Convenience Marriage: Husband Is Out Of Love

Lisa's POV

I have a bone to pick with my mum. Her call to me just now is really confusing. She's demanding that I come to meet her immediately at her place of work.

I get to the company and I'm standing on the opposite side. It's Trevor Enterprises, known to be one of the richest establishments in the world. Except that, the owner of the company is a real clotpole. I don't know so much about the owner's son though. Mum wouldn't tell me that much. I see my mum just outside the door and I cross over to meet her.

"Mum you sounded terrible over the phone and you made my heart jump," I say to Mum.

"Oh sweetie, I didn't mean to scare you. It's just, that your father's condition is getting worse. The hospital called and said your father needs to undergo surgery." She responds.

I feel devastated and sad. I know my family doesn't have the money to pay for my father's surgery. I know if he doesn't get operated on, it could increase his chances of dying.

"But, isn't the surgery supposed to eradicate the problem in his throat?" I say to mum.

"It is. If the problem isn't taken care of soon, he could die." My mum says, with a teary voice.

I feel so terrible. I tell my mum that we're going to figure something out. I tell my mum that I intend to pick a dog walking job, and also work morning shifts at the diner opposite our apartment.

Mum gasps! " No, honey. I.. I'm doing the work. If you work two jobs, you'll get worn out." Mum grimaces as if she is disappointed in her inability to provide for my father's surgery. I understand her feelings and I comfort her.

"It's.. it's gonna be alright mum. I can't let you do it all by yourself, besides I'm not a kid anymore. " I say, and wink at my mum to encourage her. It seems to be working so I turn to leave. I intend to walk straight to the diner and offer to work for them. Whatever I make, I'll save till it's enough for Dad's surgery. But how much can I save in so little time??

On my way, I have no idea that I'd been spotted by a certain someone who's taken a dangerous interest in me.

Lucian's POV

I spot a girl with long, silky black hair talking to a janitor in my company. She's really beautiful and I'm struck. I ask my assistant who she is and he informs me.

"She's the daughter of Mrs Young."

As I step out of the car, I remain, gazing at the petite beauty.

"I wonder what her body tastes like."

I say and I notice my assistant roll his eyes. I mutter, "idiot."

Making my way into my office, I spot Mrs Young continuing with her cleaning but wearing a long face. Normally I don't care, but the sight of her gorgeous daughter makes me a little warm so I ask her why she's sad.

"What's the matter...." I stutter a little because I don't really know her name.

"Mrs Young." My assistant whispers quickly to me.

"Mrs young?"

She doesn't notice my confusion so I'm glad.

"It's nothing, sir. I'm alright sir."

I'm disgusted at her reservation. Pfft, I only tried being nice not that I was really bothered about the well-being of a poor person. I scoff under my breath and walk away.

Imaginative glimpses of Mrs Young's daughter fill my mind and it appears I'm troubled. As I'm in the elevator, I tell myself to remain calm.

Mrs Young's POV

I'm perturbed. I have thoughts swimming through and from my head. My husband could die at any moment if I didn't supply the money for his surgery. I'm almost cursing away at myself when I recollect that my boss has asked about my well-being.

In fact, I'm shocked he did so but I'm encouraged. I feel I can ask him for help. Even if he wouldn't help me, it would be best to take the risk. I ready myself and head out to his office located on the highest floor of the building.

While in the elevator, intrusive thoughts trouble me and cause me to second-guess my intentions. I think of suspending my request but the heaviness of my situation advises me otherwise.

Finally, I get to the highest floor and exit the elevator. It is time for me to boldly make my request. I wonder whether I could get fired.

Lucian's POV

"Come in."

Mrs Young proceeds into my office. I'm a little stunned to see that she was the one knocking.

"You could have met my assistant if it was this urgent." I say to her, a little bit annoyed.

"Yes sir, I know we lower member workers should not tread these paths. I also know that our requests should be passed through the secretary or your assistant, if it's very urgent." She responds with an understanding attitude. My annoyance is a little reduced, seeing that she knows her place.

"So why are you here?" I ask.

"Sir you asked how I was doing before."

Does this woman think I have a crush on her, just because I asked about her wellbeing? This should be interesting. I'm amused at her approach. She notices my smile and quickly recoils, as if she's lost the will to proceed .

I nod in encouragement..." Go on.."

"My husband is very sick. He's been for a while so he's been staying at the hospital. "

She says.

My gaze is fixed on her now, keenly interested in her intention. I'm amused when I'm able to guess what she wants.

