Chapter Five (5)

Christian couldn't understand why Agatha seemed so surprised. He had thought everything was worked out, only for her family's unexpected drama to unfold before him. This wasn't just an inconvenience—it was a significant setback. He was furious when he realized that Agatha had been thrust into a marriage without her consent or knowledge. To him, it was an unforgivable betrayal, and her father would have to answer for it.

The moment Agatha collapsed, Christian left the gala. He needed answers, and he hoped—desperately—that his mother was to blame. That would be the only way to prevent his wrath from falling upon the Desmonds. After all, this entire marriage arrangement had been his mother's idea. He had never wanted this for himself.

Lost in thought, Christian was jolted back to reality when his driver spoke.

"Mr. Edward, I received a message from Mr. John. He said he successfully donated the money at the gala, and Ms. Desmond is awake and doing well."

Christian's expression remained stoic. "Take me to my mother's villa."

He needed an explanation. His mother had assured him that everything regarding the marriage was sorted out.

At Mrs. Edward Stone's Villa

Mrs. Edward's villa was one of the biggest and most luxurious in Q country. Every corner of the estate was furnished with the latest designs, blending comfort with opulence. The soft, serene music that played throughout the villa made the space feel like home to everyone who visited. But for Mrs. Edward and her son, this villa wasn't just a house—it was a sanctuary.

As Christian walked through the grand hallway, memories flooded back. He remembered when his father died and how his father's so-called best friend seized their company. His mother had sold everything they owned—lands, houses—yet she never considered selling this villa. Even when they had nothing to eat, she held on to it.

"This is home," she had said. "I'll happily die in it, even if it's the only thing that could save my life."

Christian's thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Mr. Dan, his mother's butler.

"Good evening, Mr. Christian. Your mother is in the gazebo, waiting for you."

Christian nodded and made his way to the garden. His earlier anger had simmered down, replaced by a mix of curiosity and dread.

The setting sun bathed the garden in a warm glow as he approached the gazebo. Mrs. Edward sat among the blooming flowers, sipping a glass of orange juice and admiring the view. The sight pulled Christian back to his childhood.

His father had been a busy man, but weekends were sacred. Every Saturday, they planted a new flower, named it, and sometimes smeared their faces with dirt, laughing under the sun. Those were sweet—yet painfully distant—memories.

Christian cleared his throat, pulling his mind back to the present.

"Seems like you were expecting me," he said.

Mrs. Edward didn't look at him. "News travels fast. You can't blame me for that."

"Of course, I can't blame you for that. But I can blame you for thrusting a girl into a marriage she knew nothing about." His voice tightened. "I thought you said you had it all sorted out, Mum."

"I thought she knew about it," Mrs. Edward replied calmly. "Her father was thrilled with the proposal. He said she would be too."

"That man will face my wrath for this setback."

"You need to understand that there are things you must let go of," she said, her tone gentle yet firm. "He's your father-in-law now. You need some tolerance. And what setback are you talking about?"

Christian's expression hardened. "We are calling off the marriage, obviously."

Mrs. Edward stood up, a soft smile playing on her lips. She approached her son, her eyes filled with both love and mischief.

"Do you think I went through all that stress to get you a bride, only for you to cancel the marriage over a minor misunderstanding? My dear, things aren't done that way."

"Mum, I can always get another woman," Christian shot back. "Someone who would agree to marry me with a snap of my fingers—not someone who passes out upon realizing she's my wife. She's not that important. I'll find someone else."

"Agatha is not just any woman," Mrs. Edward said, her voice firm. "She's special—raised by a strong and good mother. I've watched her grow from a helpless girl into a strong woman. She is your perfect bride. And remember, your marriage is bound by a ten-year contract."

"Ten years what?" Christian's tone shifted from frustration to disbelief.

"I see," Mrs. Edward chuckled. "You were as clueless as she was. You didn't read the document clearly. For ten years, neither of you can divorce or separate. If the terms aren't kept, both of you will lose all your assets to charity."

"What? This is a joke, right?" His voice rose. "Who made that rule?"

"I made the rule, Chris. And you signed it," she said, unfazed by his outburst. "Did you think I didn't know you agreed to get married just to unlock the wealth your grandfather left behind? Oh boy, get your senses together. I'm smarter than that."

Christian clenched his fists. "Mum, this is my life. You had no right to infringe on it."

"Well, you should have thought of that before you asked me to handle it. Go and make up with your wife. There's little or nothing I can do now."

Her words hit him hard. He had believed Agatha was the only one left in the dark, but it turned out he was as well.

Anger boiled within him as he stormed out of the villa. On the drive to his own home, he couldn't stop thinking about the mess his mother had created. She had always wanted him to have a happy family, but who, in this day and age, would want to be tangled up in this kind of marriage?

He had no choice. He had to make this marriage work. He couldn't afford to lose everything he had labored for—just like that.

"John!" he called out to his PA the moment he stepped into his villa.

"Yes, sir?"

"What is the condition of Ms. Agatha?" he asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"She's still at the hospital and will be discharged tomorrow morning."

"Pay her medical bills and arrange a meeting."

"Noted, sir."

The evening felt heavy, burdened with regret and frustration. Christian had thought this would be an easy drive—a simple transaction to secure his future. But he had been completely blindsided.

What was he thinking when he asked his mother to handle it? He could have managed it himself and saved himself from all this unnecessary trouble.

Regret gnawed at him, a constant reminder of his mistake.