Chapter 7 I Need to Get Married

Abigail stared blankly at Rosalie. Rosalie took her mother's cold hand and whispered, "Mom, you need to keep a closer eye on Dad from now on." With a pointed look, she added, "Especially when it comes to money. Make sure to track the household expenses and company accounts. No matter the situation, it's always smart to have some funds of your own." Abigail wasn't naive. Rosalie's message was unmistakable. As memories of William's odd behavior today and his familiar patterns flooded her mind, a suffocating weight pressed down on Abigail's chest, making it hard to breathe. "I understand, Rosa," she rasped. Back in her room, Rosalie locked the door behind her. According to her grandfather's will, she was granted shares in Stellar Group. However, the will also stipulated that if she remained unmarried by the age of 25, her parents would assume joint control of those shares. If she married before then, she would gain 40% of the management rights. In her past life, she had married Lucian the very next day to claim that authority. But now, the wedding was canceled. Lucian was no longer an option. Aware of the stakes, Rosalie knew she had to find a husband soon to ensure the inheritance her grandfather entrusted to her remained safe. She couldn't afford to give William or Lucian any loopholes to take advantage of. With that resolve, Rosalie pulled out her phone and sent a message to Ursula Reed. "Ursie, are you there?" Just as she hit send, Ursula's call came through. Her voice crackled with excitement. "Rosa! I just heard from the group chat that Lucian showed up at your place today to call off the wedding. Is it true that he intends to marry Camelia, the woman staying with you temporarily?" Rosalie rubbed her forehead. "Yeah, it's true." "What the fuck!" Ursula exclaimed. "Is he crazy? Why would he dump a perfect gem like you for some random chick? That makes no sense! "I warned you from the very beginning. Lucian might appear charming, but he's full of lies and shadows. He's not worthy of you! You just wouldn't listen back then!" Across the line, Ursula's anger boiled over, curses spilling from her lips. Rosalie's eyes stung, tears threatening to spill. Ursula was right. If Rosalie had listened to her in her previous life, she might never have been deceived so badly. But this time, fate had given her a chance to make a different choice. Once Ursula had finally calmed down, Rosalie spoke up. "Ursie… Do you remember that distant cousin you told me about?" "Which one?" Ursula asked, blinking in confusion. "The one whose family keeps pushing him to get married. He's still single, isn't he?" "Oh! Yes, I remember now!" Ursula said, her voice tinged with disbelief and excitement. "Why the sudden interest in him? Wait… Have you finally come around?" "I guess so. Is he still looking for someone to marry?" "Absolutely! Why wouldn't he be?" Ursula could hardly sit still on the couch, her excitement barely contained. "My cousin is ridiculously handsome. 6'2", broad shoulders, a slim waist, and legs that go on forever. Clothes fit him like a glove, and trust me, he looks even better without them! "Now, his temper can be rough, and he's a bit cold sometimes. Anyway… You'll understand once you get to know him. "But regardless, his principles stand firm and true. He's a hundred times better than that rotten-to-the-core Lucian!" As Ursula rambled on, a smile tugged at Rosalie's lips. "Ursie, can you arrange for me to meet him?" "Consider it done! I'll contact him right now. But Rosa, are you positive this is what you want?" "Yes," Rosalie said calmly. "I need to get married." After a moment's pause, Ursula's tone shifted, growing more serious. "Rosa, I know Lucian calling off the wedding was tough for you, but please don't tell me this is just out of spite or some impulsive choice—" "It's not out of spite," Rosalie interrupted firmly. "I'm fully aware of what I'm doing. Ursie, I'll explain everything later. For now, just help me arrange a meeting with him as soon as possible." "Alright, just wait for my text. I'll send you the time and place as soon as I hear back." True to her word, Ursula acted quickly. That very night, she sent Rosalie the details.