"Majority of my paycheck had been going to his hospital bills. My daughter, I mean my daughter is so patient and understanding. She's managing the life I can give her. I'm grateful but it also hurts because there's so much I-" she's babbling on and on that I just interrupt her.

"Save the sob story. What do you want, Mrs Wang?"

I forget her name again.

"Sir, I need $25,000 for my husband's surgery." She says.

I gaze at her for a minute and laugh.

"So all that display, just for a measly $25 grand?" , I say in disgust.

She looks like she's about to indulge another story time so I immediately speak before she does.

"I'll give it you." I say.

"Sir I'm so sorry that I'm asking for this loud amount. It's the money required for my husband's surgery. If it weren't the case, I wouldn't interrupt your peace with my troubles." She rants on, and I get irritated.

"Mrs Wang! I said I'll give you the money!" I say, impatiently.

She gasps in horror and excitement.

"Oh thank you. Thank you so much sir. I'll pay you back gradually from my paycheck. Every week, just dedu-"

"You don't have to. " I say but she hasn't heard me.

"What?" She looks confused.

"You don't have to pay me back." I say.

She begins jubilations but I abruptly cut her.

"I didn't say I didn't want anything in return. I just said, you didn't have to pay back." I say, aggressively. Her look of horror returns as I rise from my chair and walk toward her.

"Selfish enough not to ask what I want?" I smirk.

Her voice quivers as she speaks.

"Wh.. what do you want, sir?"

"Word on the street is, you have a daughter. Yes?"

She delays to respond.

"Yes..yes I do sir. Why do you..."

A look of realization flashes through her face.

"No..no you can't mean that.."

I smirk at her, "you can't tell me what to do, remember?"

The smirk doesn't leave my face. To her horror, I say..

"It's your daughter, or no money for your husband's urgent surgery..."

She is petrified.

Lisa's POV

"Thank you so much! You won't regret employing me, I promise!"

I say to the manager while leaving her office.

She's a great woman, I can tell by her demeanor. I'm to resume at the diner at 88 am tomorrow. I've explained that I can only work morning shifts. I'm walking down the street now to my apartment when my almost-damaged Android phone rings. I look and see who's calling. 'sweet pooh'. It's my mother.

"Guess what mum? I've just got a job at Tracy's Delights and it's a morning shift. It comes with good pay too! I told you we were going to sort everything out. I only need to save for 3 months."

I hear my last statement and resume devastation. I don't think my dad should wait that long for his surgery. I forget that I'm on a phone call with Mum until I hear her gloomy voice.

"Lisa..?"

"Yes, mum?" I hear her sob and I become alarmed. I wonder whether my father has given up the ghost.

"Mum! What is it?? You don't sound... you're crying! Is it Dad Is he okay??"

I'm rambling on not giving my mother a chance to talk.

"Are you home? The hospital? Should I come over??"

My mum is still sobbing and it makes me more uncomfortable.

"Mum, where are you?!"

It seems my tone jerks her up so she responds.

"I'm..uh ...I'm home.."

"Okay then! I'll be with you shortly."

I say, hurrying up the stairs to our apartment. I get to the door. D13. That's the label of our apartment.

I take in a deep breath and brace myself before bending the door knob. I walk in to see my mother spread on the long sofa, weeping her eyes out. I hurry to her.

"Mum? Mum.. what is it? Why are you crying?"

She sits up...

Mrs Young's POV

I'm sad all day realizing I've practically sold my daughter for money. I feel awful and I cannot stop crying.

As I sit up to look at my worried daughter's face, guilt drowns my conscience. Her innocence is glaring and I cannot help but blame myself for apparently ruining it.

"Lisa.."

I sniff ..." Lisa, I'm... I'm ok. It's.."

Her eyes are glistening and ready to listen. But she doesn't know the complication I've put her in.

"Honey.. honey.."

I sit right and motion for her to sit beside me. I take her hands in mine and break the grievous news.

"You're getting..married."

I say, waiting for a response from her but I get nothing.

"You're getting married, my love to...to my boss.."

I can tell Lisa's dumbfounded.

Lisa's POV

My mother's words are like bees buzzing in my ears. My brain is unable to comprehend her words.

"What do... Mother, what do you expect me to make of this? What do you mean?"

I retort in disbelief.

"He threatened you to do this?? Why, are you owing him money?? That Mr Trevor is an absolute scum of the earth. He deserves to-" I blast on before my mum interrupts me.

"Not him. His son. His son is my boss. He's the one I've always complained about."

I can't believe my mother right now and I am furious at her.

"Boy, are you just opening a can of worms today.So if he's the slimy slug that treats everyone like they're worthless, how come you're readily giving me to him?! "

I say, raising my voice.

