From chaos to happiness

AT THE COMPANY Rachael entered the office confidently, a cup of coffee in her hands. She had the routine of always bringing coffee to her boss, Mr. James for the past 3years, who was the CEO of the company. “Your coffee sir!” She said while dropping the cup on the table. Her boss was sitting with his back to her, facing the window and admiring the view, since they were on the top floor of a luxurious 20-story business building that he owned. Without hesitating, she continued by announcing the program for the day. “The documents for the 10a.m. meeting are ready. The representative of the tech company has arrived and has been escorted to his hotel. Your meeting with him is scheduled for 1p.m., and the visit to the disabled foundation is scheduled for 3.30p.m. That’s all for the day, sir.” She continued, reviewing the documents in her hands before placing them on the office table, making sure everything was ok. She had always been a perfectionist. “Ohhh…Rachael, Rachael, Rachael.. Striving for perfection and on time, as usual.” Mr. James said with no surprise, still looking at the window. He had always admired her sense of organization, her optimism, her dedication to work and her punctuality. That’s the reason why though she did not have the possibility to further her studies, he trusted her fully with delicate documents and meetings. He then turned his chair to face her, took a sip of the coffee and exclaimed with satisfaction, “Perfect as usual! What will I do without you?” Hearing those words from her boss warmed Rachael's heart. She had worked so hard to be noticed positively, and Mr. James wasn’t the type to appreciate work easily. But she sensed something was off. Mr. James' expression seemed colder than usual, despite the compliment, and she could feel he was worried about something. She had worked for him for 3years and knew him well, and she was also naturally very observant. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. But can I ask what’s wrong? You seem worried.” “Take a seat.” He instructed her directly. He had always been a cold and straightforward man ever since she started working with him, but hearing those words comforted her in the fact that something was wrong. Mr. James had never asked her to sit, as he was always, and did not appreciate company. She sat down slowly, her mind full of questions. “Why choose the business sector?” he said, looking at her with a serious expression. “I know you are smart, determined and have all the qualities to excel in any job you want. But why business?” Rachael was shocked by his sudden interest in her personal life. Mr. James was known to be a cold and distant man. People even started assuming he was not attracted by women and was using his indifference as a way to hide his true nature. But knowing him, she knew she had to be direct and honest, as he did not tolerate lies. “From what I remember, when I was young, my dad had a small car company, my mother could not afford my tuition for my university studies since my dad died when I was still young, so I had to drop school to support her. I could gather enough money to go back to school but my mother was diagnosed with respiratory issues, as you know.” “The memories of my dad doing business is what motivated me, it gave me the impression I was still connected to him. That’s why I’m working so hard to go back to school and finish my studies.” She replied trying to maintain her professionalism, but deep down, she felt sad when thinking about her mother, who was now battling and needed to go through surgery, which was very expensive. “I’m sorry about that! You are so brave and courageous. I admire the way you never let your emotions get the better of you.” Mr. James answered. “Thank you sir.” Rachael replied with a smile on her face. But she knew the sudden interest of Mr. James concerning her private life was hiding something else. She had already told him her mother was sick. That’s why she usually took permission from him to visit her at the hospital. “But why this sudden interest in my personal life, if I may ask?” She continued, facing the ground, scared she went too far with her questions. Mr. James smiled for a second, then took back his serious look, letting no emotions transpire, “Rachael, I will be straightforward. I have a proposal for you, a contract marriage, 2years, after which you’ll be free to ask for a divorce, and you’ll receive compensation which will grant you financial freedom till the end of your life. Your mother’s surgery and all related expenses will be taken care of. A single condition to be respected; your mother is the only person that can be aware of the deal. In case of any leakage from your side, I’ll take legal actions against you.” Rachael stood frozen, millions of questions in her mind. She was taken off guard, she was always planning and anticipating everything. She stood for 3 minutes speechless, before she could finally gather herself to talk, “But sir, why me?” “I knew my proposal would disorient you, but as I told you earlier, you are smart, optimistic, organized and always punctual, besides my mother likes you.” His mother had always complimented the way she worked hard anytime she passed by the company to visit her son. Mr. James knew her mother would accept her easily and would not be suspicious if he married Rachael. “Sir, what about my marital responsibilities?” Though Rachael was thrilled with what Mr. James just said about her, she couldn’t resist but ask what he was expecting from her. Still being a virgin, she promised herself she’ll only offer her body to the man that will love and respect her and she’ll do it with only one man. Mr. James smiled, then answered gently knowing she was worried. Hearing her asking those questions comforted him in the choice he just made. ´She’s smart, hardworking, honest and also respects herself and her body. She’s best for this contract.’ He told himself. “Don’t bother about that. If you accept my proposal, you’ll not be forced to do anything. We’ll do separate rooms till the contract expires. You’ll have to pretend in public and represent my family’s name wherever you go, and no error is to be committed. You can take your time to think about it.” “Thank you sir. But will I be able to go back to school?” She asked softly and nervously. Mr. James' admiration grew stronger again as he heard her question. ´She knows she’ll be financially free if she agrees, but she still wants to go to school. What an amazing person,´ he told himself. But he quickly turned back to the serious person he was usually before replying. “Yes! For sure, you can.” Rachael did not think twice again. The opportunity was too good to be missed. She knew if she worked for the next 3 years she could not reach what Mr. James was proposing to her. She saw the opportunity as a blessing from God to finally be able to treat her mother. “I don’t need to think, sir. I accept your proposal.” She answered happily and excitedly, almost falling from the chair, before rapidly gathering herself into the professional woman she had always been. “Can I go and announce the good news to my mother?” She could not wait to announce the news to her mother, who she also considered as her best friend, she had no secrets for her. “Yes, you can.” Mr James replied, taking the documents she earlier dropped on the table for a last review before his meeting. As she stood up to leave, a question crossed her mind, which benefits will Mr. James get in marrying her? Though she had heard some allegations from the tabloid press stipulating he was not attracted to women, it could be an attempt to stop them. “Naaaaaa…knowing Mr. James, he can’t get married just to stop those allegations” she told herself. She thought it would be better to ask, to know where she’s stepping into. The agreement was good, too good to be real for her. ‘There must be a trap,´ she thought. Gathering her courage, she took a serious look and asked him, “Sir, if I may ask, why marry me? What benefits would you get from it?”