Chapter 4 A CONTRACTUAL MARRIAGE OFFER

"Of course you have to tell your father the truth. But I'm sure, no matter how angry your father is, if I convey my intention to marry you, I think he will calm down by himself." Ailee frowned.

"You're confident, aren't you?" After placing two plates of beef steak on the bar table, Jason rushed back to get the fries, which he was draining. Ailee took the initiative to take mayonnaise and chili sauce from the refrigerator to eat the fries. Jason got another container for the two items Ailee took. Both of them sat opposite each other and started eating the dish. "Maybe you're right. I don't think Father would be angry if the groom was you, Jason. But what about your family, huh?" Suddenly, doubt arose in Ailee's heart.

"Don't worry, my father never cared about my love life," Jason answered expressionlessly.

"What kind of expression is that, Jason?" Ailee moved her eyes upwards, while her mouth began to busy chewing again. "Well, you know, my father is busier than your father. Because of that, he rarely knows what activities I do, he never even remembers my birthday."

Ailee's hands were floating in the air. When she heard this, she looked at the man sitting in front of her with sympathy.

"Are you stupid, Ailee? After you've been friends with Jason for so long, you don't even know about this kind of thing? You are such a bad friend!" Ailee cursed herself in her heart.

"Then, what kind of agreement do you want from me, Ailee? Don't you just want this marriage to only last for half a year?" Ailee choked when she heard Jason's question. She remembered the agreement she had offered Jason. Jason immediately took a bottle of mineral water in the refrigerator and then handed it to Ailee.

"What are you thinking, Ailee?" Jason rubbed the woman's back gently. Ailee took a sip of water from the bottle until it was almost finished.

"I-I didn't think anything of it, just almost forgot that we were going to make a contract marriage. I said half a year myself, why did I forget it?" Ailee scolded herself again and made Jason smile.

"You forgot about that? You're very cruel for a Miss who is offering a contract," Jason protested as he pinched Ailee's cheeks.

"I didn't mean to forget it!" Ailee let go of Jason's hands, and her face turned red, which made Jason feel embarrassed.

"Then, what would you want with the agreement? Even without that agreement, I wouldn't have a problem marrying you, Ailee," Jason said without any doubt in his words.

"Really? I thought you wanted to refuse earlier because your face looked hesitant," said Ailee, her eyes wide as if she didn't believe Jason's words.

"I can't be careless in making decisions, Ailee. You are a good woman, and I should not carelessly marry you. You have the right to get the best in your life," Jason answered wisely, with a smile, so that Ailee wouldn't misunderstand. Ailee was stunned. She knew that Jason always wanted the best for her, and it wasn't easy for this established man to say 'YES' to her reckless request.

"Ailee...?" Jason asked again. Ailee looked at Jason with a very serious face, then she sighed and put down the knife and fork she was holding.

"Then I will state my requirements," Ailee took a serious attitude and looked directly into Jason's eyes. Jason immediately watched Ailee carefully, not wanting to miss a word she said.

"First, we will get married on a contractual basis for only half a year. Second, we will not interfere in each other's personal lives. Third, if one of us has found the right person, the contract will be terminated immediately, with prior notice. I can't possibly be selfish by letting you stay by my side. Who knows if one day you find the girl you love, right?" Jason frowned and then smiled faintly. That was because Ailee never knew his true feelings.

"Fourth, this agreement must not be known by anyone, including family and relatives. Fifth, when this contract ends, I will give you a luxury apartment in any location you like as compensation for the end of this contract." Ailee looked at Jason with confidence, waiting for his reaction, whether he would reject it, accept it, or add a point of agreement.

"Okay, that's all your requirements?" Jason asked as he sat back down behind the bar table. Ailee glanced up and thought carefully about the five points she had stated earlier, then looked back at Jason.

"I think that's all. Physical contact is permitted, provided it doesn't exceed our agreement. There's no need to make too long-winded points," Ailee answered firmly. Jason stared at Ailee. He didn't expect that Ailee could think of those five points in such a short time.

"How's Jason? Can you accept the five points I offer?" Ailee asked with a probing look.

"Okay, let's do it according to your wishes, a contract marriage for half a year. But what if your father gets angry when we divorce? No one will easily believe that the two of us just divorced. You already know, of course, that we have never had the slightest problem since the first time we met." Ailee was silent for a moment and seemed to be thinking.

"Just leave it. It's better than accepting his anger for now. Jeremy Anderson, just watch out if I find him. I want to know where he ran off to now," Ailee muttered softly and then put another piece of meat into her mouth.

"Yeah, I don't know where that impudent guy is right now. But more than that, Ailee, instead of thinking about his whereabouts, it's better for you to focus on your happiness. Remember, if he runs from you, then he admits that he is not a man who deserves you! That is progress for you. There are still many other men out there who are better than him!" Jason encouraged Ailee while gently patting her forehead.

"I feel like cursing," Ailee muttered with her mouth still full.

"Chew your food first, Ailee, or you'll choke," Jason scolded, still watching Ailee. Ailee's eyes were dreamy, but her mouth didn't stop chewing quickly.

"I will not waste myself thinking about it any longer!"