Love Beyond the Contract

The disinfectant's scent in the hospital wrapped around me like an airtight net, suffocating me. My brother Daniel Sue lay in the intensive care unit, the doctor's words still echoing in my ears: "If we don't operate now, it will truly be too late." The 300,000 surgery fee felt like a mountain pressing down on me, suffocating and unbearable. I searched every place I could borrow from, clutching crumpled IOUs in my trembling hands, tears stinging my eyes. Just when I was on the brink of despair, a man in a black suit approached me. He handed me a business card that read: "Mark Chandler, Special Assistant to Mr. Deer of Deer Group." "Ms. Sue, Mr. Deer is willing to help you." Mark Chandler's voice was calm, yet it held an undeniable authority. I followed Mark Chandler to the Deer Family Manor, where I met Edward Deer for the first time. He sat in a wheelchair, his face as pale as paper, yet a faint smile lingered at the corners of his mouth. "Sara Sue, I know you need money to save your brother." Edward's voice was soft, yet it reached my ears with crystal clarity. "I can give you three hundred thousand, or even more." My heart skipped a beat as I looked up at him. "But I have one condition." Edward paused, his gaze resting on my face. "Marry me, and stay with me for the last three months. After that, I will give you half of the Deer Group's inheritance." I was stunned, unable to respond for a long moment. Mark Chandler added quietly, "Mr. Deer suffers from a rare genetic disease. The doctors say he has at most three months left to live." "The mother of Mr. Deer hopes he will have a wife by his side during his final days." I stared at Edward Deer's pale face and thought of my brother lying in the intensive care unit. Without any hesitation, I nodded. "Alright, I agree." The next day, we went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to register our marriage. Holding the red marriage certificate in my hand, I felt no joy—only a heavy sense of responsibility. I moved into the Deer Family Manor and began this contract marriage. Edward Deer lived a very orderly life: every morning he basked in the garden, spent the afternoon reading, and went to bed early. We spoke very little, like strangers sharing the same roof. He never interfered in my life, only sent money on time, allowing me to care for my brother with peace of mind. Daniel Sue's surgery was very successful. While I was at the hospital with him, he held my hand and said, "Sister, are you going through some kind of trouble? That Mr. Deer..." I gently touched his head and smiled, "Don't worry, I'm fine. Mr. Deer is a good man." Days passed one by one, and the three-month deadline drew ever closer. Edward Deer's condition seemed to deteriorate with each passing day; sometimes he would remain in his room all day without coming out. A sudden, inexplicable unease rose within me. Until that morning, when Mark Chandler hurriedly came to find me. "Ms. Sue, Mr. Deer... has passed away." Mark's voice was choked with emotion. I stood there frozen, my mind completely blank. Although I knew this day would come sooner or later, when it finally arrived, I was still at a loss. Edward Deer's funeral was conducted with great solemnity; all of City D's prominent figures were present. Dressed in black mourning attire, I stood before the memorial hall, gazing at Edward Deer's portrait, my heart a turbulent mix of emotions. After the funeral, the lawyer approached me and handed over a will and inheritance agreement. "Ms. Sue, according to Mr. Deer's last will and the marriage contract between you and him, you will inherit fifty percent of the shares in the Deer Group, as well as several properties including the Deer Family Manor." I looked at the figures in the agreement, momentarily speechless. Just like that, I became the youngest and most beautiful billionaire widow in City D.