Chapter 3

Sarah's POV 

I was standing there awkwardly at the door, taking in the office. It was decorated with black, white and grey with two paintings on both sides of the wall. This was the first time I had been called into the CEO’s office since I began working here two years ago. 

“Please, take a seat,” he offered, gesturing toward the chair.

“I’m comfortable standing, Sir,” I replied.

“Miss Nathaniel? Have a seat.” he insisted, his tone softening.

With a reluctant sigh, I moved to the chair and sat down, feeling my heart race. “You sent for me, Sir,” I stated, raising my chin to meet his intense gaze with a mix of defiance and fear. I had a feeling that my manager had reported me to him and that's why I'd been sent for. This wasn't the time to get fired. I'd do whatever he asked so I could keep this job. I need the money for Nora. 

“Sarah, I’ve gone through your file,” Adrian began, his gaze steady. “I’m impressed by your work record.”

“Thank you,” I replied cautiously, my heart racing.” I didn't want to get too excited. That’s usually how these conversations start before they let someone go.

He leaned forward, his expression serious. “However, your record has been dented by a complaint from your manager regarding your absence at yesterday's meeting.”

I felt my stomach drop. “It was a family emergency,” I rushed to explain, my voice trembling.

“What kind of emergency?” he pressed. “It could have cost you your job. We have procedures here, and I expect everyone to follow them.”

“I’m really sorry, Sir,” I said, my voice trembling as I blinked rapidly, fighting back tears. “I promise it won’t happen again.”

He sighed, his expression unreadable. “I’m sorry, but this is the end of your journey here at Blackwood.”

“But… Sir?” I stuttered, panic rising in my chest. “I’ve been a good staff member; you said so yourself. Is there nothing I can do to make amends? I absolutely love my job here.”

He smirked, a warmth spreading through me despite the situation. “There’s a way though.”

I smiled gratefully, leaning forward. “What do you want me to do, Sir?”

His next words left me dumbstruck. “What? I didn’t get that, Sir?”

“Marry me,” he repeated.

My mind raced in disbelief as I locked eyes with him, caught between his beautiful blue gaze and his lips. Shaking my head, I pushed those thoughts away. The last time I entertained such ideas, I was abandoned with a three-month pregnancy. I couldn’t let that happen again.

Fury surged through me as I sprang up, slamming my palms on the table. “What do you take me for, Sir? A cheap hooker?”

“I’m not asking you into my bed,” Adrian said, his voice smooth and teasing. “Although that wouldn’t be a bad idea since the last time was fire.” He winked at me, and a jolt of heat shot through me, igniting a flood of sensual images in my mind. My body responded in a way I hadn’t felt in years, wetness pooling between my legs that made me feel both embarrassed and furious. I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind, chiding myself for allowing him to get to me. It was infuriating that my body reacted to him like this.

“It’s just a temporary arrangement that will benefit both of us,” he continued, his tone shifting to something more serious.

“I’m not interested,” I snarled, my voice sharp as I turned on my heel. “You can keep your damn job.” I stomped toward the door, murmuring under my breath about how ridiculous this whole situation was. His next words sent a bucket of freezing water down my back.

“How did you know about my daughter?” I asked in a low voice, turning slowly to him. 

“I read your file, remember? It’s not a secret.” He paused, studying me with an intensity that made my heart race. “When did you have her? I can’t remember seeing any marks of childbirth on you during our heated encounter that night.”

I wrinkled my nose in distaste at his question. “That’s none of your business,” I shot back, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “And I don’t know what you’re talking about when you say we had ‘something that night’. I’m not interested in getting into your bed—now or ever.” 

My voice was firm, but inside, I was battling a whirlwind of emotions. I was fully aware of the rumors about how he used different women for his pleasure and then discarded them like yesterday’s news. I swore never to be one of them, no matter how handsome he was. 

Adrian stood up and walked toward me, his presence commanding as he closed the distance between us. I backed into the wall, feeling trapped as he leaned closer. “You can lie to yourself for as long as you want,” he whispered close to my ear, sending tingles through my body that I couldn’t ignore. Instinctively, my eyes shut tight, enjoying the feel of his breath yet ashamed of how I was acting. ‘You need to get a hold of yourself, Sarah.’

When he pulled away, the scent of his cologne lingered in the air—rich and intoxicating. He turned to face me again, hands casually tucked into his pockets. “So what’s it going to be? You quit the job, be my wife, I'll take care of your daughter's treatment and pay you triple whatever you earn here.” 

His offer hung in the air between us like a dark cloud. I chewed on my bottom lip, contemplating an answer. My head screamed at me to reject his offer and walk out but we both know how jobs are hard to come by here. Especially those with bonuses like this. Why couldn't he just let me keep my job and take care of my daughter with my earnings? 

“Your savings won't save, Nora.” a devilish voice in my head said. I hated to admit it but that was true. I couldn't get two million dollars even if I saved for the next two years. Aside from Nora’s health, there were pressing bills to pay; but that didn't mean I should just go with Adrian's tempting offer. 

He might claim now that it's only business but with the way he looked at me, I doubted that it was going to stay that way for long. Whatever happens, I have to be on my guard at all times whenever he's around. I could feel my resolve caving in at this point. 

“Come on, Sarah. I have a company to run. Time's ticking.” he urged impatiently.