My mother explains to me how she went to him for help and he asked for something in return. She explains how she doesn't know he found out she has a daughter but that's just it. He wants me to marry him. I keep calm, knowing my mum has done this for my father's sake.

"It's a life of sacrifice. I'll do it. But what I don't understand is how long I'm to be married for."

"He said, just until after your father fully recovers from the surgery. So basically, after I've used the money to pay for his surgery."

I glare at my mum, running a few thoughts through my head.

"This is fishy. So he'll marry me for a week or two and annul the wedding?"

I see my mum realizing that she hadn't thought it all through.

"Oh, my dearest. What have I done? What is this man up to?!"

I comfort my mum.

"It's fine, mum. Really. Whatever happens, I'll be okay. Trust me. Besides we're doing this for Dad..so... it's a family sacrifice."

"But why do you have to be the one to carry all of our burdens??"

I comfort my mum again and reassure her. She tells me I have to follow her to work the next day. She says I should try not to look pretty so he's discouraged. But I laugh and remind her that her husband's safety rides on this. I think of my new job at Tracy's Delights and regret how I have to disappoint this lovely woman. I sigh in disbelief... wondering what would become of me.

* * * * *

The following day...

Lucian's POV

I feel satisfied with myself and my scheme. I know there's no way the wretch would reject my offer so I'm confident she'll be coming along with her pretty petite daughter. I seem a little excited that I'm even thrown aback. I try to keep myself in check and my feelings at bay.

"Come on in."

I say after I hear a knock at the door. When my assistant steps in, I'm disappointed and upset.

"Since when do you knock before coming into my office?"

"Well, I have to start doing that because I don't want to keep coming in on you having a blast with female employees."

I feel his impatient sting and ignore it.

"Because you're good looking, and an efficient worker, I'll let this slide."

I say, throwing my face away from his direction.

"Is everything ready?"

"At your command sir."

"Enough of that. Is, everything ready? Have you got the money in your account?" I ask impatiently.

"Yes. But I don't understand why you want me to send it from my account. Besides, it's a silly game you're playing. How do you want to be married for two weeks?"

In my thoughts, I feel my assistant knows way too much for his own good.

"You should learn to keep your mouth shut sometimes and just do as you are told."

A knock is heard on the door again.

"Just open the door."

The graceful black-haired beauty steps first into my office and I'm in heaven. I forget the world around me feeling engulfed by her presence. I don't know when I begin to smile.

"This is my daughter, Lisa Young."

I don't realize I'm being spoken to.

"Lisa, this is Mr Lucian Trevor. Current CEO of Trevor Enterprises and my boss."

I'm still lost in my gaze at her daughter till my assistant taps my shoulder. I'm embarrassed.

"Oh of course. Hello, pleasure to meet you. Sure your mum has filled you in. Let's not dilly-dally. Scott, make the transfer immediately."

My gaze hasn't left Lisa. I'm also wondering why she's having this effect on me.

"My word! It's a million dollars! But I asked for..."

"Just..go, Mrs Young. Scott, you too."

"Please don't talk to my mother like that."

The little firecracker barks at me, and I'm amused.

As they leave the office, I return my gaze to Lisa.

"I see you have fangs, pretty little Lisa. I wonder how deeply they bite."

I say and smirk in amusement.. my gaze leaves her horrified and I'm elated.

"Oh I'm going to enjoy you...so much.."

Lisa's POV

I'm uncomfortable and annoyed. The world is moving way too fast and I certainly cannot keep up. We're at his mansion now and it sure is massive. I flashback to our conversation at the office...

The flashback:

Lucian: so tomorrow we're going to a registry to sign our marriage documents. It's a contract, call it whatever. Do you have any questions?

Lisa: No...no I don't. Just, what do you hope to achieve by doing this?

Lucian: *laughs... Honey, you look innocent and tempting. I want to be the first to unravel you. After I'm done, anyone else can have you.

Lisa: *irritated..has anyone ever told you, you're an insensitive jerk?

Lucian: oh yes. Everyone says that. But they can't say it to my face. They do not have the guts to. Meanwhile, I have all the money and power in the world so I practically rule the world. You would be wise to tame that sharp tongue of yours and mind your manners. Otherwise, the only thing your mother would come back for is your remains...

Back to the present...

I sigh in sadness as I recollect the lethal stare in his eyes and wonder what a monster he is.

"Ma'am, master said I should show you to your room."

I snap back to reality and behold a beautiful lady standing before me. She looks much older and I feel sorry for her immediately.

"Oh..sure. "

I get up and follow behind her. We walk through the halls and up the stairs. Two doors to the right and the third one is my room.

