Contracted Hearts

Chapter 3

The next day, Emma thought about who else she could ask for money from. She eventually decided to go to her boyfriend's place to ask if he could help. She knew he didn't earn so much, but she was running out of options and any amount wouldn't hurt now.

When Emma arrived at his house, she knocked on the door but didn't get an answer. She tried the door handle, and it was unlocked. She stepped inside, calling out his name, but there was no response. As she walked further in, she heard voices coming from the bedroom.

“When are you going to break up with her?” She heard a familiar feminine voice ask. She immediately recognized the voice as that of cousin Jenna.

“Be patient baby, I will call it off with her son. She just lost her dad, and now it will be cruel of me to break her heart immediately after.” She heard Bryan, her boyfriend, say.

“Why are you thinking about that? Do you still care for her? Just call it off already, I can't wait much longer.” Jenna said.

“Of course, I don't care for her. You know I was only with her because of her parents’ money. She's no longer useful to me again. I only care about you.”

Emma's heart sank when she heard the conversation between her boyfriend and her cousin. She couldn't believe Bryan would say such hurtful words. She couldn't believe he would cheat on her after all she had done for him, not least with her wicked cousin.

She felt her hands trembling, she felt a tight feeling in her chest. Tears filled her eyes as she turned and ran out of the house. She felt betrayed and heartbroken, not just by him but by her own family.

Not knowing where else to go, Emma wandered through the city streets until she found herself in a small, quiet park. She sat on a bench, wiping away her tears, and trying to figure out her next move.

“Why a beautiful lady all alone by herself at the park?" Emma heard a deep masculine voice talking to her. She looked up to see a tall, handsome, well-dressed man who looked to be in his mid-thirties. He had brown hair with deep piercing blue eyes which were resting squarely on her.

“Are you okay ma'am?” He asked, his expression reflected concern when he noticed the tears on Emma’s face. “Erm…I'm fine.” Emma said, trying her best to appear composed.

“Are you sure? You don't seem fine.” The man said. “I noticed when you came to the park and you seem lost in thought ever since. Do you want to talk about what's bothering you? A problem shared is a problem half solved.” The man said with a smile as he sat beside her.

Emma was hesitant about narrating her ordeal to a stranger, but something about his aura and demeanor made her feel comfortable and she felt she needed to pour her heart out to someone.

She eventually told him about everything; the death of her parents, her sister's surgery, how her uncle cheated her, and how she just found out her boyfriend was cheating on her. Narrating her whole experience made Emma emotional again and she couldn't help the tears streaming down her cheeks.

The man listened with rapt attention, only interjecting with some conciliatory remarks. When Emma was done telling him about everything, he took out a white handkerchief and wiped the tears from Emma’s eyes.

“I'm sorry about all you had to go through, he said, your uncle is evil, and your boyfriend is a jerk.” He said. “I think I can help you.” Emma's eyes suddenly widened, she wondered how this stranger was going to solve her problems.

“My name is Alexander Cole and I'm one of the heirs to the Cole enterprise. My father is presently the CEO of the company but he is looking for one of his sons to take over in his stead.” Emma could hardly believe it, she had been talking to the son of one of the wealthiest men in the city.

“As it stands,” Alex continued, “my younger brother is poised to take over from my dad because he is married and has a family and my dad values being a family man himself. I'm the oldest, but my father insists that if I fail to settle down and start a family, then it would be my brother to inherit the business from him.”

“I cannot allow this as I believe it is my right, but I also haven't found a suitable lady to settle down with. All the ladies I have seen are after my wealth and I cannot trust them.” Emma was wondering where he was going with all this.

“You see, I came to the park to think myself, wondering about what I was going to do, but I think I have found an answer.”

Emma looked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I need a wife," Alex explained. "It's complicated, but a contract marriage would benefit both of us. You'll get the money you need, and I'll get what I need, which is respect of my dad and my rightful claim as the heir of his enterprise.

"A contract marriage? You want me to marry you for business reasons?"

"Yes," Alex said. "And in return, I'll provide the funds for your sister's surgery and help you get back at your cousin and your ex-boyfriend using my wealth and influence. You'll have the resources to rebuild your life and protect your family."

Emma thought about it for a moment. It was a drastic step, but she was desperate and had no other options left. There was no other way she could get money for her sister's surgery. After a deep breath, she looked Alexander in the eyes. "Alright," she said. "I'll do it."

Alex nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good. Let's get started right away.