Chapter 2 Kai's POV

Her eyes widened at my absurd request, amusement written all over her face. In an instant, her amusement was replaced with a frown. She walked up to me before asking, "Is this why you are here, Kai? To laugh at me?"

I chuckled at her words. Only if she knew this wasn't the time for any of us to laugh.

I raised my gaze to meet her blue eyes before replying, "Why should I laugh at you when you have a real problem, Miss Reynolds?"

"A real problem? This is much more like a mess! In a few minutes from now, I will be known as the heiress who was abandoned by her fiancé! A stupid lady who gave everything to a man because she...." Her voice trailed off, the rest of the words stuck in her throat as tears streamed down her face.

Seeing her cry made me feel irritated. She is supposed to think of how to save her face rather than crying!

"Miss Reynolds, crying won't do you any good. Besides, Elliot isn't coming back. He isn't coming to save you from the shame or express his regret," I muttered coldly.

This wedding might be out of love for Elliot and Amy, but not for both families. To both families, it is a partnership.

Her grip tightened around her white wedding gown as she whispered, "What am I going to do? Now that he isn't-"

"Snap out of all this acting!" I interrupted her. "Elliot is gone. You are left alone now. It is either you save your family's reputation by marrying me or watch your family become a laughingstock in the city," I informed before turning to leave.

"How on earth am I supposed to be your wife? My fiancé's uncle?" She asked, a face that used to be bright with a smile now turned pale.

I hesitated before replying, "I am not marrying you because I love you. I am marrying you because I want to save my family's reputation, which Elliot already tarnished. Our marriage is only for twelve months."

"And how am I going to trust and believe you wouldn't betray me like your nephew?" She asked, a doubtful look on her face.

I took a few steps closer to her. "Amy, this isn't about trust; this is about gains and losses. It is either you join hands with me and regain everything you have lost, or-"

"We are getting married in twelve months, right?" She asked coldly, her teary eyes flashing with determination.

I know that gaze. That one that made one determined to do things they can't ordinarily do.

"Our marriage is going to be a contract marriage. I am going to have my secretary send over the document that includes our terms as a couple... that is if you want to marry me rather than cry about getting abandoned," I replied, my gaze fixed on her as I calculated her reaction.

If she disagrees to marry me, then my plans would come to ruin.

"What if this doesn't work, Kai? What if-"

I interrupted her, staring at her eyes, which were filled with doubt. "You don't have to bother about that because I won't let that happen. Not when my family's reputation is on the line."

"I am going to trust and believe your words," she muttered, her voice barely audible as she locked eyes with me.

Before I could speak, my father's secretary barged in.

"What is happening here?" Daniel asked, a disgusted look on his face.

I raised a hand, cutting him off before he could say another word. "Tell the guests the wedding will start in a couple of minutes," I instructed coldly.

Daniel hesitated, trying to press the issue; however, he knew better than to question my needs now. After watching him leave, I turned to face Amy, who seemed lost in her thoughts. "I want you to get prepared in the next five minutes. We can't keep the guests waiting," I voiced out, making her snap out of her thoughts.

She nodded before walking up to the chair, which was facing the standing mirror. I knew she didn't want to do this, but she had no choice but to trust me-at least for now.

I hesitated before leaving the dressing room. Now, I am one step ahead of Elliot.

I am going to claim his woman, take everything he thinks belongs to him, and make him know he is nothing! I am the one who deserves everything given to me by my grandfather!

"Sir, I already have everything in order. The guests are waiting for you both, and the officials are-"

"You don't have to give me every detail," I cut my secretary off before walking to the wedding hall.

Everyone gasped at my presence. No one expected me here because they knew I had never had an engagement.

I ignored the murmurs spreading in the hall before walking to the front of the altar reserved for Elliot.

"Are you the groom?" The official asked.

I nodded before turning my gaze to my stunned father. He expected his golden boy here and not his good-for-nothing son!

I waited for a while, hoping Amy would walk majestically like a queen to me, but there wasn't any sign of her. I kept checking my wristwatch, already tired of waiting just like the guests who were here to see the grandest wedding. Or so they thought.

The wait went on for about twenty minutes, and still no sign of her. Now, I can't help but wonder if she ditched me or if that jerk has returned...

"Is the bride not coming? I have other things to do aside from wasting my time waiting for the bride. I had spent about two hours waiting for you both," the official complained, making my heart beat faster.

I suddenly became nervous. I suddenly feel like a fool under the watchful gaze of the guests as I wonder what is up with Amy Reynolds.