Chapter 2

“Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Barrett will see you now.”

The assistant’s voice jarred me from my thoughts. I stood, wiping my damp palms against my skirt. This entire situation felt surreal. A billionaire stranger requesting to meet with me to discuss something as bizarre as a contract marriage?For weeks, my life had been chaotic, but this was taking it to a whole new level. 

I accompanied the assistant into the modern office, feeling awed by its glass walls and impressive cityscape view.  At the far end of the room sat Stefan Barrett. The man himself. He stood with his back to me, looking out over the skyline while on the phone, projecting an aura of power and confidence that was overwhelming. 

My breath was caught when he eventually turned to look at me. There was something… familiar. His sharp jawline, the piercing green eyes that seemed to strip away all pretense. But I couldn’t place it. Why did I feel like I’d seen him before?

“Mrs. Hayes,” he said, his voice smooth and commanding. “Please, have a seat.”

I obeyed, sinking into the chair across from his desk, my pulse racing.He gazed at me intently, as if I were a mystery he couldn't wait to unravel. 

"Perhaps you are curious as to why I called for this meeting," he started, relaxing in his seat. “You have experienced a great deal in the previous months. Divorce documents, familial treachery... and an incoming child." 

 My heart stopped. How did he know?

“I know about the pregnancy,” he continued, watching my reaction carefully. “The child you’re carrying isn’t Adrian’s. It’s from that night you spent at the hotel after he… struck you.”

I swallowed hard, a wave of nausea hitting me. “How do you know about that?” My voice trembled with a mix of fear and confusion. No one knew about that night. No one.

Stefan stated calmly and in control as if this was a meeting he found boring and tiring. “I have been watching you closely, Shania. Many years prior to that evening.”

A shiver ran down my back. How much time had passed before that night? I gazed at him, feeling dread gather in my stomach. “Who… are you?” My voice cracked as the question left my lips.

Stefan stood, walking slowly around the desk until he was standing in front of me. His tall frame towered over me, and the tension between us felt thick, electric. When he knelt down, bringing his face level with mine, my mind started to whirl.

“I’m the man you spent that night with.”

The words struck me harshly. I blinked, feeling my mouth become dry as I grappled to understand. "Excuse me, could you repeat that?" 

His gaze locked onto mine, not faltering. "Do you not recall? The evening you stumbled into the hotel, intoxicated, in need of a getaway.”

“I was there. We didn’t exchange names. We barely spoke at all. But it was me, Shania.”

I felt a sinking sensation in my stomach. I had the sensation that I was unable to inhale. Recollections from that evening came flooding back—his touch, the passion, the need to escape it all. However, I was so disoriented, so unfeeling, that I hadn't bothered to glance at his face or inquire about his identity. 

And at this moment, he suddenly existed. The father of my child.

I shook my head, trying to process it all. “No… this can’t be. You were—this is too much.”

“I know it’s overwhelming,” Stefan said, his voice softening, though his gaze remained unrelenting. “But it’s the truth. And now, it’s time for you to make a choice.”

I stood abruptly, backing away from him. “What kind of choice? You’ve been manipulating me, watching me. Why? Why would you even do this?”

He stood as well, his expression growing more serious. “Because, Shania, that night wasn’t a coincidence. I was looking for someone like you. And you… you are exactly what I need.”

I swallowed, the walls closing in on me. “You need me to have your child. That’s it, isn’t it? I’m just… part of some plan.”

“Not just any child,” he corrected, his voice low, but with an edge of urgency. “An heir. A child that will inherit more than you can imagine. And I won’t force you into anything. But I’m offering you something in return—security. Freedom. Everything you need to start over.”

I snapped, tears stinging my eyes, you don't even know me. "Do you believe that money has the power to solve all problems? Am I supposed to give up my life to you just because you feel entitled to it?" 

"I have a better understanding of you than you realize," he stated, moving nearer. “I understand the struggles you have faced. I know about Adrian. About your sister. I know you’ve been abandoned by the people you trusted most.”

His words struck a personal chord. I nodded, looking away from him, unable to confront the reality reflected in his gaze. 

Stefan gently offered a way out, his voice soft and reassuring. “A chance to rewrite your life. You don’t have to do this alone.”

I stayed silent, my mind racing.Every fibre of my being was urging me to refuse him, to leave this office and never return. However, a faint voice in my mind suggested that perhaps, this was the sole way to flee the ruins of my existence. 

I faced him and spoke with a hoarse voice.  “And if I say no?”

Stefan’s expression darkened, though his voice remained calm. “Then you walk away, and I won’t bother you again. But you’ll be on your own. No support. No safety net. Just you and a child to raise in the shadow of your past.”

My hands balled into fists, feeling my heart racing. The decision's heaviness burdened me, tugging me in opposite ways. I had the option to leave and hold onto my freedom, even if I had to face challenges at every turn. However, agreeing to Stefan's proposal would require giving up my pride, yet obtaining the security and protection I greatly needed. 

"I have no trust in you," I finally uttered, my voice shaking. "I'm not sure I have many options, right?" 

Stefan's gaze briefly became gentler. “Shania, the decision is yours. If you decide to remain, I will ensure that both you and your child are looked after. Forever, without exception.” 

I clenched my teeth, unable to handle the overwhelming tension. The outcome of my future was uncertain. However, in my heart, I understood the task I needed to complete. 

"I'll consider it," I murmured, my voice barely audible. 

Stefan nodded, stepping back. “Take your time. But remember, Shania—this offer won’t last forever.”