That Day When I Got Married to My Boss at the Blind Date — Free Preview

Josie Warren's mother arranged a blind date for her in a high-class tea house in Wavery. However, after waiting for half an hour, the other party had yet to show up. A sulky look flashed through her delicate face.

Around ten minutes later, a man in a gray suit approached her slowly.

"Hi, is this Ms. Warren?"

"... I am." Josie gazed at the stout man in front of her and was disappointed. Is he the so-called 'handsome' man my mom described?

"I'm Jack Lowry." The man pulled the chair out and sat down across from her. After sizing Josie up, he put on a wide grin as he was satisfied with Josie.

"I've heard of your situation. I don't have high requirements for my wife. After we get married, you can focus on being a housewife. I'll be responsible for all living costs. I have two children. Please take good care of them. Besides, my parents…"

"Please stop for a second, Mr. Lowry." Josie interrupted him and inhaled deeply. "I'm sorry. I don't think we're suitable for each other."

Jack's expression changed at once when he heard that.

"Ms. Warren, I'm a business owner. You should be grateful to be able to marry me…" Jack babbled away.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Lowry. I've made myself clear – we're not suitable for each other."

Jack seemed to be as old as Josie's father!

"You'll regret this!" After saying that, Jack stopped bickering with Josie and walked away directly.

Sitting on the chair, Josie rubbed her temple. I shouldn't have believed my mom.

Since she had applied for a half-day leave, she didn't leave immediately. Instead, she stayed in her seat to… watch a show.

There was a blind date going on at the next table too.

Unlike Jack, the man seated on the chair wore a black suit. His handsome face was flawless, and he emanated an elegant aura from the inside out.

The woman sitting across from him stared at him in infatuation.

"Mr. Russell, let's hold our wedding ceremony in Ireland. What do you think? We can invite a lot of guests…"

With his eyes downcast, the man blurted coldly. "I'm sorry. I'm not satisfied with you. You may leave now."

The woman's smile stiffened.

"Mr. Russell, this is our first encounter, so we don't have to rush into marriage. You can spend some time getting to know me. I'm a very nice person…"

Dexter Russell lifted his eyes and uttered insouciantly, "I don't fancy a woman whose face is full of fillers."

Josie almost spat the tea out when she heard that. What a brilliant excuse!

After the women stomped away in anger, Josie took up her handbag as the show was over. Just as she was about to sneak out of the teahouse, a magnetic voice came forth.

"Josie Warren."

With her body stiffened, Josie turned around and greeted the man with a professional smile.

"Hi, Mr. Warren."

Dexter looked at her and asked, "Are you happy with the show?"

"Not…" Realizing that she was giving herself away, Josie quickly changed her answer. "I'm not watching any show."

"Sit down." Dexter ordered.

Josie had no choice but to sit down across from him reluctantly. She lifted her eyes and carefully glanced at the man who had extraordinary elegance.

Dexter was the president of Russell Group, the biggest conglomerate in Wavery. Despite being at the age of twenty-six, his net worth had exceeded ten billion.

On the other hand, Josie was an ordinary white-collar in Wavery. She worked as a designer at Russell Group.

There were thousands of employees in Russell Group. Under a normal situation, Dexter would not have a chance to meet her.

However, when Dexter visited the departments after he took over the corporation three years ago, he walked up to Josie among all the other designers and asked for her name.

Josie answered in a stutter.

Although Josie had an ordinary identity, her appearance was extraordinary and stood out among the other designers who had common looks. Even within the entire Russell Group, Josie's beauty was outstanding. At that time, many in the design department thought Dexter had a thing for her, but Josie thought it was impossible.

True enough, in the last three years, despite being in the same company, she had never crossed paths with the great president. In fact, she rarely saw him.

Josie caught sight of Dexter out of the corner of her eyes, but she didn't dare to walk up to greet him. She thought Dexter had forgotten about her because she was an ordinary employee, so she sat at the side and watched the show light-heartedly, but little did she expect that…

"Mr. Russell, if there's nothing else…"

Josie wanted to break the silence and leave, but as soon as she spoke up, Dexter stared at her with his deep-set eyes and asked, "You're looking for a partner to get married with?"

Josie was dumbfounded. She wasn't the only one watching a show just now, but Dexter was watching hers too.

