Forgive me and love me again

The Offer

Megan

"Father! Please, I don't want to do this. Why are you doing this? Jordan is completely out of control, and I don't want to marry him. Why are you forcing me to do this?" I lit a cigarette in an attempt to calm my nerves; my father despised my smoking, but I believed I had the right to make my own decisions. Now, not only did he want to stop me from smoking, but he also insisted on me getting married.

"Put out that cigarette, Megan!" My father urged me firmly. I stood up and exhaled smoke towards his face, defiantly.

"What if I don't, Dad?" My father's gaze filled with fury. Unexpectedly, he slapped me, causing my cigarette to fall to the ground. Tears welled up involuntarily; the blow hurt not only physically but also emotionally. Never before in my twenty-three years of life had I received a slap from him.

"You're disobedient, Megan! I'm tired of your wrong decisions. Dorian keeps you employed as Jordan's assistant out of sheer compassion for us. And now, when an important opportunity arises, you choose to act this way. What happened to the money you earned?"

"You hit me, Dad! I don't think I can ever forgive you," I yelled through tears and pain.

"I admit it was wrong, but I can no longer tolerate your rebellious behavior, your slip-ups, and, above all, your lack of interest in your own future. Well then, go and find that worthless boyfriend of yours. The one who only takes your money from you," my father was speaking to me like he had never before, and though it tore me apart inside, I wouldn't allow him to treat me this way.

"I'm leaving this house, Dad. I won't come back ever again," I stormed off to my room. Since my mother's death when I was only 8 years old, we had been living in extreme poverty. Our surroundings were filled with antique furniture and unpaid bills. My mother had been my only companion, and after her departure, I had practically raised myself under my father's constant work, who had never considered remarrying.

Three years ago, Harry burst into my life, bringing with him an explosion of color and joy that revitalized my existence. However, now my own father was willing to separate me from the only source of happiness I had ever known, all with the absurd intention of marrying me off to the unfamiliar and unpleasant boss that was Jordan Frederick. After over five years working in his garden, he had never paid any attention to my existence.

I filled an old suitcase with my meager possessions, determined to leave. I had no doubt that Harry would take me in. I could no longer bear my father and his absurd rules, and I was ready to quit my job at the Frederick mansion; that place was not suitable for someone like me.

My father was sitting in front of the television, holding a coffee cup. I wanted to see his reaction when I left, but he didn't even look at me. Without further ado, I opened the door, determined to leave, when suddenly I heard his words.

"Megan, if you walk out that door, never come back. This house deserves respect. I won't allow you to come and go as you please."

"You won't manipulate me, Carlos. You've kept me a prisoner within these four walls my whole life. I'm leaving with Harry; he's a real man."

With a resounding slam, I closed the door behind me, not giving my father a chance to respond. I swallowed the lump in my throat and hailed a taxi. Minutes later, I stood in front of Harry's trailer, where, as usual, he was drinking with some friends. His face changed completely when he saw me; it was evident that he was furious.

I approached him with a smile, trying to dissipate his anger, but he stood up abruptly and grabbed my arm.

"What are you doing here, Megan? You're making me look like a fool."

"Harry, what do you mean, a fool? We've been together for three years; I'm going through a tough time. My father kicked me out of the house, and I have nowhere to go. I need you to take me in."

"Are you an idiot or what?! There's no room for you in the trailer; three people live there. It's not possible," Harry exclaimed with exasperation. I didn't understand his reaction; I had done everything I could for him, and at that moment, I needed his support more than ever, but he was simply rejecting me.

"But, darling..." I couldn't understand why Harry was acting like this. I had given everything for him, and I needed his love more than ever.

"There are no 'buts,' Megan. Go back to your father; you have no place here." Harry started pushing me to forcefully get me out of the trailer. A taxi passed by, and without letting me speak, he practically forced me to get into it.

