Chapter 12: Chapter 12

GRETEL wished the carriage would not stop. Sitting alone with Javier while they held hands was more than overwhelming. Even though they weren’t talking, it seemed like they already understood each other—for that moment, at least.

Gretel knew so well that they are worlds apart, and they did not like each other the first time they met.

When the carriage stopped outside his mansion, Gretel thought Javier would finally let go of her hand. But he moved to step out of the carriage first and helped her get down without letting her go.

Mr. Martinez had gone inside the mansion, on the other hand. Gretel wondered how he could manage to be Javier’s all-around assistant.

Gretel swallowed to ease the tension in her chest.

“Have you had breakfast yet?” he asked. They sauntered to the main entrance without a hurry.

“Yes, I have.”

“I don’t feel like eating my breakfast alone today. Would you mind joining me? I have hot chocolate.”

Gretel could not help pouting. Was Javier trying to bribe her with hot chocolate? Because he succeeded.

“I don’t mind,” she replied with a shrug.

He pulled her to the stairs when they reached the living room.

“Should we eat breakfast in your garden?” she suggested out-of-the-blue.

“Great idea.” Javier glanced at her with a smile.

They went inside his office, and Gretel was reminded once again of the kiss they shared.

“My possessions used to be stored in my basement. But after the robbery, I had to transfer them up here, which was safer,” he said.

He motioned the large trunks of golden figures, gold coins, and diamond jewelry sitting on the floor. Gretel’s jaw dropped. If she could have at least one of Javier’s treasure chest, they won’t starve for the rest of their lives, and she could travel the world.

She had never seen a fortune as enormous as his!

“I inherited them from my father. He used to be a treasure hunter, and he left his belongings to me when he died. You see, I could live a luxurious life for years without having to work or put up a business.”

“If you have this huge money, why is Mr. Martinez doing all the work for you? You can hire as many servants as you want.”

Javier chuckled. He was obviously taken by surprise by her remark.

“You see, Gretel,” Javier turned to face her and stroke her hair, “he’s the only person I trust.”

“And why are you telling this to me?” she asked, puzzled.

“I feel like I could trust you.”

“Just because we kissed?”

Gretel regretted saying that right away as a mischievous smile curved his lips.

“Well, the kiss was great, so yeah, that’s one of the reasons. And you can have all of these if you marry me.”

Gretel blinked and stared at him, perplexed.

“W-what did you say?”

“We agreed that in exchange for your brother’s freedom, you’re willing to do anything for me. This will be the only thing I will ask from you, Gretel. Marry me,” Javier said without blinking.

“A-are you crazy?” Gretel pulled away from him.

“Yesterday, you were so desperate that you were willing to give me your body. I’m offering you my name and what’s mine will be yours. You can make all your dreams come true, Gretel.”

“I’m not marrying you for your money!” she snapped. “We’re not in love. Why would we get married?”

“Not all people marry for love, Gretel,” he said with a smirk. “In a month, I’ll be thirty. I’m running out of time. I have to get married, or else everything will go to waste.”

“I don’t understand.”

She stared at Javier’s handsome face, hoping he’d make her understand.

“Why me, Javier? I’m no one special. There’s Lady Arcie, she’s beautiful, and she’s from a noble family. If there’s someone rightful to marry you, it’s her.”

“I’m not doing this because I pity you, Gretel. You’re a smart girl. I won’t mind leaving everything to you.”

“Are you going somewhere?”

“I’ve been moving in and out of cities looking for someone to leave my possessions to. I know for sure that you’re the one I’ve been looking for. Just marry me, Gretel. That’s all I ask of you.”

“You did not answer my question. Are you going somewhere?” she repeated firmly.

Javier sighed. For a moment, sadness flashed his eyes.

“I am. This time, I could not take Mr. Martinez with me.”

Gretel’s chest rose and fell. She was confused at the moment.

Javier wanted him to marry her to give her his name and everything that he had. That’s all. Wasn’t that too good to be true? He would provide her with everything he had just because he was going somewhere.

“I WANT to talk to your mother about my offer.”

“What?” Gretel shifted on her seat.

They were already sitting in the garden after Mr. Martinez prepared a delicious breakfast for them. The hot chocolate smelled so good, and it stirred Gretel’s appetite.

“When I’m gone, you can live here with your mother and your brother forever. You like the roses, don’t you? You can grow as many flowers as you like. You can marry again. The man of your dreams this time.”

Javier just summed up all her dreams. But still, she could not just accept his offer no matter how tempting it was. That was just ridiculous!

“Obviously, we have a different view about marriage, Mr. del Mundo.”

“I’m sorry. I lost my faith in true love a long time ago.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was hurt big time. I don’t think I would ever heal from that.”

“And I don’t know much about you.”

“It did not matter. What you see is what I am. Simple.”

Gretel grabbed her mug and took a sip of her chocolate. Her eyes widened for a moment. It was delicious!

“I guess you really are crazy. My brother almost robbed you, and you are willing to give me all of your possessions despite that?”

“What would make you say ‘yes,’ Gretel?”

“Would you do it?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.

“If I could.”

Gretel sighed and pursed her lips.

“Let me get to know you.”