Chapter 82: I Need a Wife
Was this man seriously burning money just because he could? That watch was so expensive, and just because she wouldn’t accept it, he tossed it into the sea?
“It was custom-made just for you, with your name engraved on it,” Alaric explained, a touch of exasperation in his voice. “If you don’t want it, then the watch is worthless. What’s the point of keeping something that has no value?”
Engraved with her name? Galatea quickly glanced outside, her eyes widening as Alaric had already thrown the gift box into the water. The tide was rising, and soon it would be swept away entirely.
Without thinking, she leaped off the yacht, determined to retrieve it. Seeing her action, Alaric followed suit, jumping in after her. As a wave came crashing toward them, he quickly shielded her, his voice sharp with concern. “Don’t you see the tide coming in? Have you lost your mind?”
Clutching the rescued gift box tightly in her hands, Galatea retorted, “This is all your fault! You throw away an expensive watch and then blame me for it? I’m not taking the fall for this!”
She pressed the box back into his hands, saying, “If you’re going to throw it away, do it when I’m not looking. Don’t guilt-trip me!”
With that, she climbed back onto the yacht, her clothes now half-soaked, sitting on the sofa to wring out the water from her garments.
Alaric, caught between amusement and frustration, couldn’t help but chuckle at her unique nerve. “I picked out that gift for you with so much care. You really don’t want it?”
Galatea looked him squarely in the eye. “If it were just an ordinary watch, I would have gratefully accepted it. But because it’s a special custom piece, I can’t. You being wealthy is one thing, and spending money on a watch like it’s nothing is your prerogative, but for me, it’s an unbearable burden.
“There should be an equal exchange of gifts, but I can’t possibly reciprocate for something like this. Accepting it would leave me feeling endlessly uneasy.
“While you might think it’s worthless if I decline, you never consulted me before having it made, so you can’t force it on me. You have the right to give, but I also have the right to refuse.”
Alaric was taken aback once again, his expression softened by her words. A bitter smile formed on his lips. “All this over a birthday gift? Why do you have to make it sound like such a profound lesson?”
Galatea explained gently, “Maybe you think I’m being dramatic or unappreciative, but I’m really grateful that you wanted to give me a birthday gift.”
“Alright, after all this talk, I guess I’m not giving this present away.” Alaric reluctantly took back the gift box.
“I appreciate the thought, really. Thank you,” she said swiftly, changing the subject to lighten the mood. “Aren’t we heading out to sea? Shall we go?”
“Sure.” Alaric started the engine, and the yacht slowly drifted away from the coast.
Galatea stood on the deck, her heart swelling with joy as she watched the scenery unfold before her. The moon over the sea looked especially beautiful tonight, its reflection shimmering in the water, half-hidden behind wisps of cloud. The soft moonlight spread across the surface, accentuating the tranquility and harmony of the scene. It was truly breathtaking.
Lost in admiration of the view, she felt a coat draped over her shoulders. She pulled it tight around her, grateful for the warmth against the cool evening breeze.
“Thank you,” she said appreciatively, her voice soft.
“I’ve heard those two words all evening. I’m getting tired of them,” Alaric teased, his tone light but amused.
Galatea couldn’t help but laugh. “But I really am thankful. This birthday will be unforgettable.”
“Even though you didn’t accept my gift, hearing you say that makes it all worth it,” Alaric said, consoling himself with a small grin.
Galatea chuckled again, her gaze drifting back to the distant sea where it met the sky in an endless horizon. Alaric watched her, his eyes soft in the moonlight that bathed her face, casting a gentle glow on her slightly flushed cheeks. She looked captivatingly beautiful.
“Galatea Hartley.”
“Hmm?” She turned to him, her curiosity piqued. “What’s up?”
“I need a wife,” Alaric said, his voice serious and clear. “Not a pretend fiancée, but a legal wife, protected by law.”
“W-What did you say?” Galatea stammered, her eyes widening.
“Our families, the Knights and the Nashs, have been friends for generations and are entangled in a lot of business dealings. That’s why my mother insists I marry Orion. As long as I’m not truly married, she won’t give up on me marrying Orion. So, I need a woman to marry me, and considering my son likes you, you are the most suitable candidate.”
Marriage? The topic had come up again. Was this the true reason he had wanted to get married last time?
If she were alone, without the dark past she humorously referred to as her “black history,” she might have agreed without hesitation. But now, she had her reservations.
“Last time, I admit I was a bit abrupt when I asked you to get the marriage license with me. I apologize for what happened then. This time, I am sincerely asking for your opinion.”
His attitude before had been demanding, almost like an order. But now, he was polite and refined, giving her the space to consider his words.
“Is this one of those marriages of convenience, without love?” she asked, her voice cautious.
Marriages of convenience? Without love?
At the mention of those words, Alaric’s expression darkened instantly. His gaze turned cold, and he stared at her with a mixture of confusion and frustration. “Do you agree if that’s what it was?” he asked sharply.
Galatea bit her lip, taking a moment to think. Then, with a measured response, she nodded. “You’ve helped me a great deal, and I have no way to repay that. If you want to use me to completely break away from the Nash family, I can do that. I’ll draft a prenup. When we divorce, I’ll make sure to leave without taking anything from the Knight family.”
Divorce? Leaving with nothing?
The words hit Alaric like a punch to the gut. In an instant, he pinned her against the railing of the boat, his proximity suffocating. His eyes blazed with anger, his voice low and intense.
“Galatea, I really wish I could rip open your heart and see what color it is inside. Do you know how many women want to marry me? How many women dream of catching my eye?
“Given my identity, I have never bothered to celebrate anyone’s birthday with such effort. And certainly never have I discussed marriage with anyone else! Nor has anyone had the audacity to talk about divorce at the mention of marriage with me!”
Galatea felt herself stiffen at his words.
“Galatea, you truly amaze me with your definition of a virtuous widow. Your husband has been dead for years, yet you still remain pure and loyal to him. Is that it? Fine then, continue to keep your virtue for him. Forget everything I said before!”
With that, Alaric turned on his heel and stormed back into the boat, leaving Galatea standing there, confused and conflicted.
Why was he so angry? Could it be true, as Mia had suggested, that he had developed feelings for her?
Was his proposal serious? Was it love? Had Alaric fallen for her?
If it wasn’t love, why else would he be so enraged? And if it was love, then what?