ONE NIGHT FOREVER BOUND

CHAPTER 3

Ava felt her legs stuck to the ground unable to proceed further. Drake's words hits her like a tidal wave. How does he know about my father? Who gave him that information? Thousands of questions kept rushing through her mind. She stood still trying to process what she just heard.

Ava turned to face Drake. She narrowed her eyes "what do you know about my father" she said her voice low and serious.

Anger written all over her face. "Alfred Davis, former Accountant manager of Star Day enterprises. Age 52, he is facing embezzlement charges" Drake narrated as he kept scrolling on the tablet on his hands. "I know he is innocent but the evidence against him is overwhelming" he said leaning forward out of his chair.

"How did you...?" Ava's voice trembled, words failing her. Her eye widened in surprise. How could he have known about her father's case, or has he been stalking on me all these while? Ava could help but wondered.

"I have been keeping close watch on you" Drake admitted. It was as if he knew what was running through her mind. "Since our encounter at the club, I knew about all your struggles to clear your father's name."Ava stood still her gaze locked on Drake's. She couldn't believe how much he knows about her.

"Marry me Ava for just six months and I will use my influence and power to save your father from facing jail time" Drake continued, "My position as the CEO of PHOENIX EMPIRE is under threat. The family demands for my spouse. They believed a married man would be able to be more stable and committed to the companies interest" Drake explained, "moreover, you are just a fearless woman who could handle the scrutinies and the media attention" he said.

Drake rose from his chair. He approached her with calculating steps. He stopped walking, leaving few inches in between, his gaze locked on Ava's, awaiting her response. Ava stood still, the thought of her father swirled through her mind. The thought of her father's desperate phone calls and the weight of the impending imprisonment.

"Oh God... what am I getting myself into? Out of all the possible solutions in this world, why will this become my last resort. Dad..." Ava thought inwardly Since it was for her Dad, she wouldn't mind going that far for him, after all Drake is so rich and powerful, he should definitely be able to save her father.

Ava straightened her back and said to Drake. "I will become your wife, but beside saving my father, you also have to agree to my other request" Drake narrowed his eyes at her, giving her a look of interest. "I don't thinking you are in the right position to negotiate, but nevertheless, tell me about it"

"Six months with you, no strings attached and my safety is guaranteed" Ava knew accepting Drake's offer is same as putting her life on the line. Drake was the young handsome CEO of one of the top multi-billion dollar company in the City of Boston, of course he would have a bunch of crazy fan girls all trying make him theirs, and once they know they are married, they will definitely be after her life.

Drake took no time to think about it. "Deal" he said. He immediately walked back to his sit and brought out a paper from an envelope on the table. Drake was already prepared. He had prepared the marriage contract document prior to her arrival. "Sign this document" Drake said giving her the document. Ava collected the document from him without hesitation.

She scanned through the marriage contract document. There was only one space left for signature. She signed the document and returned the papers back to him. Drake received the documents from her. He look though it for a while. When he finished he walked back to his position and returned the document back into the envelope.

"When can we get the marriage certificate?" he asked raising his head to meet her gaze. "Anytime, I will have my documents ready." She replied. "Then let's get it sorted now. After we are married, I will hold a press conference to announce our relationship officially" Drake said. "Alright, I will head out to get my document and we will at the city hall" Ava said as she turned to leave. "No, we don't have to meet at the city Hall, we leave together now" Drake cold voice stopped her from her tracks, sending shiver down her spine. Ava turned back. She couldn't help but let out a sigh "okay" she said reluctantly.

As Ava sat at the front passenger sit while Drake drives their way to the City Hall, the thought of marrying the man sitting right next her still felt unreal. "Am I going to marry someone just like that?" She questioned in her head. She had always believed in marrying who she loved. She had always planned to get married to Josh since they were done with college. But he already dumped her for another girl. "Damn Josh, if you hadn't left me, I wouldn't have to marry Drake" she cursed in her head. She never expected she could get married so soon after the break up. However when she thought about her father, she was left with no choice.

The car stopped right at the entrance of the City Hall. Ava climber out of the car. Her phone rang, it was from the Prison remain section. "Wait for me, I will take this call first" She told Drake as she stepped aside to receive the call. Five minutes later, she hung up. It was her father, he was worried, he asked about her progress in finding an attorney.

Ava assured him telling him she was able to get one already but she left the marriage part. She couldn't tell her father what she had to do to get him out of prison. She was worried he would be not happy about it.

"Are you okay?" Drake said when he realised the sad expression on her face. She quickly cover her sad looks with smile. "Ye.. yes, I'm fine" She replied hastily. As they entered the Hall, they were welcomed by the chill air in the hall. The Hall has a unique interior style of architecture, with intricate carvings around the column.the choice of colours blending in with the floor finishes as well as the furniture.

"We are here" Drake's voice brought Ava from her trances the thought of her father kept on swirling through her mind. She was lost in thoughts that she wasn't aware they were inside the hall already. "Oh okay. Uhmmm could you wait I need to use the rest room" Drake glared at her patiently. "Then make it quick" He said as he watched her entering the rest room.

As soon as Ava was done using the rest room, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror at the vanity area. She tucked in a stray of hair falling off her face behind her ears. She scanned her face for a moment, ensuring every feature was in place. Suddenly, the door to the restroom swung open, and a figure appeared behind her in the mirror Ava gasped when she realised the person standing behind her in the mirror. This was the least person she ever expected to see.