The Billionaire’s Bargain: Love After Marriage

Chapter2

Facing the Enemy

“Nicholas is not an option. You want me to meet up with an enemy. You know what he did to Dad,” I stammered, looking at Nova, who seemed to have suddenly lost her reason to smile.

“Dad? He’s behind bars; we couldn’t help him, but we can help your career stand once more. I mean, just look at it,” Nova convinced me, spilling words that canceled out every single doubt that I had.

“Dad was a true hero. My hero. The only man who stood up for this family, and you want me to betray him because of my company?” I asked her. She chuckled at my statement for a while then stopped to look at Mom, who had become all teary and was hiding her face in the curtains.

“It’s either you ask him for help or end up behind bars just like Father,” Nova flared up, walking out and leaving Mom and me to gaze at her perfectly made ass.

“Nova is right, darling. That’s the only thing you can do to save the company. Your father is behind bars, and you’ve become the pillar holding this family. If selling your shares to him will give you that, then so be it; after all, he’s the number one billionaire in New York City,” Mom said, wiping the tears from her eyes before heading to the room.

I sat down on the sofa, thinking about what exactly I had to do. The number one billionaire, Nicholas Gates, wouldn’t be thrilled to see me in his office, nor would I be thrilled to see his sanctimonious face, which spelled danger to all the ladies he came close to.

After hours of thinking, I finally decided to go along with their words. It wouldn’t be that bad to see my arch-nemesis and make him sign some documents of entitlement so I can rise back against him.

The journey to Washington Heights was quite the drive, but I got there safely and on time. I strutted into his company, avoiding the eerie gaze his workers gave me as I walked right past them. They couldn’t believe his archnemesis was right in front of them and, for unknown reasons, walked straight to his office.

“Madam, you have to wait for his response,” his receptionist followed behind as I moved towards his office. I didn’t stop in my tracks, knowing how ruthless he could be if he found me in his reception.

I couldn’t help but notice the fluorescence emanating from the room as it propelled the thrilling color of the wall. The doors all black, shining bright under the florescence, made the golden door knob hone under its presence.

Turning the doorknob, the scent of sandalwood crossed my nose. I could feel his presence, the tension in the room rising as I stepped foot into his office. His dark eyes caught sight of my Auburn hair, glowing to reveal its cruel intent.

His dark hair made me feel reluctant. It was always intimidating from the beginning with that outstanding smirk of his, which pushed ladies to the brim.

“What do I owe this visit of yours, Rose?” His thick and domineering voice penetrated my ears, knocking me out of my cool stride in fantasy.

“Well, I brought a proposal for you. I know how well you love having shares in all the companies, so I decided to come sell mine,” I said, trying not to look into those dark eyes of his.

“You know you have to look at me if you want to propose, right? Staring at my canvas wouldn’t do you any good,” his voice resonated in the room.

I didn’t know how hard it was to stare into his face after that day. I knew I hated him and would have angrily sold my shares, but I didn’t expect him to be this calm in my presence. I couldn’t lose to him; I needed to be more calm and make him see that I was better off without him.

“So this is my share. It’s worth 20 million dollars, and I’m hearing to use them as collateral for a loan. This should be enough to fill in if I don’t pay back, so it would be nice if you thought about it,” I declared, staring at the table.

“I wouldn’t reply if you didn’t say it straight to my face,” his words pierced my pride severely. He was good when it came to dominance; no wonder I hated him so much.

“Fine, I’m looking right at…” I paused as I caught sight of his dark and intimidating eyes, his attractive smirk, that perfect jawline, and those ever-attractive lips. I knew he was handsome, but I never thought he had developed into the man I dreamt of at night.

“I see… anyways, I don’t want your shares, nor am I loaning you any money,” his words bring me back to reality. He wasn’t loaning me the money? This was enough collateral to get a loan of $40 million as long as I paid half.

“What do you mean you aren’t loaning me the money? You can do that with the snap of a finger,” I said, snapping my fingers to demonstrate how it works.

“That is correct, but I have a better proposal that’s been on my mind,” he said, and as expected, he snapped his finger.

Two men walked in with two briefcases. They placed them on his desk and, with a click, revealed the content. Right before I stood 50 million dollars, which was more than enough to stop my company’s problem and also improve its essence. It seemed too good to be true, but it was staring right at me.

“So what do you want from me? What’s this proposal that’s come to your mind?” I questioned. Knowing him quite well for an enemy, it wasn’t going to be a good proposal, but anything it was, I had to do it to save the company.

“It’s quite simple, but it depends on you,” he sat up straight, gazing right into my eyes.

“State your terms,” I let out with confidence.

“Become my pretense wife.”.