"Um...miss.."

"Franca, ma'am. My name is Franca."

"Franca. Of course. It's a lovely name. "

She says nothing to me. I'm a little hurt because I'm trying to be friendly.

"Where's your boss' room?" I ask, looking around, hoping to see a door labeled 'the devil's zone'. I laugh at my inside joke.

"It's right over there."

She points at a door situated just two doors after my room. Surprisingly, it has an angel carving on it and I mock at the irony. My activities make Franca puzzled.

"Oh, haha. Don't mind me, Franca. I'm just trying to...have fun with myself...I mean since I've been forced to live in this.. apparently beautiful hellhole."

Whilst giving my speech, I can't help but notice that Franca is giving me a nasty look.

"Will that be all, ma'am?"

She asks rather aggressively.

"Sure, thanks. "

I say and open the door as she leaves. I look around the room and see how beautiful it is. It's got a king-sized bed and beautiful drapes on the window. The room is colored rose gold and I'm a little excited.

"Wow.. this is so lovely. Wealth is good. It's just unfortunate that bad people seem to access it more. "

I notice a nightwear on the bed with a note on it. I pick up the note and read...

'you will be changing your wardrobe tomorrow, starting with this nightwear. You can't be my wife and be dressed like a hag.'

The bath is prepared and I see all sorts of bathing shampoos and a smile lights up my face.

"Maybe he's not so bad .."

The next day, at the boutique...

Lucian's POV

"So, now that we're husband and wife, I can do whatever I want to you."

I say, licking my lower lip. I see Lisa readjust herself. I'm amused.

"You know, you come on as a plaything. "

Lisa still doesn't respond.

"Pick whatever you like. You should come out here to.."

I realize that the boutique is owned by my father, so I make a new decision.

"I'll follow you into the dressing room."

"You can't be serious. It's restricted for men!" Lisa retorts.

I give a smug look, "have you ever been in a boutique? What would you know about them?"

.....

Lisa's POV

As I'm picking my clothes, I find it audacious that Lucian wants to come into the dressing room with me. I try to convince some workers to reprimand him but I fail.

"It is his father's anyway. Gosh! They own nearly everything in town. "

I see him on the phone, seriously talking and I think this is a chance for me to escape this boutique session. I see that he's distracted, so I drop the clothes on the ground and make a run for it.

A few minutes later...

"Would you let go of me?!"

I'm squirming and kicking while resting on the shoulders of one of Lucian's bodyguards. I'm so disappointed that I've been caught and I'm scared of what Lucian would do.

"Put me down, right now!"

The bodyguard roughly drops me on the ground and I scream out in pain.

I'm expecting Lucian to come toward me and probably land a slap on my face or pull my hair.

"How dare you?" Lucian's voice is thin and coarse as he asks. I'm about to respond when my eyes catch him throwing a punch at his bodyguard's face.

I'm dumbfounded.

"Don't you ever handle her like that again! Do you understand me?!"

His voice is coarse this time.

He bends over to me and lifts me. He dusts off my clothes and straightens my hair. While his hand is on my hair, his eyes are locked on mine. I can see fear...and care...

"Are you okay? Have you been injured?"

His eyes are still locked on mine and I feel an icy chill run down my spine...

'is this..the heartless Lucian?'

He realizes himself closes his eyes and steps back. As though something has come over him again.

"Don't think you can ever get away from me, pretty little Lisa. " He smirks and I begin to curse at him again.

He beckons to a worker to pack my clothes and some indoor footwear into his car.

" I'll have my assistant send you the payment for everything."

He grabs me by my arm and pulls me to follow him.

Lucian's POV

I'm thinking about my actions today and I'm disappointed in myself.

"How could I have allowed myself to be weak? Caring like that for that girl. She's only a plaything to me and that's it!"

I declare, but guilt pangs at my chest.

"What is it about her that... that makes me want to protect her?"

I say and comb my hands through my hair. I'm perturbed. I know that I have vowed to never let anyone get close to me...or..love anyone.

"I must kill this. Whatever it is, I can't let it grow. "

I command myself to obey this decision.

I come out from my room and I walk down the hall. I stop at Lisa's door at stare at it a little, combating whether or not to seek an audience with her.

I surrender to my urge and knock on the door.

"Coming!"

Her sweet voice calls out and I'm moved. I can feel my manhood hardening.

"Yes?" She says after opening the door.

What I see makes me go so crazy that I pull her to myself and stare deeply into her eyes...

"Lu.. Luci.." she says quietly, and I know she's never had this proximity with a man...