Chapter 157

His deep, resonant voice reached me. “Amelia, even if this is a sham marriage, people will mock you for having a disabled husband. Are you certain you want to proceed?”

I raised my head, meeting his earnest gaze. “Mr. Reyes, I’m serious. Trust me.”

After facing death, I doubted I’d ever love again. Conveniently, Derek’s affections were also elsewhere, making him the perfect choice.

“Alright.” He gently released my hand. “While I cannot offer you love, I can provide for you in other ways.”

I smiled. “Couldn’t have asked for more.”

My heart healed from love's scars, I was ready for my career and revenge.

He stared at my smile, lost in thought.

The drive was quiet as we passed my future marital home. I plotted ways to draw attention to the statue; Robert hadn't found any leads. Once discovered, the truth would unravel.

“What are you thinking about?”

I looked up; we had arrived at city hall.

Derek studied my face. “Are you having second thoughts? You can still back out.”

I squeezed his hand. “No regrets.”

It was funny; Chase and I had discussed marriage for ages, yet never obtained a license. Something always intervened—an accident, or Nicole's interference. Perhaps it was fate's way of saying we weren't meant to be.

And now, here I was, in a spur-of-the-moment wedding with Derek. The thought of a new life filled me with joy.

The photographer lowered his camera. “Sir, could you manage a smile? You look like you’re at a funeral.”

Derek’s icy demeanor remained unchanged. Even without love, this was my marriage certificate, and I wanted no regrets. I leaned in and whispered playfully, “Come on, Derek, give us a smile!”

My breath tickled his earlobe, his skin flushing red.

“Alright, look here.”

I smiled; the moment was captured. Soon, we had our certificate. Derek, still aloof, said, “I’ll take you back to the hospital.”

“No way! I married you, so I should live with you, Mr. Reyes. Let’s move in together.”

Our rapid progression overwhelmed Derek, so I reassured him, “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything rash. I just want to be with you. After all, I’m your wife now…”

Derek looked at me, a touch of helplessness in his eyes. “You’ll come to the Reyes family mansion for now. Later, we’ll find a place for us.”

The Reyes mansion? My eyes sparkled! This was my chance to get close to my betrayers and find the photos Derek had taken.

“Alright, I’ll go along with your plan.”

The car pulled up to the Reyes mansion, familiar sights coming into view. As I stood at the gates, a cold smile touched my lips. ‘Chase, I’m back.’