Chapter 2

Winnie froze. Her face turned pale, and her heart was pounding. She realized she was completely clueless about the man's height or appearance!

Her intention was merely to seek help, but instead, she found herself angry and humiliated.

The man quickly ushered her into the car.

Winnie didn't resist and silently complied; she had nowhere else to go.

In the crowded hospital, she, Lymington's top debutante, sensed vulnerability. She was undeniably stepping into a precarious situation, where her own family seemed poised for her demise!

With clasped hands, Winnie discreetly observed the elegant Bentley.

The man received a phone call and spoke with respect, "Yes, Madam, Miss Anderson is with us now."

"Don't get too excited. Your little grandchildren haven't even gestated yet." On the other end of the phone, a man was coaxing the elderly woman.

The car quickly arrived at a discreet wealthy villa on the mountainside. As Winnie stepped out of the car, two maids awaited at the door to welcome her.

"This is Grace and Taylor. They will take care of you for ten months until you give birth." the man said.

Winnie was taken aback, realizing that she had been deceived. Her eyes turned cold and she said, "He raped me and now wants to imprison me to have his child? Bring that scoundrel to see me."

"Mr. Rodriguez is not a scoundrel. He was ambushed that day, otherwise you wouldn't have had a chance."

Despite her anger, Winnie was forced into the house, weakened but resolute. She initiated a hunger strike and the servants had no choice but to summon their master.

In the evening, Taylor finally brought the news, "Mr. Rodriguez will see you in the evening."

Winnie clenched her hand secretly, feeling a mix of anger and curiosity about the man.

Late at night, Winnie hid in his bedroom and heard an engine downstairs. A hushed conversation followed, and her door slowly creaked open.

Winnie's heart raced as she picked up a vase, holding her breath in anticipation. The door opened, revealing an unusually tall shadow. A man exuded an intimidating presence, making the room feel colder.

Before she could react, Winnie saw the gentleman knock at the door, and a pair of remarkable long legs entered. Panicking, she raised the vase in anger.

The man extinguished the cigarette in his hand, his slender fingers hanging down. He coldly reminded her, "Before attacking me, take care of yourself. Don't stumble!"

Confused, Winnie locked eyes with him.

His voice was elegant, deep, and tough. The man before her appeared gentle, reserved, and even polite, but also distant and cold-a master of mature control. It was challenging to reconcile these contrasting aspects.

As he turned, Winnie noticed him wearing a silver half-mask.

She couldn't discern his features, but she could tell his nose had a prominent bridge, his profile was sharp, and his jawline was impeccably defined.

He held onto Winnie's vase, his gaze fixed on her. "I apologize if I hurt you that day. It's the only apology I can offer."

Winnie was stupefied, her face flushing. His towering figure loomed over her, casting an oppressive gaze as he mocked, "I don't care about your intentions for getting into my car, though I suspect you had planned on getting pregnant to have my mother find you..."

"You misunderstand!" Winnie bit her lip.

The man spoke with condescension. "My mother has only a year left to live. To fulfill her wishes, I agree to marry you. If you have a baby and leave after a year, I'll compensate you!" His words sounded more like commands than negotiations.

Winnie looked slightly annoyed. "Why should I promise you to be used as a tool for having children and deceiving people?"

In response, he turned on the TV, a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

Winnie read the news on the screen. "Winnie Anderson's father Matthew confirmed that Winnie had an affair and was killed! The Anderson family plans to hold the funeral tomorrow afternoon. According to her will, her company, Triton Jewelry., will be taken over by Daniel, and the enormous wealth left by her grandfather will be inherited by Ava. The Anderson family is mourning deeply"

Winnie's face turned pale with hatred and she trembled. They were so eager to bury her, they had even crafted a flawless forgery of her will!

"The Anderson family treated you like this; don't you want revenge?"

"I do!" Winnie gritted her teeth. She had placed so much trust in this false sense of family. Her father had entrusted her with taking care of Ava, and Daniel had asked her to support Ava, promising to marry her. So, she had given her all, unknowingly creating a perfect wedding dress for others!

