Billionaire bargain bride

Chapter 2

After leaving the Alcott Industries building, Elmira walked aimlessly through the bustling city streets, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The hum of city life buzzed around her, but she was lost in her thoughts, barely noticing the crowd. Henry's proposal echoed in her ears—a marriage, not of love, but of convenience and strategy. Could she actually consider such an offer?

As she wandered, her phone buzzed again. Another text from the same unknown number: "Meet me at the Crescent Park bench near the fountain. It's important." Hesitant but intrigued, Elmira found herself drawn to the park, curiosity fueling her steps.

Crescent Park was a slice of tranquility amidst the urban chaos. As she approached the designated bench, a figure stepped out from the shadows—a woman in her mid-thirties, elegantly dressed but with a cautious look in her eyes.

"Elmira St. James?" the woman asked, her voice low.

"Yes, that’s me. Who are you?"

"I’m Miranda. I used to be in your position." The woman's eyes were filled with a mix of empathy and warning. "I got your number from a friend who’s worried about you. We don’t have much time, so listen carefully.

"Elmira sat beside her, her heart pounding. "What do you mean, ‘in my position’?"

Miranda glanced around before continuing, "Henry Alcott proposed a strategic marriage to me a year ago. I considered it, thinking it could be my golden ticket. But the more I learned about what he expected... it’s not just about appearances. There’s more at stake than you can imagine."

Elmira’s hands felt cold, her voice barely a whisper. "What are you saying?"

"He’s involved in some shady business deals, Elmira. The kind that doesn't just risk your reputation but your safety too. I got out before it was too late, but it cost me."

"Why are you telling me this?" Elmira’s skepticism mingled with her fear.

"Because no one warned me, and I wish they had. You seem like a good person. You should know what you’re walking into.

"The conversation was cut short by a sudden call on Miranda’s phone. She answered, her face turning pale as she listened. "I have to go," she said abruptly, standing up. "Be careful, Elmira. Think about what you’re getting into."

With that, Miranda hurried away, leaving Elmira alone with her thoughts. The park seemed less peaceful now, more isolating. Could Henry truly be involved in dangerous activities? Was the financial security worth the risk?

Elmira made her way home, her decision weighing heavily on her. By the time she reached her modest apartment, she had resolved to seek more information before making her choice. But as she opened her door, she found her living room in disarray—furniture overturned, papers scattered. Her heart dropped.

In the middle of the chaos was an envelope, placed precisely on her coffee table. Elmira approached it tentatively, her hands trembling as she tore it open. Inside was a single photograph and a note. The photo showed Henry talking intimately with a notorious crime boss, a figure Elmira recognized from the news. The note was simple and chilling: "Consider this a warning.

"Elmira sank onto her couch, the photo in her lap. Someone was going to great lengths to sway her decision, using fear as their weapon. She realized that her involvement with Henry Alcott might already be deeper than she had anticipated.

The night was quiet around her, too quiet, as if holding its breath. Elmira knew she couldn’t ignore the dangers any longer. But as she stared at the photo, another thought struck her—an opportunity to uncover the truth about Henry Alcott, to possibly bring light to the shadows he dwelled in.

Was she ready to take that risk? As she pondered, a knock on her door jolted her. It was late, much too late for visitors. A sense of foreboding filled the air as she moved to answer it, her hand shaky on the doorknob. Who could it be at this hour, and why did Elmira feel like opening the door might change everything?