Chapter 1 Woman on a Rainy Night

Night.

In the pitch- black darkness of the nights sky, lightning split through the darkness and was followed by thunder, as torrential rain poured down.

Isabella had been kneeling outside the main gate of the Cooper residence for a full three hours.

"Go back, Miss Wallace."

"Could you lend me 600,000 dollars?...please, I will definitely repay the money!" Isabella pleaded.

The butler, with an expressionless face, replied, "As everyone knows, the Wallace family is bankrupt with debts amounting to billions. At this critical moment, who would dare lend you money?"

Isabella hurriedly explained, "This money is for the hospital, it's a matter of life and death. My grandmother..."

Before she could finish her words, the umbrella-holding butler had already turned and walked away.

And the master of the Cooper family never once showed up.

The Cooper family seemed completely indifferent to their past relationship with the Wallace family, even though the two families had an engagement and Isabella was set to marry into the Cooper family at the end of the year.

Rainwater slid down Isabella's face, soaking her entire body, making her look disheveled, exhausted, and insignificant.

Such words seemed unfitting for her.

Isabella was recognized as a New York socialite, elegant, composed, and beautiful were the words used to describe her.

She rose in despair, but due to kneeling for too long, her legs were numb, causing her to stumble and fall into the rainwater.

Her phone rang--

"Hello?"

Her stepmother Judy's voice came through, "Isabella, why haven't you gathered the money yet? Are you even trying? Your grandmother is deteriorating!"

"Could the hospital please grant us more time..."

"Is 600,000 so difficult for you? Huh? If you can't borrow it, then sell something! Is your grandmother's life more important, or yours? From what I know, New York has millionaires who can give you seven figures!"

Isabella simply replied, "I'll come back immediately."

However, Judy continued to grumble, "What's the use of you coming over? It's the money that matters. The old lady is already at such an old age. Even if she's saved, she won't live for many more years..."

The rain grew heavier. Isabella hung up the phone and prepared to stand up, but a pair of black shoes appeared in front of her.

Clean, spotless, and slightly shiny.

Before Isabella could react, a hand appeared in front of her as well.

The hand had distinct joints, slender and slightly curved.

Seeing her bewilderment, the man wiggled his fingers, gesturing for her to hold onto them.

Isabella looked up and slowly followed the man's straight trousers, the fabric, the belt, the shirt, the tie, the protruding Adam's apple, the slightly pursed lips...

Finally, her gaze settled on the man's handsome face.

"A delicate girl's body should not be treated so roughly," the man said softly with a deep and magnetic voice. "Get up."

The umbrella in his hand tilted towards her, blocking the pouring rain instantly.

Behind him, a royal blue sports car was parked.

Isabella's hand discreetly dropped down. In that moment, she truly wanted to take his hand.

Because the aura radiating from this man was truly captivating.

A noble man... he could save her from water and fire.

"Mr. Lawrence," Isabella said courteously, "thank you."

Subsequently, she suppressed the numbness in her legs and stood up.

Sebastian withdrew his hand and placed it back in his trouser pocket, raising an eyebrow slightly, "Perhaps Miss Wallace is accustomed to a life of luxury and does not understand that men dislike being rejected."

"But, given my current situation, it's not appropriate for me to get too close to Mr. Lawrence."

Sebastian chuckled softly, leaning forward and gazing at her, "What if... I wanted to have a story with Miss Wallace?"

Isabella dared not meet his gaze; his eyes were too deep, too dark, and once she fell into them, she would be unable to extricate herself.

As she turned to leave, Sebastian's voice reached her, "Six hundred thousand, just deposited into the hospital account."

Willow-brook Estate, Master Bedroom

Isabella stood straight in front of the sofa in the Willow-brook Estate, the crystal chandelier above her head casting a dazzling light that bewildered her eyes.

"I will repay you," she said softly. "I can write an IOU."

Sebastian, with his long legs crossed, lounged on the sofa, lazily scanning her with his gaze. "Feeling cold?" he asked.

"Hmm?"

Sebastian stood up, his towering figure enveloping her entirely, his breath spraying against her cheeks. "Go take a bath and change into different clothes," he commanded.

Isabella had to take a step back to create some distance. "Sorry, Mr. Lawrence. I am not used to taking showers in other people's homes."

"Do you have a habit of kneeling at the door and getting drenched in the rain then?"

Humiliation and helplessness spread throughout her body. Isabella bit her lip. "I..."

"Don't bite your own lip," his fingertip brushed against the corner of her mouth. "With such beautiful lips, they should be kissed."

His touch made her tremble all over. This man... was simply maddening!

"Mr. Lawrence, about the money..."

It seemed that mentioning the word "money" repeatedly displeased him. Sebastian's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "The money I spend, I don't think about getting it back."

"What do you want, then?"

"What do you think I could want, and what do you have to offer?"

Isabella lowered her head and looked at her own body.

She was completely drenched; the white chiffon dress clung to her, clearly revealing her underwear, outlining her perfectly curved figure, her waist slim and easily grasped. Her black hair cascaded down, adding a touch of allure.

All she had was this body.

Thinking of her grandmother's critical condition in the hospital and her stepmother's words...

Isabella closed her eyes and when she opened them again, a coquettish smile appeared on her lips. "Mr. Lawrence, are you interested in me?"

Sebastian seized the opportunity and circled her waist, pulling her closer to his chest. "Listen carefully, Isabella. What I want to support is your whole life."

Isabella laughed. "Mr. Lawrence might be too generous with money and not understand current trends. No one supports a woman for a lifetime."

"Don't they? Hmm?" Sebastian responded. "Marry me, get a marriage certificate, isn't that enough?"

No matter how calm and composed Isabella was, his words made her panic.

Sebastian actually wanted to marry her!

"Is Mr. Lawrence lacking women to such an extent?" Isabella asked, surprised. "This is truly unexpected."

"I'm lacking Mrs. Lawrence, not women."

Isabella stood there awkwardly.

"Consider it," Sebastian lowered his head, his bangs falling down and partially obscuring his features. "After all, you don't have much to lose."

"Sure." Isabella nodded. "Mr. Lawrence, I will consider it."

"Transaction accomplished," he said, with a faint smirk at the corner of his lips. "What do you want to call me?"

"...Husband," she replied.

Being under someone else's roof, Isabella had to lower her head and be flexible. Suddenly, her waist tightened as she was pulled into a warm embrace, accompanied by a subtle scent of fresh grass. Isabella could feel the firm lines of his thigh muscles.

"Good girl," Sebastian wiped away the droplets of water that had gathered on her chin. "Whatever you want, I can give it to you."

Isabella stiffened, not daring to move recklessly. "So, when will we register our marriage?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"...Alright."

As soon as her voice fell, Sebastian's lips landed on her collarbone.

"Please me," he looked at her, "my Mrs. Lawrence."

She hooked her arms around his neck and straddled him. "I wonder...what kind of position do you like?"

Sebastian squinted his eyes.

Without waiting for his answer, Isabella willingly offered her red lips, staring intently into Sebastian's ink-black pupils.

Sure enough, just as she was about to touch his lips, she clearly saw...an undisguised disgust in his eyes!