Chapter 3

N O E L L E

Continuation…

Wow. I can’t believe he mentioned his son’s needs. Like, really chairman? How sure is he that I can give him the attention and care he wants for his son? I think he needs a nanny more than a wife.

Wait, I just remembered that auntie told me that I just had to work for them. How did it end up like this? Shit. I’m in deep trouble. It’s my future that we are talking about here. They make a fool out of me.

“I lost my wife when he was six years old. He was once a cheerful child, but he changed after his mother’s death. He is longing for her mother’s presence. I failed to give him proper attention because I focused on running our business. It became an outlet for my depression.” He explains, and I am attentively listening to his interesting story. So, it’s the reason why his son is acting like a jerk.

“You probably think that I am selfish to think only about my son’s future. In exchange, I will sponsor your education. I will pay for all your expenses at school until you graduate and become a neurosurgeon.” He stated, and his words filled me with excitement and hope.

“You are my son’s fiancée, after all.” I got goosebumps after I heard that strange word from his mouth. Did I already accept his proposal? I haven’t agreed to this yet! But how about the all-expenses-paid until I became a doctor?! It’s tempting!

Besides, the decision isn’t final yet. His son has to approve of my existence in his life first, and then I have five more years before it becomes official. I'm sure he will find a woman whom he wants to spend his whole life with before that time comes. I have all the advantages in this situation.

“Does he already know about this contract and proposal, sir?” I ask while I am grinning from ear to ear at the back of my head.

“He does, Miss Lewis. I informed him ahead of time, but of course, he got angry and threw the copy of the contract.” Well, who wouldn’t, right? It’s just normal to react as he did. Since he doesn’t like the idea of this arranged marriage, surely he is now thinking of ways to stop this crazy deal.

He can put my dad and auntie in jail if I refuse to do what he wants. I guess I didn’t have any options then. I just have to pray every day starting today that his son will soon find a future wife.

“Then I guess I don’t have any choice, but to agree, sir,” I announced while smiling awkwardly. Shit. I ended up helping those two again. Putting my guilt aside, I just have to think that I am doing this for my education and my future. It's all that matters now.

The chairman smiles from ear to ear before extending his hand for a handshake. “Welcome to the family, Noelle.” He’s welcoming me in a businessman's way. He looks like he just closed a million-dollar deal. Isn’t too early to welcome me into their family?

I accept his hand and laugh awkwardly. This turn of events in my life is so sudden to the point that I don’t know what to say. “Please call me dad starting today.”

“What?” I unintentionally raised my voice because of shock, and this old man started laughing. I think calling him dad is too much. What is this man thinking?

“Your facial expressions are hilarious. I like you even more now. You’re making me laugh.” I can see that, chairman.

“You’re giving me a heart attack, sir. It sounds real coming from you.” I said.

“What do you mean? The contract and the proposal are real. You are now officially my son’s fiancée. You are part of the family now.” He said as a matter of fact.

The words son, fiancée, family, contract, and proposal make me cringe every time I hear them. I still can’t believe I am in this situation. “Well, I guess I should say thank you for welcoming me and for being a cool dad.” I said as I chuckled.

“I always wanted to have a daughter, so it’s refreshing to hear someone like you calling me dad. I will put your dad in jail the moment you call me sir or chairman.” He threatens while smiling widely at me. Shit. What a sly man.

We were both laughing when his secretary suddenly appeared. “Here’s another contract for the proposal of sponsoring your education, Miss Lewis. Please affix your signature on every page.” He instructed me, and I did what he said.

A lawyer came in, and he made the contract official in front of us. He even stamped a seal on the contract. It made me realize that everything that we discussed was now official and true.

“Do you mind joining me for lunch, Noelle?” The chairman suddenly asked when his secretary and lawyer stepped out of his office.

I check the time on my wristwatch, and I sigh after knowing it’s already past noon. I don’t have classes this afternoon, so I guess I could spend a few more hours with my future father-in-law.

“I don’t mind. I am free this afternoon, sir.” My eyes widened in shock as I realized the word that I had said. He quickly looks at me angrily. “I mean, dad.” Shit. “Let’s have lunch together, dad.” I rephrased my statement before he called someone to put my dad in jail. I caress my arms as I feel another goosebump. I have to get used to it, but I hope not to meet him again after this.

He took me to the nearest restaurant and ordered food that was enough to make my stomach bloat. He asked me several questions about my family background and some things related to my studies. I think he’s just collecting information directly from me. I guess my personal information is as expensive as these foods.

“Levi Alexander Mitchell is my son’s name. He’s twenty-three years old and the CEO of our company.” I stopped munching my dessert when I heard that his son is a CEO. He’s in one of the highest positions in the company at a young age. “Do you want to meet your fiancé?” His question made me nervous.

I shake my head in disagreement. “Knowing his name is enough. I will meet him some other time.” I said as I tried to avoid calling him dad.

“I guess so. He’s busy with a new project. I don’t think he can meet you today.” He said, and I nodded.

I sigh as a sign of relief the moment I get in the taxi going home. It’s been the longest and most tiring day of my life. I feel like I am out of energy by just talking and dealing with the chairman. Despite his approachable aura, he’s still the chairman of a big company and the person who can put dad and auntie in jail.

And just like that, our story has officially begun.

Going back to the present, I knocked three times on his office’s door before I heard his voice commanding me to come in. I turned the doorknob as I heaved a deep sigh. I recited a paragraph of profanity before walking in.

I found him looking seriously at the documents on his table while playing with his expensive-looking pen with his right hand.

“Good morning, sir.” I greeted him with a poker face. I’ve decided to pretend that I don’t know him personally and I will just talk to him if it’s about hospital matters. “To what do I owe this pleasure, sir?”