After a while, she nodded stiffly and reflected upon herself for eavesdropping on her boss. Suddenly, Dexter's deep voice emerged. "Josie, what about marrying me?"

Josie was stunned the moment she heard that. She lifted her eyes and stared at the man in front of her in shock. "Mr. Russell, w-what did you say?"

Josie thought she was hearing things.

"I said, marry me." Dexter repeated himself impatiently. His handsome face looked very serious, and he didn't seem to be joking.

After a long time, Josie finally regained her senses.

"Mr. Russell, why me?"

By right, even if he is not happy with the woman just now, he could have married many other better women given his identity. Could it be that he has been having a crush on me for a long time while this blind date is just a set-up to encounter me? Indeed, only a top-tier hunter will appear as prey.

Obviously, Josie overestimated herself.

Dexter looked outside the window and explained to her coldly, "My grandfather is very sick. The doctor said he's left with only half a year to live. His greatest wish now is to see me get married. I bluffed him and told him that I already have a girlfriend and that we're preparing to get married."

As Josie listened attentively to the explanation, the same doubt surfaced in her mind. Why did he choose me?

Perceiving Josie's confusion, Dexter took up the teacup and took a sip. "You're an employee in Russell Group, which will make it easier for him to buy into it."

Josie understood immediately.

Dexter proposed a fake relationship and a fake marriage to fulfill his grandfather's wish.

Dexter was a perfect man, but Josie knew they were people from two parallel universes. Josie didn't want to be dragged into trouble, so she was racking her head to think of a way to turn the president down courteously without putting her job at stake.

Dexter said, "I'll take care of your father's medical fees if you marry me."

Josie clenched her fists. Three years ago, her father ran into a car accident and had been in a vegetative state ever since then. She had been living frugally these years in order to pay the medical bills.

But how did Dexter know about this? Josie couldn't bother to mull over the question because the offer was highly tempting.

"I can hire the best medical team for your father."

Josie wavered. Her eyes glistened as she changed her mind. I just have to marry into a wealthy family. Nothing can go wrong.

"Deal, Mr. Russell."

Without wasting more time, Dexter took his coat and stood up.

"We’re getting our marriage registered at the registry office now."

"Now?" Josie was shocked, but when she met Dexter's frigid eyes, she nodded. "Okay."

Thereafter, Dexter sent Josie back to her place which was situated in an old neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. There was no one in the house. Josie took her identity document and left swiftly.

Everything happened in haste.

After walking out of the Home Affairs Bureau, Josie felt it was a dream when she looked at the marriage certificate in her hand. Then, she gazed at the suit-clad, tall man beside her.

She was married to her boss!

Josie stood there for a long time and wondered if she should ask for a token of appreciation from Dexter.

Dexter had no intention of wasting more time with Josie. He stared at her nonchalantly with his almond-shaped eyes and said, "My villa is in Mason Garden. I'll send the address and password to you later. You may move in tonight."

"...Okay."

They had to put up a good act. Besides, she had wanted to move out of her place, so she didn't mind at all.

"I'll bring you to meet Grandpa tomorrow." Even though he was unwilling to accept that his grandfather could only live for half a year more, he said, "We'll divorce half a year later. During this period, you just need to coax him and make him happy. Don't think about anything else."

Josie perceived the meaning of his cold words — she shouldn't hope to remain as 'Mrs. Russell' for long.

"I understand. About my father…"

Dexter checked his watch and said, "I'll send someone to make the necessary arrangements immediately."

"Alright. Thank you, Mr. Russell."

With that, he got into the black Rolls-Royce and left.

I can't believe this guy just ditched me after registering our marriage. What a heartless capitalist.

Josie pouted. She had only two quarters left after paying the fees for marriage registration. So, she decided to take the public bus.

Upon arriving home, Josie could hear Jenny Turner, her mother's voice, before entering the house because the soundproof system was terrible.

"Don't worry, Justin. Mr. Lowry is pleased with your sister. No matter what, I'll think of a way to make your sister marry him. By that time, we'll have money to settle the betrothal gift for Nicole and your house after you get married."

How brilliant it is to sell the daughter so that the son can get married.

When Josie entered the house, both Jenny and Justin looked at her.

