Chapter 4 Conditions

"Tell me. You know, it's only natural to have some expectations about marriage." Vince let out a quiet sigh of relief, unnoticed.

Xenia paused, surprised.

She hadn't thought the intimidating figure in Mapnard would be so understanding!

Gathering her courage, Xenia said, "I'd like a small place to call my own. Nothing fancy, a simple apartment is fine. I want it in my name. After marriage, I prefer living there instead of the big old mansion. And if, by any chance, we part ways... the place should stay with me."

Her aim was to ensure a secure future for herself.

The words "part ways" hit Vince hard, prompting him to ask, "And your second condition?"

"I also wish to change my official residence to this new place when we marry." She was eager to cut ties with her family, which made owning a home crucial for her.

But she kept these thoughts to herself.

After a brief wait, Vince's kind voice broke the silence. "Don't worry, Xenia. Despite my situation, I can afford an apartment for you."

He then glanced at Ryland. "Transfer the Bliss Bay property to Xenia. Make it quick."

"Understood." Ryland promptly began the arrangements.

Xenia's eyes grew wide with surprise. "Bliss Bay, is that the place near my school?" she muttered inwardly.

It was an ideal spot, always in demand for housing. Even a small apartment there would be worth a fortune. Was he actually giving it to her?

Lost in thought, Xenia realized they had arrived at City Hall.

Stepping out of the car, she saw a panting, chubby man hurry over to hand Ryland a bag full of documents.

"Ryland, it's... it's been done as fast as we could."

Ryland checked the contents and then offered it to Xenia. "Madam, this is from Mr. Morrison for you. Here, take it. We'll also have your official residence changed to this new place."

Xenia was speechless, overwhelmed. She took the deed, feeling numb.

Lately, she had been full of anxiety, but now, surprisingly, she felt a sense of stability.

This unexpected comfort came from Trevor's uncle, of all people.

With mixed emotions, Xenia promised, "I'll be good to you in return."

"Okay," Vince replied, a happy smile forming on his lips.

Xenia gently pushed Vince into City Hall. With Ryland's help, they quickly got their marriage certificate.

Dizzy with it all, Xenia didn't notice the usually stern-faced man smiling warmly as he looked at the certificate.

Before she could even look at the marriage certificate, Vince grabbed it.

"I need to give this to Ryland for the residence change. Let's go back to the Holt family so you can pick up your things," he said seriously, but muttered in his mind, "How is it possible that I would allow you to keep this for when you plan to divorce?!"

Divorce was out of the question!

Xenia nodded, agreeing, and said, "Okay."

Soon, the car pulled up at the Holt family home.

Reaching the gate, Xenia told Vince she'd be back shortly, not asking him to come in with her.

Walking into the living room, she found her parents sitting on the sofa, waiting.

"I'm here to grab some stuff," she told her mom and dad. Turning to head upstairs, she was abruptly stopped.

"Stop!" Her father, Xander Holt, stood up, visibly upset, blocking her way.

Before Xenia could even respond, her mom, acting without thinking, rushed over and slapped her.

The sound of the slap echoed in the living room, and her mom's angry words followed.

"How could you, Xenia? You're so shameless! Sleeping with Trevor's uncle. Don't you have any dignity? Your actions ruin Zoie's chances of marrying into the Morrison family."

Xenia just sneered in response. Her sister, Zoie Holt, couldn't marry into the Morrison family, and that was their biggest worry.

Her parents had always planned to sacrifice her for Zoie, wanting Zoie to marry Trevor instead.

Even though Xenia knew their plans all along, she felt heartbroken in that moment.

Feeling more wronged, she defended herself quietly. "I didn't willingly go to Trevor's uncle's bed. I'm a victim, too."

"Victim? What victim?" her mother, Yvonne, shouted back. "No smoke without fire. You lived in Trevor's house before marrying him. If you don't respect yourself, how can you expect others to respect you?"

"Why do you think I moved in there? Did you ever stop to consider that?" Xenia, her eyes red with emotion, faced her mother. Her voice grew stronger as she looked for a sign of regret on her mom's face. None came.

She was fed up, totally done with her parents' constant belittling.

Xenia, usually so compliant, had reached her limit. Yvonne, now even angrier, snapped back, "What's with that expression? You dare to look at me like that? You messed up with Mr. Gilbert, and now we have to fix your mess!"

Yvonne raised her hand to hit her again, but Xenia quickly grabbed her wrist, stopping her. "Mom, Vince Morrison is right outside. Do you really want to hit me so badly I can't show my face?"

Yvonne had heard of Vince's reputation, so, begrudgingly, she pulled back her hand.

Xenia went upstairs to pack.

She didn't have much, just some teaching materials and important papers, leaving behind the second-hand items her sister gave her.

Coming back down, she heard Xander's bitter voice.

"Everyone's happy when they marry off their daughters. Why does it feel like a loss with mine? What about the bride price?"

Right then, Vince, pushed in by Ryland, saw Xenia's bruised cheek and his eyes turned icy.

Xenia was momentarily stunned.

Ryland, noticing his boss's reaction, stepped in front of Vince, trying to ease the tension. "Mr. Morrison came to help with your stuff," he explained.

Xenia, her face sore and eyes teary, too embarrassed to meet Vince's gaze, didn't see his concern.

She grabbed a small bag and went to Vince's wheelchair. "I've got everything, let's head back," she said, ready to push him away.

Vince simply replied, "No rush." He halted her with a raised hand, his slim fingers adjusting his glasses, a reminder to himself to stay poised and sophisticated. A slight smile crossed his face as he looked at Xander and Yvonne, sending a shiver down the spines of Xenia's parents.

Vince, having reined in his anger, reassured Xenia with a pat on her hand. "Your dad makes a good point. It's normal to expect something when a daughter gets married. I didn't think of that."

"Vince," Xenia interjected, her voice laced with worry, not wanting her family to exploit Vince's generosity.

But Vince soothed her again. "Don't worry, I've got this."

He then turned to Xander and inquired, "So, Mr. Holt, what do you think would be fair for the bride price?"

Xander wasn't really serious about demanding a bride price from Vince, a man whose mere name sent shivers down the spines of people in Mapnard.

Even though Vince was no longer in charge of the Morrison Group and was physically disabled, he still had some influence left.

Xander knew better than to cross him.

Trying to hide his discomfort with a forced smile, Xander said, "Mr. Morrison, it's your call. Just see what's normal and we'll go with that."

Vince thought for a moment and then nodded. "I promised Xenia an apartment in Bliss Bay this morning. I'll consider what else to add to the bride price."

Zoie, who was just walking into the living room and yawning, overheard this and her eyes lit up with excitement. "An apartment in Bliss Bay? That's one of the fanciest places in Mapnard!"

She turned to Yvonne, her voice full of excitement. "Mom, I'd love to live there!"