Marrying My Bankrupt Boyfriend

My boyfriend went bankrupt and broke up with me.

I disagreed.

He said, "Then do you dare to apply for a marriage license with me?"

1

I got married to Evan Bradley.

Coming out of the marriage registration office, I'm so nervous that my hands were trembling..

Did I really just get married like that?

And to a man who just gone bankrupt and whom I had only been on seven dates with.

"Do you regret it?" Evan asked, raising an eyebrow as he noticed that I was distracted.

I was hesitating about how to answer this tricky question when my mom called in.

"Madeline, I heard from your dad that Mr. Bradley's company went bankrupt and he was in debt. You haven't done anything with his son, right?"

Blushing, I glanced at the man in front of me and whispered, "No."

"Good. Break up with him now, do you hear?" My mom said.

"Okay." I replied. I was suddenly hesitated to take him home.

"And if he asks you for money, don't borrow it!" My mom didn't notice my hesitation and warned me again.

"Got it." I said.

Feeling guilty, I hung up the phone, When I looked up, I met Evan's joking gaze.

With my mom's loud voice, he must have heard everything she just said.

"Shall we go back in? This time, I'll pay for it." Evan said.

"Do you... do you still have money in your account?" I asked tentatively.

"Yes," Evan replied calmly.

"How much?" I added.

"About five million dollars," he said after thinking for a moment, but didn't seem very certain.

"So much?" I said. I was a bit surprised; even after going bankrupt, he still had so much money.

He looked at me as if I were a fool and said, "The bank's frozen it all. I can't withdraw anything."

After saying that, he took out his wallet to show me, apart from several cards, there was only a crisp new ten dollars note inside.

"I only have enough cash to afford a divorce fee." He said.

I have nothing more to say. Keep silent.

He's in such a tough sledding. If I let him pay, what kind of person would I be?

"Can it be unfrozen?" I asked without hope.

As expected, he looked at me with a hint of pity and said, "I still owe the bank a one billion."

"How... how much?" I asked, shocked. I almost bit my tongue, wondering if I was hearing things.

He didn't answer directly but changed his tone, saying, "Besides the bank, I also turning to private lenders for a loan and owe suppliers. It should add up to over 3 billion."

"Do you need me to help repay it?" I asked.

Looking at the balance in my bank account, I suddenly felt that marrying him was a hasty decision.

Should I let him find a rich woman instead?

"No need." He said. He patted my head and smiled. "Just provide a place to stay." He added.

"Oh ok." I said.

2

As we passing by the subway station, I got him a transit card and loaded it with 200 dollars, handing it to him.

He didn't take it.

Blushing, I explained, "We'll take the bus back later."

The bus to my rented place has a direct route from here, and it only costs 80 cents with the card.

The subway fare is 3 dollars, no discounts available.

Saving 2.20 dollars might be a drop in the ocean, but every penny counts.

"No need." He said. He calmly took the card and put it in his pocket, saying, "I'll have someone come to pick me up."

"Is it a friend?" I asked. During our dates, he introduced me to several friends, each time a different people.

They seemed like fair-weather friends, always drinking or playing cards. I didn't expect that they can continue to hang out together after his bankruptcy.

Maybe I underestimated their friendship.

"A creditor," he smiled and said, looking indifferent.

I'm speechless. I really did underestimate them.

The car arrived quickly, and the person who came to pick him up was a man in his thirties wearing glasses.

He was respectful to Evan and didn't mention the debt during the ride.

As we neared home, Evan suddenly asked the driver to stop the car.

"Is there any money in the card?" Evan asked.

The man in glasses turned around, looking fearful. "Evan, you still owe me 20 million dollars from last time!" "Add it to the tab, I will pay it back next time." Evan said and extended his hand.

The man reluctantly opened his wallet, pulled out a card, and handed it over, saying, "Use it sparingly."

Evan ignored him and pulled me out of the car.

I was a bit nervous, unsure why he suddenly borrowed money. I whispered to him, "My salary is 9, 500 dollars. If we budget carefully, it's enough for us to live on."

With over three billion dollars in debt, what's another hundred thousand?

This was a debt incurred after our marriage, making it a joint liability!

Evan paused for a moment, then patted my head and said, "I just want to buy you a wedding ring. From now on, I'll listen to you."

His reminder made me realize that in our rush to marry, we hadn't even bought rings.

"I'll pay for the ring. Return the card to him," I insisted saying.

Evan remained silent appearing hesitant.

The man with glasses chimed in, advising, "Miss, let him buy the ring. He's already in debt for over three billion; a few hundred thousand more won't matter."

His word sound so reasonable, I have nothing to say.

With the creditor's permission, Evan confidently took me to the jewelry department of a shopping mall.

3

After purchasing the wedding ring, Evan looked displeased, thinking the diamond ring I chose was too cheap.

Looking at the 88, 000 dollars diamond ring on my left hand's ring finger, I felt that he had a skewed understanding of the word "cheap."