"Harry, wait, please, Harry..." I tried to reach him, but he closed the car door and left again with his friends. I gave the taxi driver the address, and he took me back home. My heart was broken, my future was uncertain, and it seemed like I would have to submit to my father's will. My insides were flooded with conflicting emotions; at that moment, I wished I could disappear.

I cried throughout the entire journey back home. Now I would have to face my father as if nothing had happened.

Jordan Frederick

"You have no other choice, son. That was your parents' condition for inheriting your fortune, and you only have to be married for two years." My executor, Dorian, had been insistent on finding me a contract wife. In six months, I would turn thirty, and according to the provisions of my will, I had to be married by then. Although I was sure my parents would have accepted any decision of mine, their will was clear, and if I didn't marry, the money would go to my distant relatives, a gang of money-hungry hyenas who had always been lurking since my parents' death.

"I have no one to marry; I won't do it without love. I've been single for eight years; why do you think I'll find a girlfriend now?" I poured a glass of wine and drank it in one gulp.

"I've explained it to you. We'll have a marriage of convenience until you find the right person. You can't do this, Jordan." Dorian's voice broke. "Many people depend on your company. If the Fergusons get all the money, everything will fall apart, including your foundations."

I looked at myself in the mirror. Since that fateful November, my life had changed completely. I walked slowly to the mirror to inspect my reflection more closely. Although I was still an attractive man from the waist up, the prosthetic that replaced my right leg completely transformed my image.

I angrily threw the wine glass against the wall, and it shattered into a thousand pieces. Once again, that day came back to my mind, and I knew that my guilt had brought me to this situation, with my family in the cemetery.

"I don't want to marry anyone; I can't stand anyone. If the Fergusons want the money, let them have it, I don't care."

"Jordan, please, calm down. I know this is very difficult for you, but I have the perfect candidate in mind. Her name is Megan Parker; she works as a gardener in the mansion and has been with us for five years. She's the daughter of my best friend. She'll sign a contract with clauses, you'll receive a substantial sum, and you can continue to enjoy everything that belongs to you."

I pondered over the name that Dorian had mentioned. I had no idea who Megan Parker was, and I didn't even know we had a gardener. I peeked out of the living room window, pushing aside the heavy curtains that covered it, and realized that I was surrounded by a beautiful garden of roses and gardenias. How absurd! Only my mother had liked those flowers.

"I can't believe it, Dorian. You've made decisions without my consent, and now you want me to marry someone I don't even know. This is unacceptable."

"It's for your own good. I'll arrange for her to come and talk to you tomorrow during her work shift. She's not the perfect woman, but we can trust her. She's a good girl."

"You can say whatever you want, Dorian, but you're far from convincing me of this madness. No matter the cost, when I do get married, it will be with someone I truly love, and on my own terms. No woman will be interested in me under these conditions, you'll see."

My executor shook his head in disagreement. I headed to my room in my huge and luxurious mansion. Any woman would feel fortunate to be there, but unfortunately, the house was empty, just like my life. I was surrounded by money, properties, and employees, but I didn't have a single true friend, I hadn't experienced love, and worst of all, I had lost my family.

That night, I found it impossible to fall asleep. I didn't want to lose the money my parents had left, which I allocated to foundations for needy families, especially animal welfare foundations. Besides, nearly 200 employees worked for my company, and they would be left without livelihood because of me. My relatives only cared about money; perhaps Dorian was right, a marriage of convenience was a solution, I just needed to get to know the candidate.

The Interview

Megan

With my head hung low, I returned to my father's house, and when he opened the door, he simply did what I needed at that moment: he gave me a comforting hug. I clung to his arms tightly, feeling a bit of peace wash over my tormented soul. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped away my tears.

"Don't say anything, Dad. Maybe deep down, you're right, and Harry isn't the right man for me," I said with a trembling voice.

"I won't say anything, sweetheart. Maybe we're both discovering the truth on our own. Come on, I'll make you some hot oatmeal."

"With a pastry, Dad?"

