Chapter 2

If someone had told Lucas that he’d be in the situation he was in, he’d probably knee the person in the balls and then punch him in the guts just to feel better. It wasn’t just the threat—he’d faced plenty since his rise to power, and this wouldn’t be the last. But this one was different, far more effective. Especially coming from her lips. Mia Roseford, his Mia, even if she was hell-bent on ignoring it.

Her eyes widened in fear as she waited for the condition he would set. He was beyond hurt. He would have given it to her if she approached him politely. Instead, she had turned to blackmail. Was that really what he was worth to her?

“If she had just come to me,” he thought bitterly. “I would have given her anything.”

“What condition?” she asked nervously when he just stared at her. Her honey-blonde hair, several shades lighter than his brown hair, was tied at her nape in a ponytail, and her blue eyes looked weary.

She’d probably run into a financial crisis and had broken the promise they’d made to each other that particular year before she disappeared.

“Mr. Norwig,” her voice shook, and he couldn’t help but give in. It might have given her pleasure to take advantage of his trust, but that didn’t mean he could bring himself to do the same.

“Yes?” His voice was colder than he intended, and he saw her flinch.

“What condition?” she asked again, and he had to force himself to think.

What condition could he give to ensure she didn’t disappear from his life a second time? He hadn’t believed his eyes when she’d entered until she gave her name, and he wasn’t going to allow her to leave again.

“How do I know you won’t use this over my head to blackmail me whenever the urge hits you?” he asked sincerely.

She opened her mouth to say something and then shut it back. He smirked. “Why should I believe you? What happens if the 10 million finishes? Am I supposed to believe that you’d just let it go like that? Of course not. You can see why I need my own assurance, right?”

Her face paled, and he could see the thoughts wheeling in her head. The fact that she hadn’t rushed to defend herself told him all that he needed to know. He masked his hurt; this wasn’t a one-time thing. This betrayal and manipulation—if given half the chance, she’d do it again. He let the silence linger, watching her struggle for an answer.

Finally, an idea came. One that would keep her close to him at the very least. But first, he needed to confirm something.

“Where’s your husband?” he asked indirectly, and she reared back in confusion.

“My husband?”

“Yes,” he answered. He’d gotten all he needed to know, but he still wanted to hear her say it. “Are you married?” he asked slowly, watching her intently.

The expressions on her face wavered between curiosity and dread, and for a second, he was sure she’d lie, but she slowly shook her head, the whispered “No” sounding like a question.

Relief washed through him, but he kept it off his face. He leaned back in his chair.

“Then here’s my condition,” he said, his voice firm. “Marry me.”

“What?” she breathed, her gaze snapping up to his. “I don’t understand.”

He leaned forward. “What’s not to understand about it? See, I need to continue living my life without waiting for the next shoe to drop, okay?. This is not right, perhaps, I can't trust you to that extent. If we get married and you expose me, we’ll both feel the heat. It’s the only way I can trust you.”

He could feel the shock in her from her facial looks. Her mouth was randomly opening and closing without any word coming out. She was still gazing at him and there was a question presented to him which he could not answer since he did not know her main intention was. 

“Why?” she eventually asked when she could make her tongue work.

“Why what?” he asked.

“You know what? I'm thinking there is something actually going on here that I find it difficult to understand”. 

Why would you want to marry me even after all this?”

Lucas clenched his teeth. “It’s not like I want to marry you, Mia. You came into my office and twisted my arm. I’m doing what’s best for me here. Of course, we’ll have to sign a contract first. As I explained, this is so I’m safe from you.”

Her fists clenched in anger at her sides, and for a moment, he thought he’d overdone it. She would refuse, but then her shoulders slumped, and she looked down, defeated.

“Fine, I'll marry you,” she muttered and he hid his smile. 

“I'm sorry, I didn't get that.”

She curled her lips down but looked him in the eye. “Let's get married.”

“Cool.”

He picked up his phone under her watchful eyes. 

“Alex,” he called. “Cancel my appointments for the next few days. I have an engagement.”

“But?” 

He put a finger to his lips, nodded at what his PA said and then hung up the phone. 

“What's the matter?” He asked, watching as her eyes shone with anger.

“The next few days?” even her voice was breaking. He ignored that.

“Did you have a better idea? I just assumed you needed the money. We could delay the time a bit.” He picked up his phone...

“No, no, wait,”

He smiled. She frowned.

“So when am I getting the money?”

“Why don't you come over tomorrow? My lawyers will draft a contract we can work on. In the meantime, as a show of trust, I can send you 10% of the money.”

“Thank …”

“Oh don't thank me yet,” he let his lips curl up. “Call it an early wedding gift.”

He laughed when she scowled again. He was going into this marriage fully prepared, he was going to have fun. 

“Fine,” she growled and he made the transaction. Once she confirmed it, she smiled. The sight of the familiar smile was like a hit in his chest. 

She hadn't smiled at him like that in forever. He needed to find out what she needed the money for? If it was another man, he didn't know what to do. 

She turned her back to leave and then turned back around. 

“Mr. Norwig,” she called reluctantly and he looked up from his work with a small smile.

“Please call me Lucas, we'll soon be married after all.”

“Fine.”

He smiled when that was all she said. Mia had always been stubborn, and while he'd have loved to drag the argument out, unfortunately he did have work to do.

“What is it?”

“Why does it seem like you know me?”

 He froze.