Chapter 5

EMILY’S POV

I woke up feeling drained, the weight of my worries still lingering from the previous night's restless thoughts. Sleep had eluded me as I agonized over my predicament.

Memories of my mother's hospitalization flooded back. The desperation, the fear, the uncertainty. The hefty surgery bill had loomed over me like an insurmountable mountain. That's when Rose had stepped in, offering a lifeline.

"She'll get her money," I recalled Rose's words, etched in my mind like a promise. "When you can pay in full."

But life had other plans. The house bills, the daily expenses, they all added up. Now, I was trapped in a cycle of debt, struggling to make ends meet.

The burden felt suffocating. How would I pay Rose back? Would I ever break free from this financial quagmire?

I shuddered at the thought of owing Rose money. She was notorious for her ruthless tactics when dealing with debtors. I'd witnessed her wrath firsthand, and the memory sent shivers down my spine.

"I won't be an exception," I whispered to myself, pulling the blanket tighter around me.

Just then, the door swung open, and my mom rushed in, her face flushed with excitement.

"Emily, you have to see this!" she exclaimed, handing me a crumpled sheet of paper.

I hesitated, curiosity getting the better of me. "What is it, Mom?"

My mom's eyes sparkled.

I snatched the paper from my mom's hand, my eyes scanning the contents. The words "Eviction Notice" leapt off the page, leaving me stunned.

"Eviction notice? But how come?" I asked, incredulous.

My mom's expression mirrored my confusion. "Haven't we been paying our house bills?"

"Of course we have!" she insisted. "I just paid her last month."

I felt a surge of determination. "Then we ought to pay her a visit. What's with this sudden eviction notice?"

My mom nodded, ready to take action. "Let's go talk to her."

But I hesitated, a sense of trepidation settling in. "No, Mom, don't. I'll go myself. Let me talk to her alone."

My mom's brow furrowed. "But why don't you want me to come with you?"

I steeled myself, knowing I had to face her alone. "I have to talk to her alone, Mom. Let me face her myself."

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my mind racing with thoughts of Rose and her ruthless tactics

I swiftly changed into a pair of shorts and an orange crop top, brushing my tangled hair into some semblance of order. With a deep breath, I headed out to confront our landlady.

The walk was brief, and soon I stood before her door, my knocks echoing through the silence.

She answered, her expression cold and unyielding. "Oh, it's you."

I didn't waste time on pleasantries. "What's this eviction notice? You can't just kick us out without warning!"

Her voice dripped with disdain. "It's what it is. I want you out of my house as soon as possible."

Indignation flared within me. "That's not right! We've always paid our rent on time. You can't evict us without proper notice."

Her gaze hardened. "I don't need a reason. I want you gone."

Her expression remained unyielding. "I've given you two days' warning. I suggest you start packing."

I stood my ground, indignation burning within me. "We aren't going anywhere! I pay you every month, never missing a payment. You can't just kick us out!"

She shrugged, her voice devoid of empathy. "If you choose not to leave, so be it. But when the new owner arrives, you'll be thrown out."

My eyes widened in shock. "You sold our house?"

She nodded, her gaze cold. "Yes, I sold it. The new owner wants immediate eviction."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

"Who did you sell it to?" I demanded, desperation creeping in. "Give me their number, I need to speak to them."

Nina’s expression turned stubborn. "I won't be giving you any number."

Frustration boiled over, and I pleaded, "Madam Nina, you can't do this to us. You can't just evict us."

Nina's eyes darted nervously, and she began, "We can, and we will, Madam Rose made me promise her that I would—"

She halted abruptly, realizing her mistake.

"Madam Rose?" I echoed, alarm bells ringing.

Nina hastily backpedaled, "It's not what I meant to say."

My mind racing, I connected the dots. "Your boss bought our house from you?"

Nina's silence confirmed my suspicion.

Nina's warning lingered: "Vacate soon, or you'll regret it." She disappeared into her house, leaving me feeling defeated.

As I trudged home, my mind reeled. Rose had bought the house, and I was trapped. Helping her secure the contract or repaying her loan were my only options.

But one thing was certain: I'd rather die than return to that monstrous man.

Determined, I veered onto the next street and stopped at the nearest ATM. I withdrew my entire savings, though it only covered part of my debt to Rose.

"I'll offer her this and beg for more time," I thought, clutching the cash.

As I stepped into our cozy home, the familiar scent of fresh-baked cookies enveloped me, momentarily lifting my spirits. "Mom, I'm home," I called out, the weight of my encounter with Nina still lingering.

"Come in, Emily!" my mom replied from the kitchen, her warm voice a comforting balm.

"You have a guest," she added, a hint of excitement in her tone.

My curiosity piqued, I wondered which of my closest friends had dropped by. Gracie or Michael, perhaps? We'd shared countless memories, from late-night college study sessions to landing jobs at Rose's company – a chapter I was now determined to close.

With renewed interest, I quickened my pace, my footsteps echoing through the hallway.

As I entered the living room, my footsteps faltered. Cade Callaghan, the enigmatic figure I'd least expected, sat comfortably, sipping tea with my mom.

"Here's your visitor, Emily," Mom said with a warm smile. "He said he's a good friend of yours, so I let him in."

My eyes locked onto Cade's, and for an instant, time stood still. The memory of our unfinished conversation lingered, leaving me breathless.

"Mr. Callaghan," I managed, my voice measured. "This is unexpected."

Cade's piercing gaze never wavered. "I had to come, Emily. Our discussion yesterday wasn't finished. We have unfinished business to attend to."

"I've made my stance clear," I said firmly, hoping to close the discussion.

Cade's gaze lingered, his eyes burning with unresolved issues. "But I haven't. That's why I'm here, Emily."

