Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 27

"Stephanie, I know you just went through a breakup and you're upset, but you don't have to be this desperate!"

Cecilia clutched her phone, struggling to process what she'd just heard.

Stephanie had asked if she knew any single men looking to get married quickly and offered to introduce them. The news almost made Cecilia drop her phone.

Stephanie said, "Cecilia, I'm not kidding. I really need to get married, preferably a quick marriage and an even quicker divorce. I'm willing to pay for it."

Stephanie explained the situation to her best friend.

After hearing the whole story, Cecilia grumbled, "Why would Mr. Jackson insist you get married before you can control the company shares?"

"I have no idea."

"But if you sell the company after getting married, what if the guy tries to get his hands on the money?"

That was a good point.

Stephanie got out of her car and started walking slowly up the mountain path. "That's why this man, my temporary husband, has to be someone trustworthy."

"Now that you mention it, I do know someone," Cecilia said, her eyes lighting up. "My cousin. He's thirty-two, divorced, no kids, not at fault for the split. He also just lost his job. Since you're planning to pay anyway, might as well give the money to him, right? I can even get my cousin to give you a twenty-percent discount…"

"…"

After a moment of silence, Stephanie said, "Alright. Then have your cousin meet me at the city hall tomorrow morning. We'll get a divorce as soon as the Meridian Consortium share transfer is complete."

Cecilia was surprised by how quickly she agreed. She asked cautiously, "Stephanie, are you really going to... just get married like this?"

No one knew better than her how much Stephanie yearned for a family. The person who once held marriage so sacred was now treating it so casually…

Damn that Quennel! He had hurt Stephanie so deeply.

"It's just a formality," Stephanie said, her voice soft. "I've already found a buyer for the villa. Once the company is sold, I'll be completely done with Quennel."

It seemed she was truly determined to start over. As her friend, Cecilia had to respect her decision.

As soon as she spoke, several older women in front of her turned to stare at her as if she were an oddity.

Stephanie looked confused. Before she could figure out what was happening, a young acolyte, no more than a teenager, whispered, "Aeterna Abbey is dedicated to the patron saints of marriage and childbirth."

"..." She really hadn't known that. But since she was already here... "In that case, I'll pray for a good marriage!"

"Oof…"

A cry of pain came from nearby.

Stephanie turned and saw an elderly woman with white hair on the ground, her face contorted in pain.

It looked like her back had given out while she was trying to hang a wish on the matchmaking tree near the entrance. Mrs. Vasquez Sr. was moaning in pain as her maid, Verna, rushed to help her up.

Seeing this, Stephanie walked over to check on them.