Chapter 5

Auceralettanter charting with Mitchell. Fortunately, the subway entrance wasn't all that far from the hotel, making it convenient for her. Aurora was just about to make her way there when a black car pulled up.

She instinctively took a hasty step back but was surprised to see the passenger-side window slowly rolling down. Then, a low voice came through, saying, “Get in.”

The man in the driver’s seat was none other than Owen. What was this big shot doing, thinking that she was merely trying to get his attention by playing hard to get?

Amora hesitated momentarily before getting in the car, not bothering to delve deeper into it.

“Good evening, Mr. Jensen,” she greeted politely as she fastened her seatbelt.

Owen glanced at her and said nothing as he started the car.

And so, the car proceeded onward to its destination. The long journey passed.

After a long while, Owen’s indifferent voice shattered the silence as he drawled, “Professor Reed, I’m not interested in your games. But please keep in mind that we’re in a contract marriage. I hope you avoid any messy scandals while we’re married.”

“And does this hope also apply to you, Mr. Jensen?” Aurora questioned as she lowered her lashes thoughtfully.

He shot her a look and marked coldly, “Naturally.”

Amora responded defensively, utterly unconvinced. Why would she ever believe him? She had barely gotten out of a scandal with an international superstar. Then, it was quickly followed by a wealthy heiress. There were also rumors about her being involved with an infamous gambler’s daughter.

“Have you taken any classes in psychology, Professor Reed? You have a rather deft touch when it comes to your relationships,” Owen remarked.

Aurora wasn’t so deaf that she couldn’t hear the blatant sarcasm in his words. Nevertheless, she responded calmly, “I’m afraid I can never hope to measure up to you.”

Owen’s eyes darkened slightly at her retort as he inquired, “It seems you’re rather close with my grandmother. How did you two meet?”

Aurora turned her head to look out the window. After a beat, she answered, “Didn’t you have me investigated, Mr. Jensen?”

He furrowed his brows in displeasure. Alas, her steady voice continued before he could get a word in edgewise, “I understand you’re not exactly happy with our nuptials. In fact, you were probably forced into this arrangement.”

“Don’t worry. I fully intend to abide by the agreement we’ve signed. I’ll sweeten the deal by making this clear now. I’m more than happy to step aside if you want the love of your life in the future.”

She sighed softly. “Frankly, I only married you because I had no other choice. Neither of us is here for something so silly as love. Instead, we’re only in this for the marriage. So, why can’t we work together? Think of it as a mutually beneficial deal. You can just treat me like your business partner.”

Autora had no interest in dragging this out any further than she had to. If anything, she wanted to make her position clear to her spouse. That way, they would be able to cooperate smoothly.

“You have plenty of suitors, Professor Reed. Why did you insist on picking me?” Owen asked coldly. It was evident that he didn’t trust Aurora’s explanation.

“There was nothing insistent about me choosing you as my husband. It’s just that you were the most stable candidate at that very moment. You’re a trustworthy individual, Mr. Jensen. Moreover, I want to resolve this inconvenient predicament. I didn't just choose someone at random and be done with it,” Aurora elaborated pragmatically.

These words had just left her lips when the phone in her pocket started ringing. She took her phone out and quickly answered it, saying, “Hello, Dr. Krimedy?”

Dr. Brunedy’s voice came through as he said, “Ms. Reed, I’m afraid Mr. Kein senior’s condition is deteriorating rapidly; we’ve exhausted all our options. The Kein family has decided to cease any further treatment, allowing him a peaceful passing.”

Aurora pressed her fingers against her forehead as she fell silent. Eventually, she replied, “I understand. Thank you for your hard work.”

Mr. Kein Senior, Bayce Klein, had always been kind to her. Unfortunately, it was also an avenue that the Kein family was viciously exploiting. They wanted to seize her, essentially using her.

Long before Watney's arrival, she had longed to sever ties with the Kein family, as she was but a mere stand-in. Yet they refused to acknowledge this. Greed, jealousy, malice.

“Mr. Jensen, it’s past time,” Aurora stated. “We’ve had our life lessons; we've had our valedictory address. All of this is purely transactional. I sincerely hope we’ll be able to cooperate with one another.”

Before Owen could respond, she parted her lips and added, “You can just simply act by flatly complying.”

Owen couldn’t help but look at her in confusion.

“Did we not agree to keep our marriage under wraps, Mr. Jensen? Your car is rather flamboyant,” she said calmly.

Chapter 5

He couldn’t help but think the snarky reply, “How considerate of her.”

Still, Owen pulled the car over.

“Thanks for the ride, Mr. Jensen. Cheers to the marriage,” she said lightly before closing the door.

Owen lit a cigarette and took a distracted drag. His gaze landed on her figure as she crossed the street and disappeared from his line of sight.

Cheers to the marriage? Did he look like he was in a cheery mood about this marriage?