Aaron's words rendered everyone in shock, even Wendy.
Rita's eyes widened, staring at him directly as if daring him to say it again. "What did you say?" she
snapped.
"The date went well," he replied, glancing at Wendy as he motioned to the woman right in front of her.
"She's the one."
"Mr. Aaron–" Wendy was about to say something when Rita interrupted her, her face as red as a
tomato. "What did you mean it went well? Are you crazy? Are you kidding me, Aaron?"
Hearing Aaron's words of affirmation followed Rita's long string of profanity, her parents rushed over to
alleviate the situation. Jack was ecstatic as he gripped Rita by the shoulders. "That's fantastic. Mr.
Aaron is a good man, Rita. You'd do well with him."
"All he is, is a jerk," she snapped, snorting.
"Don't say that!" Jack scolded. However, the other man was unaffected by her insults.
"It's settled then." Aaron clasped his hands, a wide grin appearing in his face.
"Since we only just met once, how can we get married..."
"Twice."
Aaron instantly corrected Rita. "If you include the last time we've met."
"Even then, we've only met twice. It's not as if you should propose on the spot." Rita was already firm
with her decision to not marry him. However, her father already had other plans. Jack, anxious, on what
seemed to be the last chance he could regain favor in the business sector, quickly turned to Aaron.
"We will persuade our daughter," he promised.
Before Rita could say anything more on that, Jack dragged her away, waving good bye at Aaron.
Just as she got into the car, Rita scowled. "Don't expect me to marry that person!" she said.
"Rita, it's not that I'm forcing you, but you know the situation of our family right now. If the news of your
marriage gets out, our stock will definitely go up, and our family will be saved. If you can get the prime
lots of the Leng family, then even better, right?"
"Father!" she interrupted. "I'm your daughter, not your goods that you can easily trade off."
"And that you are. I love you, but the Gu name is in danger. If we don't find a way out, our family would
go bankrupt. Do you want to watch it fall? Do you want to see us on the streets?" Jack took Rita's
hands affectionately, his thumb doing circles around her skin. "My dear daughter, please. I just want
you to help me get through this crisis. Once the situation alleviates, then I won't stop you if ever you
decide to divorce him."
Staring at his old face, even Rita couldn't bear to refuse him. However, this request was just deeply
uncomfortable for her to follow through.
However, before she could even consider this, the Leng family had already extended their invitation to
Rita to attend their banquet.
It was great news for Jack, given that he was already eager to marry her off. For so long, the Gu family
had not been able to become one of the top richest families. However, things were already starting to
turn around.
This was the third meeting of Rita and Aaron.
The banquet was held in an open-air dancing room at the top floor of the Center Hotel. The music
fountain was shining at the center of it all, reflecting the colorful lights that shone around it. Countless of
people surrounded the place, talking and chatting of the latest gossip.
Rita never appreciated such luxurious banquets, being very uncomfortable under the spotlight. She
leaned against the glass walls, holding a glass of champagne as she stared at Aaron talking
humorously with another woman.
The woman had long black curly hair loosing on her shoulder. She had almond eyes, small red lips.
She looked like a model. All eyes were on her as they danced to the beat.
When they were finally finished, Aaron held the woman's hand as he led her out of the dancing floor,
seeing Rita who was already extremely bored at the banquet.
Rita had no idea that Aaron was approaching her till it was too late to walk away.
It was not until they got closer that Rita recognized the woman. She was Yvonne Jiang, a popular star,
and also the younger sister of her friend, Magee Jiang.
"Long time no see." Rita nodded, only to see that Yvonne Jiang did not return the greeting.
"I didn't expect that Rita would be here." Yvonne sneered. "I didn't expect that the Gu family would even
be qualified for an invitation."
Ever since their downfall, the Jiang family limited their contact with them gradually. Magee Jiang, being
their main contact, had gone abroad and hadn't returned in a long time. The Jiang family used this as
an excuse to cut off their contacts totally. Given that Yvonne Jiang was a rising star, Rita didn't want to
associate herself with the lesser folks.
She only shrugged it off.
Yvonne, however, deepened her words. "I know now! Did you come here to find another eligible
bachelor? If someone takes a fancy on you, there might be a chance to save your family now."
Rita scoffed, "Don't be so imaginative, Yvonne."
Yvonne swayed her hips, leaning against Aaron. "Look at your words, Rita. I'm already with Mr. Aaron,
screw all the other men."
Rita could only raise her eyebrow at him in response.
"Yvonne," Aaron started, releasing his hold and moving towards Rita. "She's actually my fiancee."
As soon as he said it, everyone craned their necks, wanting to get a better look at the man's
prospective bride. Some of them widened their eyes in surprise, some in jealousy, while others in
contempt.
Panic flashed in Yvonne's eyes as she laughed awkwardly. "Are you kidding me?"
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