Chapter 2

(Emily’s POV).

Two days passed and I was still in an inexplicable situation. I was pacing back and forth between the hospital and home just to make sure that everything was still under control even though my mind was in complete chaos.

Only Linda kept me company and made sure that I was okay. She even kept offering me help by introducing me to Mike's contact.

And now I was holding his business card. I heard from her that our ages were quite far apart, about 10 years. I could imagine that he might be a famous person with a wrinkled face who was quite old. It was possible, right?

I started to have a dilemma and kept thinking, should I call him? Or, should I just go to his office directly?

My hands were really shaking but if I thought too much, then I wouldn't be able to find a way out. 

Anyway, according to Linda, Mike can help me. But I didn't know how Linda could be that sure when she said she didn't know Mike very well, but she often heard that Mike had a generous heart. Really?

I finally grabbed the car keys and drove to his office, where his business card said he would be.

When I got there, I immediately told my presence to his secretary and pleaded that I was on an urgent matter. I told her about my father's company because I was sure Mike might know my father.

I waited a long time to meet him. It didn't matter if he was the solution to my problem. I hoped nothing strange would happen. 

When I was finally allowed in, I was quite surprised to see that his appearance and face even looked about my age, unlike what I had imagined.

He looked tall, and handsome, with a well-defined jawline and hair that was completely set with hair gel. I could actually smell his masculine scent when I walked into his office.

Instantly I felt ashamed of my own judgment and I slowly made up my mind to come forward by showing my seriousness.

"Hello Mr. Mike ... I'm Emily West and without any disrespect and not wanting to mince words, I need your help."

He looked at me as if intimidating me, then extended his hand to ask me to sit down.

"I know you, Miss Emily."

My forehead scrunched up in surprise. He even said it right away, as if I was a complete stranger to him.

"You know me? How?" I asked then.

He smiled wryly and sighed before answering. "I know my nephew made a scene in your failed wedding. Well, I don't mind that you don't know me, after all, it was my request not to be recognized by those closest to my family."

My lips parted in shock. What I heard just now really left me speechless. 

I felt like running away because he was Ben's uncle. I mean, he was Ben's uncle, right?

"Regardless of what he did to you, I'm really sorry to know that. That nephew of mine really has no shame. He's been so naughty for so long and is so good at drama. Plus, let's not forget that he was in a theater play back in his college days if you know," he explained.

"So ... my coming is a waste. You definitely won't be able to help, but will probably embarrass me," I retorted coldly.

"Woah, Miss West … I'm not like him at all. Even if I am his uncle, but that doesn't mean I have the same character as him. But anyway, I don't like his nature. Just so you know. And we can talk casually, regarding what you need, Miss? What kind of help do you need?"

I swallowed, finding it difficult to explain in detail, but then I ventured to explain my situation even though he probably already knew because he also knew about the cancellation of my marriage with Ben.

When he listened seriously and barely even blinked his eyes, it made me feel shaky. He seemed like someone who was known for not playing around. I could sense from the way he spoke that he was so dominant and perhaps he was known as a scary person too.

"I see," he said after I explained everything. "Hmm ... what can I do for you?" he asked as he wondered as if talking to himself while looking at me.

"I'll do anything, Mr. Mike. As long as you can save my father's company. I really don't want it to go to my stepmother who even has a relationship with ... Ben," I said.

He wet his lips and continued to stare at me with such a sharp look, that I couldn't even figure out what he meant.

"Miss, I always do business professionally. What I have to offer and what I can do, will always produce the results my clients want. And yeah, I can help you with that easily, but of course, there's a big price you pay for me.”

"What is it?" I asked impatiently.

"By marrying me."

I was immediately taken aback by the terms he proposed to me. I felt tongue-tied to reply to his words and really felt cornered by my situation.

He approached me and stood close to me. His tall body really made me feel very small. "And just so you know, asking for my help means that nothing is free in this world."

I swallowed and looked down with embarrassment and palpitations. He sounded so sexy and no less than his nephew.

“I … I know, Mr. Mike.”

"You will benefit greatly from marrying me, Emily," his words echoed in my ears, whispering and even touching his hand to my cheek. He also sounded like seduced me with his way.

Instantly my whole body went completely limp, I felt my body responding fully to his gesture.

"You will also not be looked down upon by those who look down upon you. Because even if you become my wife based on favors, you will be protected by me. Because I have everything and all people who know me are afraid of me.”

His exhale as he spoke really made my body shudder. It was as if his breath was channeled into my blood that flowed throughout my body.

"I ... I'll think about it, maybe I'll find another way too," I told him and stood up.

"Of course, Miss West,” he said while smiling meaningfully. “Think about it carefully because I think that when your situation is this difficult, I'm the only one who can help you. You can find out my name and my company and I'm sure you'll come back to me. I won't ask for any other conditions than that, because if you want my help, then that's what you have to do for me."

I said, "Thank you for your time, Mr. Mike. I'll take my leave."

In the car, I immediately searched for him based on his business card through the internet. Stupid me, I didn't even look him up first. And sure enough ... he had more wealth than anyone else. Even compared to my father's company, it was nothing.

"Fuck!" I cursed.

I then stumbled upon the rumor that he was rumored to have a hidden disease that kept him from having a normal marriage.

I tried to push away his offer to return to the hospital for a moment because I had to see my father's condition first.

When I walked into my father's infirmary, I was shocked by a sight that was so indecent, that it made me much sicker but at the same time furious.

I saw my scheming stepmother Jane and Ben making love on the sofa, right in my father's treatment room."

"Asshole! What the hell are you two doing?!" 

My patience had completely run out. My blood was boiling at the indecent scene that was completely inappropriate. Ben, whom I had loved in the past, really betrayed me openly this time, he really embarrassed me with his own actions.

"Ouch, we make love in honor of your father, dear," Jane said calmly as she put her dress back on.

My eyes widened hatefully with my heart pounding so fast. "Fuck you! I will take what you two took from me and my father! I promise it will be under my control again!”