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 ept it, he threw it away?


    "It was custom-made just for you, with your name engraved on it," he exined. "If you don''t want it, the watch is worthless. What''s the point of keeping something that has no value?" Engraved with her name?


    Gtea quickly nced outside. ric had already tossed the gift box into the sea, and as a wave approached, it threatened to sweep the box away for good.


    Without a second thought, Gtea leaped off the yacht to retrieve it. Seeing this, ric immediately jumped in after her. As a wave loomed over them, ric quickly shielded Gtea. "Don''t you see the tideing in? Have you lost your mind?" ric scolded.


    Clutching the rescued gift box tightly in her hands, Gtea scolded back, "This is all your fault! You throw away an expensive watch and then me me for it? I''m not taking the fall for this!"


    Gtea then pressed the gift 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 said, Gtea climbed back onto the yacht, her clothes now half-soaked. She sat on the sofa, wringing out the water from her garments.


    ric was at a loss, amused yet frustrated by her unique nerve.


    "I picked out that gift for you with so much care. You really don''t want it?" he asked again.


    "If it were just an ordinary watch, I would have gratefully epted," Gtea replied, looking straight at ric. "But because it''s a special custom piece, I can''t. You being wealthy is one thing; you 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. epting it would leave me feeling endlessly uneasy.


    "While you might believe it''s worthless if I decline, you never sought my opinion before having it made, so you can''t force it upon me. You have the right to give, but I also have the right to refuse."


    ric was taken aback once more as he listened and let out a bitter smile. "All this over a birthday gift? Why do you have to make it sound like such a profound lesson?"


    Gtea exined, "Maybe you think I''m being dramatic, unappreciative, or just ying hard to get. Think what you want, but I''m really grateful that you were willing to give me a birthday gift."


    "Alright, after all this talk, I guess I''m not giving this present away." ric reluctantly took back the gift box.


    "I appreciate the thought, really, thank you." Gtea swiftly changed the subject. "Aren''t we heading out to sea? Shall we go?"


    "Sure." Seeing Gtea''s excitement, which seemed to bubble over with urgency, ric started the engine, and the yacht slowly drifted away from the coast.


    Gtea stood on the deck, watching the scenery unfold. Her heart swelled with joy.


    The moon over the sea looked exceptionally beautiful tonight, its reflection shimmering in the water, half-hidden. The soft moonlight spread across the sea''s surface, entuating the tranquility and harmony of the scene. It was truly breathtaking!


    Lost in admiration of the beautiful view, she felt a coat draped over her shoulders.


    Gtea pulled it tight around her, grateful for the warmth against the cool evening sea breeze.


    "Thank you," she said appreciatively.


    "I''ve heard those two words all evening. I''m getting tired of them," ricmented.


    Gtea couldn''t help butugh, replying, "But I really am thankful. This birthday will be unforgettable." "Even though you didn''t ept my gift, hearing you say that makes it all worth it," ric consoled himself. Gtea chuckled again, her gaze drifting back to the distant sea where it met the sky in an infinite horizon. ric just watched her, moonlight casting a rosy glow on her slightly flushed face, intoxicatingly charming. "Gtea Hartley."


    "Hmm?" She turned to him as he called her name, curiously asking, "What''s up?"


    "I need a wife," ric rified emphatically, "Not a pretend fiancée, but a legal wife, protected byw." "W-What did you say?"


    "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 came up again. Was this the true reason he had wanted to get marriedst time?


    If she were alone, without the dark past she referred to jokingly as her "ck history," she might have agreed readily. But 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.


    "Is this one of those marriages of convenience, without love?" she asked.


    Marriages of convenience? Without love?


    The moment those words reached his ears, his expression darkened instantly. His gaze turned icy as he stared at her and asked, "Do you agree if that''s what it was?"


    Gtea bit her lip, thought for a moment, and then nodded. "You''ve helped me a great deal, and I have no way to repay that. If you want to use me topletely 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?


    These words were like a red g to ric, and in an instant, he pinned her against the railing of the boat with a suffocating proximity. His angry eyes bore into hers so closely.


    "Gtea, 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!


    "Gtea, 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, ric turned and stormed back into the boat.


    Gtea was left utterly confused. 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 ric fallen for her?


    If it wasn''t love, why else would he be so enraged? And if it was love, then what?