Chapter 3
The metal cufflinks on his sleeves glinted in the sun, just like his eyes when he looked at me.
“Yes, this is my daughter, Jane,” my dad said, rubbing his hands together.
His tone sounded like the one he always used when trying to please someone. “She’s 25 and she works as a quality inspector at a garment factory in the county.”
The man kept looking at me for so long that even the others in the room started to notice.
His colleague cleared his throat and said, “Mr. Whelan, about this contract…”
“The terms are fine,” he replied, finally turning away. “Just sign it as agreed.”
After the contract was signed, the village leaders eagerly invited them to stay for dinner.
I was about to slip away when Collin stopped me. “Ms. Mackey,” he said, “can you show me around the village? I’m really interested in the local culture here.”
My dad’s eyes lit up. “Of course! Jane, go with Mr. Whelan and show him around.”
As we walked along the field ridges, Collin asked a bunch of questions what books I liked, what I did for fun, and if I had ever been in love.
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His voice was calm, even gentle, but it still made me nervous.
When we reached the hillside behind the village, he suddenly pulled a business card from his wallet.
“Let’s get to know each other better,” he said, his tone softer now. “Sorry if I’m too forward, but I really like you.”
I was frozen.
A week later, Collin sent a matchmaker to my house. She came in all excited, saying Mr. Whelan was willing to give a wedding of 150,000 dollars and even a property in the county town.
In our poor village, that was a fortune.
My dad was so thrilled he could barely speak. My mom cried from happiness. To them, this meant my younger brother could finally afford a wedding, and the money would let them live without worry.
“But he’s divorced and has a son,” I said hesitantly. “He’s way older than me, too…”
My mom slapped me. “Who do you think you are to be picky?” she snapped.
“You’re lucky someone even likes you. Just be grateful for once!”
Collin sat calmly in our main hall like he was still negotiating a deal. “I’ll treat Jane well,” he said.
My dad nodded like crazy. “That’s great…”
I hid in the kitchen and peeked through the door crack.
My younger brother Harry Mackey nudged my shoulder, eyes shining.
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Chapter 3
“Jane, you’ve hit the jackpot! He is the boss of Hallaway Group!”
I bit my lip and said nothing.
I knew I could not say no. The family’s debt, my brother’s education, his future wedding costs, and my grandparents‘ medical bills cost money.
The wedding was rushed and held in the nicest hotel in the county.
I wore a plain white dress and went through the whole ceremony like I was sleepwalking.
That night, Collin came back drunk and consummated the marriage with me. It hurt so bad I cried. However, he just stared at my face and whispered, “Jean…”
That was when I realized Jean was his ex–wife.
She had a master’s degree from the University of Oxford and worked as the North America director of a multinational company.
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