Chapter 2

"You make him sound old. He's only thirty,” Leslie retorted softly, “He has reached a stable and mature age. Besides, you knew I've had a crush on him for years, even though others might not have known.” Lisa was well aware of Leslie’s feelings. Leslie went hiking with her classmates when she was fifteen. They got caught in a landslide, and Christopher rescued her. Leslie fell in love at first sight. Even so, she was too young then, and Christopher already had a girlfriend. Leslie had no choice but to bury her feelings for him. When they reconnected, he had already gotten divorced. Although young and fragile, Leslie mustered her courage to venture into love’s depths for the first time. Lisa could not comprehend Leslie falling in love with someone who saved her life. Lisa thought, ‘If that were the case, firefighters would have hundreds of secret admirers.’ "Alright, that’s enough about me," Leslie said anxiously, "What’ll you do now that Leonard’s awake? The Parkers will soon find out that you’re not me.” "Don't worry. I’ll try to get a divorce as soon as possible," Lisa said calmly, "I need to go. I'm still guarding the ward, so it's inconvenient to keep talking to you. Message me if anything comes up.” She hung up, feeling like the ground would cave under her. … Lisa awoke with two dark circles under her eyes the following morning. She looked over and saw Melissa beside her. “Poor child. You must’ve been so worried about Leonard that you couldn’t sleep well.” “No, I’m good,” Lisa replied, quickly standing up. Leonard’s parents and several others had arrived in the waiting room. Lisa felt guilty since she and Leonard were not close, nor did she care for him. She had a restless night because she was concerned about the situation she had created for herself. "Go freshen up, and then we’ll visit Leonard." Melissa appeared delighted with Lisa, so the latter had no choice but to head to the bathroom. Lisa took a while to freshen up before the nurse greeted her at the bathroom door, saying, “You can see your husband now. He’s awake.” Lisa quietly walked to his ward door. Melissa spoke to Leonard with a heavy heart, “You seem to be doing well. I've had trouble eating and sleeping since your accident. You mean everything to me.” "Mom, I'm sorry I made you worry." Leonard's face was weak. “Thankfully, we’ve passed this hurdle. Lisa deserves our gratitude," Melissa said as she wiped her tears. "Who?" Leonard was puzzled. "You had an arranged marriage with the Jones family in the past," David reminded him. It took a while for Leonard to recall he once had a fiancee. Leslie's grandmother came from a prominent family, and her ancestors allegedly owed the Parker Corporation a big favor more than a decade ago. Leonard's grandfather wanted to repay the favor, so he arranged a marriage between the two children. Over the years, the Parker family flourished while the Jones family plummeted. The latter was considered a third-rate family in Queenston. Later, the families put the marriage on hold after the death of Leonard’s grandfather. Leonard had always disagreed with the arranged marriage, and so did his parents. David and Melissa believed the Jones family’s status was too low. However, the Parker family had no other option when Leonard’s life was in danger. They could only approach the Jones family again to proceed with the marriage. Melissa explained, "You were in the ICU for about two weeks. The doctor said you might not make it and told us to start funeral arrangements. I couldn’t accept it, so I went to Strafford to find Alexander. “He said a wedding would lift the negative energy, and I went to see the Jones family. You married Lisa just yesterday. Now here you are, awake shortly after the ceremony.” Leonard looked disappointed after hearing his mother’s explanation. “How could you believe that nonsense, Mom? I would’ve woken up regardless if I did or didn’t get married! This marriage is pointless.” “Pointless? We’ve already signed the documents.” Leonard sneered. “The doctor said I had no chance of survival. Why would the Jones family marry off their daughter just to become a widow?” “We considered that, so we offered them a 2-million-dollar dowry,” Melissa told her son the truth. "No surprise there. It's all about the money," Leonard mocked. "Stop with the tantrum. There’s no turning back now," David spoke solemnly, then turned and noticed Lisa hiding by the door. "Lisa, why are you standing there? Come in,” David invited pleasantly. She had no choice but to enter while Leonard looked at her. It was his first time seeing his past rumored fiancee. Lisa was still wearing her dress. She had a soft, adorable face with doe-like eyes. Her appearance was pure and lovely, and her skin looked as white as snow as she donned a white wedding dress. Indeed, she was beautiful. However, Leonard had seen many beautiful women like her. "Mom and Dad, would you two mind leaving? I have something I want to say to her," he said coldly. "I know what you’re up to. You want to—" "All right, let them talk," Melissa interjected, grabbing David. "Our presence might make them feel restrained.” "Don't bully Lisa, or I’ll disown you," David warned before leaving with his wife. Leonard snorted and wondered what potion Lisa had given his father. The more innocent she appeared, the sneakier she seemed. "You’re only marrying me for money, right? I'll give you another 500,000 dollars to divorce me," Leonard said impatiently. "All right." Lisa blinked and nodded. Leonard's eyes became even more contemptuous when he heard her reply. "I guess I was right. You’re only here for the money.” Lisa was stunned. "Whoever ignores money is just stupid.” "Very fickle of you," Leonard said, growing displeased. Lisa frowned. “Is there something wrong with you?” "What did you say?" Leonard's pale face turned dark, like a sign of an impending storm. "Did I say something wrong?" Lisa’s dark eyes showed puzzlement. "I’ve never seen you before and don't know you. Everyone in Queenston knew you would die when your family asked us to get married. “I’m young, and I don't like you. Who’d marry you if it weren't for your family offering such a high dowry? It’s not like I’m fated to be a widow." Leonard was furious. "Why, you little—” Lisa interrupted, adding fuel to the fire, "Do you think so highly of yourself? Do you think I’ll fall head over heels for you by just hearing your name?” "Lisa.” Leonard wanted to rebuke but felt dizzy as soon as he sat up.