Chapter 4

EMILY’S POV

"I should have known there'd be a catch," I thought, wary of Cade’s sudden change of heart.

He didn't do favors without expecting something in return. His reputation preceded him – ruthless and cunning.

"What do you want in exchange for giving us another chance?" I asked, my tone cautious.

"You heard my conversation with my mom, right?" Cade asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Not all of it," I replied, choosing my words carefully.

Cade's expression turned skeptical. "Really?" he drawled, his voice dripping with disbelief. "How convenient."

He took a step closer, his gaze piercing. "Don't play games with me, Emily. I know you heard more than you're letting on."

"Fine, I overheard some of it," I admitted. "You have someone you love and want to marry, right?"

Cade's smile broadened, clearly amused. "Just as I fooled my mom, I fooled you too?"

His eyes sparkled with mischief.

"You don't truly love anyone, then?" I asked.

Cade's expression turned serious. "I don't believe in love. I doubt I ever will."

I frowned, intrigued. "Then why deceive your mom?"

Cade's gaze drifted, his voice taking on an introspective tone. "My mom divorced my dad and married another man. He took me under his wing, treated me like his own son. He did me a tremendous favor, one I can never repay."

His eyes clouded, hinting at a deeper story.

"I never thought he'd ask for something in return," Cade continued. "But now, I owe him. And that's why I'll play along."

"What does he want in exchange?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Cade's expression turned serious. "He has a daughter, Isabel. We grew up together, and I've always thought of her as the little sister I never had."

I leaned in, sensing there was more to the story. "And?"

Cade's jaw clenched, his voice laced with reluctance. "He wants me to marry Isabel. They've been pushing for it since we got engaged on the island."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Engaged?"

Cade nodded. "Yes, but that's as far as it goes. I'll never marry her. James thinks he can control me through her, but I won't let that happen."

"He wants me to marry Isabel," Cade explained, his tone laced with frustration. "While I was on the island, they convinced me to propose to her. I thought that would pacify them, but they wouldn't stop pushing for marriage."

He shook his head, recalling the events.

"A problem arose in the capital city, and I had to leave the island three years ago. I haven't returned since."

Cade's gaze intensified.

"Today's call was the final straw. They're demanding I go back and marry Isabel, but I refuse."

His voice was resolute.

"Engagement, fine. Marriage, never."

"And that's why you lied to your mom?" I asked.

Cade shrugged. "Not exactly a lie."

I raised an eyebrow, curious.

"What do you plan to do, and how does this relate to us getting the contract?" I pressed.

Cade's gaze locked onto mine.

"I need someone to pretend to be my wife," he said, his voice low and deliberate. "Someone who'll accompany me to the island and play the part until I convince my family I'm better off without Isabel."

I raised an eyebrow, sensing more to the story.

“And? Do you need me to find someone for you? Cause let me tell you now, I do not hav——

"And I want that someone to be you."

My words died on my lips as I stared at him, stunned.

"What?" I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Cade's expression remained serious.

"I need someone I can trust, someone who can help me out of this mess. You're the perfect candidate."

His words hung in the air, laden with expectation.

"I said you will do, "I'd rather have you as my pretend bride than anyone else," Cade said, his grin sheepish. "And let's be honest, you need the contract. So, what do you say, Emily? Will you be my fake wife?"

I stared at him, incredulous.

"Are you serious?" I asked, my voice laced with disdain.

Cade nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Dead serious. Accept my proposal, and the contract is yours. Behave well, and I'll throw more business your way."

I shot up from my seat, outrage coursing through my veins.

"Not in your life," I spat.

Cade's grin faltered.

"You're really declining?" he asked, surprise etched on his face.

"Of course I am," I retorted. "I won't get entangled in your absurd scheme. If you don't want to marry Isabel, tell your family the truth. Why deceive them?"

Cade's expression turned cold, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Easy for you to say. You don't know the stakes."

"Emily, you're not here to question me," Cade said, his tone firm. "Just answer: will you do it or not?"

"I won't do it," I replied, my voice resolute. "Find one of your usual brunettes; they'll jump at the chance."

I grabbed my bag and turned to leave, but Cade blocked my path.

"Are you throwing away an opportunity?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

"If it means lying and getting cozy with you, then yes, I'll pass," I said, standing my ground.

Cade's gaze intensified. "What's so bad about being close to me? What do you think of me, anyway?"