"Yes, with a pastry," I sat down next to my father, and ate what he had brought. We didn't exchange more words after the argument we'd had; there was simply no need.

Suddenly, he raised his phone upon hearing a notification and read a message. Then, he took the last sip of his coffee and looked at me intently.

"Tomorrow, you have a meeting with Jordan. Dorian sent me a message confirming the interview."

I looked at my father sadly, not understanding why he insisted on the crazy idea of me entering into a contract marriage with my boss.

"Dad, please, I've told you, I don't want to marry him. Jordan is a monster. Everyone says that after the accident, he became unrecognizable, which is why he never opens the windows, which is why he's the way he is."

"Oh, please, stop acting like a child. Tomorrow, dress appropriately. Don't believe everything you hear. You'll have an interview with him, Megan, you have to be Jordan's wife."

"Why are you insisting so much, Dad?" My father's eyes filled with tears, he approached slowly, and took my hands.

"We're about to lose the house, the only thing we have left, Megan. Besides, you can't just remain a gardener. It'll only be two years, and with the money you'll get, we'll pay off the mortgage, and you'll be able to finance your education in design. You'll become the successful designer you've always wanted to be."

A deep void gripped my chest. My father was using me, or perhaps, he was exacting payment for what he had done for me. I loved Harry deeply; I was in love with him. Marrying for convenience and without love was not in my plans. I wanted to have a family, children, and a beautiful home. My father was thwarting my dreams.

"Father, you're selfish," I let go of his hands and retreated to my room. I couldn't even sleep, but they were his orders, and I couldn't disobey them. I would do everything in my power to ensure that Jordan didn't choose me; I wouldn't marry a monster like him.

The Next Day

Reluctantly, I obeyed the orders of Carlos, my father. When something got into his head, there was no way to get it out. Besides, I had to go to the mansion since that was where I worked. Although Jordan seemed to completely ignore me, I was still just an employee in his house and had to do my job.

Dorian met me in the mansion's hallway, a place where employees were not allowed to enter. His gaze was somewhat disdainful; he seemed upset with me.

"Megan, why are you late? I told Carlos you should arrive early. The gentleman is waiting for you."

"I got delayed," I responded firmly as I crossed the threshold of the mansion. A deep cold crept into my bones, and the loneliness in the atmosphere was palpable. It felt as if I had entered a chilling castle. In the background, classical music played, which made me question the strange image I had of Jordan. When people talked about him as a "monster," I imagined him disfigured, maybe in a wheelchair and covered in scars.

"Please, continue," Dorian instructed me to advance into a spacious living room. Immediately, I was enveloped in the scent of a masculine cologne, which I liked. I timidly moved forward to the large armchair where I was supposed to sit.

When Jordan's figure appeared in front of me, my hands began to tremble. He walked with a slow and measured limp, but his physique was impeccable. Where was the monster? The only flaw I could find at that moment was the paleness of his cheeks due to the lack of light because his gray eyes and dark hair, impeccably groomed, made him look spectacular. His body seemed to have been sculpted by the gods, his nose almost perfect, and his pink lips were admirable.

"Are you Megan Parker?" He approached me and extended his hand. I reached out mine cautiously, and our fingers barely brushed.

"Yes, sir, it's me. I've worked for you for five years."

"Yes, that's what Dorian told me. I'm sorry if I hadn't noticed; I don't pay much attention to employees," his sarcastic tone began to make his beauty fade in my eyes.

"I understand, sir. And what do I owe this pleasure to?"

"I'm getting to know the wife I'll have by contract. My lawyer will contact you and have you sign a clause. It will be a fictitious marriage for two years, with no intimacy or contact between us. It will simply be a marriage of convenience."

His words hit me like a blast of overwhelming information. He was assuming that I had already accepted the proposal without even asking me. This had to be my father's doing.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Jordan, but I won't marry you. Nobody consulted me or asked if I agreed."

