Chapter 7
Ximena was struck dumb.
The curve of her lips stiffened on her face, and her thoughts evaporated into nothing.
Did Aydan really just say he was smitten with her the second he saw her?
Had he completely lost his mind?
She had gone out of her way to make herself look unbearable—her make-up, her outfit, her behavior, everything, yet he had the audacity to say he had fallen for her the moment he saw her?
Aydan felt a surge of revulsion the instant the words left his mouth.
There was no honesty behind them, not even a shred.
He was sitting here today for the same reason she was—because there was no escape.
At first, he had planned to reject everything outright and leave without hesitation.
But the moment his eyes landed on Ximena's intentionally hideous getup, a malicious impulse surfaced.
This woman had disgraced him in the hospital and tricked him out of eighty million the other day.
And now she thought she could sabotage this matchmaking with ease and walk away unscathed?
Not a chance.
She wanted to cause chaos, but he had no intention of letting her win.
She dreaded being cornered into marriage by her family, so he would personally lock her into one.
Once she became his wife, she would be entirely within his grasp. And his secret? It would be forever safe.
Disregarding the disbelief written all over Ximena's face, Aydan turned toward his parents and hers seated on both sides and added with apparent sincerity, "I'm extremely pleased with Dr. Hayes. I hope we can marry soon."
His statement detonated like an explosive right in the middle of the room.
The three members of the Hayes family, along with the Dixon couple, were rendered mute with shock.
Laura, in particular, could hardly trust her hearing.
The joy had come too abruptly, leaving her struggling to absorb it.
At the same time, Ximena felt frozen to the bone.
He wanted to marry her? And soon?!
She was convinced Aydan had gone insane.
She wanted to leap to her feet, shout her refusal, and storm out.
But!
From the corner of her vision, she caught sight of her grandmother's face, glowing with delight.
Ximena knew all too well that if she rejected this match on the spot, Laura would follow through on her threat and ensure Ximena would never work as a doctor again.
Yet if she stayed silent, did that mean she truly had to marry this scheming, vindictive man?
A reckless thought suddenly sparked in her head.
After all… she was still responsible for managing Aydan's condition, and their paths would cross often.
Why not play along for now and placate both families?
Given enough time, she could always cite incompatibility and part ways with him, couldn't she?
This would allow her to keep her career intact and gain a temporary reprieve from her grandmother's relentless matchmaking.
With that realization, Ximena reached a decision.
She inhaled deeply, lifted her gaze to meet Aydan's provocative stare, and her expression bloomed into a dazzling smile.
"Very well," she said in a gentle tone, "I also believe… Mr. Dixon and I are quite well matched."
Her words cast the room into another stretch of unsettling quiet.
If Aydan's consent had been unexpected, then Ximena's bizarre appearance combined with her declaration was nothing short of disturbing.
Laura was the first to regain her composure; she reined in her overwhelming excitement and confusion before exclaiming, "Wonderful! Since they're both fond of each other, let's finalize this marriage!"
Alexander promptly followed with a booming laugh. "Mrs. Hayes, I agree. Since the timing is right, why not move quickly, choose an auspicious date, have them register the marriage, and plan the wedding gradually afterward? What do you all say?"
"I think it's perfect!" Laura said brightly, her face lit with delight. "I'll have someone select a lucky day immediately!"
Ximena could only watch as her entire future was decided in a handful of sentences.
Her parents, who had been tense moments earlier, now appeared visibly relieved, even casting approving looks in her direction.
Ximena found herself at a loss for words.
She felt like merchandise on a table, with buyer and seller happily striking a deal and even discussing when to put her to use.
She shot a glance at Aydan, silently pleading for him to slow things down, even if just a little.
Yet Aydan merely raised his glass and took an unhurried sip, clearly savoring the scene, with no intention of intervening.
Ximena clenched her teeth inwardly, while keeping that sweet smile firmly in place.
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