Chapter two
1149 Words
Annabelle's pov.
My eyes flung open and I gasped for breath when I felt a cold sensation on my skin. It took a few moments for my vision to focus, and I saw a pretty lady staring down at me with a jug of water in her hand.
“Are you okay? You passed out.” She blinked at me. I was still confused, what the hell happened? How did I pass out?
“You may go now, Alexia.” A very familiar voice echoed, deep and raspy, sending shivers down my spine. My eyes widened in realization. I remembered everything that happened, not quite long ago.
I had walked into the CEO's luxurious and well furnished office, excited to meet him and tender my problems to him.
The man I found sitting behind the desk was nothing like I had expected. He was young and one of the most good looking men I had ever set my eyes on. He had a cold aura, his presence domineering and uninviting. His facial features were one of a kind, defined and perfect. He was almost unworldly.
“How old are you?” His voice was mesmerizing but stern.
That definitely wasn't the question I expected to hear from him. Especially because he totally ignored my greeting.
“I am twenty four years old, sir.” That was my response and he nodded.
“You're okay for the position.”
I did not understand what he meant by that sentence. What position was he talking about? I'm not looking for any job and even if I was, I don't recall submitting any documents for verification.
“Position? What position?” I raised my brow and he glared at me like I had just grown two heads. His stare made my cheeks heat up, and as much as I hate to admit it, my insides reeled up in excitement.
“The position of my wife.”
His words caused me to stagger backwards.
“I beg your pardon?”
“You are here to be my wife.”
My head spun right after those words left his mouth, and before I knew it, I landed on the floor, darkness slowly engulfing me.
…
“Are you okay?” He questioned, taking slow but heavy steps towards me while I was trying to wipe off the water that Alexia had sprinkled all over me.
“Don't come any closer!” I snapped with widened eyes and he stopped walking, staring at me, unfazed.
“What kind of sick person are you? Who meets a random lady and asks her to be his wife?” I glared at him with furrowed brows, but his blank face made it difficult to understand what he was feeling.
“You showed up here on your own, I didn't force you. Besides, everything was specified in the ad.” He answered and my heart missed a beat.
Could he be talking about the same ad that Alexia asked me about last night? Oh my goodness! What have I gotten myself into?
“No.. no, wait. This is all a huge misunderstanding. I am not here because of the ad, it's really a mistake.” I immediately told him, trying to clear the air.
I wonder what this so-called ad is all about. Is he really recruiting girls to marry him? What kind of a desperate man does that? Why doesn't he just find a wife the old fashioned way? Rich people! I can never understand them.
“If you're not here for the ad, then what are you here for?” He queried with a raised eyebrow and I panicked a little before speaking.
“Well.. I.. I need help. I was informed that your company is testing some new cancer treatments and I thought my sister could be one of your recruits. She has bone cancer and has been given only one year to live.” I explained, tears almost streaming down my cheeks as I spoke but I sniffed them back.
“I see.” He walked over to his desk again and took his seat, his expression remaining unchanged. He picked up the pen on his desk, swirling it around between his fingers, a sinister grin creeping up on his face.
“Please help me.”
“Sure, I'll help you, but it's not free.”
My heart sunk, every last bit of hope I had left, shattering to pieces.
“The medicine you're talking about is quite expensive, it could cost you millions to get it and looking at you, you don't look like you can even afford a painkiller.” He gazed mockingly at me and I sniffed, keeping my eyes low.
“You may leave, I can't help you.”
I ran over to him and got on my knees, placing my hands in front of me and bawling my eyes out.
“Please sir, I will do anything, I will do anything to get my sister treated. Please help me.”
“Begging is of no use, I can't help you.” He sighed, having no single look of empathy in his eyes. Is that really how heartless he is?
“Please… please.” I begged, my tears drenching the shirt I was wearing. My heart was broken, he didn't look like he was willing to help me.
“You have two choices Annabelle. It's either you raise the money for the treatment, or you get married to me. Your marriage to me covers all the bills.”
“But..” I sniffed. “You don't know me. We know nothing about each other, how can we get married?”
“You're really as foolish as you look.” He scoffed and I boiled in anger. “Did you see the line of women outside? They're all here because I posted an ad, they all want a shot at being close to me but you have it served on a platter of gold!”
“I don't care who you are, and there's nothing for you to know about me other than my name. I am Steve Malcolm.” He said, so proudly. He is an arrogant man, it's written all over him.
“You have two minutes to get out of my office if you won't accept my grand offer.” He focused on his laptop and I got to my feet, wiping my tears away.
“I will not be your wife! You can keep your medicine and your rotten attitude!” I snapped and walked towards the door in rage.
“Annabelle,” he called and I turned.
“The contract is right here,” he pulled out a file, placing it on his desk. “Ready to sign when you change your mind.” He grinned.
“I will not be coming back, mark my words.”
- Writer
