Back at my studio apartment, I flopped unto the nearest sofa hoping to melt into a puddle and evaporate into thin air. I was pretty sure that my problems were now twice the size of the Everest Mountain.
What had I gotten myself into? Why did I keep taking the wrong turns and the most awful choices?
I replayed the conversation with Ethan Sterling in my head. He had asked me to marry him. No mincing words. The sly cunning wolf had asked me to marry him.
In my disbelief, I had blurted "What?" unable to stop the little laugh that escaped my lips. But the man sitting opposite me didn't look like he had made a joke. He just kept his gaze on me, unfazed and unblinking.
The smile died from my lips when I realized he was dead serious.
"Oh, wait. You're serious about this?" I asked him with a disbelieving frown.
His jaw ticked. "I don't have time to joke around, Miss Sanders. You must know that my time is money."
I licked my lips nervously. "Oh, I'm sorry. Your words were pretty straightforward, so..."
My mind was reeling with many questions. Did he like me? If he did, when did he fall for me? The night of the charity gala?
Then I brushed it off. No way he would like someone like me. I wasn't his type. High maintenance ladies like Antonia Garrett were probably his type. Life wasn't at all like those webnovels I had snuck to read when my parents thought I was in bed sleeping.
"I know it might be shocking to you. I'm also finding it hard to believe this choice I made. Trust me, you aren't my type either."
My eyes narrowed at his words. Way to confirm my earlier thoughts.I may not be classy, but I was beautiful and decent and had style. If he didn't know, I was a two time beauty contest winner back in the university.
"Well, if I'm not your type, why are you..."
"Why do I want to marry you?" He asked the question that was in my mind. Sometimes I think he might pass for a mind reader.
"Because I need a wife and of all the women I've met, you fit my criteria better."
I folded my hand across my chest. "And what might those criteria be?"
"Simple and modest."
Well, I was disappointed to say the least. He didn't even say it was because of my beauty. Who liked to marry a woman who was simple anyways?
"I thought rich men liked sophisticated women?"
Ethan shook his head. "Not me."
"Why do you need a wife?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me. It was best to ask so I would know whether I was going to take the offer.
He sighed. "The reason is confidential and I trust you to keep it a secret."
More like saying that if I liked my life, I would keep my mouth shut.
I nodded eagerly, waiting to hear what he had to say.
"I need a wife in order to secure my position as CEO of Sterling's Holdings. My grandfather ensured that it was clearly stated in his will. I need to get married within two years of turning thirty or forfeit my rights to the company."
That sounded like what my parents could do. What was wrong with all these rich and powerful parents forcing their children to do whatever they wanted? At least I had the opportunity to break free from the clutches of my parents.
"So you're choosing me because..."
"Like I've said before, you're simple and modest. Your background is good for my public image and I know that you will comply with my terms. You know better than most, the severity of breaching a contract." He said, leaning in to get a good look at my face.
I gulped at the intensity of his eyes as he said this. As a lawyer, I had a good idea on what could happen to me if I violated the terms of our contract.
Then he leaned back and continued.
"So Miss Sanders, If you agree to be my wife for a year, by the end of our agreement, you get to walk away with full rights to the school property plus some added benefits and a large deposit in your bank account. You'll never get a better offer than this to save your school."
There was a moment of silence as I processed his words.
"I'll give you some time to think about it and make..."
"I'll do it." I said abruptly.
His elegant brows raised in surprise. "What was that?"
"I said I'll do it." I replied more louder and resolutely.
I was desperate and I had nothing to lose. I needed to secure the space for these little children and here he was giving me a permanent and long term solution.
Also this was my chance to prove to my parents, my mother especially, that I wasn't a failure and that my education wasn't a waste. I just hoped Ethan didn't think of me as impulsive.
"I expected you to take your time an think about it." He acknowledged. "But I guess you know what you're getting yourself into."
He thrust his hand out for a shake.
"To a successful and collaborative partnership." I took his cold hand on and shook it.
That sealed the deal. I had just sold my soul to the Devil and there were only two outcomes. To successfully keep the agreement to the end, or to defeat the devil at his own game.
He stood up and adjusted his already perfect suit.
"My secretary, Lawrence will send you a copy of my terms and conditions. You can still back out if you don't feel comfortable with them. However, if you sign them, it means you've accepted the agreement on my terms and...
"What about me? If this is an agreement, then I should be able to have my rules that you will follow too." I said to his rising figure.
"You're not allowed to negotiate because I call the shots. Or I might just get someone else who would love to comply..." He trailed off, subtly threatening me.
"No. Fine. I'll do it. I'll sign and send back the agreement to you."
He smiled on arrogant satisfaction. "As you should."