A Proposition for the Secret Billionaire

Chapter 3

The next morning had Jeremiah storming his Uncle’s office as he held up the contract in his hands. “Is this some kind of joke? Please tell me this isn’t real.” he raged as he shoved the contract in his Uncle’s face.

“Calm down boy, lets sit down like two adults and discuss this.” Uncle Bernie said calmly trying to maintain his composure.

“We should’ve sat down like two adults in the first place before you decided what course my life should take.” Jeremiah said, Anger evidently written all over him.

Uncle Bernie sat watching as he rambled on, “You have no right to give me conditions before I can inherit my company, I have…”

“It was your father’s dying wish” Uncle Bernie said in a soft voice, so soft that for a second Jeremiah couldn’t make out what he said “what?” Jeremiah asked in a whisper, when it finally dawned on him.

“Sit down Jeremiah.” Uncle Bernie said calmly, but Jeremiah stood there, rooted to a spot, his legs unwilling to move. Uncle Bernie stood up and came around the table, he held Jeremiah’s trembling shoulders as he led him to the seat across from him. He turned and went back round the table.

“Your father saw to it that I included that last piece of information to the contract before his very eyes.” Uncle Bernie went on to say as he settled back into his chair.

“But why would he demand such conditions from me Uncle? Why?” Jeremiah asked, in a cold voice.

Uncle Bernie knew the toll this was taking on Jeremiah. Anything that concerns the past always had this effect on him. But this was something Jeremiah will have to come in terms with himself. “I guess your father knew you too well son, He knew you needed a push to get married.”

“I don’t need a wife Uncle.” Jeremiah said with an edge to his voice, his face getting hard.

Here's an improved version of the text, with some refinements to enhance clarity, flow, and emotional depth:

Across the table, Uncle Bernie regarded Jeremiah with what seemed to be pity in his eyes. He had watched his nephew grow into an intelligent young man with a drive for order and perfection, despite coming from a broken home. Bernie understood why Jeremiah rebelled against the idea of marriage, and why his brother Alexander had made it a condition that his son must find a wife before inheriting the family business.

Jeremiah's mother, Naomi, had been a call girl when she met Alexander at a club. Their night of passion led to an unexpected consequence: a year later, Naomi appeared on Alexander's doorstep with baby Jeremiah in her arms. Alexander, ever the gentleman, offered to marry her, and she accepted.

Five years into their marriage, Naomi asked for her freedom, but Alexander was too in love to let her go. Their relationship deteriorated rapidly. Naomi began arguing with Alexander over everything, hurling insults about his perceived poverty and wretchedness. She brazenly brought male clients home whenever Alexander was out, servicing them even in Jeremiah's presence.

Though young, Jeremiah was acutely aware of the dysfunction. He often sought refuge at Uncle Bernie's house across the street, finding solace in his uncle's stable home. Eventually, Bernie had to intervene, advising Alexander to let Naomi go for Jeremiah's sake.

Alexander reluctantly agreed, and Naomi left, abandoning both husband and son without a backward glance. Her departure left Alexander devastated and miserable, ultimately contributing to his untimely death. Scarred by this experience, Jeremiah swore off women, vowing never to marry and suffer the same fate as his father.

“Jeremiah, I don’t know if you know this but your father was really sorry about putting you through that trauma.” Uncle Bernie said.

“ Father did nothing wrong, his only mistake was marrying the devil.” Jeremiah said in a defensive tone.

“I know, and that was the reason he refused to remarry because he was scared of making the same mistake twice.” he hesitated, “look Jeremiah, you're 32 already and the only one left to carry on the family name, and keeping this company in the family is solely up to you. Seeing that I have no children of my own.”

“That can easily be arranged Uncle, I can find a woman to bear me children without having to get married.” Jeremiah said.

“And what happens then? we go over this again? Are you willing to bring a child into this world without a mother to come home to? You want him to grow up like you did?” Uncle Bernie asked with unsaid words flying across the room.

Uncle Bernard’s words seemed to have piqued Jeremiah’s conscience because his features softened a little.

“Alright Uncle, I will do you and fathers bidding.” Jeremiah said, unwilling to prolong the issue further.

“That’s nice to hear son, now…” Uncle Bernie said, opening his topmost drawer, “I have a list of eligible young ladies I’ll like you to go on dates with.” he stretched out his arm, handing Jeremiah the file containing different ladies and their profiles.

“I don’t have time for that.” he said waving the file away from his face, “just pick the one you think is the most suitable, and arrange a meeting, I want to get this over and done with immediately.”

He stood up. looking down on his Uncle, he said, ”Be rest assured that I’m doing this for duty and nothing else. My devotion will only be to my children and not to some random chit.”

He turned and headed for the door.

“One more thing Jeremiah” Uncle Bernie called out “how do I introduce you to the prospective lady? Nobody knows your true identity yet.”

Jeremiah hesitated at the door, his hands stilled on the door knob “Tell her its one of your workers.” he said with gritted teeth as he turned the knob and stepped out.