Chapter 299 Marriage
Clarissa made her way downstairs to find Raymond sipping on some coffee.
“What is it?” asked Clarissa coldly.
Raymond looked at her, his expression thoughtful.
Ever since he brought Clarissa back, his relationship with her had been rocky.
He could not treat her like he did with Wyatt or Wilbur.
After all, Clarissa was his daughter. He couldn’t possibly treat her like she was his son.
“How are you and Charles getting along?” he asked.
“Hold it right there!” Clarissa was displeased. “I only like him as a brother. I’d suggest that you stop your meddling.”
“I’m thinking about your future,” Raymond said solemnly. “I raised Charles myself. I have full confidence in his character. If you are with him, you won’t encounter any issues in the future.”
Of this, he was very certain.
Clarissa was furious. “Listen here, old man. I don’t like Charles that way. He is like a brother to me. If you even think of arranging our marriage, I’ll do what mom did. Maybe you’d be happy seeing me dead!”
“You insolent brat!” Raymond slammed his fist on the table. “I’m your father! How can you speak to me like this?”
“Why can’t I?” retorted Clarissa angrily. “I have a better idea. Why don’t you just kick me out? Let me live as the outcast I once was! See if I even care!”
Raymond’s face was contorted with fury.
Clarissa clicked her tongue, clearly annoyed.
“Is something the matter?” Charles had heard the commotion and hurried over. “What are you two arguing about, Godfather?”
“You’re back,” said Raymond kindly. “It’s nothing.”
Clarissa turned on her heel and ran outside.
Feeling rather helpless, Raymond muttered, “That child hates me, Charles. Please help me persuade her. Don’t let her get too angry at me.”
Charles nodded.
He then turned around and went to look for Clarissa.
Charles soon spotted her under a tree, her eyes wet with tears.
He squatted down next to her and asked, “Why are you crying?”
Clarissa cleared her throat. “It’s nothing. Just sand in my eyes, that’s all.”
Charles chuckled. “What happened?”
“He wants to matchmake us. I hate it when he’s like this! He won’t listen to reason no matter how I explain it to him!” hissed Clarissa in anger.
Charles said coldly, “Did you know that your brothers are fighting a ferocious battle?”
“Of course I do,” said Clarissa faintly. “Wilbur has been trying to win me over. But you also know that Wyatt has been kind to me, so I hope that they’ll stop fighting. I’m well aware of what Blissful Sect demands. There has to be a fight to the death. But is there any way to stop them at all, Charles?”
Charles shook his head lightly. “Sorry. I’m out of ideas.”
Clarissa sighed. “I’m out of ideas myself. Wilbur is my biological brother. My mother left the household because my father cheated on her. She then gave birth to me away from the family. After Wilbur found me, he was very affectionate toward me. However, I got to know Wyatt, who also treated me well. He’d also gotten injured on my behalf. My head’s about to explode thinking of what to do. I’m in a proper mess.”
Charles looked at her solemnly. “Don’t worry. I’m sure there are other ways.”
“If only Kate were here. I’m sure she’d have thought of something by now.’ Clarissa looked up to Kathleen and liked her very much.
Charles smiled lightly. “Don’t worry. I will try my best to stop them.”
Clarissa could only nod and hoped for the best.
Back at Jadeborough, Kathleen was busy filming on set.
When she was done, she decided to sit and take a break.
Just then, Caleb came over. “You asked for me?”
Kathleen nodded in response. “Caleb, let’s get married.”
Caleb was stunned for a moment. “Are you serious?”
“Of course, it’ll be a fake marriage.” Kathleen took a sip of water. “This is all a sham.”
Caleb narrowed his eyes. “Is this for Samuel’s sake?”
“Not entirely. I heard your freighter was hijacked a few days ago, am I right?” inquired Kathleen.
“Don’t even mention that,” said Caleb sullenly. “It was a local tyrant who did it. Plus, it’s not the first time. Who it is exactly, I have no idea.”
It was truly a sordid affair.
“I know who it is,” Kathleen said coldly. “I can tell you who you’re up against, and I can guarantee that your goods will be safe in the future. But before that, I need you to agree to marry me.”
Caleb narrowed his eyes. “A marriage in name?”
Kathleen nodded. “After two years, we will get a divorce. What do you think?”
“But what if I don’t want to divorce you?” Caleb looked at her deeply. “When I’ve had you, do you think I’ll let you go?”
“Caleb, I don’t mind telling you the truth. I have a marriage contract with another. If I can find a cure for my brother in three years, the contract will be null and void. If I fail, I’ll have to marry them because they have the cure for my brother’s condition.” Kathleen’s voice was tinged with urgency, but she continued, “This person has ulterior motives. He’s afraid that Samuel and I will rekindle our relationship, so he has been taking action in secret. He means to kill Samuel.”
Caleb frowned.
“I’m sure you know that the Macari family has only one heir,” said Kathleen quietly. “If anything happened to him, they will certainly die of grief. I can’t let any harm befall him for this reason.”
Ah, so this was the reason why.
“Won’t the other party kill me?” asked Caleb.
Kathleen shook her head. “They can tell whether or not I truly like you. Also, I want Samuel to leave me alone. To be frank, I’m leaving Jadeborough in a week’s time.”
Caleb was stunned. ”Where are you going?”
“Moranta. I need to look for Charles,” Kathleen explained. “Don’t worry. As soon as I leave, they’ll leave too. We can also divorce in secret. After they see that you’re not tied to me anymore, they won’t make things difficult for you.”
Caleb grabbed her wrist and said coldly, “You know what? You’re making me more convinced that you’ll never let Samuel go.”
Kathleen merely replied, “That has nothing to do with this. I just hope he’ll live a good life.”
Longevity was no longer in the cards for Samuel.
Given his physical condition, he could only live up to the maximum age of fifty or sixty. Plus, that was under the assumption that nothing serious happened to him as well.
Thinking about it, Kathleen felt a little uncomfortable.
Caleb was deep in thought for a moment. “All right, I’ll do it. I will marry you.”
It’ll still be nice, even if she’s mine only in name.
“If you have doubts about this before the wedding, please let me know,” said Kathleen.
“We’re going to have a wedding?” Caleb was a little excited at the prospect.
“A fake one, yes. In order to deceive everyone.” Kathleen said quietly, “I will cover the costs.”
“I’m not exactly lacking in funds, you know?” retorted Caleb with a frown. “Leave the wedding to me and relax.”
Kathleen nodded.
Suddenly, Caleb held her by the shoulders. “We should take a picture and make it official.”
Kathleen hesitated for a while before she nodded. “All right.”
Caleb hugged her and took a picture before posting it on Twitter.
Underneath the photo, the caption read: From today onwards, you are mine. I will take care of you for the rest of my life.
Kathleen retweeted the post and responded with: Thank you.
Caleb narrowed his eyes. “Do you have to be so cold?”
“I think I’m already very enthusiastic,” Kathleen replied sheepishly.
Caleb hummed. “Fine. As long as you’re happy.”
Besides. Starting today, she’s mine.