Laila's mind became entangled in a labyrinthine maze of thoughts. She couldn't discern whether he had fled to seek the person who would become his true wife or if he intended to find a potential wife from that place. Both possibilities eluded comprehension. Could it be logical for a man endowed with the finest qualities to search for a wife in the back alleys? Laila, bewildered, inquired once more.

"And so, did you find her?"

"Well, I..."

Silence enveloped the air, thick with unspoken words.

"For reasons I can't divulge, let's cease this conversation," he said, avoiding the topic.

Cain's countenance softened into an amiable smile, cautioning her with an insurmountable wall, a silent admonition.

Laila clutched the bouquet tightly, concealing her deflated spirit. Even if it wasn't his intention, she had no inclination to probe further into matters unrelated to herself. She had no room to concern herself with the affairs of others.

"What would you say to a job better than being a maid?"

"What would that be?"

Curiosity sparked within Laila as she inquired about Cain's words.

"The position of my wife."

"Pardon?"

"I'm asking you to marry me, albeit purely on paper, in a legal sense."

Contrary to the magnitude of his statement, Cain remained unflappable, exuding an unwavering composure.

Laila perceived in that moment that he was engaging in a malicious jest, or perhaps harboring dark intentions, contemplating another means of abandoning her.

As time passed without a change in his demeanor, Laila realized that his words were sincere. A sinking feeling settled somewhere deep within her being. Her mind grew foggy, and her heart began to race erratically.

The idea of marrying Cain Vanderbilt was preposterous. She couldn't fathom why he would suddenly utter such words, but she couldn't even entertain the thought, neither in practical terms nor on an emotional level.

"I'm sorry, but..."

"It's not a proposition that would cause you harm. Above all else, your safety will be guaranteed as long as you stay by my side."

"...!"

Cain's final words tightened the knot of unease within Laila. As her wavering pupils froze, he revealed a smile, as if granting her recognition.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"For now, focus on resting and recovering, without any thoughts of work. We'll discuss the answer when you're in better health."

With those words, Cain seemed to discern her inner conflict and left the room. Laila remained in a daze, gazing at the bouquet of flowers in her arms. It was only belatedly that she realized the true meaning behind this proposal.

***

After receiving Cain's peculiar proposal, Laila found herself lying back in her place once again. Strangely enough, she no longer felt embarrassed or sorry for herself. Though it was still too difficult to move as he had suggested, a strange sense of defiance arose from the insult she had suffered.

Cain's kind demeanor remained unchanged. He visited her twice a day, inquiring about her well-being and bringing flowers to hold her close.

"It's okay to refuse. However, I do not need a maid," he gently yet coldly cornered her.

As her body grew accustomed to being confined, Laila pondered and mulled over his proposition each day. With an anxious heart, she paced around the room and gnawed at her fingernails. His proposal was utterly absurd, and although she knew she should naturally reject it, the inner conflict did not subside.

The days grew colder, and winter would soon arrive. Laila had nowhere to go back to. Beyond the bleakness, a sense of unease gripped her entire being, as she didn't know when Stahl would discover her. Whether it was because Cain had rescued her from Stear's grasp or due to the things he possessed and his very presence, she felt safe here. This fact was astounding. Even though she didn't know Cain Vanderbilt well, she had developed such a strong reliance on him.

The words of a maid came to mind, claiming that while nations may rise and fall, dynasties endure eternally. If spoken by a successor of the mighty Vanderbilt clan, there was a high likelihood it would hold true. As long as the conditions were acceptable to her, there was no reason for Laila to reject Cain's proposal.

On the fateful night she made her decision, Laila sought out Cain in his study.

She glanced up from the paper resting on the table.

"So, if I simply sign here, you're saying I become Laila Vanderbilt?"

"That is correct," Cain nodded, seated across from her.

The process of a loveless marriage seemed remarkably expedited. Could one so easily embrace such a transformative change?

Laila Vanderbilt.

She whispered her soon-to-be name to herself. She had long been disinterested in marriage, but recently, her attitude had taken a rather favorable turn due to her desire to change genders. She believed that as long as one was a good person, any gender would suffice. However, she never expected to be presented with such an extraordinary opportunity to bear such a prestigious surname.

A peculiar emotion stirred in her chest, one beyond mere apprehension. It was the sensation that her destiny was about to be altered, and it had nothing to do with this man.

"As long as you maintain the contract until my mother's passing. The doctor says there isn't much time left," Cain explained.

"Oh..."

"There will be no physical intimacy involved. All you need to do is uphold the secrecy until the contract expires and sign the divorce papers and one other document after my mother's death."

“…….”

Laila found solace in the declaration that there would be no physical involvement. It was only then that her mind stirred, considering the conditions he presented.

"After the divorce, I will provide you with a secure place to live. I will give you enough money to live without worrying for the rest of your life."

This offer was not overly demanding or objectionable. Instead, it seemed remarkably agreeable, almost dreamlike. It felt as if the layers of misery that had clung to her were being washed away, replaced by a resplendent stroke of fortune. However, amidst the stirring of her heart, doubts and anxieties followed suit.

Her decision had already been made. However, there remained one inexplicable aspect.

"May I ask one thing?"