The Billionaire's Promise
Chapter 62: Why Did You Marry Him?

Chapter 62: Why Did You Marry Him?

Jax looked at Aryana interestingly.

"You are so confident. Wanna bet? If you lose then buy me a meal?" Jax wanted to pour more wine into her glass but Aryana refused.

"If you lose?" Aryana asked him

"I’ll buy you a meal." He said lightheartedly.

Aryana shook her head. "This is Erik’s and my personal matter. It is not something for betting." She finally said.

Aryana felt an intimidating presence beside her and when she looked back she saw George Lee standing behind her.

"Excuse me, Aryana, I’ll go mingle with my uncles." Jax hesitated then he looked at Aryana with concern and pity in his eyes before he turned around and left.

"Oh, it’s you, Mr. George Lee." She said politely.

The old man held her gaze. His eyes were dark brown just like Erik’s but they were more fierce and chilling. Aryana felt suffocated and she tried to breathe calmly.

"How did you and Erik meet?" He asked sternly.

"It was by chance. We met at Paradise Island and then I learned that my Dad used to be his chauffeur." She responded honestly.

He sneered. "When did you get married?"

"Yesterday." Her reply was brief. The less she talked, the less mistake she will make.

George Lee raised his eyebrows.

"And why did he marry you?"

Aryana felt that she was being placed on death row by the way she was being interrogated.

"Erik said he wanted to protect me. He promised my dad when he died." She did not want to lie so all her answers were truthful.

The patriarch of the Lees laughed coldly. Aryana felt that the hair on her arms stood. His laugh sounded so evil.

"What a stupid and naive young man. He was not able to protect the woman he loves back then. What gave him the courage to say that he married you to protect you?" He handed Aryana a wine bottle and gestured for her to pour the wine into their glasses.

Aryana complied.

"Would you like to sit down Mr. Lee?" She gave him a smile and pulled the chair nearest to him. George Lee paused when he saw Aryana smile which exposed her two dimples.

’Hmmp. That rascal chose well. This girl is indeed beautiful.’ He murmured while sitting down. His legs were actually tired. Aryana did not sit on the chair next to him but on the next one so there was a vacant seat between them.

"You married him for money didn’t you?" He ridiculed her.

"I married him because he asked me to. I owed him my life. He saved me three times." She said in a composed manner.

The old man was silent for some time as he eyed her like a predator waiting to pounce on his prey.

"My time is precious and I can’t waste any more of it. I will not beat around the bush. I’ll give you ten million. Leave Erik and disappear from this country. He doesn’t love you and just toying with you anyway."

Aryana was not surprised to hear the offer. She had expected it. However, she felt something prick her heart when she heard George Lee’s blatant declaration that Erik did not love her.

"I am sorry Mr. Lee. If Erik wants to divorce me, I will do so willingly. He alone can ask me to leave." Aryana was composed when she said these words. She was not expecting too much from Erik. For as long as he treated her well, it was enough for her. She will fight her way into his heart in the future.

A glint flashed across George Lee’s eyes. Somehow he admired the calm demeanor of the young girl before her.

"Let’s see how long you can latch unto Erik. You are a smart woman. You should know what to do." He said chillingly then he stood and left.

The moment he left, Jax joined her at the table.

"How’s the interrogation?" He asked grinning.

Aryanna just kept silent. She was thankful for an incoming call. She was saved from dealing with Jax.

"I’ll be right there," Aryana said over the phone.

"I’m going back." She looked around and was hesitating.

"I’ll accompany you to say your goodbyes and walk you out." Jax offered.

Aryana nodded. She had no better choice at the moment.

...

At the Midnight Club, Erik has already finished a bottle of Tequila with Franco when Marlon walked in.

"What happened? Did you quarrel with the Lees?" Marlon was aware that there was a birthday party celebration at the Lee ancestral mansion.

Franco just shrugged his shoulder after downing a shot of tequila.

"It was Father and Grandpa who sent her away." Erik lamented as he swiftly finished another shot of tequila.

Marlon was at a loss for what to say. He and Franco just accompanied him in drinking. After some time he said. "Erik, it is getting late and you are drunk. Let’s go home."

"No. I am not drunk yet." Erik slurred. "My family is so heartless. Don’t they know that I love Cassie? I love her and I miss her so much."

Marlon and Franco looked at each other worriedly. Cassie disappeared three years ago on the day before their wedding. She left a note that said she was in love with her childhood sweetheart and did not want to hurt Erik by marrying him and yet loving someone else. Erik was heartbroken.

"Buddy, that’s the past. You decided to get married and Aryana is a fine young woman and prettier than Cassie." Marlon said seriously.

"Yeah, Bro. And it is only your second night. Go home to your wife." Franco added.

Erik was in a drunken stupor. He did not hear nor understand what Marlon and Franco told him.

Marlon’s phone dinged. He checked it and saw a message from Aryana.

Aryana: Is Erik with you?

Marlon: Yes. Franco is also with us. Where are you?

Aryana: Gaeya Tower Penthouse.

Marlon: It is late. Go rest. Will take care of him.

Aryana: Do you know what happened? He left without saying anything and did not answer my calls.

Marlon: Might be a misunderstanding with his grandpa

Marlon did not tell Aryana that Erik just learned that his woman back then did not betray him but was driven out by his family.

"If Cassie comes back, do you think Erik will divorce Aryana and get back with her?" Marlon directed his gaze to Franco. He sprinkled salt on his hand, licked it off then drank the tequila shot swiftly and sucked on a wedge of lime.

"Cassie... come back...marry me," Erik murmured incoherently.

"Don’t be a scumbag, Erik. You just got married." Franco admonished him.

"Well, if Erik gave up on Aryana then I will woo her," Marlon spoke in a loud and crisp voice.

He felt a cold glare from his left.

"What did you just say? This time, Erik’s voice was clear.

"I did not say anything. You are drunk." Marlon was not looking at Erik but rather at Franco. He mouthed ’What the hell.’