Chapter 2 The Reluctant Heir

Chapter Two

MAX POV

After two years of staying in the States, I decided to return home. Dad was so much in support of my return for his selfish reasons, while my mom misses her son dearly.

Being the only son, my parents' love and affection I got it more, to the extent I became proud and so no lady could fit in that space. I don't believe in any other shabby love apart from my mom's own.

I stepped off the plane, exhausted from the long flight from the States. My dad's summons had been urgent, and I knew what was coming. Sure enough, as soon as I arrived at the mansion, the secretary to my dad took me into the study where my dad was sitting with a medicated glass on his eyes and glancing through a book on the desk.

I bowed and greeted my dad with respect as the secretary walked out of the room.

"Max, you're 30 now. It's time to settle down and take your rightful place in the company," Henry Blackwood said, that's my dad's name. He removed his glasses and looked at me straight in the eyes.

I sighed inwardly. Here we go again. "Dad, I don't need a wife to run the company." Besides you can't ask how my trip was, you just start talking about marriage the minute I arrive here. I said with a little bit of frustration in my voice.

Henry's expression turned cold. "You'll do as I say Max. All my friends' sons are married and already receiving grandchildren and do you know the worst part? They don't get scared to rub it in my face that my son is 30 and single. No rumor that the only son of the Blackwoods has ever dated. Or if you don't want to get married I'll make sure Alex inherits the company. You know I mean it, Max." my dad said with no single emotion but a bit of pain in his eyes.

I felt emotional all of a sudden and nodded reluctantly, knowing my dad wouldn't back down and I would be his biggest regret. "Fine, I'll find someone."

As soon as those words left my mouth he stood up with a smile and left the study. I felt trapped. I needed some fresh air to clear my head.

I entered my rocky car and headed to the nearest mart, grabbing a snack and some alcohol to clear my head and I bumped into a beautiful woman at the entrance.

She was a definition of beauty, even with her messy hair and huge sweater.

In my life I have never been attracted to someone, so why do I feel this way right now? I thought but shifted the thought from my head.

"Watch where you're going!" I snapped, looking at her.

The woman's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she just said sorry.

Being the rude brat that I am I prolonged the matter and she ended up buying me a coffee.

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I left there and went to my best friend's house.

We did a lot of catching up since it's been long since we met each other. Can't believe even Jack my best friend has a fiancee already, no wonder dad's pressure on me is high.

I left Jack's place after he begged me to attend a party with him tomorrow. I agreed, I need to find a wife anyway. So basically I was forced to attend a party.

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I got home and mom prepared my favorite meal. She was so happy to see her only son, it was a feast in the Blackwoods home for my return. Just my mom, dad and me.

I have two younger sisters but I will talk about them some other time.

I was happy to be back home, I miss my mom.

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After the meal mom decided to have a private conversation with me. Luckily she was not forcing me to get married, she totally understands my decision and it makes me love her more.

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It was a cool evening, Jack had called to remind me about the party. I wore a gold suit with black trousers.

I drove my sports car and arrived at the party. It was not looking fun so I headed to the bar, while Jack went to greet the people celebrating.

As I scanned the room, my eyes landed on the woman from the mart. She looked even more stunning now, laughing and chatting with friends. I'm sure they were complimenting her beauty 'cause she is definitely one.

And then it hit me - why don't I propose a contract to marry her? It was a crazy idea, but it just might work. I thought and I felt joy for some moments. But then what if she has a boyfriend or a fiance? I thought but I gathered the courage and walked towards her.

I made my way through the crowd, my eyes fixed on the mysterious woman. I felt a sense of determination building up inside me. This was the answer to my problems - a contract marriage with this beautiful stranger.

As I approached her, she looked up and caught my eye straight at her. I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. But I composed myself.

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The proposal of asking her to marry was not as bad as I thought.

She seems calm and just told me she will think about it.

I will need her to hurry to give me a reply, to avoid any more uncomfortable meetings with my dad.

I entered my car and called Jack I was leaving.

I got to my house and the maids were uncomfortable about my return.

The rude, annoying, bachelor of the Blackwoods is finally at home.

Nancy one of the maids ran towards me to hug me, of course I hugged her back. It's been ages, she was young when she was brought to our house and we basically grew up together. She made me laugh at times and she ate meals I was forced to finish.

A lot of people will think the Blackwoods are very rude and selfish. Yes we are rude and selfish but Nancy was only loved by me, that was why I took her in when I bought my own house.

"So how was your trip?" Nancy asked as she put her hands around mine.

"It was fine, can you beli...."

We talked as we headed to my room.

She is the only worker I talk to nicely and she understands me even when I'm sad.

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It's been two days since I gave this pretty lady days to think and yet no reply from her.

I asked my private investigator to give me her house address. I'm definitely going to pay her a house visit till she accepts.

>>>>>>>

I stood by her door and gave a slight knock.

"Coming!" I heard her say and my heart pounded heavily.