Chapter 3

“Yes, I know that it’s women who suffer losses when a situation like this occurs. Maybe you have lost the confidence in trusting another man, building a new relationship, and getting married. However, I sincerely want to take responsibility for you. After we register our marriage, I will hand over all my salary to you for safekeeping. I can also add your name to the deed of my house. As for my family, don’t worry about them. I can handle it.” Seeing that Maeve was still hesitating, Matthew continued, “Were you trying to see Mr. Stevens last night? I know you were engaged to Ron. What business did you have with Mr. Stevens?” “Well, I needed to ask him for a favor,” Maeve replied evasively. “There is a stark difference in status between Mr. Stevens and me, but if you marry me, you will definitely have the opportunity to meet him in the future. Sooner or later, we will uncover the truth and prove your innocence.” Maeve felt like crying. “You believe that I’m innocent?” She had been wrongly accused and imprisoned. No one had listened to her defense, and nobody believed she was innocent. Everyone said she was guilty. A simple statement that implied he believed she was innocent struck the deepest chord in her heart. “Yes, I believe you’re innocent. You would reap no benefits from killing Mr. Jay Stevens. Therefore, I think you’re innocent. Although I’m just a driver and may not be able to help you much, I will do my best to support you in the future. Ms. Lawson, would you consider marrying me?” Matthew asked sincerely. Matthew had never spoken in such a gentle tone or with such sincerity in his entire life. However, he was playing the role of Liam, Matthew’s driver, at the moment. This way of speaking and conducting himself should be more fitting for his current role. Maeve pondered for a moment and nodded. “Okay, I’ll marry you.” “Marriage is not a trivial matter. Are you sure you don’t need more time to think?” Matthew reminded her. “Do you want me to marry you, or not?” Maeve chuckled lightly. Her demeanor was aloof yet infused with the gentle charm of the women of the Riverside region. Her smile was beautiful. “I’ve made up my mind. When should we register for our marriage?” She had thought that they would never cross paths again after last night. Therefore, she did not take his promise to heart at that time. Since he had kept his word, he must be a responsible man. As for the marriage registration, Maeve felt calm. She did not feel the nervousness, excitement, and joy she had three years ago. If he wanted to marry her, then so be it. After all, it was just living together as companions. She did not have any unrealistic expectations. At the very least, she would have a place to settle down and make a living. Matthew said, “Anytime is fine for me. We’ll do it whenever you’re ready.” “Great. I’ll contact you once I get my birth certificate. Since you are Matthew’s driver, I understand that you might not be able to answer calls most of the time. Shall we stay in touch through WhatsApp? Should you scan my QR code, or should I scan yours?” As Maeve said that, she opened her WhatsApp and presented her QR code to Matthew. “You can scan mine.” “All right.” Matthew took out his phone, scanned the QR code, and added Maeve on WhatsApp. Then he changed the subject. “I don’t think Sabrina would just hand over your birth certificate. Do you have your ID card with you?” “Yes, I do. Why?” “I’ll ask Mr. Stevens for another favor. I’ll ask him to use his connections to help us obtain the marriage certificate.” “We can do that? It doesn’t sound appropriate, does it?” She was worried that she would leave a bad impression on Matthew if she kept bothering him. “It’ll be fine. It’s just a matter of Mr. Stevens making a phone call. I’m almost thirty and haven’t had time to get a girlfriend. To be honest, Mr. Stevens bears a great responsibility. Contrary to what the public says, he is actually very kind to his subordinates.” Since he was currently posing as his driver, Liam, the marriage certificate should also bear the name Liam. If they were to register for the certificate in person, he would definitely give himself away. “Really? Well, in that case, it will save us a lot of time.” Maeve handed him her ID card. “By the way, I heard that due to Mr. Stevens’ illness, he is a difficult person to deal with. He’s cold and heartless, and he has a volatile temper. Is that true?” There were many rumors about him, but it was the first time someone had said it to him to his face. It stirred up complex emotions within him. Matthew’s expression darkened. “Are you particularly interested in Mr. Stevens?” “No, no, it was just a casual remark.” Matthew realized that he had overreacted. His expression softened slightly. “I will find time to go to the Office of Housing and add your name to the property deed.” As he said that, he took out the keys to his house and a bank card that he had prepared in advance. He handed them to Maeve. “These are the keys to my house and a bank card. The password is six sevens. If there is anything you need to buy, you can purchase it accordingly. It’s too messy and chaotic here. It will be safer for you to live there. You will move in right away. I’ll help you with your luggage." His voice was deep and pleasant, but it carried an authoritative tone. He was not a Lawson, after all. He had always been someone who gave orders. He had a dominant nature. Since they were going to be husband and wife in the future, Maeve did not try to be coy. She graciously accepted the keys and the bank card. “Okay. I don’t have much luggage, so you don’t have to help me move. The house was purchased by you before marriage, so it can be considered your pre-marital property. There’s no need to add my name to it. I don’t have a job at the moment, so I’ll use some of your money for now. I’ll get a job as soon as possible. We can share the household expenses together. If you prefer splitting expenses equally, that’s fine too.” “No need. It’s a man’s responsibility to provide for the family.” Matthew glanced at his watch. He did not dwell on the topic any longer and changed the subject. “Since you don’t need my help, I’ll head back to my office. There are some jobs I need to handle.” “Okay, go ahead and attend to your tasks. You don’t need to worry about me,” Maeve said indifferently, with a distant and polite tone. “Could you please send me the address of our home? I’ll stop by the Lawson family’s mansion first and then head there.” “Sure, I’ll send you the address and phone number via WhatsApp later. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call.” Matthew’s gaze did not linger on Maeve for another second. After saying that, he left. In recent years, his uncles had tried various means to introduce women to him. Although he could not confirm whether Maeve was one of those women his uncles had arranged for him or what her true intentions were, they had already slept together. He might as well keep her under his watch. On the one hand, it would make it convenient for him to observe her, and on the other hand, she could serve as a shield against unwanted advances from other women, preventing his uncles from plotting further. He did not want to waste his energy dealing with such matters. If she had nothing to do with his uncles, and if he liked her character, and she satisfied him, he would happily spend the rest of his life with her. He would make her his legitimate Mrs. Stevens. However, if she had ulterior motives, he could easily divorce her, just as he could easily marry her now. He would ensure a clean break. Anyone who dared to plot against him would face dire consequences! Maeve could not help but lament as she thought about how she was busy preparing for her wedding before she was imprisoned. Now that she was out of prison, she found herself getting married once again. That man had claimed that it was his duty to provide for the family, but she would not take his words seriously. Even her own parents could not offer selfless love and dedication toward her, so how could she trust a stranger and rely on him? She had just rented this room. She had not had the chance to purchase any furniture. After packing her stuff into a bag, Maeve took a bus to the Lawson family’s mansion. Located in the heart of the city, the Lawson family’s mansion stood with its grand black carved gates tightly shut. However, sounds of laughter could be heard from inside, as if there were some kind of celebration taking place.