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4: Proposition
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2024-08-22 13:01:23Noah looks at Isabel and does not hesitate to grab the things she has in her hand, preventing her from leaving with his son.
"What do you think you're doing? I told you I never wanted you near this house again. Besides, how dare you take my son without my consent?" he says, while Isabel smiles mischievously. "Leave the child alone; your presence is only causing him harm. He is not old enough to understand what you’ve done," he says, raising his voice.
Noah stretched out his hand directly toward Liam’s hand, snatching him away from Isabel.
"Leave at once before I act in a way you deserve," Noah says, so agitated that Liam, seeing him like this, breaks down in tears and retreats into the house.
"You are an evil man," Liam says as he walks away crying.
"You see what you provoke," Isabel says with a half-smile. She looks at him intently in the worst possible way.
"Soon you will regret treating me that way in front of my son. We will be on the same level soon, and at that moment, you will wish you hadn't hurt me," she says, throwing the divorce papers on the ground; he picks them up and sees that she hasn't signed them.
Noah entered the house in search of Liam. When he reached Liam's room, Liam had locked the door, preventing his father from entering.
"Liam, son, open the door; I must talk to you. I'm not the bad person you think I am; some problems occur between adults that will be very difficult for you to understand," Noah pleads.
After waiting, Liam does not open the door, which is incredibly frustrating for Noah.
"Excuse me, sir, but your friend is waiting for you in the living room," says the maid.
Noah ran his hand over his head; the best thing to do at that moment was to go attend to Lucas. Giving Liam time will help him release his strong anger towards Noah.
Noah went down to the living room, where Lucas was standing with his hands in his pockets. It was clear from his face that something was bothering him.
"Noah, I went to find you at the company, and they told me you left in a hurry to look for your son. I would like to know if I can help you with anything," Lucas says, and Noah gestures for him to sit down. "Additionally, I happened to witness the argument you had with Isabel in front of your son. I’ve never seen that side of you; I'm worried," Lucas speaks again. Noah exhales the air he’s been holding in and sits down with him.
"Lucas, I'm sorry you had to witness such an embarrassing moment. The truth is, that woman brings out the worst in me. Right now, I'm really upset with her and her attitude," he excuses himself.
"You are quite a clever man, and I can't believe you haven't realized the gravity of the situation. I understand you’re feeling terrible about your separation, but you need to open your eyes and take action; if you let time pass, it will be too late when you decide to do something," Lucas comments. Noah stood up and approached him.
"What are you trying to say?" Noah asked.
"She doesn't want to sign because she’s asking for money, she wants more shares. I came to discuss that," Lucas expresses, worried.
"I'll make her sign. I care very little about her and her condition. The last thing I want is to spend more time knowing I'm still married to her," Noah says. Lucas shakes his head.
"That's not the worst part. I received a court notification; that she wants to keep Liam. She claims you’re not the right person to have the child, that he isn't in a family environment," Lucas says. Noah stood up; that woman didn't deserve any sympathy.
"You can't be serious," Noah speaks with desperation.
"Noah, your ex-wife could easily take half of your assets, not to mention she could gain custody of the child. As for the assets, we can figure something out, but what you first need to do, if you want your son with you, is to show perfect stability. You also need to prove that Liam is in a family environment, that he has someone who cares for him and pays attention like she would," Lucas spoke, leaving Noah confused.
Both men turned around when Liam walked towards them. Noah was ready to do anything for his son.
"Dad! Where is Emily? She promised she would take care of me, and she isn't keeping her promise. Plus, she left all my toys in the room. I want her here to play with me…" the boy says.
What Noah was hearing from his son was surprising because he never asked about any babysitter, and it seemed that Emily managed to make him miss her just by taking him to school.
"Who is your son talking about?" Lucas asks, surprised by the way Liam expresses himself, pouting as if it were a tantrum.
"She is the nanny, or rather, she was the nanny because today I fired her, so there's no point; she won't be coming back," Noah confesses arrogantly.
Immediately, Liam breaks down in tears upon hearing this.
"I don't love you anymore, Dad; you push away the people I care about," Liam says, crying. The boy turned in the direction of his room, sobbing desperately.
