The Billionaire's Contract Marriage (English)

Jacob Jefferson kneeled on one knee while his hand holding a little box, then he opened the box. It was a diamond ring inside the box. Amy Brooke gasped as she didn't expect Jacob to propose to her tonight.

"We have been together for a short time. Maybe three months is too fast, but I have met no woman that I feel more suitable to be my wife than you."

Amy put her hand to cover her mouth as she was too surprised. Since Jacob was hot and cold consecutively, she even suspected Jacob might want to end their relationship tonight. But who would have guessed that Jacob proposed to her?

"I ...."

Then the people in the restaurant, who sat near the young couples, shouted, "Accept him! Accept him! Accept him!"

Amy bit her lower lip. Then she whispered, "Jacob, please have a seat."

"Will you accept my proposal?" Jacob's eyes pleaded with her.

"Let's talk first. Then I'll give you my answer."

That was when Samuel Hoffner saw what happened. Samuel was a famous billionaire who owned so many hotel networks and restaurants, including the restaurant where Amy and Jacob were currently there. He was there with his date, Cecilia Smith.

"Do you see them?" Samuel moved his chin over Amy and Jacob.

"Yes, the man proposes to his girlfriend. Isn't it romantic?"

"Ha! Romantic? What if the girl rejects him?"

Cecilia shook her head. "I don't think she will do that. But, wait! I think I know them. The man is Jacob Jefferson, the heir to The House of Glam, while the woman is Amy Brooke, the first daughter of Peter Brooke. Peter Brooke is a genius at creating jewelry. Do you know Jewelry Palace?"

Samuel nodded as he had just bought a blue diamond necklace Cecilia loved in the Jewelry Palace. He even met with Peter Brooke, the designer of the necklace and the jewelry store owner.

He squinted his eyes and shook his head slightly. "See? The girl will reject him. She is too young to get married."

"Who said? I think Amy is twenty. She can marry now. Can you imagine if they get married? The fashion world will have a big party!"

What Cecilia said was correct as The House of Glam and Jewelry Palace were two famous places for all fashionistas. As Cecilia was a model, she knew exactly who's who in the industry.

Samuel glanced at Amy and Jacob again. Then, he saw how Amy bit her lower lip and bent her head. He made up his mind and threw his napkin. "Let's go there. I think the girl needs to be rescued."

"What will you do? They are lovers! You will disturb them."

"Let's walk there just to ensure that she's okay."

Cecilia had no choice other than to follow Samuel. She grabbed Samuel's hand, so she wouldn't be left behind. Then she walked beside him with chin lifted high. Many restaurant visitors glanced toward them in awe. Samuel smiled and nodded at some of them as he recognized some of the restaurant's regular customers.

Before he could walk further, a tall man towered in front of him. "Samuel Hoffner?"

"Yes, and you are?"

"Jason Doherty."

Samuel frowned for a second and shook his head. "Sorry, but never heard of the name."

"Maybe you won't remember any of your victims' names. But you should remember Cassiopeia Village."

Samuel stared at Jason. "Sure. I bought them last week. All papers have been managed by my lawyers."

"Your men have tricked us!" Jason clenched his fist. "We lost our inheritance land for centuries because of your sly scheme."

"Really?" Samuel raised his eyebrow. It was ridiculous since he had never forced anyone to sell their land. It's purely business!

Eavesdropping on what Samuel and Jason said, the restaurant's visitors talked about it. That was when two bodyguards came.

"Any problem, boss?"

Samuel only moved his chin a little. "Please escort this man out of the restaurant. He makes our customers uncomfortable."

Both guards immediately grabbed Jason's arm. "Sir, please don't humiliate yourself. Otherwise, you will find yourself in jail soon."

"Are you threatening me?! Your boss is the one who you should send to jail. He took our land!"

But both guards pulled Jason's hands and escorted him to the door. Their huge bodies made Jason unable to escape.

