Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 102: A Refuge

Chapter 102: A Refuge

Rain listened quietly, somehow understanding the depth of what Carla might have faced.

Insecurity can be a powerful force, especially for someone trying to step out of the shadows of a powerful family. It wasn’t uncommon for those born into prominence to struggle with their sense of identity beyond their family’s influence.

Rain could imagine the weight Carla carried, but she also knew that her own approach to life was different.

"There are many ways to handle these things," Rain said thoughtfully. "I don’t know everything about Carla or what she’s been through, but I do know one thing—I’m not the kind of person who gives up on people I value. I won’t sacrifice the ones I treasure just to achieve a goal. I’ll always find a way to hold on, as long as they want me to."

Eric looked at her, a new respect flickering in his eyes. "That’s admirable," he finally said. "Not everyone has that kind of strength."

Rain smirked and there was a hint of playfulness in her voice. "Some of my friends think I’m too greedy because I want it all."

Eric shrugged with a grin. "Who wouldn’t want it all? But like I said, not everyone has the determination you do. That might be your greatest strength... and your biggest challenge. Especially when Carla comes back."

Rain’s smile turned faint, but her eyes held steady. "I’m not expecting this to be easy. I didn’t enter this marriage with plans to give up. If Alexander wants this to work, I’ll do everything I can to make sure it does."

Eric nodded, but his gaze shifted past her. "Speaking of which... I think someone’s been listening to your little speech for quite some time."

Rain’s brow furrowed in confusion before she turned around—and froze. Her face paled as she saw Alexander standing there, his arms casually crossed. "Since when have you been standing there?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Long enough," Alexander replied, his tone calm but amused. Eric couldn’t help but grin. "You shifted positions, so he caught most of it."

Rain narrowed her eyes and muttered, "It’s still not polite to eavesdrop."

Alexander shrugged, calling over a waiter to fetch him a glass of wine. "It’s also not polite to interrupt serious conversations, so I figured I’d just stand here."

Eric laughed, shaking his head. "My father keeps glancing over here. I’m pretty sure he’s eager to meet the lovely lady I’ve been talking to."

Alexander gave a small nod. "Don’t worry, as long as my father’s there, he’ll handle the introductions smoothly." His gaze shifted toward Rain. "Though... I hear you’ve asked him to keep things quiet."

Rain quickly explained, "I told him to tell everyone I’m just the family’s new legal advisor."

Eric blinked at her in mock surprise. "Wait, are you replacing me already?"

Rain laughed. "Relax! I’m just the dummy one for appearances. You’re still the real deal."

Alexander smirked. "You two seem to be getting along quite well."

Rain shot him a teasing look. "Well, I need Eric on my side. He’s almost like your brother, so who better to help me gather some intel on you?"

Before Alexander could reply, Eric suddenly tensed. "Uh oh... here come the seniors—with Aunt Vernice. Does she know your marriage is supposed to be a secret?"

"I’m sure Father briefed her," Alexander said dryly, glancing at Rain. "Though I don’t know how you did it, but it seems like you’ve got my father wrapped around your finger."

Rain simply shrugged as Vernice introduced her to the group. "Let me introduce you to this wonderful lady. I just met her today, but I already find her quite charming. This is Rain Clayton," Vernice announced, drawing everyone’s attention.

Rain greeted the seniors with a polite nod and a warm smile. "It’s a pleasure to meet you all."

"We meet again, Miss Rain," Arlan Cartier said with his usual friendly smile.

"You two know each other?" Rock, her father-in-law, interjected with curiosity.

Rain smiled politely. "Yes, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cartier before. Though I didn’t expect him to remember me from our brief interaction at the orphanage event last year."

Arlan chuckled warmly. "Of course, I remember you, Miss Rain! The staff at the orphanage never stop praising you. Wilma mentioned you’ve been volunteering since you were eight," he said, clearly impressed.

"Eight?" Vernice exclaimed, surprised.

Rain smiled faintly. "Yes... Haven Orphanage has always felt like a second home to me." Her voice softened as she recalled the safe haven it had provided her, a place to escape the mistreatment from her stepmother and half-sister and the cold indifference of her father.

’To be honest, the orphanage felt more like home to her than her father’s mansion ever did,’ she mused silently, keeping the thought to herself. Instead, she smiled and continued, "I made a lot of friends there. After school, I’d always go to help out a bit before heading back home."

Her words were casual, but the sincerity in her voice hinted at the deeper connection she had with the orphanage. It had been a refuge, a place where she could escape the coldness of her father’s house and find comfort among people who valued her.

"That’s truly admirable," Judge Darwin chimed in. "Most kids these days just play with their gadgets! You’ve grown up so well, I must say."

Rain’s smile grew warmer at the compliment. "Thank you, sir. I’ve always felt that helping others helped me too."

Blushing, Rain replied, "Oh, it’s just some small things I helped with."

"Small things?" Arlan shook his head. "My wife mentions your name often. You’ve given legal advice to the staff for free. And let’s not forget how you got hurt last year while protecting Rosa from her drunken husband."

Rosa, the assistant manager at the orphanage, had endured years of abuse from her husband. "It was just a scratch," Rain murmured, growing uncomfortable as the attention focused on her.

"You were stabbed, Rain. That’s not ’just a scratch,’" Arlan corrected gently. Then he paused, a look of realization crossing his face. "So, your full name is Rain Clayton?"

Rain nodded hesitantly. "Yes, sir..."

"Are you related to Tim Clayton?" Arlan asked, his tone shifting.