The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 189

Claire chewed her lip, her eyes flickering with panic.

"It's not that! It's just... I have no idea how to explain this to my mom. You were just over for dinner last night, and suddenly we're married today? She'd lose her mind."

Miles narrowed his eyes. "Fine. What's your plan, then?"

Rising onto her tiptoes, she nuzzled affectionately against his arm, practically purring.

"I'm going to need Dr. Zimmerman to do me a tiny favor."

Oakwood Residences.

Susan swung the door open, her jaw dropping when she saw the two of them standing in the hall. "Claire? Why are you with Dr. Zimmerman?"

"I bumped into him while picking up your treatment records at the hospital," Claire lied smoothly.

She shot him a desperate, wide-eyed look and slyly dug a finger into his side.

Remaining completely deadpan, Miles delivered his rehearsed line. "Ma'am, apologies for the intrusion. The hospital recently established a financial aid program for uremia patients. You qualify for the grant, but I need your residency booklet to process the application."

He recited Claire's fabricated script flawlessly. Coming from a respected lead surgeon, the blatant lie sounded incredibly convincing.

The mention of financial aid sent Susan scrambling into her bedroom. She returned with the documents, aggressively shoving them into Claire's hands.

"Here, take it! Claire, go handle the paperwork immediately. Thank you so much for going out of your way, Dr. Zimmerman."

Seeing her mother swallow the bait hook, line, and sinker, Claire managed a guilty, angelic smile. "Got it, Mom."

Back inside the Phaeton, Claire finally let out a massive sigh of relief.

Miles started the engine, shooting her a side-eye laced with disdain.

"You really have elevated lying to an art form."

Refusing to cower, she flashed him a wicked, playful wink.

"I won't lie to you anymore. From now on, my truths, my lies, and my sweet talk belong strictly to Dr. Zimmerman."

"Liar," Miles muttered, masking his amusement with an icy stare as he pulled into traffic.

He parked outside the Empire City Marriage Bureau.

She smoothed down her clothes, desperately trying to break the heavy silence. "There are so many people here. We should have taken our photos beforehand."

Miles glanced down at her. Without a word, he shifted his massive frame, completely shielding her from the chaotic crowd.

Since he refused to humor her small talk, she mumbled under her breath, "Well, maybe next time."

"Ha..." The silent man suddenly scoffed.

The temperature around them plummeted instantly.

With their photos taken and papers signed, they exited the bureau.

Claire flipped open the crimson marriage certificate, staring at their joint photo in a total daze.

She and Miles Zimmerman were officially husband and wife.

The booklet was suddenly snatched from her hands. Miles stone-facedly shoved both copies into his jacket pocket.

"Hey! One of those belongs to me!" Claire linked her arm through his. "Dr. Zimmerman, haven't you heard you're supposed to keep important documents on you?"