Chapter 2 YOU JUST FAILED

Emma

I was running late and already felt bad about giving the wrong impression of myself because this meeting was important to both me and my daughter.

Eli has been pressuring me to find her a Father. She explained how other students at school treat her because she does not have a Father.

Honestly. I am not pleased with myself. I promised her a better life and a good upbringing. This includes finding her a father. Someone who will look out for her. Someone she can consider her own.

This is the reason I am doing it.

Finally, I am here. I stood in front of the agency. Cars were lined up. Bodyguards were everywhere, and paparazzi swarmed around. I was curious about what was going on, and I assumed they had a VIP client.

I walked into the Agency. The clicking of my shoes echoes and draws attention to me. I collected myself and approached the front desk manager. I gave her my membership card. She confirmed my appointment and led me into a room.

I knocked and entered a stunning executive lounge with Italian leather seats and two large Cristal chandeliers that illuminated the space.

Mrs Jackson, the Agency Manager, was standing beside a gorgeous man. She greeted me with a smile.

"Good morning, Miss Richard. "Please take a seat." I gave a nod and took a seat. The man opposite me was staring at me, making me uncomfortable.

Mrs Jackson introduced us, and we both nodded. I was offered a cup of coffee, which I declined. A waiter poured us each a glass of water.

Mrs Jackson departed after informing me that the man wanted to meet with me.

The room went silent for what felt like two minutes. The man kept staring, seemingly assessing me. I took the opportunity to assess him too. He was extremely handsome and wealthy, with blue eyes, and even while sitting, I could tell he was very tall.

Someone needed to break the silence. I took the lead. "Good morning, Mr. Williams." I stretched out my hand, and he shook it and placed a kiss on my knuckles.

"I was told you wanted to meet with me. So here I am. I assume you know about me already. Shall we get to it?" I concluded.

He continued staring, and I wondered if he was mute. Then, suddenly, I heard his husky voice.

"Miss Richard, you are late, and I don't appreciate those who don't keep time."

I couldn't believe my ears. This man is rude. I wanted to walk away but controlled my temper and faked a smile.

"I am sorry for not being on time."

"It's fine," he said.

"What happened to your husband, Mrs. Richard?"

Where was that question coming from? I thought.

"Please, no personal questions. I believe you have a reason for wanting a contract marriage, just as I do. I'm not interested in your past or your reasons." I signed.

"I am a single mom. My daughter needs a dad. That is the reason I'm here". I politely stated.

"Well, Miss Richard, I only want this marriage for one reason: business."

"And I want this marriage for my daughter. She needs a dad," I replied.

"These are my terms. Miss Richard, I will marry you, care for you, and be the father of your daughter. In return, you will:

1. Be my wife.

2. Leave your current job.

3. Transfer your daughter to a school of my choice.

4. Travel with me on most of my business trips.

If you agree to my terms, then let's do this."

After listening to his offer. I responded.

"Mr. Williams, I also have my terms. If you agree to them, I might consider your offer.

1. I have no intention of quitting my job, and I will not be at your beck and call.

2. My daughter's school is one of the best in NY, so there's no need to change it.

3. We will sleep in separate rooms. I will respect your privacy, and I expect you to respect mine.

4. No sex, as this is not a love marriage.

5. You will spend time with Elizabeth. She needs a dad who will attend PTA meetings and pick her up from school.

I am entering this marriage only for her. So, what do you say, Mr Williams?"

I saw a furious man.

"Do you know how busy I am, Miss Richard? I am a busy businessman. I hardly have time for myself. How can I have time for all that rubbish?"

"What?!" I stood up. "Excuse me, Mr. Williams. You just failed. You cannot be my daughter's father. This meeting is a waste of time. I don't mean to be rude, but you are a rude man."

"What did you call me?!" He stood up.

I went to grab my bag, and as I was about to leave, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back, looking me straight in the eye with a scowling face.

"Are you walking out on me?"

"Yes, I am. I can't marry you, Mr. Williams. You are not father material." He pulled me closer, tightening his grip on me.

I was furious, ready to explode. His breath fanned my face, and his cologne filled my nostrils. His countenance changed as if he was about to kiss me.

For some reason, I was melting into him. His grip on me was doing something to my body. I started feeling something I'd never felt before.

I summoned the courage to pull away from his hold and left the room.

What does he think of himself? Does he think I care because he is wealthy?

How dare he say my offer is rubbish?

I kept walking, and as I got outside, a strong hand held me back. The same hand I had just escaped from. What does he want from me?

The paparazzi were busy trying to get good shots of the scene.

"Can we talk about this all over again, Miss Richard?" he asked, giving me a serious look.

There is something about his eyes. I feel a pool of wetness down my private area. I don't understand why my body is responding to him this way. I quickly put myself in order.

Honestly, I didn't like his arrogance. And the fact that he was this rich scared me. I just didn't want anything to do with him.

Seeing all his bodyguards and people looking at us, I declined. I can't do this with him. He is way out of my league, and I don't want to look like a gold digger. I don't belong to his class.

"Please, Mr. Williams, I don't want anything to do with you" I managed to breathe.

"I suggest you ask the Agency to keep searching for a woman who will meet your standards. But that woman isn't me." I whispered in his ear, enough for him alone to hear. I wouldn't let the paparazzi tarnish his image.

I pulled away from his hold and walked away. This time, he did not stop me.