Two Hearts

Chapter 4

No, Dad, I cannot marry a pauper!" Joe nearly shouted, his voice laced with frustration.

Joe Holland, son of the renowned multi-billionaire Greg Holland, was a man of striking allure yet ill-mannered. He has a lean figure yet a muscular frame that complemented his height. He is six feet tall. Physically, Joe is to die for. His golden-brown eyes are as beautiful as the sunset, his silky dark wavy hair and firm face. Everything complimented the other, one can say was specially crafted by God.

"Watch your tone, son!" Greg's voice boomed, his eyes narrowing in disapproval. "Having more than others does not make you superior."

"Dad, this is my life! You cannot dictate whom I should love or marry. I am a grown man, capable of making my own decisions. And besides, that girl is beneath me."

Mrs. Lucy, Greg’s wife, approached Joe gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Son, don’t be upset. Your father only wants what’s best for you."

Joe recoiled as if her touch burned him. Disgust flashed across his face as he shoved her hand off his shoulder, dusting off his tailored Armani gray suit. "You are not my mother, and I am not your son. I don’t need your concern."

A sharp gasp escaped Lucy's lips as she staggered back, her face pale with shock. Her hands trembled at Joe’s cold rejection.

Greg's patience snapped. He strode forward and delivered a resounding slap across Joe’s face. "You will not disrespect my wife! Not in my presence, not anywhere! She has done nothing but show you kindness, and the least you can do is respect her because she is my wife."

Lucy, too shaken to speak, turned and left the room, leaving the father and son locked in a silent battle of wills.

Greg's voice was steely when he finally spoke. "It’s simple. Either you marry Emily, or you forfeit your inheritance and the position as CEO. Make your choice."

Joe's jaw clenched. "You can't do this to me. I already have a fiancée whom I love. I refuse to marry the daughter of a thief!"

Greg's expression remained impassive. "I decide who is a thief, not you. And under no circumstance will I allow you to marry that disgrace of a woman. You have forty-eight hours to make up your mind."

With that, Greg turned on his heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Joe let out a guttural growl of frustration, swiping everything off his desk in a single motion. His chest heaved as he paced the room, mind racing for a way out. His eyes landed on a photograph lying among the scattered papers—an old picture of him with his mother. He bent down, picking it up with shaking hands.

Tears blurred his vision as he whispered, "I wish you were here, Mom. Maybe things would have been different. We were whole, we were happy until death stole you away from me."

He fell to his knees, his grip tightening around the photograph, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. "Why?"

But there was no answer, only the weight of his father’s ultimatum pressing down on him.

With a deep, shuddering breath, Joe wiped his tears, stripped off his clothes, and stepped into the shower, letting the water wash away the chaos.

***

"Emily! What a beautiful young woman you've grown into." Greg beamed as Emily and her father, Mr. Johnson, entered his office. He rose from his chair and greeted her with a cheek-to-cheek kiss.

"Good day, Mr. Greg." Emily smiled politely, her delicate features soft yet poised.

"Good day, my dear. Welcome, Johnson. I trust you bring me good news?" Greg’s eyes flickered with expectation as he looked at Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Johnson gave a small nod. "Yes, sir. My daughter has made her decision."

Emily took a deep breath, stepping forward. "It would be an honor to become your daughter-in-law."

"Perfect! That means we have a wedding to plan." Greg grinned, laughter filling the room.

"Yes, we do. I’m quite excited," Emily added, her smile unwavering. Her father placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"How would you like the wedding? A private family affair, or something more elaborate?" Greg inquired.

Emily hesitated. "I think Joe and I should discuss that first. But I would prefer a small gathering."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Joe stepped inside. At first, he mistook the visitors for business associates, but a second glance made his stomach drop.

Oh, my doomsday has arrived, he thought grimly.

He strolled towards his father’s desk, deliberately brushing against Emily’s shoulder as he passed.

Emily’s breath hitched. Her heart pounded as she slowly lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Joe. Time seemed to stop. A shiver raced down her spine.

"Good lord," she whispered under her breath before she managed to find her voice. "Hi."

Joe’s lips curled into a smirk. "You must be the new janitor."

Emily blinked, tilting her head in confusion. "Huh?"

Greg chuckled, shaking his head. "Very funny, son. This is Emily, your fiancée. The one you were so eager to meet."

Joe's golden eyes flickered with amusement as he studied her. For a fleeting moment, he thought, The beautiful ones are born, but they are classless.

"Oh, Emily, pardon my manners," he said smoothly. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you."

"We were discussing your wedding," Greg continued. "Emily prefers an intimate gathering, but she wants to discuss it with you first."

Joe forced a smile. "I’m fine with whatever the lady wants. A small gathering sounds perfect."

"Well then, that’s settled!" Greg clapped his hands. "Any suggestions, Johnson? My apologies—Mr. Johnson, since we’re almost family now."

"No, there’s nothing to add," Mr. Johnson replied.

"Excellent. Then I’ll leave you two to get acquainted." Greg stood. "Johnson, would you care to join me for lunch?"

"I wish I could, but I have urgent matters at home."

"Very well." Greg and Mr. Johnson exited, leaving Joe and Emily alone.

Joe walked to the window, gazing out at the city skyline, hands clasped behind his back. "This will be an open marriage. You do whatever you want; I do whatever I want. I assume you were forced into this, just as I was. Consider it a favor on my part—you should be grateful."

He turned slightly, catching Emily’s profile in his peripheral vision. His voice softened, yet held an unmistakable edge. "Am I clear?"

Stepping forward, he tilted her chin up with a single finger. Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither moved. Emily's breath caught in her throat as his warm breath ghosted over her skin.

"You’re quite beautiful. I imagine you have plenty of classless suitors vying for you." A lazy smirk played on his lips. "There’s an SUV downstairs to take you home. Best get used to luxury."

Emily remained frozen, staring at him.

Joe chuckled, snapping his fingers in front of her face. "Falling for me already? Don’t you think that’s a bit quick?"

With that, he strode

to the door, holding it open. Emily squared her shoulders, turned on her heel, and left without a word.