Chapter 9 me .
I mean , a guy like him .
He could have any woman he wanted .
I couldnt wrap my head around why Alex would want to marry me Just based on his looks and states .
I bet hed have ladies lining up from the restaurant done all the way to Newton City if he just wased his hand Bar in all the years I dated Austin , I didnt remember hearing about Alex having a girlfriend .
It was hard to believe a guy in his thirties could still be ■ virgin , right ! Ugh , why was Leven thinking about this ! I needed to forget about his charm .
Austin and I were practically engaged even if wed broken up but why wat Alex suddenly interested in marrying me! It always seemed like he Was be even into women ? It was baffling how a good looking , wealthy guy like him could be single .
I felt suddenly enlightened and was about to ank Just then .
I noticed .
Alex tapping his fingers on the table and he casually mentioned .
I can give you 1 5 million dollars of pocket money every year .
15 million dollar That definitely got my attention .
I mean , I couldnt realistically earn that much in five years slogging away at a regular joki .
Id been surviving on one meal a day ever since I graduated , just to save up for a house .
I did get an allowance from Austin , but it was just his sub cand , and I tracked every penny on everyday expenses .
Sure , people thought Austin treated me like a queen , always buying me designer bags and clothes , but the reality was I hardly wore them because we barely went out And with my salary being under 3,000 dollars a month , there was no way I could sport a bag that cost way more than my ulary without setting myself up to be a target at work .
Plus , every time Austin gifted me something .
I found out he was splurging on Rosemary even more or buying her the same stuff .
It was infuriating 1 bit my lip , lost in thought for a bit , and shot Alex a playful glance .
Any chance you would sweeten the deal ? Alexs deep gate narrowed , his expression shifting just slightly .
Just kidding I quickly looked away , trying to escape the intensity of his eyes .
I nervously picked up my drink and took another sip .
Ugh , it was so sour it felt like my teeth were about to fall out , but I forced it down anyway .
Why would you want to marry me ? Im not exactly worth 13 million dollars .
I smirked at Alex Youre not , Alex replied casually , a lazy grin on his face .
But my wifes definitely worth it .
I almost cursed at that but didnt have the guts to actually say it .
Instead , I gave him a wry smile .
But I was so close to marrying Austin .
If you be the knot with me , thats gonna ruin your rep , right ? I studied him closely .
It was such a weird dynamic every time I saw Alex , I had to schmooze with Austin and call him uncle out of respect .
If I married Alex , would I really have to call him my husband Ugh , that sounded awkward .
You said it was close , Alex smirked , the corners of his mouth twitching up .
I wouldnt worry about my reputation if I were you He had a point , and honestly , it was hard to argue with that logic .
But why did his tone always carry a hint of cockiness and disdain ? Ill give you ten minutes to think it over .
Alex said , glancing up at me with a slight smile before checking his watch I raised an eyebrow , shocked .
Ten minutes ? Was he really that eager to get married ? Just as I was about to say no , my phone buzzed with a text .
My heart sank when I saw it was from Rosemary [ Laurel , lets just keep things chill so Austin doesnt have to feel awkward .
You dont feel bad for hum .
I do.j I frowned , surprised that Rosemary was still haunting me .
A wave of unease washed over me .
Alex was right Austin wouldnt let go of me so easily .
After all , we had been together for six years .
It was not like he couldnt move on .
It was because he wouldnt let me break up with him , especially not because of Rosemary Otherwise , that competitive streak of Rosemarys wouldnt allow her to make peace with me .
I picked up my glass and took another long sip , then glanced up at Alex .
Im on board .
1/2 Chapter 9 He nodded , clearly expecting answer .
Arent you curious why I agreed ? I asked with a smirk .
Because youre low on cash .
He hit the nail on the head .
1 kept my y expression steady , but inside I wanted to scream he really had a way of chatting up a storm .
No wonder he struggled to keep friends around So , it was Rosemary who sent you the message , right ? And you were planning to reject me initially , werent you ? he asked .
1 raised an eyebrow at him , my guard up .
He must have noticed the confusion and worry creeping on my face because he leaned in and said , Look , Rosemary may not even be Austins real sister , but you cant deny her spot in the Herrera family .
Leaving was the right call for you .
He paused and met my gaze before adding , And honestly , marrying me was the smartest move youve made .
I couldnt help but purse my lips .
He could be really cocky .
For the sake of 1.5 million dollars , I could tolerate it .
Plus , teaming up with Alex was my best bet in dealing with Rosemary in the future .
Honestly , you really put an offer on the table that I couldnt refuse , I said while raising an eyebrow .
Alex chuckled .
Youve been great .
How about 1 let you in on another secret ! As soon as he mentioned a secret , I was all cars .
Austins been seeing other women behind your back , he spilled .
I shrugged .
Thats not exactly breaking news .
1 rubbed my temples .
In the six years with Austin , Id seen enough flirtation to fill a book .
All Austin would tell me to laugh it off like it was some kind of joke .
Love struck women al always think their guy is their one true love .
Actually , hes been wanting to break up for a while now .
He just hasnt found someone who can accept Rosemary , Alex added .
When Alex said that I froze , staring at him in disbelief .
You dont buy what Im saying he asked gently .
I shook my head and bit my lip .
I had convinced myself Austin was just his backup option .
n was all about Rosemary and me and hadnt really considered the reality .
Turns Now that were broken up , whys he still hanging around ? I asked .
The Herrera family sees Rosemary as the daughter , not a daughter in law , Alex said , pausing to let it sink in before he sighed .
An adopted .
daughter with their son ? It would ruin Austins reputation .
