Claimed by my Ex's Boss

Chapter 4

The world went still as I tried to understand the situation I was in.

He was about to say something when the reporters came rushing towards us.

So typical of them, I’ve been trying to avoid them all this while. I didn’t want to be questioned about our company’s bankruptcy.

Before they could get to us, Shawn grabbed my hand and dragged me away in a rush.

“Shh,” He said, finger on my lips as we hid behind the wall. When he was certain the reporters were gone, he turned back to me and slowly removed his finger.

His face was too close.

Close enough for me to notice the faint scent of his cologne again. That damn cologne.

“Please move back,” I finally found my voice. He gave a slight cough and stepped away, but then clasped my hand and dragged me into a nearby room. He shut the door behind us slowly and released my hand.

The room was almost empty. I couldn’t tell what it was used for, except for a few medical equipment items in a basket.

“Sit down, Leah,” he said, pointing to a seat. I obeyed like a robot and sat down, watching him closely.

“Can you explain what just happened? What is your deal? How does Luke know you? What do you want from me?” I fired the questions without giving him time to respond.

“Easy, detective. Take a breath. One question at a time,” Shawn said sarcastically as he sat down.

“I can fix it.”

“Fix what?”

“Everything.”

I rolled my eyes.

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“Your father’s company is collapsing,” he said, stretching a card toward me.

I took it.

Shawn Petrov.

CEO of PETROV GLOBAL HOLDINGS.

My breath cut.

I suddenly became aware of everything around me.

That's why Luke knew him.

The sudden realization hit me slowly.

What could this man want from me?

I leaned back, trying not to look intimidated but I was interested in what he had to say. Maybe he was our only hope.

“Why do you want to help us?” I asked.

“Because I can.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one you’re getting.”

“Leah…”

My heart skipped. The way he said my name… it felt like it was meant only for him.

“Marry me.”

“What!?”

“One year.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Not yet.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! I’m not doing this. Who the hell do you think you are?” I snapped and stormed out.

My footsteps echoed down the hallway.

No footsteps followed.

I later met the doctor assigned to my father. He explained everything. Dad’s collapse was caused by a sudden spike in blood pressure from shock and stress. He would be fine with rest and proper care.

The doctor assured me.

I went to the hospital lounge to clear my head before seeing my dad again. That’s when I saw Anna pacing back and forth, worried.

“Anna,” I called.

She turned and rushed into a tight hug.

We stayed like that for a moment before pulling apart.

“Leah… are you okay? I’ve been trying to reach you,” she said.

“I’m fine. I silenced my notifications,” I replied, checking my phone.

We sat down, and I told her everything. Dad’s condition, Luke, and finally Shawn.

“Wait, what? Mr. Shawn wants to marry you?” she said excitedly.

“Keep your voice down,” I warned.

She made a baby face.

I laughed lightly. “I’m not interested in marriage right now. Not after Luke…”

I stopped mid-sentence when I noticed Daddy’s financial adviser.

“Hold on, Anna. I’ll be right back.”

“Hello, Mr. Duke,” I said.

He looked confused at first, then smiled.

“Little Leah. It’s been a while. I came to check on Mr. Vaughn.”

He hugged me briefly.

“I need to ask… is there no way to fix this? The company can’t just fall like this,” I said urgently

“The debts are too high, and investors have pulled out,” he said. Then he paused.

“There is a way… a takeover or a massive investor could save it.”

My mind immediately went to Shawn. I still had his card.

I tightened my grip on it.

I said goodbye and left with Anna.

Days turned into weeks in a jiffy. As I tossed restlessly on my bed tonight still holding onto his card. Everything felt like it was falling apart. Dad had even put the house up for sale.

I knew how much this place meant to him… to all of us.

I know what to do but for a moment I couldn't move.

This was insane… completely insane.

But there was no other option.

I exhaled sharply, forcing the thought away before it could weaken me, then I left the house in a hurry and hailed a taxi. As soon as we moved, rain began pouring heavily.

I didn’t care.

The moment I stepped out of the car, cold water hit my skin instantly, soaking through my clothes within seconds. I flinched but kept going anyway.

My breath came out uneven as I ran through the empty road, the rain blurring everything ahead of me. My hair stuck to my face, my dress clinging uncomfortably to my skin, but I didn’t slow down.

At some point, I almost stopped.

Almost turned back.

But I didn’t.

I couldn’t.

I dragged in a breath and continued running, cursing under my breath as my legs burned and the rain grew heavier.

By the time I reached the gate, my hands were shaking slightly.

I knocked continuously, then the gate keeper opened the gate and as i was about stepping in a car sound drew my attention. I turned back swiftly...

And there he was.

Running toward me with an umbrella.

A sigh of relief escaped me as I stared at the figure approaching me.

He stopped in front of me, closing the space between us, holding the umbrella over my head.

His eyes burned into mine.

“Are you crazy, Leah? Damn you’re soaked!”

I swallowed hard, my voice barely steady. My body shivered as I tried to make out my words.

“Is the offer still on?” I asked breathlessly.

“What?”

My voice shook, but I didn't step back.

“Can I still marry you?”