Noah opened his eyes and looked at Lucas, who was just as shocked.
"She's the right one," Lucas said, drawing a smile on his face. "You said your son couldn't get along with any nanny, and she worked miracles in just a few hours... So we have the right one; Emily will be your wife," Lucas said again.
Hearing this, Noah began to cough for a few seconds.
"How can you say something like that? I don't even know her; besides, we ended things very poorly. I highly doubt she would want to know anything more about me, let alone entertain such thoughts. Don't even think about it," Noah commented. Lucas raised his hand and shook his head, moving his index finger.
"It will be a contract that stipulates everything. In exchange for marrying you, you can offer her money—whatever it takes to get her to accept. In your case, you'll get a woman willing to do whatever you ask to maintain custody of your son. I'll make sure Isabel signs so that you won't have to deal with that issue," Lucas explained.
Noah couldn't believe what he was about to do. He never imagined he would use his money to have a woman by his side to pretend to be something he wasn't—not to mention feeling something he didn't.
"From the look on your face, I can tell you're willing to accept my advice," Lucas said.
Noah lifted his face and fixed his gaze directly on him.
"Yes, my friend, for my son, I'm willing to do whatever it takes; I will go look for that woman while you draft the documents. And I would appreciate it if you could try to talk to my son since he doesn't even want to talk to me; he feels a lot of anger because he blames me for everything bad," Noah said.
"Don't worry, go as soon as possible, and don't put off until tomorrow what you can accomplish today," Lucas said with a smile.
Noah left his house in search of Emily. He wasn't used to making such propositions, but the love of a father is greater than any obstacle.
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Emily stepped away from him, and Noah showed no emotion or different expression, which confused her. She lowered her gaze to the contract and then signed it.“You can go get the things and then install them in the house,” he said, adjusting his tie and turning his back to her."Is that all?" Emily remarked, her voice breaking, as all of this was making her heart feel somewhat dizzy."It is. Remember, this is just a contract. You're not the type of woman I'm used to," he assured her.Emily blinked a couple of times, realizing that in reality, she was only going to be used; that was why she had been hired."That's why I’m telling you, this is just a contract. The last thing I want is for you to think that at any point you have a chance with me. I want to make that crystal clear. I would never be interested in you," he said."Don't be mistaken," she replied, but he interrupted her."I’m not mistaken. I want you to understand that things will be done my way. What I don’t want you to think
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The meal wasn't the most relaxing experience in the world; the tension was palpable at the table, and the only one who seemed to lighten the mood was Liam. The little boy smiled at the sight of Emily, as if she had given him the light he desperately needed."So, Emily, tell me about yourself," says Lucas, prompting Noah to clear his throat."Lucas, please be quiet. It's not our business to know more than necessary," Noah responds. Emily lets out a subtle laugh. "Also, I remind you that Liam is right there, and the last thing we should do is discuss things that might disturb the kid," Noah says, clearly annoyed.Emily shifted her plates and stood up. She wanted to throw everything at that man; he was as arrogant as attractive."To avoid traumatizing Liam, you should first examine how you're raising him. Excuse me," Emily says.Emily walked away, and Noah clenched his jaw at her lack of manners.He wasn't used to people contradicting him."Don't you think you're being too harsh on her?"
