Chapter 5

Raymond knew the night stand was an accident, but he couldn't fathom how Paige vanished from the room and reappeared downstairs, meeting his father and helping out. It made sense for her to do so, but if she didn't come clean today, she wouldn't easily join the Carnegie family. He wasn't that gullible.

'Since this woman Louis brought is pretending not to know my background, I'll wait and see what she's really like. With my father pushing for this marriage, I'd rather marry her than a stranger,' Raymond quickly convinced himself.

'Marrying her will please my father and Louis, and make things easier for me. But I can't agree right away.' Raymond decided, "I'll marry her, but there are conditions."

Bradley was thrilled. "Name them."

Raymond said, "I need to test her character for three months. You can't tell her my identity or anything about the Carnegie family. Also, I need a smaller house to live." He looked at Charles. "Didn't you just buy a house?"

Charles's heart raced. "Mr. Carnegie, the two-bedroom at Billow Estate that I bought is ready to move in."

Raymond nodded. "I'll trade you Summit Hill Villa for it. Get the paperwork done ASAP."

Charles could barely contain his excitement. "Yes, sir!"

Bradley realized Raymond wanted to hide his identity as Mr. Carnegie from one of Northwind's elite families. He had no objections. "Fine, I'll play along, but don't scare Paige away. If you do, you'll answer to me!"

Raymond wasn't concerned. He figured Paige might even ask for a divorce when she thought he was poor, and then Bradley would see her true colors.

With their conversation concluded, Charles brought Paige in.

As Paige walked in, Raymond asked, "I'm already thirty and stuck in a wheelchair. Are you sure you want to marry me, Miss Sackler?"

With only one day left of her three-day deadline to find a husband, Paige nodded sincerely. "I'm sure."

Seeing her determination, Raymond didn't say more.

After their marriage was finalized, Paige realized something and asked, "Do you have a house?"

Raymond sneered internally, 'Is she already eager to find out about my assets? Good thing I was prepared.' He handed her a key. "This is the house I got for us."

Paige was taken aback, thinking, 'The house is all ready; it just needed a wife. Guess he really couldn't find someone because of his disability. But man, he's handsome. If it weren't for that, he wouldn't be single at his age.'

Feeling a wave of sympathy, Paige decided she would take good care of her husband despite his physical challenges.

Seeing her quiet, Raymond figured she was lost in thoughts about the house. For some reason, he added, "The mortgage payment is $10,000 a month."

Paige was shocked by the amount. She looked at Raymond suspiciously and asked, "Do you have a job?"

Raymond replied, "I work as a regular employee at the Carnegie Group. My salary is $11,000." He just made up a number.

Hearing this, Paige felt even more sympathy for him.

'With such a high mortgage, most of his salary will go towards it, leaving only $1,000 a month. After utilities, how is he supposed to afford food?' Paige thought seriously. Then she said, "I'll find a job soon and make sure you have enough to eat."

Raymond was puzzled, thinking, 'Since when do I need a woman to take care of me? Do I look like I can't afford my own meals?'

Paige added, "We're married now. After paying the mortgage, you won't have much left. I can work to support you."

Raymond was speechless. He was about to mock her but held back. He glanced at Charles and the luxury car parked nearby, then decided to have Charles call a cab to take them to Billow Estate.

In the cab, Raymond introduced, "This is my cousin Charles. We work together."

Charles, suddenly given this role, didn't dare say anything.

Paige smiled and nodded in greeting.

When they arrived at Billow Estate, Paige was surprised. She had expected any house to suffice, but the house turned to be quite charming and cozy.

Paige glanced at Raymond, who was also looking around, and asked, "You haven't been here much, have you?"

Raymond nodded and said, "My legs make it hard to get around. My dad and Charles handled everything before."

Paige understood.

Raymond continued, "From now on, we'll stay here."

Paige agreed. "Okay. What about your dad? Will he live with us?"

Bradley had a serious heart condition, and Paige was worried.

Raymond shook his head. "No, he lives with my nephew. We just need to take care of ourselves."