Jenny said, "Jack is very happy with you. I know you're displeased with him, but he's a decent man. Despite being slightly advanced in age, he will treat you well. Moreover, you don't have to bear a child after marrying him. You…"

Josie rolled her eyes speechlessly. What's so honorable about becoming a stepmother?

She interrupted Jenny and blurted, "Say as you please, but I'll not marry him."

Jenny hit the table and scowled, "Josie Warren, you have to marry him! I'm your mother, so I have a say in your marriage!"

Josie took out the marriage certificate from her handbag and said with a smile, "I'm already married. Bigamy is a crime."

Jenny dashed forward and gasped, "You're already married?! To whom?"

Before Jenny could snatch the marriage certificate, Josie kept it back into her bag and threw her identity document on the table.

She naturally wouldn't tell Jenny that she was married to Russell Group's president, so she hummed insouciantly, "He works as a waiter in a restaurant. Didn't you want me to get married as soon as possible and get out of this house? Your wish has come true."

"You… You… Josie Warren, you're driving me crazy!" Jenny snarled while covering her chest with her hand.

Josie ignored her and went to pack her stuff in her room.

A few minutes later, Jenny regained her composure and went to Josie's room.

"Josie, I don't care who you're married to. Justin and Nicole are getting married soon, so you have to contribute something as an elder sister!"

"I don't have money."

Jenny grasped Josie's hand. "Then divorce the man immediately and marry Jack! We raised you all these years. As a sister, you can't brush your brother aside!"

Coldness flashed through Josie's eyes as she shoved away Jenny's hand.

"Dad was the one raising me all these years. Ever since he ran into a car accident, I've worked hard to earn my tuition fees at university. When did you contribute to raising me?"

Josie glared at Justin, who was leaning against the door, looking at them. "Moreover, I'm not your biological daughter. I have no obligation to help this younger brother who has no blood relation with me!"

At the age of twelve, Josie had a car accident and lost all her memories.

Paul Warren, who was working in the hospital then, adopted her. Over the years, Josie had not developed a good relationship with Jenny and Justin, unlike with Paul…

Josie did not have many belongings. After packing her stuff, she ignored Jenny's curses and left in a cab with her luggage.

Around 7 p.m., she arrived at Mason Garden, but she was lost because Dexter did not send her the exact location and password as promised. Josie reckoned it slipped his mind.

She didn't know Dexter's phone number, so she could only wait outside the neighborhood.

It was an August evening– the weather was still hot even after nightfall. Frustrated, Josie had the urge to find Dexter in Russell Group. Nonetheless, she was well aware that she couldn't meet him casually.

After waiting for an hour, a black Rolls-Royce appeared at the neighborhood gate.

Josie's legs turned numb after an hour of crouching, so she couldn't stand up and could only wave her hand and yell, "Mr. Russell, Mr. Russell…"

Dexter stopped the car when he heard the commotion.

He was startled when he saw the woman crouching on the ground.

"What brings you here?"

Josie was hot under the collar, but she didn't dare to flare up in front of Dexter. Wearing a hypocritical smile, she supported herself against the wall and stood up.

"You didn't tell me the exact address and the password. Where else could I go?"

"I'm sorry. I was busy with a meeting this afternoon and forgot about it." Dexter explained and asked her to get into the car.

"Are you blaming me just now?"

Josie didn't dare to complain about Dexter, so she could only keep her shirt on and got into the car with her luggage. Two minutes later, the car stopped in front of a bungalow.

She carried her luggage and followed Dexter into the villa. On the way in, the latter told her the password to the door.

Upon entering the living room, Josie glanced around the surroundings. The minimalistic interior featured cool colors, yet it portrayed a royal atmosphere.

"You'll stay in the room on the left on the second floor. On the right is my bedroom and study room. You're not allowed to enter my rooms without my permission. And don't touch the displays."

"Okay." Josie nodded 'obediently'.

Although there were many rules to abide by here, she rather stayed with the troublesome Dexter than with Jenny and Justin.

Now that she didn't have to worry about Paul's medical fees, she should be able to save enough money for the downpayment on a small apartment in Wavery.

Thinking that she was one step closer to a bright future, Josie went upstairs gleefully with her luggage.

Just as she finished unpacking her belongings, someone knocked on the door.

Josie went to open the door to see Dexter had already changed into his home clothes. He looked at her indifferently and passed a document to her.

