Chapter 4

"Take all of these things back!" Emmanuel demanded, instructing Terence to return the gifts after their ride.

"What?" Terence wasn't the only one shocked. Alessandra and Roselynn were equally surprised.

"These things are worth at least ten million! Are you sure you don't want them?" Terence pressed, incredulous. Ten million might be insignificant to him, but it was an astronomical sum for Emmanuel and his family.

"That's right; I don't want them," Emmanuel replied firmly. "My late father taught me not to accept things I don't deserve. I can't accept such expensive gifts simply for helping you."

Roselynn sighed, admiring his integrity. Alessandra, however, felt a pang of frustration, wondering when he'd find a wife.

Chapter 4: Getting Married

"Haha! Very well, then!" Terence exclaimed, excitedly taking the gifts home. Fearing Mackenzie's disbelief, he recorded the entire process as proof.

"Do you see that, Mackenzie? I told you that man would pass the test! Now that you've lost the bet, it's time to honor your word and marry him! I want my grandchildren!" Terence urged.

Mackenzie remained silent, but she was a woman of her word. Having lost the bet with her grandfather, she decided to handle the matter the next day to avoid his constant nagging.

Early the next day, Emmanuel received a call from an unknown number.

"Since you refused my gifts yesterday, I've decided to introduce a potential wife. You wouldn't say no to this, would you, young man?"

This voice… It's the strange old man from yesterday! Emmanuel thought.

"Hey, old man, are you some kind of scammer? Is this a new tactic?" Emmanuel chuckled, though he didn't actually believe Terence was a scammer. He sensed the old man's immense wealth. He just couldn't understand why he was chosen.

Terence taunted, "Haha! Yes, I want to scam you into marrying a woman. What's the matter? Are you scared?"

"What a coincidence! That's the only thing I'm not afraid of!" Emmanuel replied seriously. Alessandra's relentless pressure after his eighteenth failed matchmaking attempt had made him receptive to marriage—any marriage.

"Then head to City Hall now with your documents," Terence instructed.

Fine! I'll go! I'm not afraid of getting married! Emmanuel thought.

He went to City Hall. Terence had described the woman as a strong, capable professional, so Emmanuel didn't have high expectations regarding her appearance. As a gynecologist, he was accustomed to seeing the female form and wasn't overly concerned with her physique; he simply desired a woman of good character—someone better than Milani.

His jaw dropped upon seeing his bride-to-be. What? Mackenzie? Her icy aura and red convertible screamed wealth. Her beauty was undeniable, yet her intimidating presence kept most men at bay.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Come on over!" Mackenzie called.

Her gaze alone secured his immediate compliance. That old man wasn't lying when he said she was a powerful woman! Her authoritative demeanor was striking.

"Ms. Quillen? Are you the one who wants to marry me?" Emmanuel asked, disbelieving.

"What, you don't want to marry me?" Mackenzie retorted, frowning slightly. Man, that icy-cold aura is scary! I bet she's still single because most guys are intimidated by her! Emmanuel thought.

"Of course I do! I wouldn't have come here otherwise!"

Emmanuel felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Mackenzie may be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, but she seems a bit difficult. Oh, well… I just need to get married to shut my mother up, so it doesn't really matter if we get along or not!

"Then let's get this over with!" Mackenzie said, exiting her car and striding into City Hall. Independent to a fault, she even handled her wedding arrangements alone. Emmanuel had to jog to keep pace.

"Are you sure you don't want to reconsider? It's not too late," Mackenzie said, hoping he'd change his mind, thus freeing her from Terence's pressure.

"For someone with a cold personality, you're surprisingly hesitant," Emmanuel replied with a nonchalant smile.

Mackenzie's gaze sharpened. "You'd better not regret it, then!"

Ten minutes later, they emerged with their marriage certificate. Mackenzie's silence and icy expression had even led the registry staff to question if they were there for a divorce instead. Are they here to get divorced or married? they wondered.

"I'm only marrying you to fulfill a promise to my grandfather, so don't take this seriously. Live your life; I'll do the same. I won't care if you sleep around," Mackenzie stated coldly.

Though slightly hurt, Emmanuel found the situation amusing. Did Mackenzie get our roles mixed up? he thought.

"Oh, by the way, you haven't bought a house, right?" Mackenzie asked abruptly.

"Yes," Emmanuel replied.

To his surprise, she handed him keys. As CEO of Terence Group, she was always prepared.

"What's the meaning of this?" Emmanuel asked.

"It's a patriarchal world; women are expected to move in with their husbands. I refuse to move into your house, so I got us our own place. You can stay there, but I'll hardly be around," Mackenzie explained impassively.

"Is it just me, or am I being treated like a kept man?"

Emmanuel refused the keys, his pride objecting.

"Take the keys!" Mackenzie commanded.

Her authoritative tone and gaze compelled his obedience. As expected of a powerful executive!

He accepted them. "Fine! I suppose being a kept man is better than nothing!" Avoiding conflict seemed prudent.

"Goodbye!" Mackenzie said, turning to leave.

"Wait, Ms. Quillen!" Emmanuel called, grabbing her wrist. Her intense gaze made him quickly release her.

"What else?" she asked coldly. She disliked indecisive, complaining men.

"Three things," Emmanuel stated, his tone mirroring her professionalism. "First, your contact details. I need to reach you if my mother asks about you."

Mackenzie, reasonable despite her coldness, provided her WhatsApp number.

"Second, I'll pay you five thousand a month—rent or fulfilling my promise from our…date," Emmanuel continued.

Mackenzie smirked; five thousand was insignificant to her, yet she accepted.

"Third, I want to know your plans regarding our marriage," Emmanuel said seriously.