Chapter 5 An Unexpected Marriage

• Peterson glanced at the paper. "Is this all?"
• "Need to add a few more," Kathy replied.
• Tilting his head, Peterson asked, eyes narrowed, "How do these rules benefit me?"
• "You can list your own requirements too. Fair exchange," Kathy said, instantly regretting her words. Negotiating fairly with such a cunning businessman was laughable. She must've left her brain elsewhere.
• "I'll keep this for now and add mine later. But first, let's discuss consequences for breaking rules," Peterson suggested, eyes still narrowed.
• Kathy hesitated. "What do you propose?"
• After a moment, Peterson said, "How about this - whoever breaks a rule copies out our marriage certificate as punishment?"
• "Let me see your requirements first to ensure they're reasonable," Kathy replied cautiously. She knew she could never outmaneuver him in schemes.
• "Alright, we'll leave it at that for now," Peterson said, placing the paper on the coffee table. "By the way, I plan to eat at home on evenings without work engagements."
• Kathy laughed lightly. "I'm afraid my cooking might not meet Mr. Blackwood's standards."
• Peterson raised an eyebrow. "Surely Mrs. Blackwood knows how questionable food safety is outside these days? Would it be too much trouble to make an extra portion?"
• "I see. Well, I'm going to shower now," Kathy said quickly before retreating to her room.
• Peterson's smile deepened as he watched her go.
• Next morning, Peterson woke early to find Kathy gone. After his workout downstairs, still no sign of her. Was she avoiding him? Considering last night's behavior, it seemed likely.
• Shaking his head, Peterson entered the kitchen. A note stuck to the fridge: "Mr. Blackwood, I have classes all day and rehearsal tonight, so please handle your own lunch and dinner. P.S. Made sandwiches in a rush - they're in the fridge with milk. If you don't want them, please return to fridge. Thanks, Ann"
• Peterson's lips curled into a smile as he took out the sandwiches. He wondered when he'd ever seemed so hard to please. Still, she hadn't ignored his request, putting him in a good mood.
• With a homemade breakfast, Peterson arrived at work in high spirits, smiling all the way to the office. His unusual cheerfulness shocked the employees.
• "Good morning, Mr. Blackwood," the receptionist greeted with a smile.
• "Good morning," Peterson replied pleasantly as he entered the elevator.
• Once he was gone, the receptionist turned to her coworkers. "Did you see that? Mr. Blackwood seems so happy today. Those rumors must be true!"
• "Who could be so lucky?" another receptionist wondered enviously. "We've never even heard of Mr. Blackwood having a girlfriend. I always thought he and Mr. Calvin might be a couple."
• "The photos were taken from far away. You could barely see Mr. Blackwood's face, and only the woman's back. She had a nice figure though," the first receptionist added.
• "Think it could be a celebrity? That'd explain why he's being so low-key about it," an employee chimed in.
• "But would the old Mr. Blackwood approve of that?"
• "Who knows? But doesn't that silhouette look familiar to anyone?"
• The gossip continued to spread throughout the office as everyone speculated about the identity of Peterson Blackwood's mysterious new wife.
• "Kathy, what a lovely name! Which 'Blackwood' character is it?" Jeremy chirped over the phone.
• "The 'BW' from 'Blackwood' - Poppy," Peterson replied, his voice tinged with resignation.
• "I'll be at the airport soon. Let's have dinner tonight," Jeremy said, hanging up abruptly.
• Peterson sighed, then started calling his friends. "Sorry guys, can't meet up. Mom's flying back from Singapore to meet my new wife."
• A knock interrupted him. "Come in," he called.
• His deputy CEO, Jeremy, entered, grinning mischievously. "So, the rumors are true? Blackwood's most eligible bachelor is off the market?"
• Peterson chuckled. "Wasn't planned, just happened."
• "When do we meet the lucky lady who stole your heart?" Jeremy teased.
• "Soon enough," Peterson leaned back. "But she doesn't know about... all this. Let's keep it that way for now."
• "Lips sealed," Jeremy promised with a mock salute.
• Later, Kathy rushed home from dance class to prepare for dinner. Despite knowing it was all pretense, she felt nervous as she applied light makeup and chose a modest outfit.
• Peterson picked her up, explaining they'd dine at the family's old residence. "Just follow my lead tonight," he reminded her. "Once it's over, I'll sign those papers right away."
• Kathy nodded, determined to play her part well.
• As they drove, Peterson mentioned plans to release a statement about their marriage. "Should we visit your father first?" he asked.
• "Whatever you think is best," Kathy replied coolly. "Just don't disrupt my lifestyle."
• "Of course," Peterson assured. "I won't publish any photos of you."
• He turned on some music - Liszt's "Lebensraum." Kathy found herself reciting the poem that inspired the piece, memories of a past heartbreak surfacing.
