THE STOIC CEO'S WIFE

CHAPTER 9 : SHE SIGNED THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT. 💍

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     Gloria called her mother to inform her that she would sleep over at Lauren's place. They prepared dinner and ate, after which they sat on the sofa watch TV. Lauren was lost in thought when a hand slapped her on the shoulder.

"Gloria" she shouted angrily.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing, I'm just thinking about what I did to Pinkie. I think she doesn't deserve it at all."

"Of course, she doesn't. That's why you should use your brain often and not your cold heart." Gloria sneered.

"Gloria! You're a pain in the neck."

"You can say that again. If I were you, I'll sleep early because tomorrow is gonna be a long day."

"You're right. Good night", Lauren said as she headed to the bedroom.

"Nighty night. I'll sleep on the couch tonight."
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     As early as 6am, Lauren was awakened by a phone call. She took the phone and the name that appeared on the screen made her jump in excitement.

Uncle Steve! She exclaimed happily after picking the call.

"Lauren! please help us", came his trembling voice.

Lauren was baffled. Uncle, what happened?

Another person spoke this time, "Boss asked to keep your family hostage until you obey him."

Before she could say another word, the call got disconnected. She clenched her fists angrily.
"Why did he have to involve her uncle?"
She threw away the pillows on the bed as she roared angrily. .
Ashton Johnson! I hate you more.

Gloria heard her scream and rushed in. "What's the matter?"

"That arrogant fool has kidnapped Uncle Steve. I want to see and warn him personally."

"The only person that can help you to meet him is Pinkie. But warning him, don't even try it. Please always think before you act, this person is not easy to deal with", Gloria said with much concern.

"I'll try not to cause trouble when I see him."

She called Pinkie and told her to help her meet her brother. She was elated to see Lauren's call, she apologized and Lauren forgave her. Then she called him and told him that she'll forgive him if he's more lenient to her friend. He had wanted to send someone to meet Lauren but she insisted that he has to be the one to meet her. He loved his sister dearly, so he had no choice but to give in to her.
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     Lauren was at the location that was texted to her, she went alone as he had requested and she had the slightest fear of him. A minute later, three cars drove into the place and parked opposite her. A bodyguard came out from the passenger's seat and opened the back door while giving her a signal to get in. She walked elegantly towards the car and entered.

"Hello, Mr Ashton", she said as she entered the car.

He only grunted and didn't answer her, he had an indifferent look but she was not a bit scared.

She continued, "If you want to punish me, then it has to be me alone. Don't drag others down with me because I'm the one who has offended you and not them."

"Alright, but how much do I have to pay for you to marry me?" he asked apathetically.

"What?" she was taken aback.

"You disobeyed me, so I used a hard method. But now that you've involved my sister, I think paying you is the only thing that would make you sign those papers."

"Hehe, that's not necessary. But yes, I'd like to know the benefits I'll gain from marrying you before signing the papers", she said with a smirk on her face.

Ashton looked into her eyes gruffly. "If you become my wife, I'll pay for all your expenses and debts, I'll get rid of any obstacle that comes your way. Furthermore, I'll give you enough money when we divorce so that no one would be able to look down on you. This marriage would only do you good, I promise."

Lauren felt that all he said was a joke. "Sounds interesting, I wanted to give you my own conditions but I think they aren't necessary anymore. I accept your proposal, but the divorce?"

As if he knew what she was thinking, he turned his head and said, "Don't worry, Ashton Johnson never fails his promise. As for the divorce, I will find a reasonable excuse when the time comes and I will make sure not to hurt your reputation. Here, sign the prenuptial agreement. And remember, don't ever try to seduce me.

She collected the papers and signed them. "Hey, you're so shameless. I don't need to seduce a man that I don't like."

He felt hurt inwardly but he could only smirk at her. "We'll go to marriage registry tomorrow.

She looked at him in bewilderment. "Tomorrow?"

"Yes, Ashton Johnson never wastes time in doing things. I'll send someone to pick you up, and Pinkie will handle everything else."

"What about my uncle and friend?"

"Everything is alright now."

She flagged a taxi. He only left the place after she's gone. He was stunned by her courage. She reminds him of 'her'.