From Duty To Desire

CHAPTER FOUR

Emily couldn't shake off the feeling that James knew more about her than he let on. She decided to do some digging of her own.

At home, Emily booted up her laptop and searched for James Worthington.

The usual articles about his business dealings and philanthropy popped up, but one headline caught her eye: "James Worthington's Tragic Past."

Curiosity got the better of her, and she clicked on the article. It revealed a shocking truth: James' wife had died in a tragic accident three years ago, leaving him heartbroken. Emily's eyes widened as she read on. No wonder James seemed so guarded, so hesitant to let anyone in.

She felt a pang of sympathy for him, despite his gruff exterior.

She thought back to the proposal. Perhaps he was finding it hard to move on, and this contract was his way of doing so.

The advantages were definitely interesting.

All she had to do was sign the contract and give the man an heir. Emily froze.

They were going to have s*x.

She'd never really thought to that extent. She was only scared of getting attached to James.

After thinking for a while, she came to a conclusion.

Meanwhile, James sat in his darkened study, his eyes fixed on a photo of his late wife.

He couldn't believe he'd proposed a fake marriage to Emily. What was he thinking?

But as he gazed at the photo, he knew exactly what he was thinking. He was thinking of securing his family's future, of protecting his legacy. And if that meant marrying a stranger, so be it.

At least she had a decent background and would pose no harm to the company. She only needed help which he'd provide and in return, get an heir. Extremely beneficial to both of them.

James prayed she'd say yes. He was in no hurry, but the quicker the deal was sealed, the safer he was from his mother and her list. His mother was extremely stubborn, and his father could do nothing about it.

He wondered if he'd ever get a fulfilled marriage like his parents had. He thought he would until life happened.

Needing a distraction, he picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"I was beginning to think you booted me out of your life without notice, Worthington." A male voice said at the other end of the line.

"I was beginning to think your memories of me had been wiped, Michael. How's America?" James left the study and walked to his kitchen.

"The ladies here are crazy, lad. Beautiful but crazy," Michael chuckled smugly.

Ladies and gentlemen, Michael, James' best friend.

"Great. Now, how's America? Not the ladies, I don't have any interest in that," He popped the fridge open and took out his favorite juice.

"Boohoo. You're such a bore. Well, it's fine over here. I like it. But, there's no place like home, you know?"

"You've been saying that for three months now," James snickered before taking an empty glass and pouring the juice inside.

"I'm ready to come back, James. Some girl here's somehow got it in her head that I'm going to marry her and bring her to England. I'm planning on leaving the day she goes to see her parents. That's how crazy she is," Michael said and bellowed.

"And I'm assuming you've sweet talked her with hints of that?" A smile appeared on his face.

Michael groaned. "It was just to get her in bed, like thrice. I didn't know she'd take it to heart."

"Michael, you had better let her down slowly."

"I will. So slow she won't know until I'm back in England!" They both laughed and James shook his head.

This was the distraction he needed.