Chapter 24 A Wife For Me?
After leaving the cafe, Derek drove straight to the hospital. His grandfather rarely sent messages like "Come immediately." It always meant something serious, something he couldn’t ignore.
When he reached the VIP ward, he paused at the door. He could hear his grandfather’s voice inside, speaking to a nurse. His tone was stern but steady. After a moment, he pushed the door open.
The conversation stopped as soon as he entered the room. The nurse excused herself and greeted Derek as she stepped out, closing the door behind her.
"Grandfather," he greeted as he walked closer to his grandfather’s bedside.
The old man looked at him slowly, a small smile on his lips.
"Derek. Good. You came quickly. Come on, have a seat."
But Derek remained standing. "What’s going on? You said it was urgent," he said, waiting for his grandfather to explain why he had sent him such a text.
"Yes," his grandfather replied, folding his arms. "I have finally found the solution to our problem."
"Problem? What problem?" Derek asked with a confused frown.
"You getting married. You no longer have to look for a wife, son. I have found a wife for you," He said, smiling proudly.
Derek felt his heart drop, and then rise into a burning anger.
"A wife for me?" he repeated. "Grandfather, I was just about to tell you that I already have someone I want to marry."
The old man's eyes narrowed slightly. "And who is that? The same girl you just went to meet today?"
Derek stiffened. He shouldn’t have been surprised that his grandfather knew; he always knew. But it still irritated him having to realize he had no privacy.
"I don't know why you keep having me followed but yes," he said, refusing to back down. "I’m planning to marry her."
He needed to convince his grandfather, because if he mistakenly succumbed to his old man's will, he would be doomed for many years to come.
Marrying the girl his grandfather found meant remaining married and that.... was something he wasn't ready for.
His grandfather scoffed loudly. "You think I’m a fool? You think I don’t know you only want to use this girl to deceive me? Derek, I raised you. I know every trick you’ve ever used or plan to use."
Derek clenched his fists. "This isn’t a trick. I—"
"Enough," his grandfather snapped, slamming his hand on the bed. "You will not bring any strange girl to me. I will not accept her. I will not trust her enough to believe whatever lie you both end up cooking up. You want the CEO position? Then you marry the woman I choose. She's a good girl from a very nice family. It's either her, or forget the company entirely."
The words hit Derek like a slap as he clenched his teeth in anger.
"So you’re blackmailing me again," he said, his voice shaking with rage as he looked at his grandfather.
"I am not blackmailing you," his grandfather replied calmly. "I am protecting this family. And if you want to lead it, you will obey me."
That was it, he had heard enough already.
"I won’t let you control every part of my life," he snapped. "Not anymore." He said before storming out of the ward, ignoring the startled looks from the nurses and the ache in his chest.
Leaving the hospital, he drove straight to Ryan's company since it was a workday and he knew Ryan would be there.
Upon entering the company, he didn’t respond to any greetings from the staff as he walked directly to Ryan's office. He didn’t even knock before he pushed the door open.
Ryan looked up from his desk, startled. "Whoa. What happened? You look pissed off."
Derek threw himself into the nearest chair. "My grandfather. That’s what happened. He wants to force me into marriage," he replied, his voice filled with anger.
"I thought we're already passed that," Ryan said with a sigh.
"This time he says he’s already found someone. Someone perfect for me. Someone from a ‘good family.’ And if I don’t agree, I can forget the CEO position forever," he explained, feeling betrayed.
Ryan rubbed his forehead as he leaned back in his chair. "Damn. That’s… intense. So what about your mystery lady? Have you met with her?" he asked.
Derek ran a hand through his hair. "Yes. I met her today. And she agreed."
Ryan sat up. "Wait, what? She agreed? For real?"
"Yes," Derek said. "She will enter into a contract marriage with me, but she has conditions." He then explained the conditions to Ryan.
"Then tell him you already have someone you want to marry," Ryan replied as soon as Derek finished explaining.
Derek groaned, running a hand through his hair, a habit he always fell back on when he was feeling angry or confused. "That’s the problem. I told him I already have someone. And he said he knows I’m lying and trying to trick him. He doesn’t trust me. He said he’ll never accept anyone I bring."
Ryan leaned back, thinking. "Well… honestly? Just let the old man do what he wants. Isn’t it almost the same thing?"
Derek shot him a glare. “So, how is marrying this strange girl he found the same thing?”
Ryan raised his hands. "Relax. Listen. She only wants your money, right? She literally told you she has another man ready to have her if you decline. So why are you holding back? Do what your grandfather wants. You know there's always a reason he does things. Marry his choice. Your lady won’t care. She doesn’t want you."
"That’s not the point," Derek muttered. "The arrangement with Rebecca is a one year contract marriage with no strings attached. But if I marry the person my grandfather chose, that’s it. It’ll be a real marriage; a binding one. How would I get out of it? When will I be free?"
Ryan laughed lightly. "You never know. Maybe it will be a good thing. Maybe you’ll enjoy it. Try being married for once even if it's just to know what it feels like."
"No," Derek said firmly. "I don’t want to be tied down. I don’t want a wife I can’t escape from. I don’t want commitments.... not now, not ever." After everything he had witnessed growing up, marriage was never on his list.
Ryan shrugged. "Fine. Then talk to the woman before the wedding. Tell her you can't stay married to her forever."
“You think she'd agree to that?” Derek asked, thinking there could still be a chance for him.
“You never know until you try it, right?” Ryan said and Derek nodded, deciding that he'd call his grandfather and ask about this lady, whoever she is.