Chapter 2
457 Words
The H Holdings boardroom was all glass and silence.
Reilly waited in the hallway, face down. She wasn’t allowed inside. “Men’s business,” Selene had said that morning while fixing Reilly’s hair. “Just smile and don’t speak unless spoken to.”
Through the double doors, she could hear voices.
“Mr. Hemsworth,” her father said. Too smooth. Too desperate. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
Liam didn’t answe. Reilly pictured him behind that desk, suit jacket off, sleeves rolled up, looking bored.
“Easton,” he said finally. “You said this was urgent.”
“It is.” Her father cleared his throat. “About the investment in E Buildings. 30 million. We discussed the terms.”
Reilly closed her eyes. There it was. Her price.
“I’m aware,” Liam said. His voice was flat. “And your daughter?”
“She’ll be ready,” her father rushed in. “Reilly is 25. Well-mannered. She’ll make you a suitable wife. For your mother’s sake, of course.”
The word _wife_ hit Reilly harder than the slap had. She gripped her locket.
There was a pause. Long enough that Reilly held her breath.
“My mother is dying,” Liam said quietly. “She wants to see me married before winter. That’s the only reason I’m having this conversation.”
“I understand completely,” her father said. “The wedding can be arranged quickly. Small. Private. Whatever you prefer. Reilly will—”
"Let's just arrange the wedding Easton I don't have much spare time"
“Of course. Thank you, Mr. Hemsworth. You’re doing a great—”
“I’m doing what I have to,” Liam said. “Don’t mistake it for kindness, Easton.” He snapped
"Owen?" He was probably referring to his secretary cause that was the only person with them
Footsteps. The doors started to open. Reilly jumped back, heart pounding.
Liam walked out first. He didn’t look at her. Didn’t even pause. Just nodded once at her father like this was another business deal closed.
Her father followed, beaming. He ruffled Reilly’s hair like she was 12 again. “See? That wasn’t so hard. Mr. Hemsworth is a good man.”
Reilly stared at Liam’s back as he walked down the hall. Tall. Alone. The “renowned bachelor” who now had to marry her for his mother.
She wasn’t a bride to him. She was a condition.
- Writer
