CHAPTER 3

{AYANE}

I blinked at him before quickly typing on my phone and then turning it over for him to read.

[Actually, money is not the problem.]

After he read it, I typed again. Trying to explain the situation. But when I lift my face to show him my message, he is already talking to his phone. He looked serious. Well, he always looked like a very serious man, but right now, I felt like whatever it is that he’s hearing from the other side of the phone is irking him.

I could only wait, hoping he was not going to suddenly bolt away to deal with another urgent matter. 

Finally, he moved his phone away from his ear.

He then turned his phone around for me to read the words already appearing on the speech-to-text app.

[I’ve sent people to deal with that damn owner. Rest assured that that land will be yours very soon. Just give them a few hours. And do not worry because he will never touch your shelter.]

My eyes flew wide. W-what? He already knew everything?

[I saw you fundraising like crazy to save your shelter the past few days, Ayane. And do you really think I haven’t had the woman I want to marry investigated?]

I could only stare back at him. But it’s not really shocking now that I think about it. Of course, Calyx DeLuca must have definitely done a background check on me even before our second date.

But for him to also know that I am the one managing all those fundraisers. Could it be… he’s the big-time donor who dropped us a considerable amount that made us reach our goal, isn’t he?

[You’re that anonymous donor, aren’t you?] I asked.

He didn’t answer my question but he doesn’t have to. It is clear as day now that it’s really him.

I am speechless. We thought an angel saved us, but the thought that the angel was actually Calyx DeLuca never even crossed my mind.

[I need to attend a meeting first. We should receive a word from the people I sent exactly after my meeting. But I’d have you wait for me here in my office. And I’ll have to lock the door to avoid the risk of anyone finding out about your condition. I still can’t let my old man know about it.]

The moment I nodded, he entered that door again. And when he comes out, he is already impeccably dressed to perfection. His hair, his suit, everything looked sharp and regal.

Chad entered, and with that, they left me alone in the office.   

…

Three hours later, I received a message.

[Myra: Ayane!!! What did you do? Oh my god! We got the land! I can’t believe this is happening! Video call me once you can! I need you to spill the tea! Who are these people?! Tell me, are you the first daughter of a powerful president or something like that? I’m crying, oh god! I’m still in disbelief that our shelter is saved!]

I sprang from the sofa. So Calyx really made it happen!

Utter relief literally made my legs weak, and I slumped back into the sofa again. I bet Myra is crying now because I, too, wanted to bawl my eyes out.

But before I could even jump in happiness, I received another message.

[Calyx DeLuca: Your outfit is okay for me, but if you want to change, let me know. We can drop by a store on our way.]

I frowned a little.

[Calyx DeLuca: We’re getting married today.]

My eyes probably looked like they were about to bulge out of their sockets. Is he really serious? Aren’t we supposed to be engaged first, at least! But marriage already? And now?

[My old man will never let us get married the moment he finds out you are mute and deaf, Ayane. And you know he will find out about it very soon. So the soonest is our only chance. Which is now.]

I lifted my face, finally realizing that I am no longer alone inside the massive office. Because he’s already right there, already standing by the door, looking at me.

He approached, looking serious. Not that he ever looked like he didn’t.

I know he is right. Once Giovanni or any of the DeLuca family found out about my condition, there would be no way he’d ever approve our marriage. Never.

The tip of his forefinger pressed gently under my chin, making me look up at him. He is too close and his face, his eyes… He’s just too distracting.

I watched as he spoke. I heard nothing. But I saw the warning in his eyes. His message is clear before I could even read what he is saying. This man will never let me back out now that I got what I want.

When he lowered his hand, I still felt how scalding his fingertip seemed to be against my skin as I read the words he just said on his phone’s screen.

[Why do you look so shocked? Our deal is… I’ll give you what you want and you marry me. Don’t worry; I don’t have any other complicated conditions or rules. You are not required to do anything at all for me except live in my house and be called my wife. That’s all.]