Jason kept screaming and kicking. "Let me go! You won't get away so easily! I'll get revenge! Samuel Hoffner, wait and see!"

Samuel only smiled, as receiving threats was a casual occasion for him. Nevertheless, he glanced around and smiled at the customers in the restaurant.

"Sorry for the inconvenience. It's only a man who wants to blackmail me in public." Deliberately Samuel shrugged. "I should protect myself."

"Don't worry, Mr. Hoffner! We are witnesses to how the man threatened you!" A man sitting at the following table shouted.

Samuel nodded and offered his hand to the man. "Thank you, Mr. ....?"

"Bernard. Bernard Brown. Just call me Bernard."

"Then please call me Samuel too. Thank you for your support, Bernard." Both men shook hands and smiled at each other. "Can I have your business card, Bernard? Maybe I want to make a business or two with you."

Bernard immediately reached out his wallet and handed over a card to Samuel. "It will be a great honor and pleasure."

Samuel inserted the card into his pocket, smiled, and nodded. Then he raised his hand. A server immediately approached him. He bent his body forward.

"Yes, Mr. Hoffner?"

"Please know that I treat Mr. Bernard. So, no charge for his table, please."

The server bowed again. "Understand, sir."

Bernard smiled and nodded. "Wow, it's a big surprise. I know that what I read is wrong."

"Oh? What do you read?"

Bernard scratched his back neck, unsure to tell Samuel. "Uh, you know. Don't be mad since I only read about it."

"Sure, sure. I won't be mad."

"Uh, they said that you're as cold as ice in Alaska and as mean as voracious shark." Bernard shook his head. "I think they are all wrong."

Samuel only smiled. "It depends on who they are. But let's meet a week from now. Enjoy your dinner, Bernard."

"Thank you, Samuel."

Samuel nodded. When Samuel was about to walk back to his table, the breaking glass sound suddenly filled the room.

After sitting, Amy did not answer right away. She stared at Jacob for a moment before asking, "Why did you propose to me?"

"My mom likes you. According to her, it would be great if our family were united. Our family business would be bigger."

Amy clasped her hands. "Oh..."

"Not only that." Seeing Amy's eyes dimmed, Jacob rushed to add. "I feel comfortable with you. You are a kind and understanding girl. What else can I ask for?" He took Amy's hand and held it. "So?"

Amy considered it for a moment. "Will you allow me to finish college? This is my last year. It would be a pity if I stop my studies just because we will get married."

"Of course!" Jacob answered quickly. "Honey, I know we are still young. Twenty-two may still be too young to marry and you are twenty, but why should we wait? Besides, next year my mom will start handing over bigger responsibilities in the House of Glam to me. Marrying you would be the right move."

Amy took a deep breath. Jacob was her first lover. During their three months of dating, there were never any significant problems. He treated her well. Although Amy's parents didn't really like Jacob, Amy thought maybe it was because they didn't know him well enough.

Finally, Amy nodded. "Okay, I accept your proposal, but we'll talk about getting married another time. I'm not ready to get married yet."

Jacob grinned, and his face beamed. "It doesn't matter! What's important is you're mine first." Afterward, he opened a little red velvet box containing a diamond ring. Taking the ring and put it on Amy's ring finger, Jacob lifted Amy's hand and kissed her fingers while looking at her with a gentle gaze. "My fiancee."

Amy blushed and nodded. "Yes, my fiance."

Just as Amy was about to call home to inform her parents, there was a phone call from an unknown number. She immediately picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"With Ms. Amy Brooke?" the caller asked.

"Yes, that's right, it's Amy. With whom I'm speaking?"

"This is from the Good Health Hospital. There was a car accident. Mr. Peter and Mrs. Melanie Brooke are currently in the emergency room at our hospital, and so is Ms. Jillian Brooke. Can you come to the hospital soon?"

Amy was so shocked that her hand brushed against the glass on the table, causing it to topple over and fell to the floor. The sound of breaking glass made her flinch. "Yes, I'll be right there."

