Chapter 2
Belinda obediently followed the men to the hospital director's office, her heart racing with anticipation.
Inside, Wayne Gray sat on the sofa, his tall frame exuding an imposing presence. His face, sharp and commanding, revealed a man who had faced countless trials. Only a careful observer would notice the faint pallor of his lips, a hint of vulnerability in his otherwise impenetrable aura. The sterile scent of antiseptics in the room masked a faint trace of blood on him.
Dressed in a pure black suit, Wayne’s cold gaze made anyone in his path tremble. His assistant leaned down to whisper, "All surveillance footage from last night was deliberately destroyed, likely by those after you, to avoid leaving any evidence. This is the doctor on duty last night, Belinda Carl. She was the one who booked the nearby hotel. The director confirmed it, and I checked the duty roster myself. She was definitely on duty last night."
Wayne’s cold eyes lifted to look at Belinda, studying her carefully.
Belinda’s heart skipped a beat. This was the CEO of Gray Corporation—the most powerful figure in the city. And he was looking directly at her.
"Was it you who helped me at the hotel last night?" Wayne’s tone was clipped, now holding a hint of scrutiny.
Belinda immediately averted her eyes, her cheeks flushing. "Y-yes, it was me," she stammered, unsure of the exact events of last night but sensing that this connection could bring her unforeseen benefits.
It was perfect timing; she was about to start her internship at the prestigious Second District Hospital. Securing the support of Wayne Gray would undoubtedly ensure her career soared.
Wayne certainly wasn’t foolish enough to marry a woman who might be looking for a way into his life simply because of his status.His mind flickered to the events of the previous night—he’d taken her innocence
Wayne's gaze softened slightly, a rare occurrence. "I can give you anything you want—even marriage."
Belinda’s eyes widened in shock. "Marriage?" The word slipped out before she could stop herself. It felt too surreal—this was an opportunity she could never have imagined.
"Yes. Take your time to consider," Wayne said, standing and turning to his assistant. "Make sure she has my contact information."
The assistant nodded and handed Belinda a small card, the thick paper feeling expensive and heavy in her hand.
The hospital director, eager to please, stepped forward with a bow. "President Gray, allow me to see you out."
Wayne glanced at him indifferently. "There’s no need." After a pause, he added, "Take good care of her while she’s here."
"Of course, sir," the director replied, his smile overly fawning.
As they walked out, Wayne’s assistant leaned in to speak quietly. "Sir, you are already married. About your marriage…"
Wayne’s face darkened, a cold smile twisting his lips. "Courting death."
The assistant shivered, uncertain if Wayne’s words were meant for his wife or someone else.
Scarlett returned to the villa, the residence of her new husband—Wayne Gray.
As she stepped inside, Mrs. Robert, the kindly housekeeper, greeted her with a warm smile. "Young Mistress, you were out all night. Did something happen?"
Scarlett nodded, her voice weary. "Yes, I was called in for an unexpected shift." Her eyes were rimmed with red, exhaustion etched across her face.
Mrs. Robert observed her closely, but seeing her fatigue, she decided not to press further. "Please, rest up when you can."
Scarlett offered a faint smile of gratitude and headed upstairs. Once in her bathroom, she sank into a warm bath, hoping it would wash away the lingering confusion of the previous night. Her cheeks burned as she recalled what had happened—the stranger in her bed, the intimacy they had shared. Her emotions tangled in a mixture of embarrassment, guilt, and unexpected yearning.
After all, she was married now—to Wayne Gray, of all people.
After showering, she dressed and went downstairs, intending to head to work.
Mrs. Robert noticed her preparing to leave. "Heading out again so soon? Aren’t you going to have breakfast, Young Mistress?"
Scarlett glanced at her watch and shook her head. "I’ll be late for my shift if I don’t go now."
Mrs. Robert nodded understandingly. She stepped into the kitchen, quickly preparing a cup of warm milk and bringing it to Scarlett. "At least take this with you. It’ll give you a bit of energy."
Scarlett accepted the cup, touched by Mrs. Robert’s kindness. "Thank you, Mrs. Robert," she murmured.
The older woman patted her shoulder gently. "Oh, it’s nothing, dear."
Scarlett drank the milk, savoring the warmth. After finishing, she placed the cup back in Mrs. Robert’s hands and headed outside.
Instead of going directly to the hospital, she took a detour to the inpatient ward where her mother was in the ICU. The familiar beeping of machines and the sterile smell of the room filled her with a heavy sense of dread.
Her mother lay on the bed, looking frail and lifeless. Scarlett checked the monitors and charts, her heart sinking at the signs of her mother's deteriorating condition. Her mother’s only hope lay in a heart transplant, a procedure that required an immense amount of money. Scarlett had agreed to marry into the Gray family because her father had promised to cover her mother’s medical expenses if she did. He had even threatened to cut off all support if she refused. Making her vulnerable and unable to refuse for the sake of her mother.
Now, all they needed was a suitable donor, and her mother would have a second chance at life.
Scarlett took her mother’s hand gently, her eyes filled with determination. "Mom," she whispered, "I’ll do whatever it takes to save you."
Her mother was the only person in the world she truly cared about, and Scarlett knew she would endure any hardship if it meant keeping her alive.
Just then, her phone vibrated, jolting her back to reality. She glanced at the screen and answered, recognizing the voice immediately.
"Scarlett," said a familiar, urgent voice. "I need a favor."
