Free Web NovelChapter 260: Chapter 260 A Marriage of Convenience
Rose’s voice was firm.
Before speaking, she had deliberately taken a moment to steady herself before solemnly saying those words.
She truly had no other options left.
The Knight family had crossed the line again and again, and if she wanted to secure Ariel’s legal guardianship, this seemed to be the only path remaining.
At that moment, Rose simply couldn’t think about anything else.
Trevor certainly hadn’t expected this.
He lifted a hand slightly, signaling the stunned secretary standing at the door to leave.
The secretary finally came back to her senses and quietly slipped out of the office.
Trevor looked at Rose.
He saw the desperation in her eyes.
“All right. I agree to marry you.”
His voice was steady and calm.
His answer came without the slightest hesitation.
After reassuring her, he continued, “However, my situation is a little complicated, so we’ll need to make some preparations.”
Trevor pulled out a chair and gestured for Rose to sit down.
Leaning against the edge of the desk beside her, he continued, “I currently have permanent residency in the U.K. Although I’m an American citizen and my legal residence is still in the United States, I lived in the U.K. for many years. If we want to get married, I’ll need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment from the British authorities first. Given that situation, are you willing to wait for me?”
Rose gradually calmed down.
The truth was that the issue of the divorce decree had completely overwhelmed her.
Marriage between two adults was not something that should happen on impulse.
She understood Trevor’s circumstances.
He had spent most of those years overseas, and even in the United States, certain legal documents would still be required.
Suddenly, she met his gaze.
“Aren’t you going to ask me why I suddenly asked you to marry me?”
Especially when it involved something as important as marriage.
Trevor had not asked a single question.
He had simply agreed.
His expression remained calm and composed.
“If there’s something you want to tell me,” he said, “I’m willing to listen.”
A wave of guilt suddenly rose inside Rose.
She took a deep breath. “It’s because of Ariel’s legal guardianship. The records office informed me that there’s a problem with my divorce documents. The paperwork isn’t valid. I was deceived by the Knight family, but my legal records still show that I’m divorced. Even so, without the actual divorce decree, I can’t complete the process.”
Only then did she finally admit it.
The frustration and helplessness had driven her to make a reckless decision.
Marriage.
Marrying Trevor.
Only then could she transfer Ariel’s legal guardianship more quickly and legitimately.
As Trevor’s legal spouse, she would become Ariel’s stepmother in the eyes of the law.
With that legal relationship established, transferring guardianship would become far simpler.
It would be much easier than begging the Knight family for the divorce decree.
She would no longer need to depend on anyone or compromise.
But there was one thing—
Rose looked at Trevor.
He didn’t seem upset at all.
He clearly understood what she meant.
Her proposal had nothing to do with love.
She wasn’t marrying him because of her feelings.
She was doing it solely for Ariel.
“I’m sorry,” Rose said quietly. “I know I’m asking too much of you. You can refuse me.”
She had regained her composure.
Earlier, she had been consumed by her anxiety over Ariel’s future.
She had never stopped to consider why Trevor should accept a loveless marriage.
Why should he sacrifice his first marriage for her sake?
She felt that she had gone too far.
Trevor seemed to see through every thought in her mind.
Rose had always been someone who loved fiercely and hated fiercely.
She rarely hid her true feelings.
He bent down slightly and looked at her.
Then he smiled. “Did I ever say I didn’t want to?”
Rose looked up at him.
Trevor straightened and said calmly, “Rose, I don’t care why you’re marrying me. It doesn’t matter.”
Rose was stunned. “But if we marry because of this, it won’t be based on love. It’ll practically be a marriage of convenience.”
Afraid that Trevor hadn’t fully understood, she spoke earnestly.
“I won’t deceive you simply to gain custody of Ariel. I honestly can’t say that I love you. After we get married, we probably won’t act like a normal married couple. And if Ariel’s legal guardianship is approved, we’ll most likely get divorced.”
She wanted to be completely honest.
She admitted that the Knight family had driven her to this decision.
This was the only way she could stop being manipulated and regain control of her own life.
That was why she felt obligated to tell Trevor everything.
Trevor listened quietly.
He watched her fingers twist together nervously, as if she feared he would misunderstand her.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said once again.
All of Rose’s words suddenly became trapped in her throat.
It felt as though everything she had said had lost its meaning.
Trevor was far more accepting than she had imagined.
Returning to his desk, he sat down and looked at her. “Instead of worrying about how long it might take us to divorce, why not consider another possibility?”
Rose looked at him.
“If we take things slowly, perhaps we can find a balance that works for you. Maybe one day you won’t even need a divorce, and we can simply give Ariel a happy home.”
Rose froze.
She had never considered that possibility.
Trevor slid a bottle of water toward her. “Besides, you don’t need to feel guilty. You aren’t taking advantage of me. Given your current position and reputation, marrying you could be mutually beneficial. You don’t owe me anything.”
He had addressed nearly every concern she had.
He was willing to be used.
He accepted that the marriage might only be temporary.
He accepted that Rose could leave at any time.
At the same time, he offered her another choice.
If she didn’t want a divorce, they could slowly build a relationship together.
Trevor’s position could not have been clearer.
Rose fell silent.
Trevor simply sat beside her quietly.
After a long time, Rose finally spoke. “If we get married, I’ll prepare a prenuptial agreement to protect your interests.”
She was already benefiting enormously from this arrangement.
She had no intention of ignoring the financial realities involved.
With Trevor’s wealth and status, marriage was far more than a simple exchange of vows.
There were significant legal and financial interests involved.
She wanted to protect him.
Trevor could see how serious she was.
He did not refuse. “All right.”
Rose continued. “I don’t have the actual divorce decree. I may need your help obtaining proof of my divorced legal status so we can get married.”
“Okay.”
“We’ll need to keep the truth from Ariel.”
“Okay.”
Trevor agreed to everything.
In the end, he asked her only one question. “Do you want a wedding?”
Rose was caught off guard.
She had never even considered that question.
After all, her marriage to Ryan had happened in a blur.
Back then, she had simply been carried along by fate.
Her seven-year marriage now felt like a dream.
Just as Rose fell silent for several seconds and had already decided that she did not need a wedding—
The office door suddenly opened.
The person standing there stared at them in shock.
It was obvious they had heard the final part of their conversation.
“You’re getting married?”
