Chapter 2 No Other Choice

It was 10. am. Selena stood before the McCarthy building, taking in everything as she looked around in wonder and admiration.

The exterior decoration was undeniably done by professionals. It felt like she was standing before a skyscraper decorated with gemstones.

What did she expect? This was a billionaire structure.

She made her way into the building and if she thought she had seen it all outside, the inside had much more to show.

It was so beautiful and gigantic that she could get lost. There were so many people moving up and down in a fast-paced motion as if there was fire on the mountain.

Thankfully, there was a receptionist at the counter.

"Good morning. I'm Selena Jones. Mr Joseph McCarthy is expecting me."

"Give me a minute, please. I'll have to confirm your appointment."

The receptionist picked up the receiver and dropped it seconds after getting a confirmation from the other end.

"You may go up, Ma'am. His office is on the 30th floor.

Selena nodded with a nervous smile. "Thank you."

Selena's nerves were failing her as she made her way through the elevator to Joseph's office. She wished the journey would never end.

As the elevator stopped her right in front of Joseph's office, she stood for some minutes with her fingers tightly and nervously wrapped around her bag on her shoulder.

"Breathe, Selena. You've got this." She closed her eyes and muttered to herself.

Selena's palms were sweaty as she stepped into Joseph's office.

Well air-conditioned, largely spacious, and well decorated. It was a luxury at sight. That office was larger than her sitting room.

She looked around in admiration and all the while, Joseph was immersed in the documents he was holding. He didn't notice her there.

"Ahem!" She cleared her throat deliberately to announce her presence.

"You came". He finally looked up at her.

His eyes scanned her from head to toe and stayed on her waistline.

She wore a short-sleeved, tight-fitted black pencil gown that hugged her curves and stayed slightly above her knees.

Joseph's eyes lingered on her even as he tried so hard to hide his admiration for her.

"If I'm going to be signing a document-giving away my freedom, I should at least sit down." She said, making him snap out of his reverie.

"I'm just surprised you came. Sit."

He lied.

"Of course, I came. Not like I had a choice."

"Oh, everyone has a choice. It's just a matter of which choice is better."

She said nothing.

"I need an heir. My father's will states that I can only get my inheritance and remain CEO of the company if I get married and produce an heir within one year."

He paused. Then continued.

"If I don't, my stepbrother gets the company. I can't risk that."

"One would think that with all your influence, money, and power, you could get any woman you want. So, why me?"

"Loyalty. You fit the bill of someone who wants nothing aside from saving her father. You live a simple life, no drama, no complexities. That's exactly what I need."

Joseph stood up and turned away from Selena, facing his large luxurious window with both hands in his pockets.

"I'm not a tool. And I'm certainly not a baby-making machine."

"But you're a woman trying to save her father's life and by extension-yours."

"So you expect me to jump at the offer just like that? I'm literally putting my life on hold for one year. All for what?? Your selfish desires?"

"You seem to be forgetting that you're sitting right across from me, about to sign a contract, Selena. You're getting something out of this as well."

Selena scoffed.

"As long as you're under my roof, you'll be well taken care of. You'll never lack anything."

Joseph said, still facing the window and his back turned against Selena.

"This is not about money! I'm only trying to save-

"Your dad."

Joseph cut in. Finally, turning to face, his hands still in his pockets.

"Look, we both want something and we both get to benefit a lot from this. I'm not doing this for anything else aside from the fact that I want to claim what is rightfully mine. No emotions involved."

"This is crazy". Selena sighed.

"You can still walk away. But don't forget that your dad is the very reason you walked in here."

Selena felt her heart palpitating.

Joseph took out a pen from his breast pocket and put it beside the document containing the contract.

His cold expression met hers-warm, scared, and vulnerable.

"Let's just get this over and done with."

"Great"

He slid the document towards her. It was a brown envelope containing the documents. Sealed.

She carefully took off the seal and brought out a couple of typed documents stapled together.

She was a bit hesitant to read the contents. And then she did.

The terms of the contract read:

Marriage will last for one year. Sexual activities will be twice a month, only on mutual agreement, and will happen during Selena's fertile window. After conception, there will be no outings except in the company of the husband and or bodyguards and only to important functions. Failure to adhere to these terms attracts immediate termination of the agreement.

Upon successful fulfillment of the above-stated agreement, divorce papers will be processed. Selena Jones will be financially compensated and will move on with her life after she signs an agreement of secrecy.

She looked up at him, wanting to say something, but the words were stuck.

"Any questions?"

He asked, rather impatiently.

She finally found her words.

"What happens to the child?"

"Oh, you can do whatever you want with the child after everything is done."

Selena looked at him in disbelief and shook her head in disappointment.

"Even the winter snow cannot compete with the ice inside your soul."

"I just want what's mine. I'm not interested in this little fairy tale of being a husband and a father. Phew!"

He scoffed.

"You're going to punish an innocent child just to get what you want? God! You're heartless!"

"I'm just a man who goes for what he wants, regardless."

"Well, unlike you, I have a heart. I'm not signing this!"

She pushed the document back at him, angrily.

"Fine. But just know that time is ticking and I won't be responsible for whatever happens to your father."

Selena stood up to leave. She was almost at the door when his words stopped her in her tracks.

"The more stubborn you prove to be, the more dangerous it gets for you and your father. And even you, by extension."

Selena froze. Then she turned to face him.

"How could you be so heartless? You're making this hard for me!"

"You're making it even harder for yourself."

Selena looked at him with resentment in her eyes. Her fists were clenched by her sides.

"Can I at least think about this? It's not an easy thing to do."

"Twenty-four hours." That's all I can give you. Time is of the essence.

Selena stepped forward, snatched the document from the table, took a last look at him, and stormed out.