Chapter 2 Daring Offer

I wasn't at ease. I decided to go to the bar closest to me to have a drink. Maybe it would cool me off a bit.

I got to the bar and told the bartender to give me whiskey sour. While sipping my drink, I saw Michael, the flirt billionaire "Isn't that Micheal". I said, trying to be sure if he was the one.

I decided to join him at his table. "Hi, you must be Michael?" I asked, my eyes fixed on him.

"And you are?". He said arrogantly. I wasn't surprised because I knew he was an arrogant flirt. "I'm Maureen...I paused. Maureen Lawrence". I said, stretching my hand for a handshake.

He glanced at me. I wasn't worried about his attitude. I only decided to meet him because I needed his assistance.

"Maureen, whatever you call yourself, how may I help you?". He said, waving his hand and staring disgustingly.

"I know this may sound stupid to you, but I need your help. My company is on the verge of crashing because of debt, and I only have five days to pay off the debt. Can you please assist me with it?"

He laughed mockingly. "I barely know you and you just walked up to me to ask for money that you didn't give to me and you think I would give it to you because you are pretty?

"Not really. I...I". "I stuttered, trying to look for the word to say.

"I what? Did the cat cut off your tongue? Please leave, as you can see, I was in a meeting before you came to interrupt us". He said, pointing at the girls sitting beside him.

I have to coax him. I can't let go easily, he is the only person that can help me out of this mess. "Please sir, I would do anything you ask of me, please".

He stared at her seductively. "Anything? You don't look bad. I will assist you on one condition. If you would agree to marry me. You see, my dad wants me to get married, and I can't bring a whore to my house as a wife. So, we will sign a contract marriage".

"No way! What do you take me for? I have a boyfriend. I can't get married to you. I don't love you. I just came for assistance, you can't give me that kind of condition".

He smirked. "Oh! You need my help, and you are dictating for me? You have a boyfriend? Fine, go to your boyfriend, so he could lend you the money you are asking for. And who said we are getting married for love? If you can't do it, then leave.

I gave it a deep thought. What would John think of me? He would be so heartbroken and disappointed in me. I don't have a choice. This is my only chance.

I sighed. "Fine, I accept your proposition."

"Now you are talking. I will be going to the court tomorrow to bring the papers, so you can sign it. It's my pleasure doing business with your Miss Maureen".

I nodded. It's past eleven at night and I'm feeling a bit worn out after searching for how to sort the loan. I got home finally and went to take a shower. I still couldn't believe I would be accepting a contract marriage from that flirt. "Ugh! This is the worst decision I have ever made in my entire life. Why me!". I groaned.

*****

It's morning already, the sun is bright, and the sunlight is warm and not harsh. The birds keep chirping, and the breeze is cool. The leaves of the plants are covered by dew drops. The level of noise pollution in the mornings is less compared to the other times of the day.

"I need to meet up with Michael today. Why do I feel so weak? I said, yawning and stretching my body.

Maureen was dressing up when her phone rang. She looked at the caller, it was her boyfriend calling. Her heart skipped a bit. "Could he have heard about it? But I haven't told anyone yet". She decided to ignore the call. She called Michael instead.

"Hi Michael, where should I meet up with you to sign the contract?".

"Hey, my soon-to-be wife". He said, mockingly. "Meet me at the Velvet Glove Restaurant".

She got to the restaurant and met him talking to one of the waitresses.

"Oh! You are here. Have a seat". He said, staring at her. "Did you just come out of the oven? Because you are looking absolutely baked...I mean, beautiful!".

I smirked. "I didn't come here to be flattered. This is what you say to those ladies that makes them attracted to you, but I am not one of them".

"You must be a stubborn one. Well, this is it. Go through it and sign it". He said, dropping a file on the table.

Maureen went through the file and signed it. "I hope I don't regret this". I said, looking at him.

He smiled. "You won't, my dear wife. So, we have a wedding to plan. We would be going to my dad's place to seek his blessings. You had better be at your best behavior. I don't want him to be suspicious. I will be sending the money to you, so you can pay for your company's debt".

She couldn't hide her expression when she heard him mention the payment on the loan. "Yes, yes! Thanks a lot. I would be on my best behavior".

He transferred the money as promised. Immediately, Maureen transferred the money to the bank and heaved a sigh of relief.

"Let's go now. My dad will be waiting for us. I told him about our coming".

"What about your mom?". I asked, looking concerned.

"She is late. Stop interrogating me". He said, rudely.

"But you didn't inform me we would be meeting up with him today?".

"Does it matter? Let's go. Don't keep him waiting".

"So arrogant". I grumbled, following him from behind.