Chapter 3 The Proposal

Chapter Three

JANE POV

Over the next two days, I kept thinking if it's a dream or a reality. This is "Blackwoods," one of the richest tech industries in the world. They had just one son and his name was Max, and this card clearly says Max Blackwoods' private number.

I had hit myself to wake up from this dream but I'm still stuck in it.

I took my system out to know more about the Blackwoods and guess what? I'm not up to a quarter of their standard. I can't call him, I said and stared at the card.

I heard a knock on my door. "Coming!" I said as I walked down the stairs. Probably Emily and Mary want to hang out today, so I did not bother checking the footage of who was at the door.

I opened the door and the last person I expected was standing right at my door. Okay, someone really should wake me up from this nightmare, I pleaded in my heart, but all this is happening, it's reality. Or maybe he is not the one, he just had his boss's card, I thought and calmed myself.

"You did not call so I had to find you and get your reply. Time is no longer on my side," Max said.

"I'm not interested in your proposal," I said, trying to sound firm but my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Oh, come on," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're not going to tell me you're still holding out for Prince Charming, are you?"

I bristled at his tone, but he just kept going. "Listen, Jane. I'm not looking for love or romance. I need a wife who can help me secure some business deals and fulfill my father's wish. And you, with your pretty face and charming smile, are perfect for the job."

I was taken aback by his blunt honesty, but also a little offended. "And what makes you think I'm qualified for this job?" Just because I have a pretty face? I asked, trying to keep my cool.

He snorted. "Qualified? Please. You're a socialite, Jane. You're used to attending parties and looking pretty. That's all I need."

I felt a surge of anger at his words, but then he dropped a bombshell. "By the way, I'm Max Blackwood. CEO of Blackwood Industries."

My eyes widened as I realized who he was. So it's really true, he is the only son and heir to the Blackwood Industries. No wonder he seems familiar, no wonder he is rude, no wonder he is f**king good looking, no wonder he is perfect.

"You're...you're the Max Blackwood?" I stuttered.

He nodded, his expression unimpressed. "I thought you might find out already through the card. Anyway, I need a wife who can help me secure some deals. Besides, it's just a year contract, I promise to pay you after the contract ends. So, what do you say, Jane? Are you in?"

I was taken aback by his proposal, but also a little tempted. The idea of being married to one of the most powerful men in the world was both thrilling and terrifying.

And then there was the fact that he was still being incredibly rude to me...

I was still trying to process the fact that the rude stranger from the coffee shop was actually the CEO of Blackwood Industries. And now, he was proposing a contract marriage to me?

"I have thought about it, so what will your parents say, since I'm not from some elite company?" I asked.

Max raised an eyebrow. "Don't bother about what they think or not. Besides, they want a wife and I'm going to give them a wife," he said.

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, I will tell my mom about it to see her reply. I bet she will be so shocked."

He shrugged. "Fine. But don't take too long. I hope she is in support of this," he said.

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling both frustrated and intrigued.

I couldn't even bring him inside, so rude of me.

We actually fit since we are both rude to each other.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Over the next few days, I couldn't stop thinking about getting married to Max. It was crazy, but a part of me was tempted. The idea of being married to someone as powerful and successful as Max Blackwood was both thrilling and intimidating.

As I weighed my options, I did some research on Blackwood Industries that I could not finish that day, since I've been busy with work. And what I found out was impressive. Max's father had built the company from scratch, and it was now one of the most successful companies in the world.

The Blackwoods have four children. Max is the last child and only son. Basically, he is the heir to the Blackwoods.

But there were also rumors of his ruthless business tactics, and the way Max treated his employees like dirt and also a Mafia lord. But rumors will always be rumors.

My mom was so happy that I have finally decided to settle down. It will hurt her the most when she finds out it's a contract marriage.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It was a cool Saturday evening. Max gave me a heads up that I will sign the contract that day.

And that's when Max showed up at my doorstep, looking more breathtaking than ever.

I allowed him in unlike before and treated him with a coffee.

"Well?" he said, his eyes narrowing. "What's your mom's reply?" as he took the cup of coffee in his mouth.

I took a deep breath. "She is happy for me," I said finally. "But only if you agree to treat me with respect," I added.

Max raised an eyebrow. "Respect? You want respect from me? Why will your mom want me to treat you with respect, are you some kind of gold?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yes, I am. I'm her only child so it's clear I'm her gold. And if you can't give it to me, then this deal is off," I said.

"Hold on, pretty," Max snorted. "Fine. I'll try to be on my best behavior. But don't expect me to start treating you with love or anything," he said without any emotions.

And with that, he pulled out a contract and handed it to me.

I signed the contract, feeling a sense of trepidation. What had I just gotten myself into?

As I looked up, I saw Max's expressionless face. "Good," he said, taking the contract from me. "It's official, then. We're getting married."

"I will let my parents know today. After a year we go our separate ways.

Wear this ring, 'cause my dad is really a curious man."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling like I'd just made a deal with the devil.

But why did Max Blackwood, one of the most powerful men in the world, want to marry me? I was just a socialite, a nobody. He would have been able to marry someone bigger than me.

I moved the thought aside and called Mary to hang out if she is not busy.

Later at night, I saw a message bump on my screen from Max.

"You will be meeting my parents next week. I will send my driver to pick you up. I will also send some money for you to look good that day."

The text reads. I hope his family loves me and doesn't treat me as trash, I thought and drifted to sleep.