Chapter Five

Helen's POV

As I sat amidst the shareholders, my hands betrayed my composure with nervous sweat, and my heart pounded as I awaited their response to my proposal for the presidency. Murmurs filled the air yet I remained composed.

“How could you propose this? We gave you an ultimatum to find investors or sell the company. And here you are, vying for the president's position,” Mr. Steve, one of the biggest shareholders, questioned with an accusing tone.

“It's true I was given an ultimatum, and I'm still working on convincing the investors. You guys should give me time”

“Time? Time is not on our side, Ms. Helen. The company is no longer what it used to be. If you had signed when you were told to, five years ago, for the company to be sold, then all these problems wouldn't have surfaced. We need funds, and we need them ASAP. If you can't provide it, then you have no choice but to sign for the company to be sold," Mrs Johnson declared, her words hanging heavily in the air. 

“I'm very sure you guys don't want me to sell the company you and my father built with your sweat and blood. I'm your only option. Please give me time, I will come up with a solution” I urged desperately

“But you just came back from prison. Who would invest in this company with your history? No one!" declared a skeptical shareholder, triggering nods of agreement.

Speechless, I faced their doubts. "No need for further discussion. Let's vote. Against or support! If you are against Ms. Helen leading the company and in favor of selling, raise your hand." said the spokesman

Every hand rose against me. Emotions swirled—anger, disappointment, and desperation. I prayed for a miracle, something I hadn't done in five years.

The spokesperson began, "We've concluded that Ms. Helen no longer has the right to lead the company, and it will be sold—"

The door suddenly swung open, and all eyes turned. Richard entered, pecking me on the cheek. "I hope I'm not late, babe. I was in a meeting."

"Who are you? Outsiders are not allowed," Mr. Steve protested.

"I'm not an outsider. I have the largest shares," Richard smirked, causing murmurs.

"Are you Mr. Richard?" Mr. Steve questioned.

Yes, and I'll invest $500 billion on behalf of my wife, Ms. Helen." The revelation stunned everyone including me, the supposed wife.

I just stood surprised, still processing the sudden turn of events, glared at Richard as he mentioned our supposed marriage. "What are you doing here?" I whispered sharply, my eyes narrowing.

Richard, unfazed by my reaction, responded with a smirk, "I came as soon as I heard you were in trouble with the shareholders. Can't you see I'm helping you here?"

“Did I ask for your help?" Helen shot back, her skepticism evident. "And what's with me being your wife that you mentioned?"

“Well... that was the only thing I could think of at that moment. And don't you think I deserve a kiss and a thank you from you?” he replied, still smirking. I raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

“When did you guys get married? We didn't hear anything about it!" one of the shareholders interjected.

“It was a small wedding, no one was invited. I thought you were all looking for an investor," Richard retorted, earning nods from the curious shareholders.

“Then you've gotten one. Why are you interested in our private matter?" he continued, dismissing their inquiries. "I'll send the contract through Ms. Helen here. If there's nothing else, you all can leave."

As they left, grumbling about his rudeness, and his sudden appearance. I packed my documents and left the boardroom.

Confused and frustrated, I confronted him. "What are you doing?" I questioned when I noticed he was following me.

“Going to where I parked my car, of course. Is this road built for only you?" he replied, his nonchalant attitude persisting.

"Really? Then go, why are you stopping?" Helen retorted with a raised brow.

"I suddenly remembered we need to go somewhere together," he stated matter-of-factly.

“Go, Where together?" I inquired confusingly.

"To the Court, to register our marriage."

"I never said I wanted to marry you. I made it known from the start I'm not interested in your little game!"

"You will go with me, unless you don't want the shareholders to hold a meeting tomorrow suggesting your removal as a presidential candidate of the company and also selling the company after knowing our marriage was fake," Richard declared, revealing the leverage he had over her.

Realization struck me like a sudden storm. "Oh! That's true," I mumbled to myself. "He just announced to the shareholders we are married, and that's why he's investing in the company. I don't think I have much of a choice here. It's either I marry this stranger or lose my father's company." The weight of the decision hung heavy on my shoulders.

Determination flickered in my eyes and I straightened my posture, deciding to save father's company instead of thinking of my own happiness.

Richard's words lingered in the air,"Since I've been able to convince you, let me take you with me?" he proposed, his eyes locking onto mine

"I can go by myself. Send me the address," I responded.

Richard arched an eyebrow, challenging my logic. "What kind of newly wedded couples go to register their marriage in different cars?"

"There's nothing bad about it," I insisted, maintaining my resolve.

"Let's just go together. We might be monitored. I'm sure you don't want people to be suspicious we had a contract marriage," Richard argued, his tone carrying a sense of urgency.

After a brief argument, I sighed, giving in to the practicality of Richard's reasoning. "Fine, let's go together," I conceded reluctantly.

Then my phone rang, it was an unknown number. I picked the call after the second ring and was surprised to find out the police calling. Then I received a shocking news.

William is ALIVE.

I told Richard to drop me off at the police station and together we went there. Getting there I was given a lot of files and was surprised to hear the DNA of the burnt body they claimed to be William's doesn't  belong to him. And they are reinvestigating the case.

Then whose body is that? Was the case manipulated? Where's William? Those were the questions running through my mind. 

I came out and was surprised to meet Richard waiting for me and I couldn't tell him the reason I came to the police station and I was grateful he didn't ask . I wasn't trying to hide it but I just wasn't up for it. I'm already emotionally drained. 

Got in the car, and we drove off.