Emilia's Point of view
I heard a firm knock on the door, the sound echoing through my small dorm room. I glanced at the clock— it was probably the pizza delivery guy.
“Just a minute!” I called out, rushing to the door. As I opened the door, my breath hitched in my throat as I found Asher standing there. After running into him at the event yesterday, I did a background check on him and what I'd discovered left me in awe. Kelsey thought that I had hit the jackpot, but that didn't stick well with me. If it wasn’t for the fact that I had never forgotten what he’d look like, then I would not have known that he’s the father of my baby.
I have been working hard, taking on different jobs in the last few months to save enough money for the hospital bills and everything else. Elsa had surprised me with some new clothes for the baby even though I had yet to confirm the gender.
As I stared into his eyes, every instinct screamed for me to slam the door shut and run, but my feet felt glued to the floor.
“Hi.” I greeted him, still in shock.
“Don’t even think about running,” he said, his voice low and commanding. “Just let me in.”
I hesitated, knowing that letting him in would mean inviting chaos into my carefully constructed world. The last thing I wanted was for him to discover the secret I had fought so hard to keep hidden—the baby growing inside me. I couldn’t let him drag me into his world of power and control. Of all the people in the world to have a one-night stand with, why did it have to be him? The cold-hearted billionaire CEO—Asher Blackwood. How on Earth did I fail to recognize him before jumping in bed with him?
“How did you know where I am?” I managed to ask, trying to mask my inner turmoil. He scrunched his nose in distaste as he surveyed the cramped dorm room.
“I have my ways,” he replied dismissively, making my stomach churn at what else he might know.
Without waiting for an invitation, he pushed past me, followed closely by a muscled man who looked like a bodyguard.
The door clicked shut behind us, sealing me in with the man who had turned my life upside down.
“Asher,” I started, but he cut me off.
“Why did you run away after that night?” His eyes bore into mine, demanding answers. “And why did you avoid me at the charity event yesterday?”
I could feel the walls closing in around me as his questions pierced through my defenses. The man standing before me now was so different from the one who had made love to me that night—cold and condescending instead of warm and inviting.
“Did you ever try to find out who I was?” he pressed, his voice rising with frustration. “If I hadn’t run into you yesterday, I wouldn’t have found out the truth.”
My heart sank at his accusation. “You’re so selfish!” he spat.
Silence stretched between us like a chasm. I swallowed hard, fighting back tears as his words sank in. He had no idea how much I wished things were different—how much I wished I could tell him everything without fear.
Instinctively, my hands moved to cover my stomach. I wouldn’t let him take my baby away from me. Seeing how distant he was right now made it clear that it wouldn't be safe to go with him either.
“It’s not my fault,” I said, hating how weak I sounded. “I didn’t have a choice. I didn’t even know who you were.”
“Did you ever try to find out?” His tone was sharp, cutting through me like a knife.
“Where was I supposed to start looking, huh? It's a big city. I didn't even know your name, and it didn't matter then. It was just a one-time thing.” My voice trembled as I spoke; I hated how vulnerable he made me feel.
Asher scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. “It didn’t matter? Do you think this is all just some game? You’re selfish in thinking only of yourself and how this baby would probably ruin your aspirations of being a high-profile hooker.” His words dripped with disdain.
My eyes watered at his harshness, but I blinked back the tears; I couldn’t afford to cry in front of him.
“I didn’t think of it that way,” I replied meekly.
He waved me off dismissively. “You obviously do not use your brain at all! If you did, we wouldn’t be here now.”
His gaze swept across my messy room with contempt. “That’s why I've come up with a permanent solution to this mess.”
He paused for effect before sneering at me again. “I cannot allow any child of mine to grow up in,”—he gestured around—“a place like this! Plus, he has Blackwood blood running through his veins. If word gets out that my child isn’t cared for, it would ruin everything I've built all these years—and I won't allow that.”
My heart raced as desperation surged within me. “We can co-parent if that's what you want,” I blurted out.
He cut me off sharply, eyeing me like dirt beneath his shoe. “That’s not what I'm proposing.”
“What are you proposing then?” My voice quivered as fear gripped my chest like a vice.
“Here's my offer: marry me and secure a future for our child. When the child’s three, we’d divorce amicably and rest assured that you are not going empty-handed.”
I gasped, utterly appalled by his suggestion. “Never!” I exclaimed. “I won’t do that! I can’t marry you for any reason.”
He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. “I’m rich, Emilia. Isn’t that what all you ladies are after? Money?”
My heart raced with indignation as I raised my head to defend myself, but the words stuck in my throat like a bitter pill. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. “I will not marry you, Mr. Blackwood,” I repeated, maintaining my stance. I am perfectly capable of taking care of this child on my own.”
His jaw tightened, anger flickering in his eyes. “Then we will meet in court.” He turned sharply on his heel, heading for the door.
“Wait!” I called out, panic rising in my chest as he placed his hand on the doorknob. He paused and turned back to me, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
“Have you made your decision?” he asked, his tone dripping with mockery.
I hesitated for a moment, weighing my options. Deep down, I knew I had to protect my baby. “Yes,” I finally responded, “I’ll marry you—but only for my baby.”
His smile widened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ll send my lawyer over with a copy of the contract tomorrow.”
A wave of dread washed over me as I processed his words. How long had he been planning this? My mind raced with uncertainty as I whispered to myself, “Oh Emilia, what have you gotten yourself into?”