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Noah reached his office; he had several important meetings today. He left his briefcase and turned his face when he saw Isabel entering. "What are you doing here? The last thing I want is to see you," he says. Noah pours himself a drink and then continues to stare at her. "I came for money," she says. Noah lets out a laugh upon hearing those words. "It's not a joke; I just want money," she repeats. "Noah, look, I don't have time to waste with you. I will give you two options: the first one is the easiest, ask your lover to give you the money, or tell your daddy to send it to you. I hope it's clear to you that I'm no longer responsible for giving you money," he says. "Noah, you don't understand anything. I'm not asking for anything for free. It's something I deserve; it's something I want to have," she says. "Sometimes I question why I was married to you. You think the world revolves around you, and the rest of us should kneel and kiss your feet," Noah comments while continuing
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Emily touches her cheek while watching Isabel with great repulsion.“He will never hit me again in his life. You are nobody to lay a single finger on me,” Emily tells Isabel, her hands shaking with rage.Isabel moves her jaw; pushing people’s buttons is her greatest trait.“Look, you are a very misplaced woman. Just look at yourself, you are very insignificant to someone like Noah. It’s clear that you live in a fantasy world where you struggle to face reality, one that isn’t difficult to understand,” Isabel says mockingly.“I am getting tired of you. I won’t listen to you for another minute,” Emily says with determination.“Keep thinking a man like him could be interested in a woman like you. Keep dreaming; I guarantee that when you wake up and crash against reality, I will be there to tell you I told you so,” Isabel says.Emily rolls her eyes, feeling annoyed by the situation. Isabel walks around the room for a bit, then looks at everything her son has done with Emily, and with a gri
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Noah sat staring at his brother, who had a smile on his face. Emily, for her part, felt quite uncomfortable, especially because she was completely sure that Noah wouldn't just act as if nothing had happened after seeing his brother there."You didn't tell me you were coming. I could have easily made some calls to have someone pick you up at the airport," Noah commented. Leo shook his head."Truth is, I wanted to surprise you, but the one who got surprised was me. I didn't know you already had a new partner, especially since Isabel was here when I arrived. I thought you two had gotten back together. Furthermore, I had no idea your girlfriend was my nephew's babysitter," Leo said, looking at Emily."You see, that's life. What are you doing here, brother?" Noah replied with irony."I came to spend some time with you, my nephew, and of course..." Leo said, glancing at Emily. "Of course, with family," Leo ended up saying."With family? Leo, you're not the type of person who does that. You
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Emily stepped out into the yard, feeling the soft breeze brush against her face. She sat down on the grass and hugged her knees. All of this was bringing out a part of her that she didn’t know existed. Suddenly, she heard a cough. When she turned, she noticed Noah watching her from a chair.“What are you doing there? Are you spying on me?” she asked.He shook his head as he approached her with an envelope."I would never spy on you; hearing that is a joke at my expense," he said, before sitting down beside her. "Here are some adjustments I made to the contract, considering the payments for the nurses who will care for your grandparents," he mentioned.Emily nodded; it was only fair… everything had to be paid, and she had to work hard for it."I assure you I will pay for those things you left out in the contract," she said.He smiled for a moment, completely surprising Emily."That's not necessary, Emily. That's what you work for. I just ask that you do your job well. That’s why I want
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Emily packed her things to leave, her heart completely stunned and her mind very angry. No one had ever humiliated her in this way; she was always surrounded by people who cared for her. But Noah was making an exception to the rule, and that didn't sit well with her.Before leaving the house, she went to Liam's room, apologized, and kissed him on the forehead. Then she carefully walked down the stairs, and lifted her chin; there was no turning back now, and she would have to pay a hefty price. She was not going to allow that man to treat her however he wanted again.The stars and the moon lit up the streets as Emily walked as far as she could to catch a taxi that would take her home; however, at this hour, it was all in vain. Suddenly, a car pulled up in front of her and honked the horn."What are you doing out here alone at this hour?" Leo said as he got out of the car. Emily took a deep breath when she realized it was him and not some lunatic approaching her."I was on my way home,"
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A foster mom. Marriage by contract 27. Discovered?
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A foster mom. Marriage by contract 26. Reasoning goes out the window when she's around.
Reasoning goes out the window when she's around.Noah takes a few steps closer; however, something within him stops him, making him sit far from them. Noah orders a drink and sits without taking his eyes off them. Emily is ordering her second drink, feeling outraged and offended by Noah. "And what is a beautiful woman like you doing all alone?" says the man next to her. Emily merely presses her lips into a thin line and decides to ignore him. "I just want to drink. If you're going to make comments like that, I'd appreciate it if you left," she says firmly, which makes the man let out a laugh. Noah observes everything from his spot, struggling to sip his drink as he witnesses the scene. "Do you want to go somewhere today? That way I can help you forget your troubles," the man comments. Emily rolls her eyes and looks at him. "I'm tired of men like you thinking they can just say things like that, that you can take women to bed just because you're who you are. You're mistaken," Emily
A foster mom. Marriage by contract 25. Taking Things Lightly
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A foster mom. Marriage by contract 24. He is a cruel, unfeeling person.