He leaned against the door, trapping me.

Emily's words dripped with disdain as she stood her ground, her eyes locked onto Cade's. "You really don't want to know what I think of you," she said coolly, referencing their previous encounter outside his company.

Cade's expression remained unreadable, but his voice hinted at amusement. "And you think that's all, right? Don't tell me there's still more to know."

Emily's tone turned icy. "There is, I think you're manipulative and, used to getting your way," I replied, meeting his gaze. "And I won't be another pawn." and it doesn't matter. I won't waste my time telling you what I think of you; it certainly wouldn't make you change. So, it's better that I just leave."

Cade's gaze narrowed, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "You will leave knowing that you can get your company this contract?"

Emily's resolve remained unshaken. "I won't be bought or manipulated. If our companies want to work together, it'll be on merit, not because of some fake marriage arrangement."

"If my boss and colleagues discover the underhanded deal you're proposing, they'll stand by me," I said, my voice firm. "So, it's best you cross me off your list and find a more willing participant for your scheme."

Cade's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger.

"You'll regret this," he warned, his voice low and menacing.

I stood my ground, unfazed.

"I won't regret it. Good luck finding someone desperate enough to play along. And if you're still struggling, I can connect you with a talent agent who specializes in... 'accommodating' women."

Cade's face reddened with rage.

"Get out of my office!" he thundered, slamming his fist on the desk.

I smiled sweetly, satisfied with having rattled him.

"I'm glad I could decline your... generous offer," I said, savoring the victory.

With a flick of my hair, I turned and walked out, leaving Christopher seething behind me.

"Goodbye, Mr. Callaghan," I said, leaving his office.

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

Rose paced around her office, her face etched with worry.

"What? You couldn't secure the deal? But you promised to do your best," she said, her voice laced with desperation.

"I did," I replied, recalling Cade's proposition. "I even went to his company, but he refused to give us a chance."

Rose's expression turned frantic.

"This can't be! He was our last hope," she exclaimed.

"Isn't there another option?" I suggested. "Another company that will appreciate our work?"

Rose's gaze fell, her voice barely above a whisper.

"None of the major players will consider an upcoming company like ours. Cade’s Industries was our only shot. Without their contract, we'll go bankrupt."

The weight of our situation settled in, and I felt a pang of regret for walking away from Cade's deal.

"What? But how could this happen?" Rose's voice trembled. "I invested so much, and now I don't know how to recover. The Callaghan contract was our lifeline."

I felt a surge of concern. "Rose, I—"

"And now that we've lost the contract, how will you repay the loan?" Rose's eyes narrowed.

I hesitated, sensing the weight of her words.

"You'll do something, okay? You owe me that much, Emily," Rose said firmly.

My heart sank.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, though I knew.

Rose's expression turned cold.

"Don't pretend you've forgotten. I paid for your mom's hospital bill. You still haven't repaid me, and I want that money now."

The room seemed to shrink, trapping me.

"I thought I could repay you anytime," I said, maintaining my composure.

Rose's expression hardened. "I want it back tomorrow. Return my money or secure the Callaghan contract. Your choice."

My eyes widened, outraged. "You're being unfair, Rose!"

Rose's voice turned icy. "I need to survive, even if this company collapses. You know my reputation with unpaid debts. Don't force me to take action. Get me what I want or repay me in full."

I shook my head, disgust etched on my face. "You're cruel."

With that, I stormed out of the office, leaving Rose's menacing gaze behind.

As I trudged home, my mind raced with the daunting task of securing a large sum of money for Rose. My mood darkened with each passing step.

"Emily, you're back early," my mom said, concern etched on her face, as I entered the house.

"We got released early," I replied, shedding my coat.

My mom's gaze lingered on mine. "You look troubled, sweetie."

I forced a weak smile. "It's nothing, Mom."

I quickly retreated to my room, eager to escape her probing gaze. I couldn't burden her with my worries; she had enough to deal with.

I collapsed onto my bed, thoughts swirling. Accepting Cade's deal or finding another way to pay Rose seemed like my only options. But where could I find the money?

My mind replayed the conversation with Rose, her ultimatum echoing in my head. I felt trapped, with no clear escape.

"what am I going to do?" I thought, my mind racing with desperation as I lay in bed. "How can I escape this mess?"

Sleep eventually claimed me, but my subconscious continued to wrestle with the daunting questions, searching for a glimmer of hope.