Chapter 149: Chapter 149: Let Me Be Your Man
Victoria Monroe felt anxious and lost.
Already confused due to the fever, her mind now seemed even more bewildered.
How had things escalated to the point where she had to meet the Hawthorne Family?
One hand clutching the blanket to her chest, the other pushing against Rhys Hawthorne’s chest, evidently rejecting him.
"Rhys, it’s not like that. You know my situation; I’ve just gotten divorced and have a child. Fine, let’s not talk about those. I’ve just come out of a failed marriage, and I’m not ready to start another relationship or marriage right now."
Victoria licked her dry lips, hurriedly explaining, "Besides, you’re of high status. Don’t joke like that. I’m..."
Just as he predicted, without even expressing any affection, he frightened her like this.
Rhys had to settle for less, calmly interrupting her, "Victoria, I wouldn’t joke about a girl’s purity."
Victoria saw the seriousness in Rhys’s eyes, so serious that it scared her. She bit her lip, looking helpless.
Things were spinning uncontrollably.
Rhys added, "This proposal is sincere, Victoria. I haven’t liked anyone all these years. I’ve always believed better none than any. Now I’m worn out by family pressure to marry."
"Though nothing substantial happened last night, I watched over you, held you, even helped wash your body. Victoria, if I must marry, I hope my wife is you."
These words felt like a stone crashing down on Victoria’s head, leaving her utterly bewildered, "What did you say?"
She even wondered if Rhys had been possessed, otherwise why say such nonsense?
She understood every word, yet together they made no sense?
"Victoria, responsibility is one aspect. The other is that I know you well. Marriages in rich families are often for benefits, becoming enemies or playing their own games after marriage is common. I don’t want that. Also, don’t you want your child to have a complete family? A father’s role in a child’s growth is vital."
"My meaning is simple. I need a wife, and your child needs a father. It’s mutual need."
Victoria was stunned by Rhys’s words, "Rhys, we’re not equal. You seek a contractual wife. I’m not a suitable choice. I’d be content if you were my child’s godfather. Given your status, you can easily marry someone well-matched to be Mrs. Hawthorne."
As expected, even if he restrained his affection, Victoria would never accept him.
With resolve, Rhys said, "There’s actually another reason."
Victoria looked at him, puzzled, "What is it?"
"I’m infertile."
Victoria widened her eyes, almost biting her tongue, "What, what did you say!"
If Assistant Woods were here, his eyes would surely drop in shock. For the sake of pursuing a wife, the third master is spouting anything!
Even disregarding his own reputation.
Rhys knew what happened last night and if he didn’t succeed today, Victoria would definitely avoid him in the future.
Once they’re ashore, there would be no reason to approach her.
Rhys had to resort to drastic measures.
"Years ago I was injured, so I will never have children. You know my status; if anyone knew, even a partner, she might manage a year or two but a lifetime celibacy? If exposed, I’d be the world’s laughingstock."
Though it sounded dramatic and absurd, recalling her state last night and Rhys massaging her leg without any change, it sort of made sense.
The scars and bullet holes on his chest clearly dated back years, maybe something there was indeed injured.
She always saw him as a divine figure atop a podium, untouched by any earthly desires.
Yet the truth was this—he apparently wasn’t capable!
Everything suddenly made sense.
Victoria’s gaze shifted from alertness to sympathy, "Well... with current medical advancements, a few years ago I was diagnosed with minimal chances of conceiving, but managed after care. Don’t give up. Shall I refer you to a reliable traditional doctor?"
Rhys tried to appear calm, "No need. I’ve seen many doctors privately; there’s no Hope left for me."
His gaze seemed to carry a hint of desolation, "Victoria, would you mock me?"
"Of course not!" she quickly replied, "In my eyes, you’re a good and excellent man."
"Then will you help me?"
Rhys used the word ’help’; he had assisted her so many times, yet she hadn’t repaid him.
But his condition was too challenging for her.
"Rhys, if you were ordinary, it’d be fine, but you’re the Hawthorne family heir. My marriage was recently all over the internet, even if I wanted to help, the Hawthorne Family wouldn’t agree."
Rhys had thought of many ways, even prepared to extend his plan with her.
But he hadn’t expected to be halfway successful, thanks to Victoria’s kindness.
In business, cunning is key; using such tactics on Victoria made him feel despicable.
She trusted him so much, how could he deceive her?
Yet without deception, he and Victoria would part ways, never to unite.
Rhys suppressed his chaotic emotions, eschewing gentlemanly polish for her alone.
"My family doesn’t know about this, hence their eagerness to introduce prospects. Victoria, if you consent, leave everything else to me, alright?"
His gaze fell on her belly, "I want to openly be his father."
Victoria now was smart enough to understand his intent.
"No, that’s Julian..."
Rhys’s finger gently pressed against her soft lips, "No one knows there’s another in your belly. If I acknowledge him, everyone will assume you’re carrying my child."
Victoria incredulously looked at the man before her, initially thinking him insane, but considering his inability, incapable of having his own children, explaining his words.
"But..." her mind more chaotic, wanting to say something yet unable.
Rhys’s single ’No’ blocked all her exits.
"If I bribe the doctor to reduce the baby’s age by one month, from now on, you’re carrying my child, and the Hawthorne family wouldn’t abandon their blood outside."
He whispered to Victoria, "Victoria, let me be the child’s father, will you? From now on, I’ll consider him my own."
Victoria believed him entirely, he wasn’t irresponsible.
But, but...
How did it come to her marrying into the Hawthorne family!
She gaped, anxious and disoriented, unsure how to respond.
The man’s warm breath lightly caressed her ear, "Julian Fordham won’t leave you alone, he’ll surely come back. If he finds out you’re still expecting, he won’t let it go, Victoria. I promised Grandma I’d protect you throughout my life."
"This is too much to ask of you, Rhys, I don’t think..."
Rhys sensed her chaos and hesitation, forcefully approaching like a devil enticing, "Victoria, let me be your man."
"We mutually benefit, and I wholeheartedly agree."