Chapter 5: We Got Married

(Aline POV) I dialed Evan's number over and over, each time hearing that damn cold system message: "The number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable, please try again later." I almost wanted to smash my phone. What was going on? Last night he was so serious about marrying me, and today I couldn't reach him? Was it really just a prank? Or did he sober up and regret it? I had spoken so harshly in front of them, decisively rejecting Lucas's reconciliation attempt and completely falling out with my parents. Now I couldn't find Evan—if I went back with my tail between my legs, what awaited me would definitely be cold mockery and even more thorough humiliation. I couldn't go back. Dragging my suitcase, I walked to the roadside and raised my hand to hail a taxi. Just as I was anxiously looking around, a dark gray sedan slowly stopped in front of me. The window slowly rolled down, revealing that handsome profile that made my heart race. It was Evan. He wore sunglasses with an indifferent expression, as if nothing had happened. "Need a ride?" he asked, his voice still as low and magnetic as last night. I froze for a second, then quickly opened the car door and got in. "What's wrong with your phone?" I couldn't help questioning him as soon as I got in. "I kept calling but couldn't get through." He started the car, his tone unhurried: "I saw you, so there was no need to answer the phone." This answer left me somewhat speechless. So he knew I was calling him all along, just chose not to answer? Just as I was about to argue, I suddenly realized something: "Wait, how did you know where I live?" "You told me yourself yesterday." He answered while driving, his tone very calm. "Huh? Did I say that?" I frowned, trying hard to recall last night's situation. The alcohol had indeed made my memory somewhat fuzzy, but I remembered our conversation focusing on flirting and his sudden proposal. "I don't remember. Did I drink too much?" He didn't answer, just glanced at me through the rearview mirror. "Whatever, it's all minor details." I waved my hand, deciding not to dwell on this question. The most important thing now was that he appeared, and we could proceed as planned. "Looks like you've thought it through." He merged into the main road, his movements skillful. "Mm." I took a deep breath. "I've decided." "Then before we register, let's establish some ground rules first." His tone became formal. "What conditions?" I turned to look at him, somewhat nervous. "First, we won't have children. After three years, we'll divorce, and I'll pay you a substantial sum—enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life." Three years? That timeframe was quite reasonable. Long enough for me to complete my revenge against Lucas and my family, but not dragging on too long. "Okay." I agreed readily without any hesitation. "Second, I won't meet your family, not at any time." This condition suited me perfectly. I didn't want him to come into contact with those hypocritical people either. "I couldn't ask for better." I said. "Third, you have one last chance to choose now. If you don't agree to the first two conditions, you can get out of the car now." His tone was serious, not like he was joking. But I had no way back. "I agree!" I said without hesitation. Whatever the conditions, I only wanted to do one thing now—drive Lucas and my family to fury. Let them know that without them, I could not only live well, but live better than they could imagine. The corner of Evan's mouth curved up slightly: "Very good." The marriage registration office wasn't crowded, and the procedures went smoothly. When Evan and I sat side by side at the window filling out forms, I felt surreal. Twenty-four hours ago, I still thought I would grow old with Lucas. Now I was about to marry a man I'd only met last night. While filling out the form, I inadvertently glimpsed the information on Evan's ID card. "Huh?" I couldn't help blurting out. "Why is your surname Blackwood?" Evan looked up at me, having removed his sunglasses: "Is there a problem?" I was puzzled: Shouldn't Lucas's uncle be surnamed White? Why was it Blackwood? "Nothing, just curious." I tried to make my tone sound casual. "I took my mother's surname." He explained simply. I nodded without asking more questions. Maybe the White family did have some special family tradition, or some other reason. It didn't matter to me anyway—all I wanted was an identity that could help me get revenge. A few hours later, we emerged from the marriage registration office with a marriage certificate in my bag. "Where to now?" I asked. "Your place?" I was curious about where Evan lived. What kind of place would a man like him live in? A luxurious villa? A fashionable apartment? Evan leaned against the car, looking at his phone without lifting his head: "I'll find you an apartment. You can live alone." "What?" I stared wide-eyed, almost unable to believe what I heard. "Why should I live alone?" "It's better for both of us." He looked up at me, his expression serious. "Keep our distance." "No way." I shook my head firmly. "We're married now, of course we should live together." Besides, if I wanted Evan to fall in love with me—though I wasn't sure why I had this thought—I had to get close to him first, right? If we didn't even have chances to meet, how could we possibly develop feelings? Evan looked at me and was silent for a while. "Fine." He finally said. "But there are conditions." "Name them." I prepared myself mentally. "Without my permission, you can't enter my room." He said. "Also, you can't disturb Blake." "A boy." "Oh my God, you have a son?!" My voice rose an octave, attracting looks from some passersby. "You have a son and you got married?" I could hardly believe it. "I know now! No wonder you wanted to marry me on the first day—are you trying to marry me back to be a stepmother to your child?" Just as I finished speaking, I felt something was wrong! Aline said Lucas's uncle had never been married, and in all the years I was with Lucas, I had never seen any little boy named Blake. Did I recognize the wrong person? Marry the wrong man!