What if I send the office driver?"

"No need, Andrew. I'll be fine, trust me."

Alright, Andrew gave in. He let his girlfriend drive.

Half an hour later, news came to his phone. His secretary informed him of a pile-up not far from the airport. Almost unable to breathe, Andrew's heart raced when he learned that Agatha's car was involved in the accident.

He rushed to the hospital. Andrew collapsed to the ground upon hearing that his future in-laws had died on the spot, while Agatha was in critical condition.

"I believe Agatha will recover, I believe it."

But the truth was, for three months now, the girl lay motionless. Their dreams, which were supposed to come true this month, were forgotten.

Andrew was supposed to marry Agatha. Marry for love and for the business that Andrew would soon hold in the palm of his hand. He would become the leader of the company, replacing his grandfather. On the condition that he got married.

And all of it shattered when Agatha fell into a coma.

Andrew took a deep breath. He glanced around the room. Nothing had changed. Just as Agatha wanted it. This room was supposed to be theirs if they got married. Now, he had deliberately rearranged it to comfort anyone who was now lying motionless.

Andrew approached. The person's face looked peaceful with regular breathing. His fingers lifted and caressed the soft cheek.

"You don't need to worry. Even if I marry, I won't love that girl. Because my love will always be for you."

Andrew was risking his life. As if he was already sure that a poor girl like Laura wouldn't be able to captivate him.

Andrew forgot that anything could happen in this world if God willed it!

**

That evening, the atmosphere in the Brown residence was quite subdued. Andrew was expected to be busy in Agatha's room. Lana and Alex's son wouldn't leave his girlfriend alone for a moment, even on a holiday. Because every day, Andrew would be busy with his work.

Some servants served drinks at the table behind the garden, where Lana spent her afternoon.

"Sen, do you know what I'm thinking?" Lana sipped her drink.

"What is it, ma'am?" Sen waited.

"If Agatha continues to sleep in her eternal slumber, I wouldn't mind if my son truly marries Laura."