CHAPTER 3

As Emily’s shift was about to end, she was approached by one of the VIP playboys- Devin, Lucas’s friend.

“Hey, beautiful…, looks like you had a long day,” he said with a sly smile. “I doubt you are being paid well as a waitress… What do you think about doing a strip performance when I visit Nexus next? 

Emily responded with a disgusted look. “What do you think of me?… huh… a stripper?”

“Chill girl, I’ll pay for your service. $300,000? or more if you want” he said with a playful smile.

Emily’s eyes widened in shock, her mind ran wild. This is almost exactly what I need for my mother’s surgery. She thought in her mind.

“I’ll think about it, Sir,” she said with a hint of embarrassment.

Devin responded. “Not bad… Don’t overthink it though that’s a lot of money you’d never get working as a waitress you know and it’s Devin, not Sir. He winked at her before making his way out of Nexus.

Unbeknownst to Emily, Lucas had already taken a keen interest in her and instructed Leo to run a background check. In his study, Lucas sat contemplatively, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling window, his thoughts consumed by the girl, Emily. Why was he so drawn to her? He couldn't shake off the feeling.

Leo entered the study, clearing his throat. "Sir, the background check on Emily is ready."

Lucas turned, his tone betraying a hint of eagerness. "Speak."

Leo handed him the documents, raising an eyebrow at his CEO's unusual interest in a woman. "Her full name is Emily Vincent, 26 years old, daughter of Mr. Vincent Joel, CEO of a small media company."

Lucas scanned the documents, his expression unreadable. "Just that?"

Leo hesitated before continuing. "Well, sir, Emily's mother, Lily, needs a kidney transplant. Emily dropped out of school to work at the club and is currently living with her friend Kayla. Her father, Mr. Vincent, is not supportive, having remarried and prioritizing his new family."

Lucas's expression turned thoughtful. "Strange. If his company is flourishing, why isn't he supporting his own daughter?"

Leo had already dug deeper. "It seems he's abandoned his first family, sir. Some might say he's been bewitched by his new wife."

Lucas's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "Find out more, Leo. I want to know why Mr. Vincent is neglecting his daughter."

Leo nodded. "Yes, boss."

As Leo left, Lucas remained lost in thought, his interest in Emily only deepening.

The day arrived and Emily’s nerves were on edge. She decided to speak to Kayla about it but she dissuaded her.

Kayla’s words echoed in her mind: “Don’t do it, Em. You're worth more than that.”

When Devin had reached out to her with the offer again, Torn, Emily hesitated. “Okay, deal,” she said, trying to sound confident. 

But desperation had already enveloped her. She had taken the decision already, she was going to save her mother at all costs and this seemed like a golden opportunity, she thought to herself”

It was time, as Emily walked into the VIP lounge, music throbbing in the background.

Devin and his friends leered at her as she began to undress.

Her blouse dropped, and immediately her skirt dropped on the ground revealing her matching underwear…

The door opened, and Lucas walked in, his face twisted in disgust.

He strode towards her, his eyes blazing as he wrapped his suit around her. 

“WHAT THE FUCK GUYS… Who made her do this?” he growled, giving his friends deadly stares.

Devin cowered. “Come on, bro, it’s just a little fun. We didn't cause any harm and besides I’ll pay her.”

“You sound very ridiculous,” Lucas said as he scooped Emily up and carried her to a VIP suite without uttering a word to her.

“Leo, take care of her,” he instructed his assistant as he turned and left the suite heading back to the lounge.

Emily’s emotions were a mix of embarrassment and fear as her mind reeled. 

Why did he save me?

She had lost her chance at the money as she felt both angry and relieved but a part of her was grateful to have been spared the greater humiliation. 

As she sat in the suite, trying to process her complicated emotions, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life had just become entangled with Lucas Cole’s in a way she couldn't comprehend.

Emily’s mind buzzed, the effects of the alcohol and soon after drowsiness began to set in

Back at the lounge, Lucas confronted Devin, his voice thundering. "Don't ever do this again. You can't touch her. Do you understand me?"

His friends were shocked, knowing Lucas never involved himself with women. Devin, still playful, asked, "Big brother Lucas, do you like Emily?"

Lucas glared, silencing him. Then, he stormed off, leaving his friends bewildered.

Later, Lucas returned to the VIP suite, finding Emily fast asleep, having consumed liquor to boost her confidence. 

Her shift had ended, and it was time to go home.

"Leo, send a message to Kayla," Lucas instructed in a cold tone. "Tell her Emily is fine and in good hands. She can head home. Emily will be back at dawn."

As Leo left to relay the message, Lucas gazed at Emily's sleeping form. Her small face, rosy from the alcohol, seemed delicate. Her pale, plump lips, slightly open, looked inviting. Lucas imagined his own lips on hers, then quickly shook off the thought.

Emily's long lashes cast a shadow on her face, making her look stunning. Lucas muttered under his breath, careful not to wake her.

He stood there, frozen, his eyes fixed on Emily, his thoughts a jumble of contradictions.

Emily's eyes fluttered open, and she stretched, disoriented by the luxurious sheets. She jolted awake, "Where am I? What have I done?" Panic set in as memories of the previous night flooded her mind.

She spotted a new outfit on the chair and quickly put it on, making a mental note to return it as soon as possible. Her head throbbed from the alcohol.

As she turned to leave, the door opened, and Lucas walked in. Emily froze, intimidated by his presence.

Lucas stood before her, his eyes narrowing. "Why did you agree to do that?" he asked, his tone firm but controlled.

Emily stared at the floor silently, embarrassed. 

“Emily...!!!”

Lucas's growl surprised him, and Emily jumped in fear.

"How did he know my name?" she thought to herself, as she took a quick glance in his direction.

Lucas's eyes never left her. "Why did you need the money so desperately?" he asked, his expression unreadable.

Emily's anger turned to frustration. "Why did you stop me? Now I've lost that opportunity." Her chest heaving in anger.

Lucas's gaze lingered on her, his thoughts hidden. He thought to himself, "She's feisty," but his expression remained stoic.

Emily turned to leave, but Lucas's voice stopped her. "I'll pay you the money instead."

She froze, then turned to face him. "What do you want in return? You don't plan on giving me money for free, right?" she asked, eyeing him warily.

Lucas's expression remained stoic. "Marry me."

Emily's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wh...why...would...I want to do that?"

"Because you're in need of the money, and your mother is in the hospital, am I right?" Lucas asked, his gaze piercing.

Emily stuttered, unsure of what to say. Lucas was right.

"I'll cover your mother's entire medical expenses and ensure she receives the best treatment," Lucas continued. "All you have to do is sign a fake marriage contract with me for one year. There will be terms and rules to abide by. I need a fake wife, and you need your mother's kidney transplant surgery. It's a win-win."

Emily's expression changed from shock to confusion to desperation. "Why me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas handed her his card. "Come to me when you decide. Don't keep me waiting." His tone was cold, and he left the suite in long strides, leaving Emily reeling.

As the door closed behind him, Emily's thoughts raced. Could she really consider a fake marriage to a stranger? But what choice did she have? Her mother's life was at stake.