The Accidental Vow

The Unexpected Encounter

Chapter Three: The Unexpected Encounter

(Elizabeth's POV)

The words I had said to that stranger kept haunting me all night. Will you marry me? It sounded ridiculous even in my head, but the way he looked at me—those sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to see through every layer of my bravado—kept replaying like a broken record.

I couldn't believe I had said it. It wasn't me. I wasn't that kind of woman, walking up to someone she's never met before and proposing marriage. Yet here I was pacing my tiny apartment, sleep eluding me as I just could not stop thinking about him.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, yanking me from my spiraling thoughts. The number on the screen was unfamiliar. At first instinct, I knew I should ignore it, but something made me pick up.

"Hello?" I said, my voice quivering.

"Good evening. Is this Miss Elizabeth Hastings?" A woman's voice—polished, professional—spoke on the other end.

"Yes, this is she," I replied cautiously, my heartbeat quickening.

This is Karin, Mr. Simeon Blackwood's personal assistant. He would like to meet with you to discuss a matter of mutual importance."

The words "Simeon Blackwood" reached me like an electric jolt. That was his name. The stranger I'd practically thrown myself at had a name-and apparently, a personal assistant.

"When would he like to meet?" I asked, trying not to let my nerves filter into my voice.

"Tomorrow morning at ten, if that fits your schedule," she said smoothly.

"Ah, yeah, that's fine," I stammered.

"Wonderful. I'll send you the address shortly. Mr. Blackwood looks forward to your meeting," Karin said, then hung up.

I stared at my phone, the weight of my impulsiveness settling in my chest. Simeon Blackwood. Who was he? And why did he want to see me after my absurd proposition?

The next morning, clutching my bag like a life preserver, I stood before a gleaming glass skyscraper. The power and money just oozed from this building, making its towering presence a stark reminder that I don't belong here. It felt as though my nerves were all aflame, but the determination inside forced me inside.

The lobby was immaculate, with marble floors stretching into infinity. The receptionist looked up from her desk, her expression polite yet curious.

"Good morning. How may I help you?"

"I'm here to see Mr. Simeon Blackwood," I said, my voice steadier than I expected.

She nodded and led me to a seating area, assuring me that he would see me shortly. I sat down, trying to focus on my breathing, but the anxiety bubbling in my chest refused to be ignored.

Minutes later, the elevator doors opened, and he walked in. Simeon Blackwood.

The sight of him made my breath catch. He was tall, effortlessly commanding, with a sharp jawline and an air of authority that seemed to silence the room. He moved with a precision that spoke of someone used to being in control.

"Miss Hastings," he said, his voice smooth and rich.

I stood, swallowing hard. "Mr. Blackwood."

He gestured for me to follow, and I trailed him down a hall to his office.

The space was all I had expected: sleek and modern, intimidating. The floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the city-what a view-but I couldn't appreciate it. I had only one focal point: him.

"Please, sit," he said, his voice businesslike as he sat down behind a large, minimalist desk.

I sat down, clamping my hands together in my lap.

"I'll cut to the chase," he said, his eyes fixed on mine. "Your proposal was…unorthodox, at best. What made you do such a thing?"

The words filled me with shame. "It was a mistake," I exclaimed. "I wasn't thinking clearly."

His lips twisted in what might have been a smile. "Clearly."

"I'm sorry," I added to break the silence. "I didn't mean to waste your time."

"You're not wasting my time," he said, leaning back in his chair. "As a matter of fact, I find your impulsiveness intriguing."

Before I could say anything more, the door opened and somebody came in.

"Boss, here are the files you asked for."

My body froze at that voice. I didn't need to look up to know who it was.

Alex.

I turned slowly, my breath catching. He stood there, clutching a stack of papers, shock and disbelief etched across his face.

"Elizabeth?" he muttered.

For a moment, I couldn't talk. The betrayal I'd worked so hard to bury swelled up like a tidal wave.

"Thank you, Alex," Simeon said, his voice cutting through the tension. "Leave the files on my desk."

Alex hesitated, looking from Simeon to me. At last, he laid the papers down and left, but first, he threw me one of those looks that told a thousand things he did not have the guts to tell aloud.

The silence that followed afterward was choking.

"You know him," Simeon said, his tone flat, yet with an inquisitive edge.

"Yeah," I replied, the words barely escaping my mouth, my voice trembling. "We were involved."

Simeon's face didn't change, but the weight of his regard was palpable. "Interesting."

I wanted to disappear. Of all the people I hadn't expected to see today, Alex was right up there, and now I sat in front of his boss-my impulsive fiancé.

"Shall we continue?" Simeon said, his voice slicing through my spiraling thoughts.

I nodded, desperate for the conversation to move away from Alex.

"What do you hope to gain from this arrangement?" he asked.

I hesitated, unsure of how to explain the mess of emotions that had driven me to this point. "I just… I wanted a fresh start," I said finally. "Something different. Something that wasn't tied to my past."

Simeon regarded me thoughtfully. "A fresh start," he repeated. "And you thought marrying a stranger would accomplish that?

"It wasn't my finest moment," I admitted, a faint smile tugging at my lips despite myself.

His eyes softened slightly. "Perhaps not. But bold decisions often lead to interesting outcomes."

I wasn't sure if he was teasing me or testing me, but I felt the faintest glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this ridiculous choice of mine would lead to something worthwhile.

The more we talked, the more I felt certain that meeting Simeon Blackwood was the start of a story I never dared imagine.