"You're a 'dead' person. You don't even have a place to hide. Do you have a choice?" The man's ink-black eyes bore into hers as he negotiated fiercely. He handed over an agreement and elegantly placed it down.

Winnie took a deep breath, tears welling up in her almond eyes. She lowered her head and whispered, "No. I need your protection."

He stood proudly.

"My protection depends on your sincerity to cooperate. We will sign a marriage contract with three clauses: no interference, no betrayal, and no attempt to fall in love with me."

How narcissistic. Nevertheless, Winnie picked up the pen and slowly signed her name.

The man stood up and said tersely, "We'll register our marriage tomorrow!"

She nodded and hesitated before asking with a furrowed brow, "Do I have to give birth to this child?"

The man turned his head, his emotions were hard to discern, "You don't want to?" Winnie bit her lip. She and him were not familiar at all... and the child was conceived in that situation.

He walked slowly toward her, pinched her chin to raise her face and gazed upon her exquisite beauty-tempting and charming, still young at the age of 23, with soft and tender red lips.

The man's voice was low, "Although there are some things, I am willing to take care of..."

Winnie hesitated, not understanding his words.

He smirked, his tone serious as he continued, "I respect life, so give birth to it!"

His dominance struck Winnie. She suddenly grasped the meaning behind his offer to "take care of" things, and her face inexplicably blushed.

The man walked coldly to the door, but before opening it, an excited woman's voice echoed outside. "You brat, I'll show you what death looks like if you dare to come out tonight!"

The door was locked!

Winnie was somewhat confused, "Who is that outside the door?"

"My mom." His face darkened. He returned and pulled her to the edge of the bed, his voice deep and charming, "Will you cooperate?"

"Cooperate with what?"

"Let's act out the wedding night."

Winnie looked at his mature ink-like eyes, seemingly capable of devouring people, and suddenly understood his meaning. Her face turned crimson. "But... I don't know how."

He frowned and abruptly pressed her forcefully against the headboard, his large hand tugging at her clothing.

"Hey! What are you doing?"

"Now do you understand?" He raised an eyebrow with an evil smirk.

Outside the door, there was an immediate murmur of joy, "Thank goodness, the brat has finally grown some sense!"

Awkwardness enveloped Winnie as she found herself pinned down, her fragrant shoulder exposed, its skin as smooth as milk. The man's gaze swept over her, darkening slightly as he caught a whiff of a sweet scent...

In the sudden closeness, Winnie could only sense his solid and powerful muscles. Her cheeks blazed red, sensing the danger, and she desperately wished for him to leave quickly. In an attempt to convey her discomfort, she deliberately let out an "ah" in a miserable cry.

"Watch it, you brat! My daughter-in-law is pregnant with my grandchild!"

The man lowered his head, his gaze fixed on the blushing woman. "Are you trying to get back at me?"

Winnie rolled her apricot eyes. "Can we stop now?"

His thin lips lightly curled. He decided not to give her any more trouble. He got up and released her.

The forbidding and cold air dissipated as the man walked over to the sofa and sat down. He casually removed his tie and his broad shoulders, slim waist, and long legs made him exude nobility and aloofness. This man indeed had the capital to be narcissistic!

Winnie huddled at the head of the bed, glancing at the door anxiously. She nervously asked, "Are we sleeping together tonight?"

"Do you want to?" He picked up a magazine, glancing at her with his black eyes.

Then, his pleasant voice hummed with sarcasm, "Do you think I would lower myself to touch a young pregnant woman?"

His tone, mocking and serious, referred to her as a pregnant woman. Winnie felt a twinge of annoyance.

Was he really that much older than her? She wondered.

Gazing at his silver mask, curiosity filled her. Was it because he was hideous or had scars that he didn't want to show?

He sat there motionless, only switching off the lights when Winnie finished changing and climbed into bed.

Winnie cautiously and tentatively asked, "Sir, you seem to know everything about me. So, may I ask, how old are you and what's your name?"

There was a prolonged silence, and he ignored her, as though the question had fallen on deaf ears.