The CEOs second chance bride

Proposal

Chapter 3: A Proposal for Convenience

Lucas had suddenly called her to see him, saying he had a way to get her out of her predicament. She was surprised at first, but what was this enigmatic CEO up to?

Emma stepped into the café, her hands trembling as the remnants of her encounter with Mark replayed in her mind. It been almost two weeks since they'd divorced. The world around her felt muted, the vibrant clatter of coffee cups and chatter fading into the background. She barely noticed the barista's cheerful greeting as she scanned the room for her mysterious benefactor, Lucas Varella.

And there he was, seated in the farthest corner, the sunlight pouring through the window outlining his features. His dark suit was impeccably tailored, his presence commanding even in such a casual setting. The sight of him made her pause. He looks like a greek god. Too handsome and sexy. Lucas exuded the power that seemed to envelope everyone around him, and yet he looked entirely at ease, sipping his coffee like he owned not just the café but the entire city.

He glanced up at her and caught her gaze. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as she gestured for her to join him. Swallowing her nerves, Emma walked over, feeling the weight of his intense stare.

"Emma,"he said smoothly as she sat across from him. "I was beginning to think you would not come."

“I wasn't sure I should," she replied honestly, her voice quieter than she intended. "But....you said you could help me."

His smirk widened, making him look more dangerously handsome, and he leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Straight to the point as always. I like that."

Emma shifted in her seat, feeling exposed under his scrutiny. "Why did you give me that card? You don't even really know me."

Lucas' expression remained unreadable, but his dark eyes held a glint of something she couldn't quite place—curiosity, perhaps? Or amusement. "Let's just say I have a knack for recognizing potential. And right now, I see someone who could use an opportunity."

Her brows furrowed. "An opportunity?"

He set his cup of coffee down, lacing his fingers together as he leaned forward. "Tell me, Emma, what would you do if I told you I could offer you a way out of your current predicament? A way to ensure you never have to depend on anyone like Mark again?"

Emma's heart skipped a beat. The way he said her ex-husband's name sent a chill down her spine. How much did he know about her? And why did he care? "What exactly are you offering?"

"A deal," Lucas said, his voice steady and deliberate. "Marry me."

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Emma blinked, sure she'd misheard him. "I'm sorry, what?"

Lucas chuckled softly, his gaze unwavering. "You heard me. Marry me. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Emma stared at him, her mind racing. "This has to be a joke."

"It's nothing but," he said, his tone turning serious. "You need a fresh start, Emma. A way to reclaim your life and your dignity. And I need a wife."

Her laughter came out bitter and incredulous. "You? A man like you can have any woman you want. Why me?"

Lucas' eyes softened just enough to make her stomach twist. "Because I don't want just anyone. I want someone who has nothing to gain from my wealth and status. Someone who can play the part without any ulterior motives."

Emma shook her head, still struggling to process his words. "But we barely know each other."

"That's the beauty of it," Lucas said, leaning forward again. "This isn't about love or romance. It's a business arrangement. You help me, and I help you. Simple as that.

Emma's hand clenched into a fist under the table. "And what exactly would I be helping you with?"

Lucas hesitated, the first c***k in his otherwise impenetrable demeanor. "Let's just say I have my reasons. Reasons that would become clear if you do this."

The vagueness of his response set off alarm bells in her mind. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "You expect me to trust you when you won't even tell me the truth?"

"I expect you to consider the opportunity I'm offering," he countered, his tone firm but not unkind. "Think about it Emma. A clean slate. Financial security. And the chance to prove to yourself and the world that you are more than what Mark made you believe."

His words struck a nerve, and Emma felt tears prick at the corner of her eyes. She quickly looked away, unwilling to let him see her vulnerability. "I don't know...."

Lucas reached out into his pocket and pulled out a private card, sliding it across the table toward her. "Take some time to think it over. But not too much time. This offer won't be on the table forever."

Emma stared at the card, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Part of her wanted to walk away, to reject the idea outright. But another part, the part that had been humiliated and discarded by Mark, was tempted. Lucas was offering her a way out of the mess her life and become. A way to take control by force.

"Why me?" she asked again, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas's expression softened, and for a moment, he looked almost human. "Because I see something in you, Emma. Something you have forgotten about yourself."

The vulnerability in his tone caught her off guard, and she found herself nodding before she even realized what she was doing. "I will think about it."

"That's all I ask," Lucas said, standing up and extending a hand to her. When you're ready, call me."

Emma hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. His grip was firm, his touch warm. For a brief second, she felt a spark of something she couldn't quite name. Hope, maybe?

As he walked away, leaving her alone at the table, Emma stared at the card in her hand. Lucas Varella. CEO of Varella Industries. The name was as imposing as the man himself.

She tucked the card into her purse and left the café, her mind spinning with possibilities. This was insane. The logical part of her knee was that. But the part of her that had been shattered by Mark's betrayal was desperate for something, anything, that could help her feel whole again.

******

Later that evening, Emma sat on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Lucas's offer replayed km her mind over and over. Was she really considering this? Marrying a stranger? It sounded absurd. And yet, the idea of leaving her old life behind was undeniably tempting.

Her phone buzzed, snapping out of her thoughts. It was a message from an unknown number.

Unknown: "I know you are hesitant. But I promise, this could change everything. Sleep on it, Emma. I will be waiting. -L"

Emma frowned at the message, unsure wether to be comforted or unnerved by Lucas's persistence. She set the phone aside and curled under the blankets, willing herself to shut out the chaos in her mind.

But as sleep eluded her, she found herself wondering: could this really be her chance to start over? Or was she walking straight into another trap?