章節 14: Chapter 14

His eyes wandered around the small room, checking every nook and cranny of the tiny cubicle. However, there was not much to see.

The hospital room was a several-square-foot room designed to accommodate one patient and the outdated hospital machinery near the bed.

He had requested the finest room in the entire hospital, their latest equipment, the most outstanding doctors, and everything his son would need, but so far, this was the best money could buy in a small town like this.

"By the way, I already have a conversation with his doctors and the hospital administration." He could not stand the silence anymore as he watched her fuss over their sleeping child.

He stood from the uncomfortable chair and checked the beeping machine. He was not looking for anything in particular.

He just needed something to do besides sitting and watching her move around. He guessed he was bored since he was used to being busy and not just sitting idly by.

"I am moving Oliver to a bigger and better hospital in the city." He informed her. "I already had it arranged." He continued when she failed to respond.

This time, he believed he had finally caught her attention as she turned and stared at him with that look that could kill.

"Don't you think you should have discussed this with me before you make any decisions?" She looked pissed as her eyes glazed with irritation.

She finally stopped whatever she was doing and faced him. She appeared to be gearing up for a fight as her fist clenched along her sides.

"What for? Don't you want the best for Oliver?" He asked, believing he only had the boy's best interest in mind.

He guessed there were many things he still did not know about her, like her temper. But instead of being annoyed, he only found her more intriguing.

She became a challenge that he needed to overcome. What would it be like to tame a wild cat? That was the thought that crept into his mind.

Suddenly, a memory flashed before his eyes. It reminded him of a night he thought he would never forget.

But he quickly shoved it back where it belonged, in the past. It had no business resurfacing. He believed it would only complicate things.

"Of course, I want was is best for Oliver." Jules slightly raised her voice. "But he is still my son. I need to know everything that would concern his welfare." This time, lowering her tone to more of a whisper.

He stared at her fiery eyes, seeing a different determination he had not seen in a woman before. Maybe because most women he had met before effortlessly submitted to his demands. But not this one.

"Then, what is the big deal? You said you need my money. And I am giving it to you willingly." He reminded her. "I am taking care of our child."

But, honestly, he thought the words my child and our child had a nice ring to his ears. He might get used to having a child after all.

Besides, how hard could it be to care for a child as he thought of the fun times he and his son could do together? It would be a piece of cake.

"Yes, I need your money, but if you think that after spending all that money, I will marry you. You have another thing coming." Jules spoke again, ensuring that she enunciated each word.

"Besides, I already told you that I am willing to work for you as an employee in your company for every penny you spend on Oliver, but I will not sell myself to you."

A series of laughter abruptly filled the small room as he exploded in a deliriously silly fit with her hilarious assumption, making his eyes watery from losing his composure and control.

It had been a long time since he had laughed like this, and it was refreshing.

"What is wrong with you?" This time, she was full-blown infuriated as her eyes pierced through him with intensity.

"There is nothing funny with the way you are behaving. Not because you have money, you can take advantage of people like me." She rampaged on and on.

Still, he only found her outburst and reaction amusing as he tried to breathe deeply to calm himself down. "Ahem..." Clearing his throat before he straightened his shoulders.

"Wait a minute. I think you have it all wrong." He finally held his laughter at bay as he faced her again, holding his palm out to calm her down.

Still, he did not blame her for her anger. He could only assume that was how a mother protected her cab and herself from predators like him.

He saw how she would fight to save her child without fear of the consequence or even death. That certainly gained his respect and admiration.

Nevertheless, he could also be wrong about her. She could be just another stubborn woman who only thought she was always right.

"I think I understood our situation perfectly fine." She obstinately countered, insisting on her version of what was happening here.

But to him, he believed it was a clear case of misunderstanding. It was probably partly his fault. He was not very clear about his intentions from the very beginning.

But he would resolve this conflict immediately, and hopefully, he would get the answer he needed after they had discussed the terms and conditions of their contract.

"Don't get me wrong. I think you are an attractive and intelligent woman. I would not have slept with you if you were not. But that is not what we are talking about here." He waved his hand in the air, eventually pointing to his son as if making his point.

"I did not offer to marry you so we can consummate our marriage. As I said to you before, it is a mere transaction. A favor against a favor." He added a further explanation.

But when she did not say anything, he continued. "I am merely offering you a job, as you wish to put it. You will work for me as my employee, and I will pay you for your services."

"And mind you, it would be the biggest payday of your life." He emphasized the monetary worth of her job. "All you have to do is pretend to be my wife in public. Other than that, you are welcome to do as you please."

This time, he could see that she finally understood his condition. The situation had become crystal clear to her as realization finally dawned in her eyes.

"Did I make myself clear?" He asked, needing an affirmative answer. "If you need more clarification, don't hesitate to ask."

"So, basically, we will not be sleeping together." She finally verbalized what must be bothering her about this entire arrangement.

"No." That was his definitive answer. "So, will you finally sign the contract?"