He is a cruel, unfeeling person.It's incredible how a person can throw someone so off balance; that's how Emily felt. Most of the time, she felt confused, and Noah's actions and words increasingly made her head want to explode.Could it be jealousy that he feels? Because there really wouldn't be any other explanation.Emily searched through her things and found that she didn't have anything appropriate to wear. She grabbed the first thing she found, and when she looked in the mirror, she realized it showed more than it should; those swimsuits she had never worn were making her blush today.Emilio left the house, noticing the comments of one of the employees who were there. It was clear that Noah was treated with respect and great admiration, while she was observed with suspicion.As she walked to the edge of the sea, Emily managed to avoid Noah's complete scrutiny. Although she felt exposed, she knew that her weapon against his indifference and arrogance was her beauty.“Emily, you t
A foster mom. Marriage by contract 23. Are things different?
Are things different?Noah finished organizing everything so they could get to one of his properties. Getting there would be an appropriate place where they wouldn’t have to pretend to be married or anything like that; he could work and focus on his tasks while she could take care of Liam perfectly.Noah descends the stairs and then walks to his car, encountering Emily along the way.“The bags for Liam are ready; I also packed some clothes for myself,” she says in a cheerful tone that shows how happy Noah made her with the news about her university.“Perfect. You can tell one of the drivers to take them,” he replies, leaving her there as he continues walking.“But… aren’t you coming with us?” she asks. Noah stops and then looks at her.“No… when I said we would go on a honeymoon, it was to make her understand that we were going on a trip, not something romantic. I remind you that this is just a facade; however, it’s a facade that must be executed correctly. That’s why we’re taking thi
A foster mom. Marriage by contract 22. Did something change in him?
Did something change in him?When Noah brushed his lips against Emily's, he immediately pulled away. The thought of her kissing his sister and now possibly him was something he didn't like.Emily was confused; perhaps she thought that was going to happen. But at that precise moment, she realized that she was just a tool for him. Noah himself said it; she was merely a means through which he would achieve absolutely everything. Emily took a deep breath; this was going to be harder than she thought, especially because there were feelings involved.Noah, on the other hand, tried to drink some liquor, but remembering what he could lose if alcohol took control of his life again, he decided to leave it there.The next day, Noah woke up early for the office, as he had a lot of work that had piled up due to the wedding. The people he encountered on his way congratulated him, but he showed little emotion in response. Noah sat down and began to review the pending tasks that his secretary brought
A foster mom. Marriage by contract 21. Her words are confusing.
Her words are confusing.The guests began to leave, and Emily realized that from this moment on, there was no way to escape or abandon this. She sat down, feeling the cold air hitting her bare arms."I should go in," Noah said, and Emily rolled her eyes. "Or are you so regretful that you're looking for a way to escape?"Emily turned her body and looked at him; she stood up and raised one eyebrow. She extended the ring and placed it in his hands."I'm not going to leave. That ring is supposed to be a sign that I keep my word. Here I am, I don't plan to go unless things get to a point I don't like. If you act like a caveman or an arrogant fool, I assure you I will leave," she said. Noah began to laugh."Don't worry, I'm not attacking you or anything like that. Look, I understand this isn't easy, but we both agreed to all of this. I promise not to be an ogre or caveman, whatever you want to call me. I just ask that we make this pleasant and work together to avoid losing my son," he kindl
A foster mom. Marriage by contract 20. Trying as hard as possible
Trying as hard as possibleNoah opens his eyes; his brother's honesty is admirable. Not all men fight for the woman they like openly but he goes all in."You have every right to fight, as you say, but I just want to tell you that you will waste your time. You're not going to achieve anything; we just got married," Noah says, raising his hand to show the ring. "So, what you're going to do is waste your energy, your time, and you might crash hard against the wall."Leo starts to laugh; something in him disconnects every time his brother achieves something. It’s not easy to always be second in everything; it's not easy to admit that he can't win anything on his own."That's great that you have such high confidence in her. I think it's excellent. However, I believe it's a bit hasty. You got married without even questioning whether she was the one; you did the same thing with Isabel," Leo asserts."Isabel cheated on me; I would never have done anything to hurt her or damage our marriage,"