Fortunately, after my insistence, he wore the ring.

Now, those flirty types women outside should know this bachelor is off the market.

4

Back home, Evan took a few phone calls.

He stood straight on the balcony, and I vaguely heard him discussing matters regarding houses and cars.

It seemed all his assets were being auctioned off to pay debts.

I wasn't worried. If he could owe so much, he could surely repay it.

After all, he was a top student from a prestigious university, the kind of 'model child' my parents always admired.

After his calls, I had finished washing the vegetables and was about to start cooking.

He took over, saying, "Living in your place, eating your food, let me handle the chores."

"Okay." I didn't argue. As someone who had been single for 26 years, my cooking skills were abysmal.

I usually ordered takeout for meals, and the groceries in the fridge were still from when my mother bought them last time.

I had experienced Evan's cooking skills during our third date.

That time he drove his luxury car worth over five million dollars, took me to his apartment, and cooked for me.

That night, he coaxed me to stay over, but I nervously declined.

By the sixth date, I felt we were from different worlds.

I hesitated about whether to break up with him or not.

Then he went bankrupt.

At this point, breaking up would seem somewhat unethical.

His provocation let us to get married first, feeling like we were in a dream.

"What are you thinking about?" Evan asked and nudged me with his hip.

"Nothing." I replied. I quickly turned my head, avoiding his probing gaze.

He picked up a piece of freshly stir-fried bok choy and offered it to me, saying, "Try it. Is it salty?"

I opened my mouth, feeling both shy and nervous.

"Not salty." I said.

"Really?" He looked at my lips suspiciously and said, "Let me taste."

"Okay." I replied.

As soon as I spoke, he suddenly cupped my chin with one hand and leaned in...

5

As we kissed, Evan suddenly embraced me tightly.

His warm breath brushed against my ear, saying, "A bit salty."

My face flushed instantly, and I instinctively pushed him away, but he lifted me and placed me on the dining table.

"Let's skip dinner, okay?" He asked. He gazed at me intensely.

I felt my toes rubber. I had experienced Evan's charm before.

Except for our first date, he was always prim and proper.

On other dates, he would flirt relentlessly.

Part of the reason I hesitated to break up was that I couldn't handle his advances.

I was afraid that one day, I'd let my guard down and lose my ground.

Marlee always said, "Don't let men get too comfortable; keep them on their toes."

I couldn't quite tell who was leading whom between Evan and me.

At that moment, his thumb gently brushed against my lips. Seeing that I remained silent, he deliberately lowered his voice and asked, "Even after we're married, you still won't let me get close?"

What a tricky question! How was I supposed to answer that?

I decided not to answer at all and instead touched my stomach, saying, "I'm hungry. Let's eat first."

He didn't move, his body still pressed against mine.

"I'm really hungry," I emphasized, giving him a little kick with my foot.

He slowly straightened up, adjusted my collar, and smiled, saying, "I'll fry some shredded potatoes."

Once Evan left, I felt like my breathing became easier.

Watching him busy in the kitchen filled me with an indescribable sense of contentment and happiness.

Just then, my phone rang. Seeing the caller mane, I picked up the phone and went to the bedroom to answer it.

"Marlee, have you seen the news? Evan has gone bankrupt!" Marlee's excited voice came through the phone without reservation.

"He told me." I replied in a low voice.

"Then what are you waiting for? Go get him!" Marlee said. Marlee was even more excited than I was about Evan's bankruptcy.

"Uh..." I was trying to figure out how to tell her the big news about our marriage certificate.

"He's been your dream guy since you were little, Evan! Even if he's bankrupt, a fallen giant is still formidable. He must have transferred his assets long ago," Marlee analyzed confidently and said.

I couldn't bear to tell her that my dream guy was not only broke but also in debt for over three billion.

"Listen to me, Madeline. Take advantage of his current frustrated and get him. Who knows, he might make a comeback someday." Marlee said.

"He doesn't seem too upset." I finally managed to interject.

I didn't know how others would react after going bankrupt, but Evan was absolutely calm.

Owing three billion or thirty dollars seemed to make no difference to him.

"Not being upset is a good sign! Evan must have a stash somewhere. Maybe he's testing if you're after his money! You know, rich people have this quirk of suspecting others..." Marlee said.

Her words were getting more and more outrageous, so I quickly hung up the phone before it turned into a brainless soap opera.

Marlee was a good friend, not only imaginative but also fond of making up stories.

Once she started, it could go on for half an hour or even longer.

I sent her a message on Whatsapp, "I'm with Evan. We'll talk later."

She thoughtfully replied with an emoji of someone pouncing on another.

I glanced at the closed bedroom door, thinking, who knows who will pounce on whom!

6

After dinner, I hid in the bedroom.

His gaze was too intense, making me feel uncomfortable throughout the meal.

He kept serving me food, urging me to eat more, and occasionally even used his hand to wipe away imaginary bits of food from my lips.

He was relentless in his playful teasing!