"Amy, what's wrong?" Jacob asked.

"My family," Amy answered while covering her mouth with one hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Dad, Mom, and Jillian had a car accident. They are in the ER of the Good Health Hospital." Amy sobbed. "Oh, how can it be?"

Jacob took his handkerchief, then wiped Amy's tears. "Let's go there. Don't worry. Everything will be fine, honey."

Amy was speechless as she couldn't think straight. She could only nod while sobbing. As soon as hearing glass breaking, Samuel rushed over to Amy and Jacob. He just left Cecilia as she walked too slowly. When Amy cried, Samuel was already next to their table.

Staring at the broken glass, Samuel nodded towards Jacob and Amy. "Good night. Is everything alright?" he asked. Then he saw the diamond ring on Amy's finger as she put her hands on the table.

Jacob nodded and smiled slightly. "Yes, all is well, but we have to leave immediately because of an emergency." Later, Jacob grinned after staring at Samuel. "You are Mr. Samuel Hoffner, right?" He stood and offered his hand, and then both men shook hands. "I've often heard of your name, but this is the first time I met you. Nice to meet you."

Samuel shook his head. "Nice to meet you too. I seem to know you. Mr. Jacob Jefferson, the heir to the House of Glam, right?" Then he turned to Amy and glanced at the engagement ring on her finger. "I guess congratulations are in order, Ms. ...?"

Jacob nodded again enthusiastically. "Ah, yes, this is Amy Brooke, my fiancee. She's the heir to the Jewelry Palace. It's a shame we can't stay longer to celebrate our engagement because of an emergency. Maybe next time we will come here again. I'll be paying for our order and the broken glass in a moment, sir."

"Congratulations on the engagement." Samuel smiled at Amy, who nodded and wiped her tears, and then he glanced at Jacob. "Just call me Samuel. You don't have to pay because you are still waiting for the food to come. There's no need to pay for the glass either. I hope you can resolve the emergency problems soon and maybe you can come again to enjoy the dinner here."

Jacob nodded. "Thank you."

Samuel and Jacob shook hands again. Before Samuel left, he glanced at Amy, who was still crying. Even though she was in tears, Amy's pretty face was still beautiful to look at. Her black long hair arrayed below her shoulders. The thick eyelashes covered her big eyes. The small pointed nose and pink lips added her innocent beauty.

Cecilia could only pout. She watched the interaction between Samuel and Jacob from a distance because Samuel left her behind. Cecilia actually wanted to get acquainted with Jacob and Amy. It intrigued her to see Amy cried, and her face was sad, unlike those who cried because of the happiness of getting engaged.

As soon as Samuel walked towards her, Cecilia sulked right away. "Why did you leave me? I'm coming with you because I want to get to know them."

Samuel raised his eyebrows. "You guys are in the same circle. It is easy to get acquainted with them next time. Besides, they are in an emergency."

"Oh?" Cecilia looked at Samuel. "What happened?"

"How do I know?" Samuel said, shrugging and walking past Cecilia.

Samuel and Cecilia returned to their table. As soon as she sat down, Cecilia immediately whispered, "So, did Amy accept or reject Jacob's proposal?"

Samuel just chuckled. "Good grief! That isn't important!"

"That's important!" Cecilia protested. "I'm curious because this is very important news."

"Why?" Samuel's brow furrowed at hearing that. "That's their business. No need to know about other people's affairs."

Cecilia sighed and shook her head. "They are potential heirs to their family business. Because of their family's big names, of course the news of their engagement will become the everyone's talk."

"Ah, gossip." Samuel chuckled again. "I think the models are judged by their ability to present clothes, not by how much gossip they know," he quipped sharply.

Cecilia let out a long sigh. "You really don't understand. The world of modeling has many intricacies. It's not enough to have achievements, but we also have to build relationships with others. Knowing more information about the big people will help."

