I’m All Yours, Mr. Prescott

Sign A Contract

Mia’s POV

“No, no, no! This can't be happening!”

My voice wavered, as I tried to steady myself from the panic that was surging through me. How could things be going wrong so fast? First It was me running late because my wardrobe malfunctioned, and now this? The security guard’s stony expression only made it worse.

“I need to get in,” I pleaded, feeling my heart racing. “Please, can you just check again? There has to be a mistake somewhere?”

But the guard's response to me was cold and indifferent. “You are not on the list.”

His words hit me like a slap, my heart sinking in. This was my only hope, I can't believe I was about to let it slip away just like that. I fumbled with the invitation, holding it up like it was my lifeline.

“My friend gave me this invite,” I explained hurriedly, my voice betraying me as it shook uncontrollably. “She told me I would be on the list. Please, just check again.”

The security guard barely glanced at the scroll he was holding. “With your name not being on the list, the only way you can gain access is by being accompanied by the person who invited you,” he said, his tone a dismissive one like I was a desperate fan trying to crash a VIP event. “No exception,” he added.

My throat tightened. Katrina was nowhere to be found, and if I didn't get into the party, all my hopes to save my family would be lost.

I opened my mouth to protest against what the security had just spelled out, but before I could even form the words, he interrupted me.

“Step out of the line young lady, you are slowing things down.”

Frustration got to a boiling point inside me, but I still stood my ground. I couldn't just accept my fate and walk away like that when a lot was at stake here.

“All I am just asking for is a little of your time to go through the list again, please! I came here because…”

The security guard turned his gaze away from me and made a signal to his colleagues, it was obvious he was ready to throw me out of the line because I was reluctant to leave, but a calm and confident voice interrupted.

“She is with me.”

I turned to my side where the voice came from, and there he was, Nathan Prescott. Of all people.

The security guard hesitated, his gaze darting from me to Nathan and then to me again before nodding his head. He obviously can’t say No to Nathan Prescott. We were let in without any more words.

Once we got in, I turned to him, “I didn’t need you saving me, I could have handled it myself,” the words slipped out before I could stop myself.

Nathan smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You sure looked like someone who needed saving,” he said, “I am glad I could help, have a wonderful night,” he added before walking away without so much as another glance.

I stared at him as he walked on with the same long strides as usual, completely irritated by his words. I had thought he helped me in so he could get the chance to apologize for his unruly behavior at the park, or maybe even try to explain himself.

But no, he simply walked away further into the hall, exchanging warm pleasantries with people of his caliber like nothing had happened, like he hadn’t embarrassed the living daylight out of someone. I guess that is the price one pays for being poor and powerless at the same time.

I shook off my irritation and quickly reminded myself why I was here. Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter weaving his way gracefully through the little crowd, I moved to the opposite side of the hall, trying to blend in.

The air was heavily saturated with the smell of expensive perfumes and the faint hum of quiet conversations. Designer dresses swirled around-sparkling under the warm glows of the chandelier lights hanging low from the ceiling- as they sipped their drinks, shared warm greetings, and exchanged soft air kisses.

I couldn’t help but admire the richness and sophistication of it all. Just as I was beginning to enjoy the serenity of the view, I heard a voice from behind me.

“You look amazing!”

I blushed, chin up, and started preparing myself for the moment all in an instant, thinking my ride for the night had arrived. But when I turned around, I realized the person wasn’t speaking to me, but to some other lady right behind me.

A frown crept across my face, and as I turned back to minding my business and waiting for the night to serve me what I wanted, I caught sight of Nathan.

He was staring at me, his gaze intense as he sipped from the glass of red wine, one hand tucked casually in his pocket.

I sighed loudly as I tore my gaze away from him before moving away from the spot I was to somewhere away from his pestering gaze.

The event kicked off a few moments later, and because I was more focused on finding myself an elite man for the night, I didn’t take note of what the commentator was saying.

I walked slowly around like everyone else, scanning the room for someone, anyone, who might approach me. Katrina had said it would be easy to mingle with someone, but as I wandered, no one seemed to even look in my direction, talk more of approaching me. The only companion I had was Nathan's gaze following me around.

Every once in a while, I’d catch Nathan’s eyes on me again, and each time, I chose to ignore him. But his persistence was beginning to distract me, making my frustration welled up.

Tired of him pestering me with his gaze, I decided to approach him and call him off whatever game he was playing with me.

“Why do you keep staring at me? Are you stalking me? Is that why you helped me get in?” I Slammed my words straight to his face.

Nathan chuckled lightly, his laugh infuriating. “You think too highly of yourself,” he said, “and I just find it amusing watching you.”

“What is so funny?” I snapped, folding my hands underneath my breast.

Nathan leaned closer to me, “You wouldn’t get what you came here for, wearing cheap, antiquated dresses and steel accessories,” he said with his voice low and taunting.

My cheeks instantly flamed with humiliation, I didn’t even know which was more embarrassing if it was him knowing the reason why I was here or the fact that he had the nerve to ridicule me for it.

I wanted to fire back, but the words wouldn’t come so instead, I spun on my heel, ready to leave but Nathan's hand shut out, gripping my hand.

“Wait,” he said, his voice now loud and clear. “I can help you.”

I yanked my hand away, glaring at him. “Why would I want your help?”

“Because,” his tone was calm and steady, “I know what you want and I can give you more than that.”

I stopped trying to free myself from his grip, my curiosity now piqued. I stared into his eyes, searching for any hint of mockery or lies, but all I could see was certainty.

“How?” I went on to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Nathan sighed, his expression hardening. “The incident between us resulted in a scandal, you must have seen the news by now.”

“So this is about that?”

“It is costing me a multimillion-dollar deal. I have been given twenty-four hours to clean the mess, or I lose everything.”

“And how does that concern me?” I asked, crossing my arms back.

“Help me, and I will give you everything you want. More than you can ever imagine.”

There was a long pause between us, the music from the party drifted in the background as I processed his words. He wasn’t joking about this, Nathan has never been the one to lousily play around.

“How exactly am I going to help you?” I asked, my tone low and skeptical.

Nathan's gaze unwaveringly met mine. “We get married.”

“What?” I blinked, stunned.

“We get married for three months. Just long enough for the scandal to die down, once it is over, we quietly divorce and go our separate ways. And I in turn would give you whatever it is you ask for, power, wealth, just name it.”