Chapter Three

I stood there, utterly bewildered.

“What do you mean, murder of Williams? She woke up yesterday, So tell me how someone like that could have killed someone three days ago ” Rose vehemently argued with the detectives.

“Three days ago, were you with her the entire time? If you are not, then I would advise you not to say anything else,” one of the detectives sternly warned.

Initially, Rose managed to convey that she was with me until they inquired about the period I left her house, but she didn't follow me. Strangely, I wasn't shaken by the accusations. Instead, I grappled with the incomprehensible reality of Williams' death. Who could have taken away my Williams?

Sure, he may have caused me pain, but he was still the love of my life—the only man I've ever loved. Speech eluded me. Williams is gone. I couldn't wrap my mind around it. Why didn't I hear about his death in the hospital? Oh, Rose! She shielded me from the news since yesterday. Rose must have known. No wonder she's been acting strangely.

I was taken by the detectives to the police station without the chance to defend myself. Upon arrival, reporters swarmed the area. Stepping out of the van, a barrage of questions filled the air. Some even tried to push me, demanding to know why I supposedly killed my husband and his secretary.

At that moment, I could no longer conceal my feelings. I burst into tears, wondering what I did wrong for all of this to be happening to me.

Firstly, Williams cheated on me. I lost my baby, and now, I lost my husband. The most painful of all, I lost my father's company, which he dedicated his entire life to built

After the accusation, they discovered evidence suggesting I caused my husband's car to explode on his way to the airport. Supposedly, he was planning to escape with his secretary to another country.

The car exploded, and the two occupants were burned beyond recognition. A lighter with my fingerprint was found at the scene, miraculously untouched by the fire.

It felt like a setup, a twisted plot to frame me. Throughout this ordeal, Rose insisted that William might be the one behind framing me, a notion I refused to believe.

Following the evidence, I was sentenced to twenty years in prison. It was behind bars that I uncovered the shocking truth about William. He had driven my father's company into bankruptcy, even five months before his demise, neglecting to pay the staff's salaries.

This revelation rattled me within the confines of the prison. I began entertaining the idea that perhaps William might still be alive, despite claims that they had examined the burnt body and confirmed it was him.

"I don't want you to marry him, Helen. I don't know, but his eyes express something unreal. This man doesn't love you, my dear girl," tears welled up in my eyes as I recalled the first words my father said to me on the day I brought Williams home and introduced him to my father.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I whispered as my legs dangled over the edge of the bed in the prison, memories flooding back of the fierce battles I waged to win my father's approval for my marriage to him.

"Dad, I promise you, even if I have to endure twenty years in prison, I'll resurrect the company you spent your lifetime building. The moment I'm free, I'll make it happen, even if it takes every ounce of sweat in my body," I declared with unwavering determination.

"Don't tell me you're still poring over those old newspapers," Rose's voice interjected, momentarily drawing my attention away from the yellowed pages of news from five years ago. I had been engrossed in them for the entire month since regaining my freedom.

"I've told you to stop tormenting yourself, searching for a loophole that your husband might have escaped. Let's accept that he's gone," Rose said, pulling me into an embrace as tears streamed down my face.

Just a week ago, after enduring five years behind bars, I was finally granted freedom, and all the accusations against me were dropped.

"The detective mentioned they couldn't trace the details of the anonymous person who assisted you with your case. Maybe the person didn't want you to know him"

"Him," I elongated the word, finally realizing the anonymous helper was a man.

"Yes, Helen. I was told it was a man, and he's been aiding you since your arrest. He ensured you were not given the death penalty in the initial judgment," Rose explained. Only one person came to mind who could orchestrate such a feat.

"It must be William," I said to Rose, and a deep sigh followed.

"Helen, are you okay? If Williams is helping you, you shouldn't have gone to jail at all. All he needs to do is show his face," Rose said, but I couldn't accept her viewpoint.

"What if he's too afraid to reveal himself? Now that everyone knows that Helen Johnson's seemingly perfect husband, the owner of Johnson's company, was gay, he must be ashamed," I said, desperately yearning for a different reality. Rose's sharp retort shattered my illusion, pulling me back to the harsh truth.

"Helen, stop this. William didn't love you. He never cared for you. He's selfish, greedy, and evil. Just as you suspected, he must have framed you for his death, but he ended up dying..." Rose's words trailed off as she saw tears welling under my eyelids, instantly validating the truth in what she was saying.

"Helen, don't waste your tears on him again. Let's focus on resurrecting your father's company, and for that, I have a surprise for you," she said, pulling out a document from her bag, a look of joy on her face.

Without even glancing at the contents, I could sense that it held something positive.

"What's inside?" I asked as she handed me the documents.

"Why don't you find out for yourself?" Rose replied. I eagerly unwrapped the document, and as I read its contents, my mouth fell open in disbelief.

