Two Hearts

Consequences

Eric's POV

I watched as Laura stormed out of the café like a whirlwind, leaving behind nothing but the scent of her perfume and a trail of righteous anger.

Perhaps I had moved too fast. Perhaps I should have offered her a job first. Earned her trust. Let her get comfortable before presenting such an outrageous proposition.

But time wasn't on my side. Every passing day brought us closer to disaster. Daniel's lies couldn't remain hidden forever, and when the truth came out, the consequences would be impossible to undo.

I leaned back in my chair and stared through the window. In many ways, I was disappointed in my son.

Yet I also understood him. Life had not been kind to Daniel. Losing his mother at such a young age had left wounds that never fully healed. Then came Elina's betrayal—the woman he had planned to spend his life with. After that, he had locked his heart away and thrown away the key.

Now he spent his nights surrounded by beautiful women and expensive alcohol, convincing himself he was happy.

His business was thriving. His personal life was a disaster. And somehow, he couldn't see it.

I had promised years ago not to interfere in his decisions. Unfortunately, desperate situations required desperate measures.

My mother's visit was approaching. And when she arrived expecting to meet the wife and children Daniel had been inventing for years...

Everything would collapse.

My thoughts drifted back to the women. The exhaustion in her eyes. The sadness she tried so desperately to hide. Most people would have missed it.

I didn't.

There was something about her that felt genuine. She wasn't impressed by money. She wasn't trying to gain anything. And despite carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, she still managed to smile.

I couldn't explain it.

But the moment she walked into that café, I knew she was exactly the kind of woman Daniel needed.

Then another detail resurfaced in my mind. The wedding ring. She was married. Perhaps she genuinely loved her husband. Or perhaps she stayed because she believed she had no other choice.

Only time would tell.

For now, all I could do was hope she would call. Standing up, I adjusted my suit jacket and headed toward my office.

Halfway there, I pulled out my phone. The call was answered immediately.

"Yes, sir?" - Jacob. Head of my private security team. Efficient. Loyal. Discreet. Everything I valued in an employee.

"I need information on the woman I met this morning." - A brief pause.

"Name?"

"I don't know." - That earned a rare silence.

"We met at Madame Déjà Vu Café." - I glanced toward the café behind me. - "Find out who she is. I want everything."

"Everything?"

"Everything."

"Understood."

The line went dead. No unnecessary questions. No wasted time. Exactly why I paid him so well.

As I slipped the phone back into my pocket, I allowed myself a small smile. For the first time in months, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time.

Hope.

Perhaps for my family. Perhaps for Daniel.

Or perhaps for the woman with the tired green eyes who had no idea how much her life was about to change.

Laura's POV

I was still furious.

The entire walk home, my mind replayed the conversation over and over again.

A fake marriage?

For money?

Who even suggested something like that to a complete stranger? If Eric had offered me a job, I might have understood.

A better salary.

A chance to pay off my debts.

A fresh start.

But marrying his son? Nothing about it made sense.

I was so distracted by my thoughts that I didn't realize I was still holding his business card until I reached my apartment building.

The expensive cardstock was crumpled in my fist. I stared at it for a moment before shoving it deep inside my purse. Not because I intended to call him. I absolutely did not. I simply didn't want Chris finding it.

The moment I opened the apartment door, the familiar smell hit me. Beer. Stale alcohol. Disappointment. Home.

Chris was sprawled across the couch with a game controller in his hands. Two empty beer cans sat near his feet.

"Hey, babe." - His eyes remained glued to the television. - "You're back. Where'd you go?"

"I went for a walk."

"Nice." - A pause.

"Did you stop by the store?"

I closed my eyes briefly.

"No."

"Didn't buy beer?"

Of course. Not How are you? Not Did you enjoy your walk? Beer. Always beer.

"No."

Chris finally looked away from the screen.

"I texted you."

I frowned and pulled out my phone. Sure enough, there it was. Hey, grab me three beers. Thanks.

That was it. No heart. No kiss emoji. No I love you. Just beer. I wasn't even surprised anymore.

"Sorry," I said quietly. "My phone was on silent."

"So, are you going?"

There was no accusation in his voice. No anger. Yet somehow, I still felt obligated to ask.

"Do you want me to?" - For years, I'd learned to avoid conflict before it started. It was easier. Safer. Less exhausting.

Chris shrugged.

"Nah. I'll go myself. Need snacks anyway."

Relief washed over me. At least this argument had been avoided.

"Okay. I'll start dinner. The kids will be home soon." - He nodded and immediately returned to his game.

Conversation over. Just like every day.

And for the first time, I couldn't stop wondering whether this was all my future would ever be.

A week passed.

The strange encounter with Eric Carter slowly faded into the background of my life. I returned to work and buried myself in deadlines. Work had always been my escape. If I stayed busy enough, maybe I wouldn't have to think. Maybe I wouldn't have to feel.

I was just about to make myself a coffee when my phone rang.

Unknown number.

My stomach dropped instantly. Debt collectors. Who else would be calling?

I stepped into an empty hallway before answering.

"Hello?"

"Good afternoon. Am I speaking with Laura Brown?" - The woman's voice was cold. Professional. Unforgiving. My heart sank. I already knew how this conversation would end.

"Yes, speaking."

"I'm calling regarding your overdue payment."

I closed my eyes. Here we go.

"Your account is currently one month behind. According to our agreement, you must now pay both the overdue balance and your current monthly payment."

My throat tightened.

"We have already granted multiple extensions, Mrs. Brown. Unfortunately, if payment is not received, legal action will proceed."

Legal action. The words hit me like a punch.

"Please," I said. "I understand the situation, but I can't make a double payment." I spoke quickly, afraid she would interrupt. "I have children. Rent. Utilities. Groceries. I'm trying. I really am."

The silence that followed felt endless. Then came the answer.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Brown." She didn't sound sorry. "I'm giving you one final week."

My chest tightened.

"If we do not receive the full payment within seven days, the case will be forwarded to court."

Seven days.

"Please..."

"We all have responsibilities, Mrs. Brown." Her voice remained emotionless. "Next time, consider your financial situation before taking out loans."

The call ended.

Just like that. No negotiation. No compromise. No hope.

I slid down the wall and sat on the cold floor. My phone slipped from my fingers.

Seven days.

That was all I had left. After that, my accounts could be frozen. My wages reduced. My entire life turned upside down. For months I had been fighting to keep everything together. And suddenly, I wasn't sure I could do it anymore.

Tears burned behind my eyes. Where was I supposed to find that kind of money? What was I supposed to do?

For a brief moment, a memory surfaced - Silver-streaked hair. Piercing blue eyes. A calm voice offering the impossible.

"Four months. That's all I ask."

I had called him insane. I had walked away. I had sworn I would never accept.

Yet now...

As panic wrapped around my chest like a vice...

I found myself wondering whether Eric Carter's offer was the only lifeline I had left.