Chapter 5

ANNABELLE’S POV

“But you don’t even like me!” Killian looked at his watch, clearly annoyed.

“What does liking you have to do with getting married?”

“It has everything to do with it! How do you expect us to get along?” I screamed at him.

“I don’t,” he said bluntly. “You’ll live in your house, I’ll live in mine. You’ll be rich, live in the fanciest neighborhood, and be admired by everyone. You’ll stay far from me and do whatever you want. All I need are heirs, loyalty while we have kids, and no scandals. Divorce is out of the question. It’s messy and bad for my reputation.” Killian said with a bored expression on his face.

I felt torn between laughing and crying. “Do you realize I’m a person, not some machine?” I asked, crossing my arms. “Because it sounds like you’re trying to buy me.”

“I am,” he replied, looking at me like I was the unreasonable one. “People who hate money don’t have it. This is your chance to change your life. Don’t waste it.”

“Sorry, but your deal sounds miserable. I want to be loved. I want a partner who cares about me and chooses me.”

Even after what Thomas had done and my lingering feelings for Killian, I still believed in love. Maybe my story was a strange one, but I hadn’t stopped hoping for a happy ending. Killian pulled out leather gloves, slapped them against his leg, then put them on.

“You can have that, just not with me. Find someone else. As long as he signs legal agreements, you can live quietly with him. I’ll do what I want. And what I want includes escorts and unusual things you don’t want to know about.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “You’re okay with me cheating on you?” I asked, rubbing my forehead.

“After you give me legitimate kids, yes.” he replied. “You need help,” I said. “Like a therapist. And maybe a hug.”

“What I need are heirs. A son to take over, and a few extras for appearances.” Killian said.

“Extras? Are we talking about children or spare parts?” I asked, my head spinning. Killian stayed calm, but I was shocked.

“Why does it have to be a son? It’s the twenty-first century. Women can run businesses just fine.” “That may be true, but daughters born into privilege rarely take on tough jobs like running King Pipelines,” he said dismissively.

“That’s so sexist!”. “I don’t disagree, but it’s tradition. My father passed the role to me, and I’ll pass it to my son.” “What if he doesn’t want it?”

He gave me a look like I’d asked something ridiculous. “Who wouldn’t want to run one of the richest companies in the world?”. Killian replied

“Anyone who knows how demanding it is,” I shot back. “You’re not exactly a happy guy yourself.”

“My first son will continue the family legacy. If you’re worried about his happiness, start him in therapy early.” “They’ll have a soft mother. I’ll give them reality,” he replied coldly.

“Great parenting advice,” I said sarcastically.

“You’re stalling,” he said, impatient.

I wasn’t hesitating because I hated the idea. The truth was scarier because deep down I didn’t really hate it because I've been in love with Killian for years and that made me question my sanity. Who would agree to marry Boston’s coldest man after escaping someone as unreliable as Thomas?

Me, apparently.

I had all the wrong reasons:

No more debt.

Freedom from Thomas.

The chance to be around Killian, even briefly.

Part of me hoped we could start as a business deal and turn it into something real. But I knew better. This arrangement would lead to heartbreak, and I’d already had enough of that. Thomas had hurt me, but Killian awakened something intense and dangerous in me. I needed time to think without his cold, perfect presence clouding my judgment.

“Can I think about it?” I asked, stepping away. “Sure. It’s not like you’re running from danger,” he said mockingly.

I glared. He knew how bad my situation was, but I couldn’t agree without time to process.

“Give me a week.”

“Twenty four hours.”

“Four days. This is my life we’re talking about.”

“You won’t have one if you say no. You have forty eight hours. That's my final offer unless I look for a new candidate. You know where to find me.” With that he walked out leaving me staring at him open mouthed in shock.