Chapter 5 I Don't Want To Be The Other Woman

Tristan lingered at the doorway, peering through the narrow opening at Gianna.

Her back faced the door, concealing her expression, yet her voice remained steady and composed. "I know Aaron treats me well," she acknowledged.

At the mention of another man's name, Tristan frowned slightly. Rather than interrupting, he quietly left and waited in the corridor for Gianna's emergence.

Suddenly, an overwhelming urge to smoke seized him.

It wasn't dependence driving this desire-something deeper stirred within him, something he needed to quell with the distraction of a cigarette.

Inside the room, Gianna engaged in extended conversation with Paulina. Only after her grandmother drifted into slumber did she quietly slip out to locate Tristan.

As the door swung open, Gianna discovered him seated on a hallway bench, his expression contemplative and distant.

He absently rubbed the ring adorning his middle finger-a habitual gesture she noticed.

Curiosity bloomed within her as she examined his ring more carefully.

The band resembled a couple's ring, prominently displayed on his middle finger. Did this signify a romantic attachment? Perhaps an existing engagement?

Detecting her presence, Tristan promptly rose from the bench and approached. "Are you tired?"

Gianna abruptly returned to the present moment, shaking her head. "I'm not tired, merely concerned about my grandmother's condition."

"There's no need for worry. I've arranged for the finest specialists to oversee her care, with professional attendance following the procedure. Your grandmother rests in capable hands and should experience a full recovery."

Tristan's reassurance provided immense solace to Gianna, coaxing a genuine smile to her lips. "I can't thank you enough, Mr. Murray."

Tristan's countenance revealed displeasure at her formality, a slight frown materializing. "You needn't continue thanking me."

Gianna maintained her respectful demeanor. "You're my grandmother's savior. My gratitude truly knows no bounds."

Paulina's medical expenses represented an endless financial abyss. Regardless of Tristan's underlying motivations, Gianna recognized that few individuals would willingly entangle themselves in such a complicated situation.

Tristan's expression grew increasingly serious. "Gianna, we're about to get married, so your grandmother will be my family too. It's only right for me to help. Don't dwell on it."

After a moment's hesitation, he added, "Shall we proceed to get married?"

Gianna's gaze returned to the ring on his finger. "Before we move forward, I must verify something. Do you currently have another partner, Mr. Murray?"

Tristan responded with a definitive headshake. "No, but what prompts this question?"

Relief washed over Gianna. "I just don't want to be the other woman."

A soft chuckle escaped Tristan. "I can offer complete assurance-I've never been romantically involved with anyone."

Gianna's eyes widened with undisguised skepticism. How could a man of his exceptional qualities have remained unattached? Who would possibly accept such an improbable claim?

Before she could fully process this revelation, Tristan redirected the conversation. "What about you?"

Gianna answered with complete honesty, "I haven't been involved with anyone either."

Since her mother's passing and Paulina's declining health, she had shouldered overwhelming responsibilities, leaving no opportunity for romantic pursuits.

Aaron represented nothing more than an unattainable dream in her heart.

Tristan chose not to pursue this line of inquiry further. "I've clarified that matter for you. May we now proceed to wed?"

Gianna responded with a simple nod.

An hour later, they emerged from the City Hall.

Gianna stared at the marriage certificate clutched in her hand, still unable to fully comprehend the reality of her situation.

She had never imagined her marriage would unfold in such an unexpected manner. Was she truly destined to share her future with the man standing before her?

Tristan observed her bewildered expression and inquired, "What occupies your thoughts?"

Gianna replied honestly, "I was merely wondering-with someone of your exceptional qualities and eligibility, why would you choose me as your wife? Is it solely because of that single night we shared? I would understand completely if you wished to reconsider now."