Chapter 6 Married

Sabrina brought up the topic of her job because Aaron had previously mentioned it to her. Aaron said that if they got married, Sabrina would need to quit her job and focus solely on taking care of the household. She was head over heels for him then, but the idea of zero income was a deal-breaker. How could they live without income? Being pragmatic, she turned him down flat. Now, she was not sure what Curtis wanted, but she mentioned it anyway. If he was going to demand she quit her job, she would need to weigh whether this marriage, purely transactional as it was, was worth going through with. Quitting her current job and trying to land one just like it a year later would be much easier said than done. Curtis looked puzzled, unable to comprehend why Sabrina would make such a request. He could understand the no-intimacy clause, as he felt the same way. But what was the second part all about? "I'm not the kind of man who would force my wife to stay at home and take care of the family after marriage," Curtis assured her. "So, you can relax about that. However, I do want you to move in with my Grandpa after we tie the knot. "My Grandpa might seem fine on the surface, but he's actually not doing well. For the next year, we'll all have to live together. My parents are unlikely to be around, so you won't have to worry about not getting along with them. As for your work, it's your choice and I'm not going to interfere at all." Upon hearing Curtis's words, Sabrina exhaled in relief. "Great. In that case, I accept." Curtis nodded and stood up. He headed for the door but then paused. "Would you like to come over for dinner? I'd like to inform my grandfather about our upcoming marriage." The request was reasonable, so Sabrina nodded and followed Curtis home. Daniel was thrilled when he heard about their plans to get married. However, knowing his grandson's quirks, he suspected there might be a catch involving money. After dinner, Sabrina returned home, and Curtis prepared to head back to work. "Wait a minute, Curtis. Sit down. I have something to discuss with you," Daniel said, his expression turning serious. "I don't know what you said to Sabrina to make her agree to the marriage, but I expect you to treat her well. She's a good woman, and you'll come to realize this over time. "If this marriage is merely a transaction," Daniel added, furrowing his brow, "then I'd rather you call it off." Daniel couldn't help but ponder the sudden change in his usually reserved grandson's stance. Earlier in the day, Curtis had adamantly declared that he wouldn't spend money on unrelated individuals and had expressed strong reservations about marrying Sabrina. Now, he was not only willing to marry her but also offered to help her financially. The shift in Curtis's attitude raised questions in Daniel's mind. Curtis chuckled. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I've thought it over this afternoon. Sabrina isn't as bad as I initially thought. I would want to take time to build a relationship with her." "I hope that's true. Do not mistreat Sabrina," Daniel reiterated. Curtis thought his grandfather was overly concerned. After all, he was not one to mistreat women. "Of course. We'll go get our marriage license tomorrow morning, and then she'll move in with us." With those final words, Curtis went to his study to work, leaving Daniel hopeful that this marriage would indeed be as perfect as he imagined. * Sabrina wore a fresh outfit that morning, radiating both energy and beauty. She stood at the entrance of the city hall, pondering whether she had completely lost her mind. The thought of marrying a man she had known for less than three days seemed surreal. As she waited at the doorway, she glanced at her wristwatch from time to time. They had agreed on ten o'clock, and she had no interest in tolerating tardiness. Just as the clock struck ten, a BMW pulled up in front of her. Sabrina tilted her head, sizing up the car that was likely worth over a hundred thousand dollars. She had once dreamed about owning a car like that when she bought her apartment, but life had different plans, and those dreams got benched. Curtis emerged from the car, adjusting his clothes and stretching his neck. The car belonged to his secretary and was far from comfortable to drive. However, it helped conceal his true identity. Uncertain of how Sabrina would react if she discovered his real persona, he wore an inscrutable expression. "Let's go," he said, making his way into the building. Not wanting to waste another moment, Sabrina followed. Today was not a busy day for weddings, so the paperwork took just about fifteen minutes. Walking out of the city hall, Sabrina felt a sense of disbelief that she was now married. "I have other things to attend to. As for moving, you can either wait for me tonight or go ahead without me. Also, send me your bank details so I can transfer the money," Curtis said briskly, his tone authoritative. It left Sabrina with little room to argue, and all she could do was nod. Having said his piece, Curtis got into the BMW and drove away. Sabrina stood at the entrance for a few more minutes, looking at the marriage license in her hands and pursing her lips. She resolved to sell her apartment anyway. What if the 100,000 dollars wasn't enough? With her mind made up, she hailed a cab to go home. Thankfully, she would have a place to stay this year. Once her grandfather got better, she would consider other options. When she arrived back at the apartment, Daniel was already waiting at the door. His face lit up with a kind smile upon seeing her. "I always thought we had a special connection. Now, you're my granddaughter-in-law. Come, lunch is ready." Sabrina felt a complex surge of emotions, touched deeply. She had been away from home-cooked meals for so long. She gathered her thoughts and walked inside with Daniel. "Daniel... Grandpa, I'll bring my stuff over soon. We're going to be living together from now on." She stumbled a little over the words, still adjusting to the new name she would have to call him by.