"By spreading and knowing gossip?" Samuel's voice pitched higher. He was tired of this talk. When his phone rang, he immediately picked up. "Hello?"

"Samuel, why don't you ever visit Grandma again? Have you forgotten about me?"

"Oh, Grandma, how could I forget?" Samuel rubbed his nape. "I'll be right there in a few minutes, okay? What do you want me to bring, Grandma? Your favorite meals?"

Vivian Hoffner, Samuel's grandmother, shook her head. "No need. I already had my dinner. Just come here. It's more than enough for me to see you. Quick! There's something I want to talk to you about."

"What do you want to talk about? Don't tell me it's about the last issue you want."

"The last issue? What is it?" she asked.

"Ah, Grandma, please! You always love to pretend that you don't know what I meant while you know exactly what it is." Samuel let out a sigh. "All right, we'll talk about it later. See you later." Samuel ended the conversation. He took a deep breath, quite relief that there was a reason to take Cecilia home. "My grandma called. I have to meet her. Come, I'll take you home now."

The trip to the hospital felt so long. Amy bit her lower lip while praying that her parents and sister would be okay. She was worried because the hospital staff who contacted her said that her parents and sister were treated in the emergency room (ER). If they only had slight wounds, surely they wouldn't stay in the ER.

"Amy, everything will be alright. Don't worry." Jacob squeezed Amy's hand.

She nodded while still sobbing. "I hope so."

They didn't speak anymore until they arrived at the hospital. Jacob and Amy rushed inside to go to the registration department. There was no queue, so they could go straight in.

"I'm Amy Brooke. I just got a call from here, probably from the registration staff. She said my parents (Peter and Melanie Brooke) and my sister (Jillian Brooke) had a car accident and are now in the ER." Amy took a deep breath and shed her tears. "Is the information correct?"

The registration staff did not immediately respond. "Wait a moment, please. Let me check our data first. Please wait and I'll notify you soon."

Amy nodded. She stumbled when she wanted to walk to the waiting seats. Jacob caught her hand and led her to sit in the provided waiting chairs. In a frantic state of mind, Amy couldn't think straight. She could only pray that everything would be alright, that it might be only a cruel joke or nightmare.

He put his arm around her waist and whispered comforting words. "Relax, everything will be fine. We'll just need to wait."

After a while, Amy finally calmed down. She waited to hear from the registration staff, and it felt like hours. Amy watched the staff calling someone and nodding. After about half an hour, a doctor came into the registration office. The hospital staff spoke to the doctor, then nodded and glanced at Amy and Jacob's direction.

The doctor and staff walked over to Amy and Jacob. After nodding, the registration staff said, "Ms. Brooke, this is Doctor Benjamin who takes care of Mr. Peter, Mrs. Melanie, and Ms. Jillian Brooke. I will let the doctor explain everything. I must take my leave now." Afterward, the staff returned to her office.

Doctor Benjamin shook hands with Amy and Jacob. "Ms. Brooke, please sit down first." After they sat, Doctor Benjamin said, "I'm really sorry. Mr. Peter and Mrs. Melanie couldn't make it. When they were brought to the hospital, they were bleeding badly, and there was nothing we could do. I'm sorry that Mr. Peter and Mrs. Melanie already passed away when they arrived at our hospital."

Amy's tears burst in no time. Jacob hugged Amy and squeezed her shoulders. Everything was gloomy, and she couldn't find words to say. After a while, Amy finally asked through her sobs, "Then what about Jillian, Doctor?"

"Ms. Jillian is still in the ER. We strive to stop the bleeding. Yet a special operation is needed for that which cannot be postponed any longer. We need signatures from the immediate family for the approval of the operation."

Amy nodded with a sob. "Okay, Doctor, I agree for my sister to have surgery. Where should I sign?"

