I Stopped Waiting and Started Loving novel Chapter 4

She told him she would take care of him, and with red rims around his eyes, he promised to treat her well for the rest of his life.

When he said he wanted to move to Harlow City to start a business, she accompanied him. She worked three jobs a day, handing every cent she earned directly to him.-

As long as he asked, she never once refused.

But it turned out that the devotion she had starved herself to offer was nothing more than a temporary amusement for the heir of the York family while he was down on his luck.

Bonnie trembled with rage, forcefully blinking back her tears.

She swore to herself right then and there: if she ever spent another dime on a man, she was an absolute fool.

But right now, she was still short five thousand dollars for her mother's medical bills.

Taking a deep breath, Bonnie pulled up Brenda's number and dialed.

Brenda was a fixer who arranged high-end private gigs and had a vast network of connections.

As soon as the call connected, Brenda's cold voice came through. "You offended Mr. York, and you still have the nerve to call me? I wouldn't dare throw any more jobs your way."

Bonnie gripped her phone tight, her tone desperate. "Brenda, what happened last night was a complete accident. I know I caused you trouble, but I urgently need money. Please, help me one last time. I'll take any dirty or exhausting job you have!"

The line went silent for a moment before Brenda finally softened. "There is one job that pays fast. The client is looking for a three-year contract marriage. The requirements are a woman who is tight-lipped, knows the rules, and can take care of people. If you take it, you better be prepared mentally, and don't you dare cause me any more trouble."

Bonnie closed her eyes.

She had nothing left, not even her dignity, which Parrish had trampled into the mud.

She couldn't lose her mother too.

"I'll take it!"

...

At four in the afternoon, Bonnie transferred buses twice to reach the agreed-upon cafe.

Pushing the door open, the wind chimes jingled softly.

The place was practically empty.

By the window sat a man.

He wore a high-quality black lightweight sweater that accentuated his pale skin, his long fingers resting casually against the rim of his coffee cup.

Hearing the noise, the man slowly lifted his gaze.

With just one look, Bonnie stopped dead in her tracks.

The man was strikingly handsome. His narrow eyes were dark and cold, his features chiseled like sharp stone, his nose straight, and his thin lips set in a straight line.

Even just sitting there quietly, he exuded an overwhelming, predatory aura of authority that warned others to keep their distance.

Beside him stood a young man in a tailored suit, holding a folder.

"Bonnie Hayes?"

"..."

"Additionally, Mr. Vance occasionally experiences sudden medical episodes. You will be responsible for his daily care. In case of an emergency, you are to contact me or his private doctor immediately."

Bonnie tightened her grip on her canvas bag's strap, her palms slick with sweat.

She couldn't help but peek at the man sitting across from her.

Even though he hadn't said a word, his oppressive presence felt like a heavy boulder crushing her chest.

Quentin suddenly lifted his eyelids.

Their eyes met unexpectedly.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked down.

Jasper closed the folder and slid it across the table to Bonnie. "The rest of the boundaries are outlined in the agreement. You can take your time reading it, Ms. Hayes."

Taking a deep breath, Bonnie opened the agreement and skimmed through the pages.

It was filled with endless clauses restricting her.

But she wasn't in a position to be picky.

She only cared about one thing.

"What about the compensation?"