Chapter 4 Negotiating the Terms
"Okay. I understand that you have conditions for our marriage." Curtis said this after exhaling a sigh of relief.
Adeline froze for a moment, not expecting this big shot, who was known in Sawell for being cruel and intimidating, to be so kind.
After taking a deep breath, Adeline explained, "I want a small house. It doesn't have to be large, and even a modest apartment would work, but the property deed must include my name. I don't want to live in your family's house after the wedding because I only want to live in a small apartment. I want that apartment to be mine if we end up getting a divorce."
She reasoned that she would have fewer worries about her future if she had a small apartment of her own.
After hearing her mention divorce, Curtis felt as uncomfortable as he had been stung by a thorn. "What about the second condition?" he asked.
"I don't want to live in my family's house anymore after we got married."
She needed her own place because she didn't want to be too close to her family, but she didn't tell him what she was thinking.
Curtis eventually said softly, "Don't worry. I may be disabled, but I still have enough money to buy you a house.
He quickly glanced at Steffen, saying, "Transfer the house at Bay Hall to Mrs. Riley now."
"Got it," Steffen replied. He then began making phone calls to handle the matter.
Adeline's eyes widened briefly in surprise.
She was familiar with Bay Hall because it was close to the school where she worked.
The house was in the most prime location in the city. A small apartment would cost tens of millions of dollars, and even buying a place was extremely difficult. She couldn't believe he would really give her that apartment for free.
The car arrived at the Marriage Bureau while she was still dazed and confused.
A man rushed up, out of breath, and handed Steffen a file as soon as Adeline stepped out of the car.
"I got this done as fast as I could, Mr. Degen."
Steffen browsed through the file before politely handing it to Adeline, saying, "Mrs. Riley, this is the property Curtis gave you. I've already gotten your ID card from your parents for you, and I'll take care of the rest of the paperwork later."
Adeline was too shocked to say anything and accepted the property ownership certificate in a daze.
Her heart had been restless for a few days, like a wandering soul, and it was only now that she felt completely relaxed.
She had never expected Logan's uncle would make her feel safe, which was a rare feeling for her.
Adeline felt conflicted and bittersweet, so she promised him, "I'll be good to you from now on."
"Okay." Curtis beamed a bright grin.
Adeline wheeled Curtis to the Marriage Bureau in his wheelchair. Steffen led the way, and they were able to get a marriage license quickly.
Adeline was too dizzy to notice that Curtis, usually a reserved man, cracked a rare smile of genuine happiness as they snapped pictures.
She didn't have time to look at the marriage certificate before Curtis took it away.
"I'll give Steffen the marriage certificate so he can handle the legalities of transferring house ownership. Let's go back to your place so you can get your stuff."
Curtis appeared calm as he explained, but in fact, he thought, "I'm not giving you your marriage certificate because you won't be able to divorce me in the future that way! There's no way I'm divorcing you!"
Adeline agreed with a nod and said, "Okay."
Adeline agreed with a nod and said, "All right."
Soon after, the car arrived at her house.
Adeline didn't ask Curtis to accompany her to her door when she arrived. Instead, she only told him she'd be back soon.
When Adeline entered the living room, her parents, Phillip Burton, and Edith Burton, were waiting for her on the couch.
"Dad, Mom, I'm here to pack my things." Adeline turned around and headed for the stairs after she finished.
"Stop!" Phillip shouted excitedly as he stood up.
Adeline stopped. Edith rushed to her side and slapped her across the face before realizing what was happening.
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