Just once? And he conquered me?

Chapter 4. Who was the man four years ago?

"Alright, I agree to marry you. If one day you no longer want this, and you want a divorce, I won't hold you back." Hayley knew Stephen had approached her for a reason. This marriage was unlikely to last long. But right now, she needed the money. It was a case of mutual convenience.

Stephen raised an eyebrow but didn't take her words to heart, simply glancing at his watch. "Do you have your documents? Let's go to the registry office to get the certificate."

So soon! Hayley realized her documents, along with many other belongings, were still at Sam's place. "I don't have my documents with me. I need to go somewhere first."

"Your fiancé's house?" he asked.

"How did you know?"

"The kids told me, said you were kicked out."

Hayley felt a bit embarrassed but said nothing more. Turning around, she saw her two daughters peeking from behind the doorway, their big eyes wide with excitement.

"Mommy, you agreed to marry Uncle Zero?" Hayley patted their heads and hummed affirmatively.

"Yay, we have a new daddy!" Willis watched his sisters' excited reactions and felt a surge of hope. He hoped the new man their mommy was marrying would protect her and not let her be bullied anymore.

The group left the hotel, and Hayley was surprised when Stephen led them to a Bentley. "Is this your car?"

Stephen paused while opening the door. "No, it's the boss's."

Hayley nodded. She had thought so; a car like this would cost at least four to five million. How could a mere assistant afford such a luxury?

They all got into the car, and Stephen drove them to Sam's villa. Looking at the familiar scenery, Hayley suppressed her emotions and opened the car door.

"Wait for me, please," she asked.

Stephen simply nodded, his expression indifferent.

Willis frowned slightly, "Uncle Zero, you're letting my mom go in there alone? You promised to protect her."

Linda chimed in, "Uncle Zero, there are bad people in there!"

Lucy added, "Uncle Zero, the bad people will hurt mommy!"

Stephen sighed. So, the mighty CEO of Howard Corporation not only had to play chauffeur but now also had to be their mommy's bodyguard!

Inside the villa, Sam hadn't left yet. Seeing Hayley return, his expression turned cold. "What are you doing here?"

"Don't worry, I'm just here to take what belongs to me."

Stephen's expression remained unchanged as he looked at Sam, his gaze icy and firm. "No, I don't mind. They're part of the package with Hayley, and I'm prepared to accept that."

Hayley, holding onto Stephen's arm, felt a mix of relief and vindication. She had endured enough humiliation and betrayal from Sam, and now she finally felt a flicker of hope for a secure future.

Sam was left speechless, his face contorted with disbelief and frustration. How could Stephen, a successful and seemingly sensible man, accept Hayley and her complicated past so easily?

"Thank you, Sam, for unintentionally playing matchmaker. Because of your actions, I met Stephen, and now we're getting married," Hayley said, her voice steady and her stance defiant.

Sam's eyes darted between Hayley and Stephen, his confusion turning into anger. "You'll regret this," he spat out, his voice low and menacing.

Stephen tightened his grip on Hayley's arm, a protective gesture that didn't go unnoticed by her. "There's nothing to regret. We're leaving now," Stephen replied calmly, turning with Hayley to leave.

As they walked away, Hayley couldn't help but feel a profound sense of closure. She was leaving behind a toxic past and stepping into a new chapter, one where she felt valued and protected.

Reaching the registry office, the couple quickly filled out the necessary paperwork. The staff processed everything efficiently, understanding the urgency and importance of the occasion for them. When the official handed them their marriage certificate, Hayley felt a weight lift off her shoulders.

Outside, Stephen looked at Hayley, "Let's build a good life together, not just for us but for your children too."

Hayley smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in years, her eyes reflecting a cautious yet genuine hope. "Yes, let's start our new life together."

As they left the registry office, Hayley held onto the marriage certificate tightly. It was more than just a document; it was a symbol of her new beginning with Stephen, a man who had shown her in a short time that he was willing to stand by her side, no matter the challenges they might face.