Chapter 5

The Ultimatum

As I stepped into Mark's office, my heart raced with anxiety. Mark's piercing gaze scrutinized me, making me squirm in my seat. His eyes seemed to bore into my soul, as if searching for secrets I didn't want to reveal.

"So, Chloe, tell me, why do you need this job so desperately?" Mark's deep voice was firm and businesslike.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. My mind raced with thoughts of Vincent, my ex-husband, and the mess I'd left behind. I saw something flash in Mark's eyes, a glimmer of understanding perhaps, or a hint of empathy.

"It's...To be honest, Mark, I'm in a difficult situation," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need this job to support myself." I swallowed hard, the words sticking in my throat. I hated that I had to be desperate in this way and to him of all people, but I had no choice.

Mark raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Vincent, can provide for you. He runs the biggest company in the city. Why do you need to work?"

I took a deep breath, the memories flooding back. "Vincent and I... we didn't work out. We're divorced, and I need to start over. We've cut off our bond and I've left the house." The words felt like a weight off my shoulders, a secret finally revealed. I stared at Mark, my eyes flashed as I thought of how he'd barged in on Vincent when he'd been about to force himself on me.

Mark's expression softened, his eyes filled with a hint of surprise. "I didn't know that," he said, his voice gentle. "But why come to me?" Mark leaned back into his seat.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Vincent's been... blackmailing me," I whispered, the words barely audible. "He's threatening to ruin anyone who hires me unless I come back to him." I hurriedly dabbed at my eyes to wipe any tears that'd escaped my guard.

Mark's expression darkened, his jaw clenched in anger. "The fool! How dare he?," he muttered, his voice low and menacing, he whispered it under his breath but I heard him.

I felt a shiver run down my spine, a mix of fear and gratitude. "I'd really appreciate it if I could secure the job, I'm just trying to get a fresh start."

"What do you think Vincent's going to say when he hears that I've employed you?" Mark asked, his eyes on me. "Or perhaps he sent you to me... " Mark's eyes narrowed. "To spy on me."

"What!" My heart raced, "No...no it's nothing like that, Mark. I'd never do that to you." I stared at him, willing him to see the truth in my eyes.

Mark raised a brow, "Do you mean that?"

My face flushed as the implications of my words dawned on me. I looked away, not daring to meet his eyes.

"Vincent didn't send me to do anything, I promise." I muttered,my eyes were on the floor.

Mark got to his feet, he slowly paced around the office, "Okay let's say I believe you," Mark's first words made me breathe a sigh of relief but his next words made me tense, "What about Vincent, I'll be getting a lot of stick for employing you, Chloe."

Mark stopped in front of me, "Why should I do that?"

"I…" my tongue tangled into knots, indeed why should he? I thought as my heart sank. Vincent was his elder brother, he'd get a lot of trouble by employing me, was I even worth it? My eyes pricked with tears, I clenched my eyes shut, willing myself not to let them fall. It hurt me that I really needed this job, I was desperate and clinging onto straws.

I sighed and rose to my feet, my eyes stared at Mark. I swallowed hard; "Because I have nothing left to lose,Mark. I've lost everything already, - my mate, my home…" I stared Mark in the eye, willing my tears not to spill over, "I even lost my dignity." My voice cracked and I looked away.

"I.. I'm telling the truth Mark, I have nowhere else to go..if you can't give me the job, I– I'll understand." My eyes were stinging with tears, I hurriedly dabbed my eye and picked my bag, ready to leave. I was just about opening the door when Mark stopped me.

"Chloe, wait."

I paused in my tracks, my heart pressed painfully against my ribcage, I turned back to Mark, his eyes seemed to bore into mine, searching for the truth. I held my breath, waiting for his response.

"I have a proposition for you," Mark finally said, "Please sit down."

I hesitated, hope rekindled within me. I took a seat. Mark sat down too, his eyes gazing at me intently.

"What do you want to do,Chloe? What do you want to do with the rest of your life?" Mark suddenly asked.

I frowned, my brows furrowed as I thought about it. "I want to start all over, have a life, make some friends and most of all…" I stared into Mark's eyes, "Most of all I want to give my daughter a happy life."

Mark leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "I'll give you the job, Chloe. But on one condition."

My heart skipped a beat. "What condition?"

Mark's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity. "You'll be my secretary in the company... and at night, in my bed."

"What!" My eyes widened in shock as his words sank in.

Mark's words hung in the air like a challenge, his eyes gleaming with a possessive intensity that made my skin crawl.

"Think about it, Chloe,remember your words just now? I can make all of that come true." Mark said, his words had a tinge of pride.

"Mark, I... I don't know if I can agree to that," I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady.

Mark's expression turned calculating, his voice low and husky. "I lost you once, Chloe. I'm not going to make that mistake again. You're mine, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep you."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he spoke, his words dripping with a sense of ownership that made my blood run cold. I knew I had to make a choice, one that would change my life forever.

"I need time to think about it," I said finally, trying to stall for time.

Mark's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "You have until tomorrow to decide," he said curtly. "But know this, Chloe - I always get what I want. And I want you."

My heart raced at gaze, I had to make a choice.