Chapter 3

I was stunned.

My family had only said they were setting me up with a truly great guy.

But I never would have imagined it would be someone of Archer Kingston's caliber.

It wasn't until I was sitting face-to-face with Archer in the private dining room he'd arranged that I kept my composure, smiling politely.

Under the table, I was frantically texting my mom.

[You set me up with Archer Kingston?!]

[Is our family wealthy enough to marry into his now?!]

[Did you guys get rich behind my back?!]

My mom instantly replied with question marks.

[???]

[What are you talking about, honey? Daydreaming already?]

[We set you up with one of Archer Kingston's distant nephews.]

[Your aunt probably didn't explain it clearly, did she?]

I glanced at the man across from me, who was smiling as he watched me.

Surely there can't be two faces this handsome?

As our eyes met, I couldn't pretend to be busy anymore.

I stammered, "Um..."

"Are you... Mr. Archer Kingston, right?"

He nodded, then offered an apologetic smile.

"Yes."

"My fault, I haven't introduced myself yet."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Jenkins. I'm Archer Kingston, and I'm your date for today."

A concise introduction.

But it was completely different from the information my mom had given me.

My mind was reeling.

"But, my blind date... wasn't supposed to be..."

Archer raised an eyebrow.

He picked up the teacup on the table and took a light sip.

"That kid isn't good enough for you."

"So I came instead."

He looked up at me.

"Is something wrong?"

"Does Ms. Jenkins prefer him?"

I froze.

The way he said that... it was like we were old friends.

My heart began to pound.

Archer, however, remained completely composed, his calm, deep eyes fixed on me, clearly expecting an answer.

I forced myself to speak.

"Of course not... I don't even know him."

He chuckled softly.

"Then it's okay for me to stand in for him, right?"

I swallowed.

"No... it's fine."

4.

Of course, it was fine by me.

It seemed like he was the one getting the short end of the stick.

Archer, however, seemed visibly happy with my answer.

He pulled a thick book from somewhere, stood up, and leaned over, placing it in front of me.

"Good."

"This is my personal statement, outlining my background, hobbies, skills, career, income, and personal assets. Ms. Jenkins can review it."

"I won't lie to you, Ms. Jenkins, I came to this meeting with the intention of marriage."

"My social circle is quite small and strictly professional, so I can guarantee absolute fidelity in marriage. After we're married, I will fulfill everything I promise beforehand, and transfer all my personal assets to you unconditionally."

"I won't put any pressure on my partner. As long as we don't divorce, she'll have complete freedom."

"If Ms. Jenkins finds my terms satisfactory, I hope my wish..."

He paused after that long speech.

Those beautiful eyes began to sparkle at me again.

"...can be considered."

Archer's voice was already warm and magnetic, and his strikingly handsome face, which I couldn't tear my eyes from, was staring intently at me.

I was genuinely dazed.

I felt like I was floating on air.

Was this just a delusion brought on by Adolph driving me crazy?

Under the table, I pinched my thigh hard.

Ouch! That stung!

It wasn't a dream.

Perhaps my expression became increasingly blank.

It wasn't until a smile crept into Archer's eyes that I realized I'd lost my composure again.

I quickly grabbed my cup and took a strategic sip of water.

Then I pretended to be composed and spoke.

"Mr. Kingston."

"Are you saying... you want to marry me?"

He looked at me.

And nodded very seriously.

"Yes."

"Ms. Jenkins, I hope to have the honor of becoming your husband."