Chapter 3

I stood by the window, gazing out at the bustling streets of London, awaiting Emily's arrival at my office. Her unexpected visit had piqued my curiosity.

What brought her here? Was it to persuade me to partner with her advertising agency? Their presentation had been impressive, but I'd rejected it, citing reasons that weren't entirely genuine.

My mind lingered on Emily's involvement. Her actions had influenced my decision, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the presentation lacked a crucial element – the spark that only Emily's touch could bring.

A knock on the door broke the silence. "Enter," I commanded.

Emily walked in, her understated elegance captivating me. Her simple shirt and trousers accentuated her natural beauty.

"I wouldn't deny it - she's stunning," I thought, my gaze lingering.

"Have a seat, Miss Wilburn," I said softly, rising from my chair.

Emily sat, her determination palpable. I remained standing, my eyes locked on hers.

"You must have followed me immediately after leaving my company," I observed.

Emily's jaw set, her voice firm. "I had to. I couldn't let it go."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. I sensed a depth to her resolve, a conviction that went beyond mere business.

"What is it that you can't let go of, Emily?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Her eyes flashed with intensity, and I knew this meeting would be more than just a casual encounter.

"But you seemed resigned when I rejected your proposal," I said, intrigued. "What changed your mind?"

Emily's determination shone brighter. "My family, colleagues, boss, and job depend on this. I came to persuade you to give us another chance."

I raised an eyebrow. "After presenting something I didn't like, why think I'd give you another chance?"

"Because I know you're a fair person," Emily replied, unwavering.

I chuckled. "Fair? You think I'm fair?"

Emily's crisp response brooked no argument. "I'm a good judge of character, Mr. Callaghan."

Her confidence sparked a flicker of curiosity. Was she genuinely convinced of my fairness, or was this a clever tactic?

"I'd love to hear why you think I'm fair, Miss Wilburn," I said, leaning forward, my interest piqued.

“Anyways, keep your opinion.”

You've misjudged me this time, Miss Wilburn," I said, a hint of warning in my tone. "I'm not a fair person. When it comes to getting what I want, I play dirty."

Emily's eyes widened, a flicker of concern dancing across her face. "Dirty, as in illegal?"

I chuckled, reassuring her. "No, I don't cross that line. My methods may be unorthodox, but they're clean."

For the first time, Emily's lips curved into a captivating smile, and I was struck by her radiance.

"What can I do to get you to give us a second chance?" she asked, her voice laced with hope.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her boldness. Didn't she know that asking a favor from someone like me would come with a price?

"Miss Wilburn, you're either very brave or very naive," I said, leaning back in my chair. "What makes you think I'd grant you a second chance without something in return?"

Emily's smile faltered, but her determination remained unwavering. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with promise and risk. I sensed a hidden vulnerability behind her courage.

"Whatever it takes," I repeated, my voice low and measured. "Those are bold words, Miss Wilburn. Are you prepared to face the consequences?"

"I didn't mean that I'll give myself to you in exchange for a second chance," Emily clarified, her tone firm. "That's the last thing I'd ever do."

Her words struck me like a cold shower, a rare rebuff. Most women fell for me instantly, but Emily seemed immune.

Why was she different? I wondered, intrigued.

Before I could respond, my secretary burst in without knocking.

"Boss, I'm sorry, but your mom is on the line. She insists you take the call or she'll catch the next flight."

My heart sank. Mom's threats were always promises.

"I'll take it," I said swiftly, already reaching for the phone.

"Hello, Mom," I answered, dismissing Emily's presence momentarily.

As I focused on the call, Emily's gaze never wavered. Her expression remained steadfast, a silent reminder that our conversation was far from over.

My mom's voice commanded my attention, but my mind lingered on Emily's bold rejection.

"Finally, you picked up, after your secretary told you of my threats, right?" My mom's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Mom, I'm in a crucial meeting. Can I—"

"Hold on, young man," she interrupted, her tone firm. "What I have to say is equally important, and I won't be left hanging."

I sighed, resigned. "What is it, Mom?"

"Come home. Your bride can't tolerate the waiting anymore."

My instincts flared. "I'm not ready for that yet."

"Why not?" Mom's voice rose. "It's been three years since you put a ring on her finger. You rarely visit, and when you do, you treat her like a stranger, not your fiancée."

"I don't want her, Mom! You've known that all along!" I bellowed into the phone, my anger boiling over.

Emily's eyes widened, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, a silent reminder that I had forgotten she was still in the office.

"But she's your fiancée!" Mom countered, her voice rising. "You owe her father everything! He gave you a second chance at life with his kidney, enrolled you in the best schools, and made you the success you are today. And this one small request, you refuse?"

"Don't use him as a reason!" I pleaded, my guilt simmering.

