Chapter 3 My Name Is Kellan Reed

Marriage?

Rena was dumbfounded, her mind scrambling to catch up with the reality unfolding before her.

Was this a dream?

Or had this man completely lost his senses?

As she grappled with her thoughts, Emilio leaned in close, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that pulled her in like a vortex.

Emilio arched an eyebrow and his lips curled into a half-smile. "Reluctant?"

"Sir, we barely know each other, and you're proposing marriage. Don't you think that's a bit... hasty?"

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kellan Reed. If my memory serves me right, I saved you last night, which surely earns me a favor or two," he said, his voice smooth, concealing his true identity.

In his thoughts, he reasoned that Rena, now vulnerable and alone, was an easy target even compared to his own past as the disgraced, illegitimate son.

His plan was sinister—to aid her, win her heart, and then, at the height of her trust, abandon her—revealing his true identity only then.

For the moment, he would remain at her side as Kellan.

He was curious to witness what her reaction would be when the truth came out.

Would she despair and feel betrayed? Or would she regret ever trusting him?

He was almost too eager to find out.

Meanwhile, Rena's thoughts whirled in turmoil.

He had indeed saved her, a fact she couldn't ignore.

But marriage? Just like that...

She blinked, taking in the man before her. His rugged good looks were undeniable—last night, while tending his wound, she had noticed his sculpted abs and strong build. He was undeniably handsome.

Though marrying him wouldn't be the worst outcome, her recent heartbreak had left her skeptical of love.

She could never marry someone she just met, savior or not!

After a brief pause, she shook her head firmly. "There are other ways I can repay you for saving my life, but marriage isn't one of them."

A mischievous twinkle appeared in Kellan's eyes as he gently lifted her chin, his face inching closer. "Any other way?"

Rena's pulse quickened. What was he implying?

He couldn't possibly expect her to sleep with him, could he?

That was out of the question!

She hastily lowered her gaze. "I won't have sex with you..."

Kellan's chuckle was low, his breath warm against her ear, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine. "I only proposed marriage. Consider it. I can wait," he whispered.

Her heart thumped erratically.

His allure was almost overwhelming.

But why marriage?

Was it possible he had feelings for her? Impossible—they had only just met!

Kellan didn't press further and soon left, leaving behind only his number for her to call if she changed her mind.

Rena scoffed at the idea, promptly discarding the phone number into the trash.

In her grandmother's old house, devoid of life, even the balcony flowers had wilted away.

Rena sighed, her gaze drifting to the urn on the table. First, she needed to secure a burial plot for her mother.

She made her way to a local cemetery to inquire about the prices. The cost of a decent plot was a steep eighty thousand, while the more modest ones ranged from thirty to forty thousand.

Upon checking her account, she found it frozen by Alexander, leaving her penniless.

Taking a deep breath, she resolved to remain calm and determined to purchase a plot for her mother independently.

As she exited the cemetery, lost in thoughts of finding employment, a sleek red sports car screeched to a halt in front of her.

The window slid down, and Milly, with a smug lift of her chin, removed her sunglasses. "Well, if it isn't my dear sister? Looking a little disheveled, aren't we?"

Rena chose to ignore her, but Milly pressed on, "Life's been hard without the Barnett wealth, hasn't it? But cheer up. Dad's found a lucrative marriage arrangement for you!"