My Secret Husband Is My Cold Boss novel Chapter 4

Deciding to rip the band-aid off, she cut straight to the chase.

“Hello, Dr. Sanders. Since we're both pressed for time, I'll introduce myself directly.”-

“My name is Wendy Gates. I'm twenty-seven, originally from Lakeside. I'm a cardiology resident, earning about three thousand dollars a month. My parents are divorced, and I've been living in the capital with my mother and stepdad for the past few years. I don't own a car or a house. I'm willing to split the cost of a down payment, but I'll need a mortgage. If you find my background acceptable, I'd like to get married as soon as possible.”

Valuing efficiency, Wendy rattled off her entire life story in a single breath.

The man didn't interrupt, listening with quiet intensity.

When she finally finished, he met her gaze, holding it for a few seconds.

He rubbed his fingertips together, clearly turning the information over in his mind.

“Are you suggesting a quick marriage, Dr. Gates?”

“Yes,” Wendy nodded.

“I have a very demanding job. Compared to starting a relationship with no guaranteed outcome, getting married makes a lot more practical sense.”

Perhaps the idea of weighing a marriage in terms of practicality was completely novel to him.

Sampson let out a soft chuckle and nodded. “Fair point.”

Seeing that he agreed with her logic, Wendy let out a breath of relief.

She asked, “What about you, Dr. Sanders? What are your expectations for a marriage?”

Sampson lowered his eyes, considering the question for a moment.

“I just moved back from abroad. I'm busy with work and don't have much time for domestic life. I have no interest in a clingy partner.”

“You don't have to worry about that.”

This requirement hit Wendy right in her sweet spot. She smiled.

“I still have a month and a half left as Chief Resident, so I can guarantee you I will be incredibly busy.”

The corners of her mouth tipped upward. Noticing Sampson was studying her, she cleared her throat.

“Anything else?” she asked.

Sampson withdrew his gaze. “You'll also need to help me deal with my family.”

So he was being pressured into marriage.

Wendy understood immediately and agreed without hesitation. “That's not a problem. However, I only get one day off a week, so I won't be able to do it very frequently.”

Sampson nodded slightly. “You won't have to.”

That was perfect.

“And about the house—”

“As for the housing arrangements—”

They spoke at the exact same time.

Sampson gentlemanly gestured with his hand, inviting her to go first.

“Regarding the house,” Wendy began.

She had just remembered Riley's mom mentioning that he already owned a house and a car.

“Don't worry, I won't ask you to add my name to the deed of your pre-marital property or your vehicles.”

Sampson reviewed the documents for thirty seconds before calmly closing the file and setting it back on the table.

He looked up, a rare hint of amusement flashing in his dark eyes. “And if I can't provide mine right now?”

“Then we'll just stick to coffee today.”

Perhaps worried about making things awkward for him, Wendy offered him a gracious out.

“This is all very sudden. I didn't verify the details with you beforehand, so it's completely normal that you aren't prepared.”

She was rational, graceful, and remarkably responsible for her own well-being.

Sampson gave her a long look.

“I'm kidding.” His lips curved into a smirk as he grabbed his phone.

“I have the digital copies. Add my number, and I'll text them to you.”

“Sure.” Wendy pulled up her contact info.

Two PDF files chimed onto her phone.

They were incredibly detailed, covering everything from his height and weight to a full infectious disease screening.

“Assuming you find everything to your satisfaction, Dr. Gates.”

Sampson waited patiently for her to finish reading. He glanced at his watch. “It's 3:47.”

“City Hall closes at four-thirty, and it's two miles away.”

“If we leave now, we can still make it.”