• "Your heart must always stay passionate and devoted, as long as another heart returns your warmth," she murmured.
• Peterson glanced at her, impressed. "You're quite knowledgeable about art and literature. My mother will appreciate that - she studied the piano and even performed in operas when she was younger."
• Kathy's eyes widened. "So that's why you know so much about classic opera."
• "Sometimes it's nice to slow down and appreciate the finer things in life," Peterson mused.
• "Indeed," Kathy agreed, a small smile playing on her lips as they drove on.
• "What kind of place do you like?" Peterson asked, stopping at a red light.
• "Why the sudden question?" Kathy replied.
• "Mom asked about our wedding. Told her we're planning to travel and get married. Need to go on a trip to keep up the act. Any preferences?"
• "Any where’s fine," Kathy said, though she'd been to most worthwhile places over the years.
• "How about Fiji? Then Tahiti, Mauritius, and finish with Dali when we're back. Thoughts?"
• "That's quite the itinerary. How long are you planning to be away?" Kathy asked, noting the trip spanned several continents.
• "Two to three weeks. Haven't had a proper vacation in years, so it's a good chance to unwind," Peterson explained.
• "I don't have time in the near future," Kathy mused. "Next month I'm leading a team to the National College Art Exhibition, then there's the school's 120th anniversary, followed by my teacher-student concert. Probably can't free up that much time before July."
• "Alright, we'll figure it out later," Peterson said, a bit deflated. "But we should still make time for Jess."
• "Why?"
• "My grandparents live there now," Peterson replied, turning the wheel. "After announcing our marriage, it'd make sense to visit them."
• "Oh, okay," Kathy said. "Um, I was wondering... now that we've met each other's parents, what happens if we divorce?" she asked hesitantly.
• "Mrs. Blackwood, we've been married two days and you're already thinking about divorce?" Peterson stopped to look into Kathy's eyes.
• "No, I mean, what if you meet your true love one day? It could happen," Kathy explained. She'd long wanted to ask this. Her own capacity for love had withered, but his... She wanted to know his true thoughts on this hasty, almost casual marriage. To understand where he placed it in his life. The most painful thing wasn't never having something but having it and then losing it.
• "That won't happen," Peterson said with a slight smile. Because she's right in front of me, he thought. It's only you, and it will only ever be you.
• Kathy assumed this was just Peterson trying to comfort her. "If you do find someone, let me know early," she said. So, I can prepare myself, she thought silently.
• "Alright," he agreed.
• They drove out of the city center and took the ring road to reach the Blackwood family estate. No wonder Peterson lived elsewhere - it really was quite far. The estate's staff opened the gates respectfully as they saw Peterson's car approach.
• As they pulled up to the main entrance, the Blackwood family butler, Uncle Jess, came forward and opened the car door politely. Peterson got out and walked around to open Kathy's door himself, then put his arm around her waist. Kathy was about to pull away when Peterson whispered in her ear, "Remember, we're newlyweds, and you promised to play along."
• Kathy glared at him. Having his arm around her waist made her skin crawl with discomfort.
• "Young Master, is this the new Mrs. Blackwood?" Uncle Jess's gaze was sharp as he looked at Kathy in Peterson's embrace, but seeing her smiling naturally and allowing the scrutiny, he gave an almost imperceptible nod and his eyes softened. "Welcome, young Mrs. Blackwood."
• "Hello, Uncle Cleo," Kathy smiled.
• "Madam has been eagerly awaiting the young master and mistress. Please, come in," Uncle Cleo said.
• "You're here! You must be Kathy. You're so beautiful! Come in, I cooked myself today.Joah told me you like sweet and sour fish, so I made it specially. You must be hungry after work," Evelyn beamed, clearly pleased with her son's wife nestled in his arms. Good figure, lovely face and demeanor, well-educated with a good job and family background. Most importantly, her son liked her. If he hadn't found a girlfriend soon, she had almost been ready to let him be with little Wei. Now he had brought home such a beautiful daughter-in-law - how could she not be thrilled?
• "Mom, you're asking so many questions at once. How is Kathy supposed to answer?" Peterson felt Kathy stiffen slightly in his arms.
• "Right, go wash up for dinner first," Evelyn said, too excited to notice Kathy's discomfort.
• "Let's go wash our hands," Peterson prompted Kathy gently.
• "Oh," Kathy snapped out of her daze, glancing again at Evelyn's retreating figure heading to the kitchen. She furrowed her brow, seemingly lost in thought.
• "Focus," Peterson reminded her as he dried his hands on a towel.
• "Mm," Kathy nodded, but was still clearly distracted. Peterson had to take her hand to lead her to the dining room.
• Seeing the beautiful couple arrive hand in hand, Evelyn was truly delighted. At this rate, she might be holding a grandchild before long.