Chapter Two

JAMES POV

I stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of my penthouse apartment, glazing out at the Simville skyline. The city’s vibrant energy seemed to mock me, a striking contrast to the blunt news I’d just received.

“Two years, Mr. Valquez.” My doctor had said, his voice laced with empathy. ”That’s the best estimate for your condition.” The words echoed in my mind like a death sentence.

My thoughts shifted to Atlas incorporation, the company I had built from scratch. Who would inherit it? My sister Emma, was incapable of managing the companies complexities.

I needed a spouse. Not just anyone, but someone who could provide a healthy, intelligent and capable heir. I turned to face my trusted advisor, Rodri who stood by the door.

“Find me a wife, Rodri. Someone suitable.”

His expression remained neutral, but I detected a hint of surprise. “Sir, I’ll arrange for a discreet search. However, may I remind you that finding someone who meets your requirements won’t be easy.”

“I don’t want easy.” I snapped. ”I want results.”

“Tell Jamal to start up the vehicles. We are going to make a short trip to my parental resistance.”

As Rodri departed, I couldn’t shake the feeling of depression creeping in. I bent my head down and stared at the Brazilian-finished table.

This wasn’t about love. It was about legacy.

I abruptly picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number. Mother would understand. I stared blankly at the receiver. I held my breath, hoping she would pick the call.

“My lovely son, are you today? Hope you didn’t skip your meals this morning?” The receiver spoke immediately the call connected.

I smiled unknowingly to myself, hearing mother’s jovial voice mixed with concern.

“I’m good. I’m coming over to your place now, mother..” I replied quickly.

“Com’mon, it’s your home also, you’re welcome anytime.” Mother teased slightly. ”Hope no problem?” She added. I paused a little too sudden, remembering the news I wanted to tell her upon my arrival. ”It’s my health, I was dia—”

“Anyways, the board of trustee’s called me today. They want an official meeting to resolve the ongoing crisis regarding the mass reaction on your new products.”

I paused in realization. I suddenly remembered the issues I strongly battled with last week, due to the declaration by my mother. ”I’ve already sorted it out on the blueprint I sketched yesterday. I’ll bring it as I’m coming to visit. See you soon.” I briefly replied, ending the call quite hurriedly.

Placing the phone gently on the table, I ran my hands through my hair in despair.

************

The drive to my parent residence was quite gloomy as expected. Staring outside the window in despair, my mind reminisce on the doctor’s words.

“I’ll advise you not to tell anyone, except your spouse. She should be the only one to know, since she’s the solution to your predicament.”

I re-sighed for the umpteenth time. I reached into the wine compartment of my masonry edited Maybach. I pulled out the container of stress pills, popped three capsules in my mouth.

“MOVE OUT!!” My designated driver abruptly screamed to no one in particular as his eyes remained fixed on the road. I turned my head to see the cause of his sudden exclaim. Suddenly, a flash of movement caught my eye.

A young woman darted out of a medical building and dashed into the crosswalk, arms outstretched. Jamal slammed on the brakes, but it was too late.

Time froze. The woman’s body crumpled into the hood, but her grip on the baby remained unyielding.

Jamal leapt out, pushing to assist. I sat in my car watching Jamal assist her, a gesture I find unnecessary and weak. Seeing her actions, a smile appeared at the side of my l I smiled within me knowing that she would fit the role I was looking for.

The woman slid off the hood unconsciously, dropping the baby mindlessly. I rolled down the car glass. Wearing my designer sunglasses, I gazed over to the side walk where an already despaired mother ran into the road.

She looked at the unconscious savior, picked her energetic baby and abruptly turned her back away from her, in attempt to cross the road. A smile re-appeared briefly, watching the ungrateful woman’s behavior.

“Bring her in. Let’s take her to the hospital. It’s the highest we can do for her.” I blankly said.

"*************************************************

I paced around the hospital, awaiting news on the woman’s condition. My calculating mind weighed the consequences.

When the doctor emerged, my expression remained impassive.

"She'll recover," the doctor said. "But we need to monitor her closely."

I ensured Emma received the best care, covering all medical expenses. My motives weren't altruistic; I needed her for my own purposes.

Days passed, and the young lady slowly recovered. I visited frequently, learning about her struggles and selflessness. My interest grew in knowing who I’m dealing with.

I stood beside her hospital bed watching her waking up, my presence commanding.

"Welcome back," I said, my voice devoid of warmth.

Her gaze met mine, confusion clouding her eyes.

"Who are you?" She whispered.

"I'm James Valquez," I replied. "You saved that baby's life. Impressive."

Her memories flooded back, and she winced.

"Don't worry about the accident," I reassured. "I've taken care of everything. Including the other illness the doctor discovered in your body system.”

I shifted my tone, my voice darkening in the process.

“I require something from you," I said, My voice low and menacing. "You see, I need a wife. For two years. And I've chosen you."

Her eyes widened.

"What? Why?" she stammered.

The smile on my face twisted.

"You owe me, Ava Affleck. Your medical bills are substantial. Refuse, and I'll cut your treatment. I'll make sure you struggle financially for the rest of your life."

Her face paled.

“How do you know my name….?” She asked hesitantly.

“I literally own this city. I made a little background check about you.”

"This is blackmail," She whispered.

I shrugged.

"Call it what you want. You have 24 hours to decide. Accept, and you'll want for nothing. I’ll make you rich and powerful like me. Your security would be top-notch. Refuse, and let's just say I have resources to make your life miserable."

Her face twisted in despair. She ran her hands through her hair.

"What do you gain from this?" She asked, as I sense desperation creeping in.

My gaze hardened.

"Securing my business empire requires stability. Marriage will provide that. And your selflessness impresses me. You'll make an adequate wife."

Ava’s eyes flashed angrily.

"Adequate wife?" she repeated.

My expression remained unyielding.

"Two years, Ava. That's all I require. After that, you're free to leave." I said, knowing that I’ll be gone by then.

She looked at the ward ceiling aimlessly.

"Can I think about it?" She asked.

I nodded.

"Twenty-four hours. That's all you get."

As I turned to leave, her voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Why me?" she asked.

I turned around, locking my gaze onto hers.

"Because, Ava, you're the perfect pawn. From what I gathered about you, you’re weak and desperate in so many ways and I'm willing to exploit that. Don't bother trying to escape or seek help. My reach is limitless."

With that, I departed into the corridors, waiting to face whatever comes next.