Chapter 1 After Marriage

"Hazel, why do you want to marry me?" Theo asked as he wheeled into her room.

Hazel looked at her husband through the reflection in the mirror before turning to face him.

"Theo, do I really have to answer that question?" Hazel replied.

Theo nodded quickly. "Is my question wrong? Many people wouldn't want to marry me. But you're different," he said.

"Are you just one of those women out there? Do you want my wealth?" Theo continued.

Hazel fell silent for a moment, processing what Theo had just said. "That's not important, Theo."

"That's very important to me. Are you marrying me out of pressure from someone? Just be honest. I can give you money and leave."

In an instant, Hazel went silent. Her face tensed, and she couldn't answer her husband's question.

A bittersweet smile formed on Theo's lips. "It's true, isn't it? You were probably sent by someone to target my wealth. I suspected as much," Theo said softly, then wheeled himself out of the room.

Hazel watched Theo's back with a longing gaze. She truly didn't want this to happen. However, there were reasons that made her want to marry Theo, one being her desire to escape the harsh treatment from her aunt Ellena.

"You don't have to worry, Theo. I will be a good wife and won't drain your wealth," Hazel said carefully.

Theo stopped his wheelchair and turned to look back.

"What did you say?"

"Maybe we don't know each other well yet, and of course, we have no feelings for each other. I believe we will develop feelings for one another, Theo. I've never once thought about draining your wealth."

Theo furrowed his brow, seemingly digesting Hazel's words. "Forget it. You should take a shower, and then we can have dinner together," he said, closing the door behind him.

Hazel exhaled sharply in that spot. "Theo is really worried that I'm like those women out there," she murmured.

After finishing her shower, Hazel decided to leave her room and head to the dining area. She found Theo waiting for her, with several dishes prepared by the helper named Hallen.

Hazel sat at one of the chairs and looked at Theo, who was also staring at her.

"Haven't you eaten? Do you want me to get something for you?" Hazel offered.

"No need, I can manage myself."

However, Hazel didn't just sit there. She stood up and quickly served a portion of rice on a plate for Theo.

Theo raised an eyebrow, looking at Hazel, who seemed stubborn.

"You're really stubborn. But thank you for helping me."

Hazel smiled slightly and placed the plate in front of Theo. "It's my duty, Theo," she said gently.

Theo remained silent, continuously gazing at Hazel, as if he wanted to say something. "It's been almost a day since we've been under the same roof. Aren't you thinking about giving my parents grandchildren?" Theo suddenly asked.

Hazel almost choked on her drink. She took another sip and set the glass down, then stared at Theo.

"What did you say?" For some reason, Hazel wasn't ready for what she had just heard.

"Am I wrong? Is it because you feel pressured that you don't want to give my parents offspring?" Theo asked again.

Hazel shook her head quickly. "No, it's not like that. But it seems too soon. We don't even know each other yet, do we?"

Hazel tried to change the subject.

Theo seemed to understand what Hazel was saying, and he resumed eating.

Hazel felt relieved to see Theo's reaction. They were indeed married and had become a legitimate couple. However, she didn't want to do anything without love.

"Finish your food." Theo placed his spoon on the plate. Hazel glanced at him.

"Where are you going? You haven't finished your meal."

"I'm full. I really don't eat much," Theo replied.

Hazel fell silent for a moment before nodding in understanding. "If that's the case, what do you want? I'll help you."

"No need, I want to go to my room for a bit."

Hazel sighed quietly, watching Theo's back as he disappeared from her sight.

One by one, Hazel took the leftover food and placed it in the sink. Not wanting to leave a mess, she washed the dishes until they were clean.

"What are you doing? Let me clean all of that," Theo said.

That voice made Hazel turn to the source. She shook her head quickly and smiled. "It's fine; it's just washing dishes, right?"

Hazel continued to dry the dishes before placing them on the rack.

"You're not a maid; you're my wife," Theo said, his tone disapproving.

Hazel sighed softly and placed the towel down. She looked at Theo, who remained silent. "I'm just helping with the chores. Auntie must be tired after working all day."

Theo hissed softly. Feeling unheard, he rolled his wheelchair out of the kitchen.

Hazel shook her head at Theo's reaction. She noticed something and furrowed her brow. Had Theo changed clothes?

Curious, Hazel followed Theo from behind. She quickly stopped the wheelchair before he could exit.

Theo looked puzzled as to why his wheelchair suddenly stopped and turned to look back. It turned out Hazel was holding the chair.

"Where are you going? With your condition, you still think you can go out without a guard?"

Theo paused for a moment. Then, a small laugh escaped him, surprising Hazel. "Do you think I'm a child? I'm used to going in and out of the house by myself."

"What does it mean to be a wife if you can't help your husband? Where are you going? Let me help."

Theo looked incredulous at Hazel's words. "I'm going to the hospital to check my leg."

"Are you taking a car or a taxi?"

"I've prepared a car and will go with my assistant, Thomas," Theo replied.

"Okay, I'll help you to the car."

Without being told, Hazel helped Theo maneuver the wheelchair toward the car that had been arranged.

The assistant, Thomas, opened the car door, and Hazel helped Theo get inside.

"Next time, just let me know. I'll take you to the hospital," Hazel said.

Theo nodded, understanding what Hazel meant. "Alright. You just rest; I'll be back soon. And-" Theo's words trailed off.

He reached into his pocket and handed Hazel a black card.

Seeing this, Hazel looked surprised and stared at her husband, wanting to understand what he meant.

"Take it. This is for you. I don't keep any cash in the house. If anything comes up, you can use the money on this card."

Hazel could only stare at the black card in disbelief.

Just as she was about to thank her husband, the car door closed, and the vehicle drove away.

"This seems very excessive," Hazel murmured.

She turned to go back inside. However, a woman suddenly grabbed her wrist roughly, causing her to wince in pain.

Hazel looked at the woman and recognized her aunt Ellena.

Ellena released her grip on Hazel's wrist and deliberately snatched the card from her hand.

"Where's that card? Let me take care of it!"