His contracted wife

Chapter one Coffee aroma permeated the small, crowded apartment that Emilia Gray rented, although it did not have any sort of a calming effect on her. She was sitting at the kitchen table, looking at her computer; the numbers on the screen that she’d rather unimaginable did not exist. Rent: past due. Utilities: overdue. Credit card: maxed out. She remained worried as she browsed through the expenses or rather the mess that had become of her life’s financial status. But that was before the event planning business went down before she was left with unpaid bills and clients that were scarce to come by. Scratching her hair with her fingers, Emilia smiled weakly and blew out air. No matter how many times she tried to come up with a solution, the answer was always the same, she had no choice at this point. She had no more savings, badly needed credit, a deplorable career and a sick mother to support her. In her mind, she was thinking if she didn’t do something soon, she would be stripped clean – her job, home, children, cars, furniture, everything. Her phone rang and this brought her back to her senses. She looked at the screen and saw this number; she knew it immediately. That message ‘The Red Strings’ was sent by – Blackwood Enterprises. She had been expecting a call that would bring better news than what she had been receiving, and when it came, she felt both fear and hope. Emilia was doubtful, and she registered a sigh on her lips. This could be it. The opportunity she was waiting for and which she was praying for as a halter to help financial disaster. And, it was not the kind of opportunity that she had dreamed of all her life for herself. She took the telephone in her hand to answer it; her hand was slightly quivering. “Hi, this is Emilia Gray. ” “Hello, Good day, Miss Gray. This is Cheryl from Blackwood Enterprises, and I am not disturbing you, am I?” Emilia just tried to sit up taller and talk with more confidence than what she was feeling. “Oh no not at all.” “We have gone through your portfolio, and frankly, we were taken aback by some of the work you did,” Cheryl spoke calmly, although she was a pleased employer. “The company that is owned by Mr Blackwood is having a gala in three weeks and we would like you to work for us as our lead event planner. ” A wave of relief flowed through the veins of Emilia. This could solve everything. Planning one of Blackwood Enterprises’ events was no mean feat; she could earn more than what she could earn in a year working on one of their gala events. She tightened her hold on the handle of the phone and calmly enquired, “Well, just what kind of a job is this?” Cheryl’s voice remained smooth. “You would be in charge of the entire event, starting from the food provider, the venue, performers, the guest list and anything that has to do with the event. Mr Blackwood is very particular about events. That’s why he hired me to work here.” Of course, Mr. Blackwood. Julian Blackwood, the tech billionaire whose app appeared on the covers of business journals, and where commentators analysed his enterprise, his impact, and most specifically, his magnanimous personality, or the lack of it – or so some people claimed. owing to the articles she was able to read about him, she never wanted to be close to him. He was considered a man who was devilish in business, unemotional in human relations, and a success-oriented man. At the same time, the notion of working for him filled her with aversion; she couldn't refuse such a well-paid position. This made Emilia automatically frown, “That sound… It should be possible,” she quickly corrected herself, making sure to stay formal. “I have something else,” Cheryl said, her tone changing a little; the woman was about to say something serious. “Mr. Blackwood has also described another opportunity he and you can talk face to face, and I really cannot discuss any further by phone, but it’s something rare.” Realising that she did not understand what she was implying, Emilia blinked, trying to clear her mind. What could Julian Blackwood want from her other than the gala? She was an event planner, not a business strategist or executive “Another opportunity?” repeated her with a certain degree of suspicion. “Yes but let us arrange the details after planning the event to be held during the gala-a affair, " Cheryl said professionally. “Now let us look at how we can get the event underway early tomorrow. Please come into the office so that you can meet the team.” Emilia’s heart did a flip-flop, and she cleared her throat before she could respond, shoving aside her apprehension. She had no choice. This was her opportunity to try, by all means, to get out of the financial hole she had dug for herself. “Yes, I can come in tomorrow. For your information, I remain available all day if my services are needed. “Wonderful,” Cheryl said. “I shall forward the particulars of the meeting shortly. We are certain it will be our pleasure to work with you, Miss Gray. ” After that call ended, Emilia slowly released the grip that she had on the phone, exhaling shakily. The stiff look on her shoulders relaxed only a little. She had a job—finally. A real paid employment where a client could wipe off all her financial woes with one stroke of a pen. However, there was a feeling about the offer. What other opportunity that Cheryl had mentioned.