"Richard Anderson, the most powerful, richest bachelor, and the CEO of Seraphims Holding, has an interest in helping me," I exclaimed aloud, sensing Rose's excitement, which meant one thing.

It's true.

"Yes, babe, congratulations!" Rose echoed, pulling me into another powerful embrace. She radiated happiness about this development, but I couldn't bring myself to fully accept the fact that Richard Anderson wanted to help me. 

Everyone is well aware of how brutal and cruel he is; moreover, he's a notorious playboy. Why on earth would he want to help me?

One thing is for certain – he can't extend help without expecting something in return. I can't help but wonder what his demands might be.

Reluctant to accept his assistance, I shared my apprehensions with Rose. Somehow, she managed to persuade me to meet him in his office tomorrow, just as he had demanded. Who knows, he might not ask for anything in return.

Waking up on the second day, I found Rose had gone to work, providing me with the opportunity to execute the plan I decided on the previous night. The last thing I wanted from him was for him to desire a one-night stand with me. 

Everyone knows he's a playboy, and I expect nothing less from him.

Despite spending five years in prison, my beauty still stands out – one of the things that set me apart from the ladies during my college days.

Disguised in a manner intended to repel rather than attract, I hoped to evoke disgust in him. If I could make myself an eyesore to him, perhaps he wouldn't be interested in flirting. He would demand something else, unwilling to dirty his handsomeness with what he might perceive as an ugly thing like me.

Wearing a worn-out gown and a short wig with oversized round glasses on my face, I applied makeup intending to look unattractive rather than enhancing my features.

As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, a smile crept onto my face. I then gathered all the documents he would need regarding my father's company and my degree. Instead of relying on my beauty, I prepared a proposal that would impress him and convince him to help my father's company.

Arriving at Seraphims Holding Company, the sight of the building and the bustling staff triggered memories of my father and the vibrant life of my father's company. Unable to contain the emotions, tears welled up and flowed freely. I allowed the cathartic release before composing myself and heading to the receptionist, who guided me to the elevator leading to the CEO's office.

The expansive elevator ascended to the 55th floor. Stepping out, I was greeted by a beautiful lady.

"Welcome, ma'am. I'm Ariel, Mr. Richard's secretary. He has been waiting for you," she announced in a professional tone.

Hearing that he was waiting for me sent my heart into a rapid thump. We hadn't met before, so why would he suddenly be expecting me? I hoped he hadn't scoured the internet for my pictures, seeking to pursue someone as beautiful as me.

Yet, my doubts lingered because if he had searched for me online, he must have discovered that I was in prison for murder, and not just any murder – husband murder.

Following Ariel's graceful footsteps, we finally arrived at a large silver door. It was a sight to behold, exuding a certain beauty.

"Come in," an icy cold voice emanated from inside as Ariel knocked on the door, leaving me to wonder why someone as handsome as him would possess such a cold voice.

Ariel pushed the door open, and I followed her.

"Mr. Richard, Ms. Helen is here," she announced professionally.

"Leave us," his cold voice commanded again. Seated in a chair, he turned his back to us. As soon as the secretary left, he swirled his chair, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still as his handsome face came into view.

"What the heck?" I mumbled. I'd always heard about his handsome looks, but I didn't expect any man to be this good-looking. I was so amazed that I couldn't help but drool at his beauty.

"If you're done checking me out, let me know," the man's arrogant voice interrupted my drooling. Embarrassment curled up on my face. I was here to save my father's company, not to ogle at any man.

At that moment, the man slid down from the chair, hands tucked into his pockets, and strolled towards the window. It seemed intentional as if he wanted me to see him clearly. I refrained from drooling; he must have noticed me appreciating his beauty earlier, and making it too obvious had me feeling embarrassed.

Taking deep breaths, I finally mustered the courage and said, "Mr. Richard, these are all the documents you need concerning the company..." I attempted to place them on the table, but before my hand could reach them, he stopped me.

"If those documents were what I wanted, I wouldn't have agreed to help resurrect your company," his cold voice cut through.

Suddenly, he started walking towards me. Just a meter away, he halted, staring at me coldly. His eyes roamed from head to toe, filled with disgust. Oddly, this made me happy; my plan had worked. Knowing he didn't find me attractive, at least he would demand something else.

"What do you plan to give me in exchange for wanting to help your company?" he asked with a serious tone, his gaze fixed on me, even though it was filled with irritation. I wondered why he didn't look away.

Though I knew his help would come with a demand, what would it be since he didn't find me attractive now?

"What is your demand? I'm ready to pay it," I voiced out after contemplating what it could probably be.

"Are you sure you can pay me?" he said arrogantly, walking closer to me again. I no longer knew what to think. Why did it seem like he was flirting with me?

"No, it can't be that he still finds me attractive even in this ugly state," I muttered. Just then, he stopped, leaving only a small gap between us.

"Since you are ready for the demand, my demand is..." he paused, his gaze never leaving my eyes.

"Marry me."