CHAPTER 5

Lily stood transfixed, staring at the towering building of M&B Construction Co. She did not want to return there, not wanting to encounter Kevin, but she was there for Mykel. Taking a deep breath, she started walking inside the building. She felt the stares of people around her, probably aware of her recent split with Kevin. She got into the elevator and this time headed straight to the floor where Mykel's office was located.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but we don't allow visitors without an appointment," the secretary told her. Lily felt as if all the pain from when she caught Kevin cheating on her resurfaced. She cleared her throat to adjust her voice.

"Can you tell him it's Lily Gray? He's expecting me to come," Lily said to the secretary. The secretary nodded and quickly went into the office. Soon after, the secretary got out with a smile.

"Please come in, ma'am," said the secretary.

"Thanks," Lily replied with a smile in return.

She entered the office and the first thing she noticed was how clean the surroundings were. Additionally, Mykel's distinct fragrance permeated the office. She saw Mykel, looking intently at her, which made her slightly nervous. His strong aura is making her uneasy. His stares send her shiver. 

"Uh," she started, unsure of what to do next.

"Sit down," he said in a deep voice. Lily found his voice pleasing to the ear. That was her immediate thought, but she quickly dismissed it. Following his indication, she sat down in one of the chairs facing the desk.

"Uh... I'm sorry I haven't shown up until now. My Dad has been in the hospital," Lily explained to Mykel. Mykel did not respond but just observed her. He looked at her like she was the most interesting thing in the world and that fact made her uncomfortable.

"I have something to say," Lily began. Mykel crossed his arms, watching her intently.

"I would like to ask for a favor," she added, but Mykel remained silent.

"Uh... Can I make the payment in installments?" Lily asked nervously.

"I heard your Dad's firm is going bankrupt. Is that why you're asking for a favor now?" Mykel asked sternly. His eyes still bore around her entire face.

"Yes," Lily answered directly. Despite feeling embarrassed, she could not hide the truth that the company was facing bankruptcy. She wanted to save it but felt helpless because of her lack of practical experience related to business.

"I agree," Mykel replied without hesitation.

"Really? Thank you, Mr. Frost. I guess they were wrong about you," she said, bowing down to him. She was surprised by her own words. Mykel smirked and stood up, slowly walking until he stopped behind her.

"Why? What do they say about me?" he whispered from behind her, tickling Lily, causing her to jolt.

"Uh... Nothing," she denied.

"Kevin surely has a problem in decision-making," he said slowly, still behind her, his tone teasing.

"Why?" she asked, curious about what he was implying.

"How can she trade you with a whore?" he said softly, his voice teasing her.

This made Lily stand up. She felt the office was getting too hot, and she needed to leave if she did not want to lose control of the emotions she had been holding back for so long.

"I need to leave, Mr. Frost. Thank you and goodbye," she said, quickly making her way out without asking for his approval. Upon exiting, she immediately sighed and composed herself. She went straight to her car and headed home. As soon as she entered their living room, she saw her mother looking at files, spacing out.

"Mom, are you fine?" she asked, quickly approaching her mother. She hugged her tightly, knowing that her mother was still troubled by their situation.

After letting go, she awaited a response. Her mother remained silent, staring into space, so she looked at the file in her mother's hands. She took it and started browsing through it. Those were profiles of influential men in the industry, and to her surprise, Mykel Frost was among them. She glanced at her mother and waited for an explanation.

"What is this, Mom?" Lily asked nervously. Mrs. Gray gently caressed her face.

"They are the people who want to save the company," her mother said, bringing joy to Lily.

"Really, Mom?" Lily said with a smile, embracing her mother tightly. She let go again when she noticed her mother was not pleased.

“Why are you sad, Mom? You should be happy,” she said.

“Lily,” her mother said before tears welled up in her eyes.

“What's the matter?” Lily asked again, expressing concern for her mother.

“There’s a condition, honey,” Mrs. Gray said sadly.

“What is it, Mom?” She asked.

“They want to marry you.”

Lily's shoulders slumped at what she heard. She disliked the idea of a marriage of convenience, and so did her parents. Kevin was the first person that came to her mind, but then she realized that they were no longer together.

“But…” Lily tried to speak but stopped.

“I know, honey. We also do not like the idea. Don’t worry. It’s not going to happen, OK?” Her mom reassured her with a stroke on her hair.

“Give me these. I will think about it, Mom,” Lily said and got the files from her mother.

“But honey…” Mrs. Gray, worried, stopped her.

“Mom, I’m not saying yes yet. I said I’m going to think about it.”

Lily went to her room carrying the file. She told her mother to give her a day.  She thought of all the possible reasons why she did not want to get married, but she could not think of any. The company was important to her father. He worked hard for it. Realizing everything, Lily quickly ran downstairs. She knocked on her mom’s room. It did not take long before her mother opened it.

"Yes, honey?" her mother replied, having just finished bathing.

"Let me date them first," Lily said.