Marrying

Valerie was frozen in shock until her phone rang, jolting her back to reality. It was the real rideshare driver, calling because he couldn’t find her. That’s when she realized she had hopped into the wrong cat. 

Quickly, Valerie apologized and canceled the other ride. Hanging up, she noticed the streets whipping past the car windows as the black sedan tut through the rainy night. 

Matthew hadn’t said where they were heading, creating a palpable tension in the car. 

For some reason, his presence was overwhelmingly oppressive. She knew she was at fault; they’d only been married for three days, and she hadn’t recognized him, which was bound to upset him 

Determined to break the ice, Valene braved a question, “Mr. Grant, where are we going? 

Matthew’s hand rested on the steering wheel, his index finger tapping rhythmically but he didn’t respond to her question. Instead, he asked with a dark tone, “Why did you block me?” His anger was evident–he was clearly not used to being blocked by anyone, let alone his own wife. 

Valere quickly checked her phone, only to realize she had asked for his name that day but had forgotten to save it, and now he was gone from her 

contacts. 

Tm really sorry, Mr. Grant, she stammered. Totten add new contacts for work and regularly clean out those without notes, and I accidentally.” Her voice faded out, overwhelmed by embarrassment. 

Yes, her explanation seemed to infuriate h 

him even more. 

Matthew gave her a brief, cold glance, his thoughts dripping with scorn. Does she even believe her own excuse? Did she think I didn’t hear her talking about getting introduced to millionaires earlier? He had come intending to reveal his identity and offer her money as compensation for her help, thinking perhaps he had misunderstood her intentions. 

But now, I see I was right. She’s just a gold–digger. She married me hoping for a jackpot, and when she thought I was broke, she blocked me. Thinks she can ditch me now! Too late! She’s about to learn that nobody messes with me without paying the price, he thought contemptuously 

As Matthew’s expression shifted, Valerie took a closer look at the car, especially the shiny Porsche emblem. She mentally kicked herself. It was so dark. I didn’t even spot the Porsche. Thought it was just some rideshare 

But then, a flicker of doubt crossed her face as the eyed the car again. “This car…” 

“It’s my boss’s, Matthew replied ofhandedly. 

“Oh, you’re the driver” Valerie realized, remembering the last time he drove a plain little Chevrolet. 

Although she wasn’t shopping for a Porsche, she knew they weren’t cheap. ‘Looks like his boss is loaded. No wonder he dresses like money- probably all on the company dime to look good 

Matthew didn’t argue, just shot her a glance in the rearview mirror, thinking smugly. “What, disappointed I’m just the driver? 

He had planned to drive her to the Grant Manor, but instead, he swerved the steering wheel, heading directly to a posh, newly opened apartment complex with few residents. 

A while later, Matthew parked, opened the door, and said bluntly. “Get out” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Valerie hesitated, feeling that she and Matthew should have a proper talk. 

Just as she was about to speak, his intense gaze silenced her, and she found herself obediently following him. 

He led her to the fifth floor, keyed in the code, and opened the door to a moderately sized apartment with two bedrooms, a living room, and floor- to–ceiling windows facing south. 

“The apartment is under my name, so forget the mortgage,” Matthew started. “It’s a twenty–minute drive to your office, easy for communting. The place in’t fully furnished yet. You can pick whatever you like, I’ll foot the bill. But in return, I expect you to handle some chores. My job keeps me busy, and I travel a lot, so I won’t always be here. You can bring friends over, I won’t meddle.. 

Overwhelmed by his spiel, Valerie cut him off. “Mr. Grant, what are you genting at?” 

He paused, giving her a mocking look. “Since we’re married, we should live together, right? Mrs. Grand 

His voice was even, yet it hit her like a punch to the chest. 

12 15 PM