My mom tactfully intervened, her voice soft. "I'll leave you two alone. Later, dear, fill me in on the eviction notice."

Cade's expression shifted from determination to concern. "Eviction? Are they really—"

I cut him off, my tone sharp. "It's none of your business, Cade."

With a newfound sense of urgency, I grasped his hand and led him outside, away from my mom's curious ears.

As soon as we stepped outside, I released his hand and confronted him, my eyes blazing with anger. "Why are you here, Mr. Callaghan?"

Cade's expression remained calm, but his eyes hinted at a deeper motive. "To see you, Emily."

I pressed, my tone firm. "Why?"

"I wanted to know if you'd changed your mind," he replied, his voice low and persuasive.

I crossed my arms, resolve etched on my face. "My decision hasn't changed. I made that clear yesterday."

Cade's gaze narrowed. "Not even with the eviction looming?"

My anger flared. "I told you, it's none of your business!"

Cade took a step closer, his voice taking on a smooth, enticing tone. "But I can make it my business, Emily. I can help you. Accept my deal, and whatever you want will be yours."

I shook my head vehemently. "No, Mr. Callaghan. I won't do it."

"Why are you persisting? I'm not your type," I snapped, frustration boiling over. "I'm not some socialite or glamorous brunette you usually date. Can't you choose one of them?"

Cade's smile hinted at amusement, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's precisely why I want you, Emily. You're intriguing, a breath of fresh air. You're the only woman who hasn't thrown herself at me for my wealth."

He paused, his gaze roving over my face. "Your independence, your fire – it's captivating. You'd be a perfect addition to my world."

I shook my head, incredulous. "You can't be serious. I'm not some prize to be won or a trophy to display."

Cade's expression turned serious, his voice low and persuasive. "I'm dead serious, Emily. You'll make a perfect bride, effortlessly playing the part. Together, we'll be unstoppable."

He took a step closer, his proximity sending shivers down my spine. "Accept my deal, and all your problems will vanish. The eviction notice, your financial struggles – gone. I promise."

His words dripped with sincerity, but I sensed an undercurrent of manipulation. "What's in it for you, Cade? Why do you need me so badly?"

Cade's smile returned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Let's just say, Emily, that you're the missing piece to my puzzle. With you by my side, I'll achieve everything I've ever desired."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as his gaze locked onto mine, the intensity making my heart race.

"I can't do it," I said firmly, conviction etched on my face. "Lying to your parents goes against everything I believe in. I won't pretend to be someone I'm not, especially not to people who trust you."

Cade's expression remained calm, unperturbed. "I'm not asking for a lifetime commitment, Emily. Just accompany me to the island for a short while."

I shook my head, resolute. "Still a no, Mr. Callaghan. Have you considered our compatibility? We're complete opposites."

"You don't suit me, and I certainly don't suit you," I continued, my words gathering momentum. "How will we convince your parents of our fabricated relationship if we can barely tolerate each other?"

Cade's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of irritation, but his smooth mask slipped back into place.

"Compatibility isn't the issue here, Emily," he said, his voice measured. "This is about convenience and mutual benefit. We can put on a convincing show, no matter our differences."

"We can start from somewhere, Emily," Cade said, his voice persuasive. "We can get to know each other, and I'm sure we'll pull it off together."

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"Mr. Callaghan..." I began.

Cade's smile hinted at amusement. "Just call me Cade, Emily. I'm already addressing you by your first name. It's only fair you do the same."

I bristled at the suggestion. "We're not that close for you to address me by my name," I countered.

Cade's eyes sparkled with mischief. "But we can be, if only you'll agree."

His words sent a shiver down my spine.

"Look, Mr. Callaghan," I said firmly, "I'm not one of those... women you typically associate with. I won't be swooned by your charm or intimidated by your wealth."

Cade's expression turned intense, his voice low. "I never thought you were, Emily. That's what draws me to you. You're different."

"That's why I chose you, Emily," Cade said, his eyes locked on mine. "I want you to be my pretend bride. We won't actually get married; it's just a charade for my parents' benefit. Once I've wrapped up my business, we'll return to the city, and you'll have the contract. I'll go back to my life, and you can go back to yours."

He paused, awaiting my response.

I stood there, weighing my options. Pretending to be his bride wouldn't require any real commitment. He wouldn't expect anything more from me, and perhaps, just perhaps, he could show a gentler side.

Cade's gaze never wavered, his expression intent. "What do you say, Emily?"

I took a deep breath, my mind racing. Could I really do this? Could I pretend to love this man, even for a short while?

As I hesitated, Cade's words echoed in my mind: "You'll have the contract." The promise of financial security, of a future without eviction or financial struggles, tempted me.

"What's the duration of this... arrangement?" I asked, stalling for time.

Cade's smile hinted at triumph. "Just a few weeks, Emily. That's all I'm asking."

My mind whirled with the weight of my parents' eviction, the looming threat of Rose's debt, and the dwindling funds in my account. The money I had would barely cover another apartment's rent, and I knew it wouldn't last. Rose's vengeance lingered, a constant fear. She'd stop at nothing to collect her debt and make me suffer for defying her.

I darted a glance at Cade, catching his piercing gaze. He was watching me, awaiting my decision. His expression seemed to hold a hint of understanding, as if he knew the turmoil brewing inside me.

Should I accept his deal? I pondered, my eyes locked on his. Could I trust this enigmatic stranger to keep his word? Would his proposal be my salvation or another trap?

Cade's eyes never wavered, his intensity drawing me in. I sensed a hidden depth to him, a complexity that went beyond his polished facade.

As I hesitated, the silence between us grew thick with tension. Cade's proposal hung in the air, a tantalizing promise of security and freedom.

"What's holding you back, Emily?" Cade asked softly, his voice breaking the silence.