I picked up a book and sat on the bedroom balcony, flipping through some pages. The sound of him cleaning up in the kitchen was distracting, making me feel a bit flustered.

I decided to open the window for some fresh air. Just as I opened it, Evan walked in.

I was immediately stunned.

"Go take a shower," he said calmly, as if this were his own home.

"You... you go first." I swallowed and refused.

He gave me a casual glance and then went into the bathroom.

My bedroom comes with an attached bathroom, featuring a semi-transparent glass door. His silhouette was faintly visible, making me want to cover my eyes, but curiosity got the better of me.

It seemed like there was no avoiding it tonight.

Besides, we were already married; he was practically family now. Maybe I didn't need to guard my territory anymore...

Evan showered quickly and came out wrapped in a towel.

I watched him, my face blushed and heart beats, "Aren't you going to put on some clothes?" I asked.

"They were seized by the court." Evan replied.

Would the court really seize personal belongings like clothes? Was he trying to fool me like I was some naive girl?

"Why didn't you say so before you showered?" I questioned.

"Didn't we agree that after buying the wedding ring, I'd listen to my wife?" he replied calmly.

I was at a loss for words, so I turned my head away from him.

"Should I have someone bring me some clothes?" He asked. Evan walked over and gently embraced me from behind.

"Aren't they all seized?" I retorted.

"There are still the creditors, aren't there?" He said. Evan's wet hair brushed against my neck, adding, "I could have them bring me new ones."

"Give your creditors a break," I said, feeling sorry for them. These days, it seemed like those in debt were as shameless as he was!

"If I don't give them something to do, they'll think I've run away." Evan replied.

With that, he scooped me up, and before I reacted it, I was laid on the bed. His breath was so close, and I heard his gentlemanly inquiry, "Are you sure you don't need a shower?"

"Yes, I do!" I said.

7

After more than half an hour in the shower, I came out only to be pinned down on the bed by Evan for a kiss.

Realizing that this man is now my legitimate husband and deeply in debt, possibly relying on me in the future, my defenses crumbled instantly.

So, I reached out and embraced him...

In the middle of the night, I finally drifted off to sleep.

In a daze, I felt him get out of bed and put on his pants. There were intermittent sounds of him talking on the balcony.

My eyelids were too heavy, and I couldn't resist the lure of sleep, so I drifted off again.

When I woke up, Evan was lying beside me. He looked peaceful and innocent in his sleep, with long eyelashes, just like the boy I remembered.

My workplace wasn't far from here, but I needed to leave by seven to get to the company and clock in.

I took one thousand dollars from my wallet and gently placed it under his pillow.

Then I tossed his clothes into the washing machine and set it to wash and dry.

I left him a message on Whatsapp.

After doing all this, I left for work feeling reassured.

After clocking in, I walked into the company cafeteria, where almost everyone was gossiping about the Bradley Family's bankruptcy.

My colleague Yvonne Phillips looked at me with concern and quietly suggested, "Madeline, don't feel pressured. If it's time to break up, you have to do it."

Yvonne had seen Evan picking me up in a luxury car before, so she knew we were secretly dating.

I deliberately raised my left hand high to show her my 88, 000 dollars diamond ring.

Yvonne's eyes widened and asked, "Madeline, where did you get that ring? The diamond looks so real. Tell me the name of the store later, I want to buy one for fun."

Yvonne's excited gaze reminded me of Evan's sour expression when I insisted on buying the ring yesterday, Evan said, "It looks like a cheap knockoff."

"This is my wedding ring," I coughed lightly and said, "Evan Bradley and I got married."

Yvonne was stunned, staring at me for a long time without speaking.

After confirming I was serious, she let out a long sigh and said, "It seems the Bradley Family is really out of money, buying fake wedding rings."

I'm speechless. ...Does it really look like a street vendor's!

After breakfast, I received a message from Evan.

"Darling, I'll pick you up after work tonight."

I don't want him to come, afraid that colleagues would gossip if they saw him, but I couldn't keep him in the shadows forever.

So I replied with a simple "Okay."

The day's work was tense and busy, and soon it was time to clock out.

As I exited the company building, Evan stood at the entrance with his hands in his pockets, wearing the same outfit as yesterday.

I walked over and took his arm, boldly declaring, "Let's go, I'll buy you some clothes."

"Thank you, darling." Evan replied.

There was a clothing market near the company, with a wide variety of styles at affordable prices.

I found a men's clothing store and bought Evan outfits, head to toe.

When it was time to pay, he held my hand and said, "I have money."

"Where did you get money?" I asked. "You're bankrupt, don't fight me over this small amount."

"From the allowance my wife gave me as a reward." He said. He looked at me with an ambiguous gaze, pulling out three bills from his wallet which the ones I had placed under his pillow that morning.

I had intended them since his card was frozen, he would need some expenses when going out to buy groceries or something like that.

How did it become "the allowance" in his words?

And what exactly had he worked hard at?