"I will take the forms and the agreement letter." Doctor Benjamin got up from his seat and returned to the registration office. Before long, he returned with a folder. He issued a statement containing information about Jillian and a statement of consent from the patient's family for the operation. Amy quickly signed everything, as she knew time was crucial. Every second might determine Jillian's life or death.

"Can Jillian recover, Doctor? Will the operation work to save her life?" Amy looked at Doctor Benjamin with blurry eyes because her tears kept flowing down. "Please save my sister, Doctor. I beg you. She's my only family now." She sobbed again.

"We will give our best, Ms. Brooke. The rest, we leave it to God. I will prepare surgery for Jillian now. After the operation, I will give you more information on her condition."

Amy nodded. "Yes, thank you, Doctor."

After that, the doctor left them. Amy and Jacob waited for hours. It was one at dawn. "Jacob, you go home first. The operation may take a long time."

He shook his head. "I will wait here."

When Amy was about to argue, Jacob's cell phone suddenly rang. He quickly glanced at his phone screen. "My mom. I have to pick this up," Jacob said to Amy. "Hello, Mom?"

"Jacob, where are you? Why don't you come home? What time is it now?" Jacob's mother grumbled.

"Mom, I accompany Amy. Oh, yes, she has accepted my proposal." Jacob glanced at Amy with a smile and reached out to hold and squeeze her hand.

"That's great! When are you guys getting married? I wonder if we must have a speedy wedding. Did you already impregnate her?" Jacob's mother asked non-stop.

Jacob chuckled and shook his head. "Oh, Mom, no! I'm in the hospital right now. There's been car accidents. Uncle Peter and Aunt Melanie died in an accident. Amy's sister is currently waiting for surgery."

"What? Good grief!" Jacob's mom said. "I understand. You should stay with Amy until it's clear what her situation is. If, for example, she becomes the heir to her family's business, you two should get married right away. The sooner, the better."

Jacob took a deep breath. "Mom, don't rush. Amy still has to take care of her sister and graduate first."

"Her sister is the blind one, right?" Jacob's mother let out a tsk sound. "Ouch, it will bother you later when you marry Amy. Ah, but that's okay. You can pay a nurse to take care of her sister." After a moment of silence, she continued her words. "If Amy doesn't inherit her family business, or it becomes a difficult situation for you to continue your relationship with her, cut ties with her. Understand?!"

"Mom!" Jacob protested. He took a deep breath then stood up and walked farther from Amy. Afterward, he let out a heavy sigh. "How can I leave Amy in her difficult condition? She's my fiancee."

"You've only been dating her for three months. If you find a better partner, you should definitely leave her."

Jacob couldn't argue with what his mother said though he disagreed with her. He said nothing because he knew it was useless to argue. "Let's just pray that everything will be fine, Mom. Alright then. I want to accompany Amy again. Let's talk again tomorrow."

"Remember what I said. If she will be a burden, leave her! There are still many eligible women who can be your wife. I like Amy only because she is the heir to the family business. If she turns out to be poor, why are you still with her? It'll be just a waste of time." After that, Jacob's mother hung up the phone.

Jacob put his phone back into his trouser pocket and returned to Amy. "My mom asked me to tell you she was happy for our engagement and expressed her condolences too. She prayed Jillian's operation will work well." He lied to Amy because it was impossible for him to tell her the truth.

She nodded and smiled a little. "Please say my thanks to your mother. Maybe if Jillian's surgery goes well, I'll come over to your parents' house to thank her in person."

"Just relax. The important thing now is Jillian's recovery."

After that, they said nothing and continued waiting. Jacob nodded off in a chair until Amy pitied him. She touched his shoulder. "Sleep first. We can take turns later."

Jacob yawned and nodded. "Okay. Wake me up three hours later. It's your turn to rest, and I will wait for the doctor."

Amy nodded. Jacob leaned his back against the chair. After closing his eyes, his breathing soon became regular, showing that he had fallen asleep. Amy took a deep breath. So many thoughts were in her mind. Her only hope was Jillian's operation would be successful.