"These are my hobbies and preferences. Memorize them tonight. Don't give yourself away in front of grandpa tomorrow."

Josie nodded and took over the document while complaining inwardly. It's not that easy, after all, to stay in a splendid bungalow.

"What about my preferences? Do I have to tell you?"

"That's not necessary." Dexter answered coldly and left.

The truth was Dexter had already investigated everything about her.

After closing the door, Josie browsed through the document that Dexter had prepared. Every detail was written in it, including the food that he liked and disliked.

What? He even included the size of his underwear?

After reading through the document, Josie went to take a shower. Before she went to bed, she sent a text message to her director to ask for a day off.

She planned to visit her father tomorrow after meeting Dexter's grandfather in the morning. So, she applied for leave for the whole day. Just as she expected, the mean director blew up immediately.

'Ms. Warren, how dare you apply for leave again tomorrow after bunking off this afternoon? I'll not approve your leave application. If you don't show up tomorrow, you'll lose the full attendance bonus!'

Josie was distressed because, in Russell Group, the full attendance bonus was as high as one thousand.

She was as tight as a drum, but she had to visit Dexter's grandfather tomorrow.

The next day, Josie woke up early in the morning.

She had only a few cheap clothes, which seemed radically out of place in the huge, refined dressing room.

Josie changed into a maxi dress she bought last year and put on simple makeup.

When she went downstairs, Dexter was already sitting on the couch waiting. Then, the two left the villa without any interaction.

Josie stared at Dexter and mumbled carefully, "I lost my full-attendance bonus because I took the day off to visit your grandfather."

"It's just a thousand."

To a businessman, one thousand was nothing, but to Josie, that was enough to cover her monthly living expenses. While Josie was sulking, Dexter's voice came forth.

"Make grandpa happy today, and I'll compensate the bonus to you."

Josie's eyes lit up at once.

Soon, the car stopped at a shopping mall, but not a hospital. Josie asked in confusion, "Aren't we going to visit your grandfather?"

Dexter cast a glance at her dress and made a harsh comment. "If grandpa sees your outfit, he'll probably think that our company is going bankrupt soon. Otherwise, why would my wife's outfit be this old?"

Josie was rendered speechless. Is this dress old? It's a counterfeit of a dress that was in vogue in the fashion week this year!

Josie did not dare to refute him, so she followed Dexter to a high-end branded shop. Dexter walked around in the shop, casually picked a few dresses, and threw them to Josie.

"Try them on."

Josie took over the dresses like a robot and walked into the fitting room obediently.

She looked at the price tag – the cheapest one was more than ten thousand, equivalent to her monthly salary. It was her first time wearing such delicate dresses, so she was cautious.

After trying most of the clothes, the 'boss' on the couch didn't seem satisfied.

Exhausted, Josie could only place her hope on the last maxi dress that was faint green in color.

The staff in the shop praised with a smile, "Miss, your boyfriend has good taste. You look graceful in this dress."

Dexter was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone. When he heard the comment, he lifted his eyes to glance at Josie. She was looking at herself in the mirror. From where Dexter was sitting, he could see her slender waist.

Josie turned around and squeezed a smile on her fair face. "Is this okay?"

"Yeah."

Then, Dexter stood up and picked a few pairs of shoes for her. "We'll take the dress that she's wearing and all that she tried just now."

Dumbfounded, the staff quickly replied, "Sure, sure. Miss, your boyfriend is so sweet."

The usually thick-skinned Josie blushed and tugged at Dexter's sleeve shyly. "We don't have to buy all of them. Just the one that I'm wearing is enough."

Dexter frowned and cast a cold glance at her. "Do you plan to wear the same dress every time we visit grandpa?"

Josie was tongue-tied.

After paying the bill, Dexter brought Josie to a jewelry shop.

Before Josie could realize his intention, Dexter chose a pair of couple rings and placed one in Josie's hand while putting the other on his finger.

There was no interaction between the two throughout the whole process.

While Dexter was paying, Josie waited at the entrance and could vaguely hear the staff discussing among themselves. "Oh my gosh, they're such a perfect match!"

"Yeah, but I bet her boyfriend doesn't love her. He chose the ring with minimal effort and didn't even bother to put it on for his girlfriend."

Josie smirked. Indeed, your guess is right.