In His Arms, Against Her Will

Chapter 5 You Play the Role Well

Bethany was led into Sullivan's office by his secretary. He was on the phone.

"There's no turning back now. It's just a title, don't overthink it. I'll divorce her in half a year. I can promise you that." His voice was gentle and affectionate.

But when he turned around, Bethany was surprised to find that his eyes held no warmth at all.

Was the person on the other end of the line his fiancée, Clara?

Why wasn't he taking such a private call in front of her? What was his intention? Was it purely to intimidate her? Or did he simply not care about Clara at all?

Bethany couldn't figure it out, and her impression of Sullivan worsened. Hypocritical, cold, and so calculating it was frightening.

The call finally ended, and Sullivan handed Bethany a contract. "Ms. Jones, take a look. If you have no objections, we can sign the contract now."

Bethany picked up the contract and flipped through a few pages. One clause stated "The two parties must appear as a loving couple in public, which may include hand-holding, hugging, and kissing on the cheek."

Bethany frowned, pointing at the clause. "Mr. Fisher, this wasn't in our verbal agreement. I can't agree to this condition."

Sullivan glanced at her. "These are just for public image. Don't worry, I won't do anything to you."

Bethany shook her head stubbornly. "No. I'm not a good enough actress to convincingly play the role of Mrs. Fisher."

"Oh, really?" Sullivan looked away, admiring the scenery outside the window. "Just now, at the front desk downstairs, you played the role very well!"

Bethany was speechless, her face flushing red. "Sullivan, I truly pity your employees! You're monitoring them anytime, anywhere!"

"Of course, this is the workplace. Security cameras are not illegal." Sullivan replied confidently, walking up to her and looking intently into her eyes. "I've already made an appointment with the surgeon for Leslie's surgery. Once you sign, we can send Leslie on the plane tomorrow."

Leslie, he said her name so casually, as if she were his own sister.

Bethany looked into his eyes. They were cold and deep, making her heart pound with fear, yet she was powerless to resist.

*****

When Bethany walked out of Sullivan's office, she felt utterly drained.

Damn it! It was raining outside.

The cold wind whipped against her, raindrops stinging her skin. Bethany hugged herself, shivering slightly.

Sullivan's voice suddenly drifted from behind her, cool and indifferent. "Don't have an umbrella? I'll give you a ride."

"No need. I'll take the bus." Bethany refused without hesitation.

Sullivan didn't say much, turning to leave.

Bethany waited for a while, but the rain showed no sign of letting up. Just as she was about to brave the downpour, a black car suddenly stopped in front of her.

The passenger door opened, and Sullivan looked at her with an impassive face. "Get in."

The wind was strong, and as soon as the door opened, rain poured into the car. Yet, Sullivan made no move to close it.

Stubborn man! Bethany muttered to herself helplessly, climbing into the car.

Sullivan smoothly recited her location and stepped on the accelerator, merging onto the main road.

"You have a good memory, Mr. Fisher," Bethany replied sarcastically.

He had thoroughly investigated her, even finding out her address.

Sullivan smiled. "Thank you."

Traffic ahead began to back up, cars forming a long line. The traffic lights seemed to have lost their function.

Twenty minutes passed, and the car hadn't moved an inch.

Bethany grew anxious, pulling out her phone to check the time. It was almost six o'clock.

The school bus from the blind school only stopped at the entrance of the community. She didn't know if Leslie had an umbrella. What would she do in such heavy rain?

Sullivan glanced at her. "In a hurry?"

Bethany nodded worriedly, her eyes on the heavy rain outside. "Yes. My sister will be out of school soon, and I don't know if she has an umbrella."

They waited for another ten minutes. After passing the most congested section, the road gradually cleared.

Sullivan drove quickly, and soon they arrived at Bethany's neighborhood.

The neighborhood was too old, and Sullivan's car was too big to drive in.

Bethany looked around for a while, making sure she didn't see Leslie's school bus, before holding her bag over her head, ready to get out of the car.

"Mr. Fisher, thank you for driving me home. Drive safely."

"There are umbrellas in the trunk. Take one." Sullivan looked at the dilapidated neighborhood.

Among the low-rise, shabby houses stood two old, four-story buildings with peeling paint. They looked particularly cramped and desolate.

"No need! I'll run over." Bethany didn't want to owe him any more favors and ran off with her bag over her head.

She had only taken a few steps when a man holding an umbrella ran towards her. "Bethany! Is that you? Why didn't you bring an umbrella?"

Bethany's body trembled, and she stopped.

Owen ran over and held a large black umbrella over her head.

Bethany stared at Owen coldly, her voice even colder than her eyes. "Go away. I don't know you!"

Owen panicked, reaching for her hand. "Bethany, listen to me! I made a mistake, I shouldn't have used you! But I did it for our future! If I become a director, if I have money, we can afford Leslie's treatment!"

"Shut up!" Bethany tried hard to control herself, but her whole body was trembling with anger. "Shut up! You're not worthy of mentioning Leslie's name! Get out of my way! Don't make me despise you even more!"

Owen was stunned. He had thought that after Bethany's anger subsided, he could coax her back with sweet words. He didn't expect her attitude to be so firm!

Bethany used to love him so much! When she earned money from work, she would buy a roast chicken. She would always give half of the chicken to Leslie and wouldn't even take a bite herself. But now, she looked at him with cold eyes, telling him to go away!

Owen was truly scared. He rushed forward and hugged Bethany. "Bethany! Let's not fight, okay? I was wrong. Please give me another chance! I know you still love me!"

The familiar embrace, the familiar scent, but this man disgusted Bethany.

She struggled to break free, but Owen held her tightly as if his life depended on it.

Bethany angrily raised her leg to kick him. Owen simply threw away the umbrella, using both arms to trap her!

The rain poured down, quickly soaking their clothes.

Sullivan sat in the car, watching the man and woman in the heavy rain. Finally, he got out of the car.

The heavy rain poured down on him. Soaked, he stood beside Bethany and pulled Owen's arm away. "Let her go!"