Chapter 4 I'll Come Along To Your Interview

Upon hearing Milly's words, Rena froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What?"

Milly giggled behind her hand. "Don't look so shocked. You're familiar with Richard Fowler, Dad's friend, aren't you?"

She then continued, "His wife recently passed away, and he's in the market for a new one. He first considered me, but Dad was too fond of me to let me go. They've decided you're the better choice. Richard has even promised to invest ten million dollars into Dad's business if you marry him!"

Rena's head spun with the revelation.

Anger surged through her, her hands balling into fists at her sides.

How could Alexander orchestrate her life, especially after casting her out?

It was despicable!

With icy scorn, Rena snapped back, "Tell Dad I refuse to be sold!"

Milly's laughter rang out once more. "You really think you have a choice? Like it or not, you're going to be his bride-just accept it and prepare yourself!"

With a triumphant smirk, Milly slid her sunglasses back on and sped away.

Frustration clawed at Rena as she raked her fingers through her hair, a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach.

She wouldn't let Alexander control her fate!

Back at her grandmother's house, Rena's eyes teared up as she gazed at the urn. She mourned the confidante she had in her mother, now painfully absent.

If only she hadn't left that day, perhaps her mother's tragic accident could have been avoided.

Now she was cornered, without funds or influence, how could she possibly escape a marriage to a man she didn't love?

Heartbroken, Rena rested her head on the table, her gaze accidentally falling on a crumpled piece of paper in the bin. A sudden realization struck, and she quickly retrieved it.

Images of Kellan filled her thoughts. His good looks were almost unfairly striking.

While she barely knew him, a spontaneous marriage to him seemed far preferable to being bound to the elderly Richard.

The thought of her father's outrage at her marrying first brought a faint smile to her face.

She dialed Kellan's number.

As soon as he answered, his deep, resonant voice filled her ears. "What's up? Ready to marry me?"

Rena hesitated, then affirmed, "Are you still open to it?"

Kellan's laugh had a hint of both amusement and disbelief. "Absolutely. I'll swing by soon to pick you up for the marriage registration."

"Okay."

With Kellan leading, the marriage registration went surprisingly quick. Before she knew it, they were finished.

Outside, Kellan slipped the marriage certificate into his pocket, promising to keep it secure.

Rena was cool with that. The important thing was that this marriage shielded her from Richard.

Checking her watch, she mentioned, "I need to head to an interview now. You go on ahead."

"An interview?" Kellan looked curious, his eyebrow arching. "What job?"

"Being a doctor, of course. I'm a medical student. What about you? What do you do?"

Since they were now married, it seemed essential to start knowing more about each other.

"I'm a bartender," Kellan said casually.

Rena hesitated, taken aback. The bar scene was a place for fun, and with his striking looks, no doubt he was a hit among the patrons.

A twinge of discomfort stirred within her, and she managed to say, "Stay safe at work."

"Stay safe?" Kellan echoed, his tone reflecting mild surprise.

He flashed a sly grin, draping his arm around her shoulder casually. "I'll come along to your interview."

Rena started to object, but Kellan had already flagged down a taxi and was holding the door open.

"Taxi rides are overpriced. I can just take the subway. The hospital is right by the station," she protested.

Ignoring her protests, Kellan chuckled and pulled her towards the car, saying, "I'm still recovering from the gunshot wound. A hospital visit wouldn't hurt. Would you really make an injured man brave the crowded subway?"

Rena found herself without a comeback.

They reached Roystin Hospital, and after Kellan reassured her repeatedly that he could manage on his own, she relaxed enough to head to her interview.

Once alone, Kellan sat in the lobby and sent a quick text to the hospital director, Alfredo Bowman.

Moments later, Alfredo hurried down, his face lighting up upon seeing Kellan. "Mr. Payne, what can I do for you today?"

"Check on the interview process for a candidate named Rena Barnett," Kellan instructed.

"Rena Barnett?" Alfredo paused, recognition dawning. She was a member of the Barnett family.

As the head of the Payne family, Kellan's interest in the affairs of a disowned Barnett was clearly significant.

Alfredo nodded eagerly. "Absolutely, Mr. Payne. Consider it done."

In the interview room, Rena had just wrapped up her introduction when the interviewer abruptly dismissed her.