Chapter 3: Are We Getting Married or Not?

Eliana was totally surprised when she saw Chase booting the guy next to her several feet away. Chase then turned to the other guy who grabbed her wrist, and squeezed his shoulder, saying, "Don't. Touch. Her!" The three words hit Eliana like an invisible warmth surging through her entire body, making her heart racing. Before she could react, she heard a crisp sound as Chase effortlessly dislocated the man's hand from his shoulder. The other thugs watched wide-eyed. They were professional thugs, physically superior to ordinary people. But faced with such a formidable opponent, they had no choice but to slink away. "How are you? Are you hurt?" Chase asked, pulling Eliana's hand to inspect it. Eliana withdrew her hand cautiously. "You seemed quite skilled in that fight. Who are you exactly?" Chase's gaze darkened slightly, his cold, handsome face devoid of emotion. "I run a boxing gym. Is it strange that I know a few self-defense moves?" It would have been strange if he didn't. Each move he made seemed lethal, indicating a high level of expertise. Eliana sensed the weirdness and hesitated. Was she really going to marry him? She suddenly felt that she knew nothing about this man. Seeing her silence, Chase grew impatient. "Are we getting married or not? If not, then pay me for today's work." Eliana sighed. What was done was done. Everyone saw his face and she’d need to introduce him to her parents later. "Yes, we are getting married. But let me clarify, this is a marriage of convenience. For the next three months, you have to cooperate with me. We must live together without any slip-ups." "We can live together, but you can't touch me. Let me make it clear, I'm here for acting, not for sex," Chase stated seriously. Eliana rolled her eyes. Who would want his stiff, muscle-bound body anyway? "Let's hurry up and finish the registration," Eliana urged. After completing the formalities and taking the photos, Eliana frowned. "Ugh, My lipstick color has worn off, and the photographer didn't say a word. Now the pictures look terrible." Chase glanced at her. "It's only valid for three months anyway. Why do you care so much? What? You don’t want to change it?" Eliana had a good taste in fashion. She would always take care of her looks. "Of course I do. I'll definitely come back for another shoot in three months!" Just like that, Eliana and Chase stepped out of the city hall gate with their marriage certificate. "Get in the car," Eliana said, opening the door. Chase got into the car. "Where are we going?" Eliana started the car. With a sly smile, she said, "We're going to your boxing gym." Seeing is believing. Eliana was a woman of action. Chase's face darkened, but he stayed quiet, the play of light and shadow on his handsome features giving him a stern look. Seeing his silence, Eliana grew more suspicious. "What? Are you just fabricating an identity?" "Of course not. Go to 613 Preston Street," Chase said casually, leaning against the window with one hand. Eliana reached out. "Give me your phone." Who knew if he would use this opportunity to secretly inform someone and set up a trap? "Whoa! You're asking for my phone already? Do you already consider me your husband?" Chase teased, his tone light but his eyes betraying a touch of seriousness. "I won't use it. Just leave it on the phone holder, and I'll return it to you when we arrive," Eliana said, eyeing him. Chase's long lashes drooped slightly. After a few seconds of silence, he took out his phone and placed it on the phone holder. Eliana was satisfied and started driving. On the road, she stole a few glances at Chase. He remained composed, making her wonder if she was being overly suspicious. Or was he just putting up a show? Twenty minutes later, they arrived. Eliana got out of the car and indeed saw a boxing gym named "F&S Boxing." The storefront was about a hundred square meters, looking quite modern and well-organized. "Shall we?" Chase said, taking back his phone and walking in first. Eliana followed him in, seeing several people training inside, some sparring in the ring, and plenty of training equipment. He really was a boxer! She glanced around and asked, "Is it newly opened? I can smell the paint." Chase turned to look at her casually. "It's been renovated recently. Cost me a big number and I have to take up part-time work." "Selling yourself for boxing?" Eliana found it unbelievable. Making money and getting punched, what kind of kinky habit was that? Chase gave her a sideways glance. She got a nice figure. "Is there a clause in our contract about selling myself?" "You wish," Eliana immediately retorted, glaring warningly. The people in the gym noticed them and began to gather around. Their eyes scrutinized Eliana. "Mr. Wilkinson, who's this?" one of them asked. Eliana widened her eyes. "Mr. Wilkinson?" The man quickly explained, "Mr. Wilkinson is our head coach. We like to call him Mr. Wilkinson." Make sense. Eliana looked at the well-built bodies around her. She was starting to believe Chase's words completely. "She's your lady boss. Show some respect." The tall, sturdy men, all over six feet tall, grinned and shouted in unison, "Mrs. Wilkinson!" Eliana felt a bit embarrassed. "It was a last-minute decision to come here today. Dinner's on me later to make up for it." "Thank you, Mrs. Wilkinson," they chorused again. Chase looked at the Eliana's slightly flushed face and frowned. "Back to training, everyone." The group immediately dispersed and went back to their positions to continue training. Eliana checked her phone and said, "I've got to handle something real quick, so I'll bounce. Shoot me your number, and I'll text you my address later. Dinner's a must; my dad's been curious to meet you." Chase's profile picture was simple, just a black image. Compared to him, Eliana's was obviously more vibrant, showing her sitting elegantly with a glass of red wine on a luxurious sofa, looking graceful and beautiful. After Eliana left, Stephan rushed over. He was sweating all over from trying to make the act more convincing. "Mr. Wilkinson, how was our performance? Did we give anything away?" Earlier, when Stephan had delivered the passport, Chase had instructed him to find a place to open a boxing gym just to prevent Eliana from becoming suspicious. She wasn't brainless trust-fund princess; there was something captivating about her. "Let them train here every day and sign up for some competitions," Chase said, always thorough in his actions. Stephan wiped his sweat. Thankfully, he was an assistant and not a bodyguard; participating in matches was not something an ordinary person could do. As for others, god bless them in their competition. Chase took out the thin marriage certificate and took a picture to send to his grandfather. "I'll come back for the remaining shares in three months."