"I'll use him!" Mom shot back. "That man, whose daughter you're rejecting, saved your life! And after everything he's done for you, you can't even honor this one commitment?" Her words cut deep.

"I love and respect him like a father, and I'll always be grateful," I said, searching for the right words.

"But what's stopping you from marrying his daughter?" Mom pressed.

I hesitated, unsure how to reveal the truth.

"If you don't have a reason, then get to the island and fulfill your duty," she urged.

I took a deep breath. "I do have a reason, Mom. I love someone else."

The line went silent.

"You what?" Mom's voice was incredulous. "That's a lie! You've always said you'd never love anyone."

"I found her," I blurted, the words tumbling out. "She melted my heart, changed me, and turned me into someone new. I love her, Mom, and I'm going to marry her."

Mom's gasp echoed through the phone. "Who is she?"

"And when do I meet this... someone?" Mom's tone was laced with skepticism.

"Soon," I promised. "I'll bring her to the island with me, and we'll face everything together."

Mom's sigh carried a mix of concern and resignation. "Cade, you're risking everything. Your engagement, your business, your relationship with your mentor... Are you prepared for the consequences?"

"You've gone insane, Cade!" Mom's voice was shrill. "I won't let this happen! You can't marry someone unfit to be a Callaghan!"

I'd had enough. "Do whatever you want, Mom. I don't care," I snapped, ending the call.

As I turned, I noticed Emily standing by the door, her expression a mix of concern and embarrassment.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly.

I felt a surge of irritation, realizing she'd overheard the explosive conversation.

"Were you listening to my conversation?" I demanded, still seething.

Emily's eyes darted downward, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. You didn't ask me to leave, so I stayed. And... yeah, I heard everything."

I rubbed my temples, trying to ward off the building headache.

"Everything," I repeated, feeling exposed.

Emily nodded, her gaze locked on mine. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop. It was just... intense."

I sighed, my anger dissipating. "You heard my mom at her finest."

"If you want, I can pretend I never heard a thing," Emily offered, her voice laced with understanding. "I'm excellent at that."

I stood frozen, weighing her words. Then, like a sledgehammer, my conversation with Mom came crashing back.

"I have someone... I love someone else," I recalled saying, my face burning with embarrassment.

"I found her, and she just melted me... She changed me and turned me into someone different. I love her, and I'm going to marry her... take her back to the island with me."

My eyes widened in horror as I realized the magnitude of my mistake.

I slumped back into my chair, stunned. What had I gotten myself into? How could I extricate myself from this mess?

Emily's expression remained neutral, but a hint of curiosity danced in her eyes.

"Cade?" she said softly, as if sensing my turmoil.

I raised my gaze, searching for a way out. "Emily, I..."

I broke the silence, my mind racing with the impending trip to the island. "I'll be heading back to the island soon, and I need to present my wife to my parents."

Emily's brow furrowed. "Is anything wrong?"

I locked eyes with her, my thoughts swirling. Why was I anxious when this captivating woman stood before me?

"You'll do," I thought, a calculated plan forming. "She'll agree to pretend to be my wife, and in return, I'll grant her company the contract. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

My gaze lingered on Emily's, and I sensed a spark of curiosity.

"Have a seat, Emily," I said, gesturing to the chair across from me.

Emily's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression wary, but she sat down.

I settled into my own chair, feeling a sense of trepidation. I knew my proposal might catch her off guard.

As I began to gather my thoughts, Emily's gaze drifted to mine, her eyes searching. I sensed her unease.

From her perspective, my sudden interest must be puzzling. She'd overheard my conversation with Mom, revealing my plans to marry someone else. And then there was the encounter with the brunette in the lobby... No wonder Emily looked perplexed.

"Emily, I know this may seem sudden," I started, choosing my words carefully, "but I need to discuss something with you."

Her eyes locked onto mine, guarded. "What is it, Mr. Callaghan?"

I leaned forward, my voice taking on a serious tone. "I think we can help each other. But first, I need to ask: Are you willing to listen to my proposal?"

Emily's pause was brief. "I'm listening."

What do you want to discuss, sir?" Emily asked, her curiosity piqued.

"About giving you that second chance you requested," I clarified.

Emily's eyes widened. "Really? You're willing to give us another chance?"

I nodded. "Yes, I am."

My gaze locked onto hers. "But tell me, are you single?"

Emily's brow furrowed. "What?"

"Are you single?" I repeated.

She leaned back, her expression cautious. "Why do you ask that?"

I leaned forward, my voice taking on a persuasive tone. "Because I need your help with something. In exchange, I'll grant your company the contract."

Emily's eyes narrowed

"And what will that be?" I asked, my voice measured, anticipating an unfavorable request.