"Let's get married"

Raven was entirely calm even though he was surprised he didn't show it on his face. He stared at her silently for a moment.

"Let's go to my study and discuss this matter," Raven suggested, gesturing for Siren to follow him.

Siren complied, trailing behind Raven as he led her into his study. The room was surprisingly modest in size, featuring a small black wooden study table with a glossy glass surface, upon which sat Raven's computer. Along one wall, a series of wooden racks were mounted in a crisscross pattern, housing neatly arranged books and documents.

The opposite wall was adorned with an array of photo frames, each capturing moments from Aiden's childhood to the present. A particular photo caught her attention. Aiden sitting atop Raven's shoulders, his toothy grin revealing a missing front tooth. He looked to be about two years old, with chubby cheeks and rosy complexion, his tiny fingers clutching Raven's hair for support.

Raven leaned on his table and folded his hands. He looked at her, immersed in observing the photos on the wall.

"You love your son" Siren stated the fact

"Without a doubt. He's my son" Raven didn't deny it

Siren turned to face him directly, her expression serious. "When will we get the marriage certificate?"

Raven chuckled lightly at her directness. "With your eagerness, I might think that you like me."

Siren's lips formed a thin line, her brow furrowing in annoyance, though beneath the surface, she could feel her heart rate quicken.

"I should make some things clear before we proceed with this," Raven said in a serious tone. Siren didn't step back as he closed the distance between them. 

"I know Aiden likes you a lot and wants you to be his mother. Of course I approached you with the intention of courting you but I am not into some shitty contract where you will be my temporary wife and get divorced later"

Raven leaned in closer, his intense green eyes locking onto her electric blue ones. "Once mine, then forever will be".

"Glad to hear we're on the same page," Siren responded, without evading his dangerous and provoking eyes. She understood the depth and the intensity of his words.

Raven was a dangerous predator, relentless in his pursuit once he had set his eyes on a target. Once ensnared in his grasp, he will not stop until his claws are marked deep down in the prey's body and soul.

But she is no sheep that fears wolves.

Raven smirked in response to her reply, "We can register our marriage first, and the wedding can follow later," he suggested.

Siren considered his proposal for a moment before responding, "There's no need for a wedding; we can simply register it."

"Tsk... You're marrying one of the richest and most handsome men in the world. It would be a waste if we didn't show off a little," Raven countered, raising an eyebrow in question.

Siren couldn't help but roll her eyes at his narcissistic remark, though she couldn't deny the truth in his words. Raven's wealth and status were undeniable, with his business empire spanning across multiple industries and his lavish lifestyle known far and wide.

As for his looks, she found herself wondering if his undeniable attractiveness played a role in her wavering heart.

"Whatever," she muttered in response.

"Be ready sharp at 10 tomorrow morning; I'll pick you up from the shed," Raven instructed.

"Okay then. I'll be on my way," Siren replied, turning to leave.

Raven instructed the butler to see Siren out before making his way to his son's room. Aiden lay in the center of the bed, covered halfway by a blanket. Raven approached the bed and pulled a chair close, taking a seat.

"Drop the act, I know you're not asleep," Raven stated firmly.

Aiden bit his lip and quickly sat up, pushing the blanket aside. He jumped off the bed and rushed into his father's arms. Raven caught him easily and settled him on his lap, facing him. Gently, Raven examined the corner of Aiden's lips where the skin was broken.

Aiden winced as his father touched the sore spot. "Does it still hurt?" Raven asked with a furrowed brow.

"A little," Aiden replied nonchalantly.

Raven sighed, tapping his son's forehead lightly with his fingers. "Little brat, you're becoming more and more fearless."

After a few moments of silence, Raven asked his son, "Did you win the fight?"

Aiden's face lit up with a mischievous grin at his father's question. This is why he loves his father.

 "There are no visible wounds, but I'm sure he must be wailing in pain now," he replied confidently.

Raven couldn't help but smirk proudly at his son's response, running a hand through Aiden's hair affectionately. However, he knew he couldn't simply overlook the incident. Aiden went on to explain what had transpired at school, including the comments from his peers about being motherless.

A dark glint passed across Raven's eyes when he heard about others calling his son motherless. He suppressed his anger and saw his son who was explaining meticulously about how Siren comforted him in detail.

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of Raven's lips. He wasn't in love with Siren, but she intrigued him. There was something about her fearless and challenging eyes that captured his interest. He wants to know her at least for the sake of his son.

All matters to him was his son's happiness

"She proposed a marriage to me" 

Raven broke the news to his son who stopped his blabbering and looked at his father with his jaw down.