"According to Dorian, your father has already signed the clause for the first payment. He has the contract in his hands. If we don't comply, he will be arrested for fraud," his words were sharp and direct, making everything crumble beneath my feet. This couldn't be real.

"When will the wedding be?" I asked with a thread of voice, without another option.

"In two weeks," he replied relentlessly.

I got up from the chair without saying another word. My father had sold me like a worthless commodity, and he still hadn't given me a reason. I left the mansion feeling as if I had been handcuffed and led straight to the slaughter. I had to marry a man I barely knew, while my heart still belonged to another man with whom I had shared three years of my life. He was my only love, the man I wanted to marry.

The rest of the day, with tears in my eyes, I immersed myself in the task of fixing the mansion's garden. My fate seemed sealed without my consent, and the sum my father mentioned, though exorbitant, was not the price I was willing to pay for my love and freedom. When I finally finished my work and was about to go home, Harry appeared at his trailer to pick me up.

"Hey! Come on, let's go for some beers," he invited me enthusiastically, but my mood wasn't up for celebration.

"I don't want to drink today, Harry. Could you take me out to eat something?" I asked him wistfully.

"Do you have money?" he asked somewhat brazenly.

"Yes, of course I have money," I assured him and got into the trailer with him. We headed out to grab a quick bite.

"Darling, I'm sorry about the other night, but you made a fool out of me in front of my friends. I can't host you in my trailer; it's crowded," Harry apologized.

"Don't worry, Harry, it's okay. I'll stay with my father. But I have something to tell you," I informed him.

Harry spat out the food he had in his mouth and looked at me with fury.

"What the hell are you talking about, Megan? What did your father do?"

"My father signed a marriage contract with my boss. Now I have to marry him," I confessed, and immediately I collapsed onto the table, drowning in heart-wrenching sobs. Telling my boyfriend was a tragic experience. I didn't know how he would react, and it tore my heart apart.

"A marriage contract, Megan? Your dad is crazy. And in exchange for what?" Harry asked anxiously.

I lifted my face, tears streaming, and replied, "I have to be married to him for two years, and in return, I'll receive 10..."

"10 what, Megan? 10 what?" he asked, visibly intrigued.

Looking deep into his eyes with my tears even more intense, I responded, "10 million!"

Harry lifted my chin and looked at me intensely.

"Are you kidding me, Megan?"

"No, of course not. It's the truth. I don't want to marry that man for money. I love you, Harry."

"Megan, my love, calm down. It's 10 million. Can you imagine what we could do with that money? We'd travel the world, we'd be millionaires, and we'd live like kings without having to work."

"No, Harry. That's not right. It wouldn't be money earned fairly."

"Since when do you care about values, Megan? Just accept the contract and that's it. We'll be happy with that pile of money".

"I won't do it!" I replied with determination, regardless of the consequences.

Harry grabbed my chin again, but this time applying a little pressure.

"Yes, you will, Megan. If you want to stay with me, you will. Now go get some rest. First thing tomorrow morning you will go to your boss and tell him yes, you will marry him".

Harry got up from the table and left me there alone. I couldn't believe what he was asking me, but if I looked at it from another point of view, he was right. With that money, we could make all our dreams come true. Although I didn't like the way he treated me, I had already accepted his cold personality. After all, he was all I had in the world. My father, having sold me out, no longer had a place in my life.

"Accepting the Monster"

After my conversation with Harry, I arrived home very late. I wanted to avoid talking to my father; I simply wished to sleep, as I hadn't had good nights of sleep lately. The next day, I would have to face my problems.

That night, for some reason, I was able to fall asleep in one breath. I woke up early, dressed in my best clothes, and decided to confront the situation by going to Jordan's mansion. I hadn't mentioned anything to my father; the sooner I finished this, the better.

I rang the doorbell at Jordan's house, my hands were sweating, and I hesitated twice before they opened the door. However, a part of the contract was already signed, and it seemed like my father had vanished with the money. Minutes later, Rose, one of the service employees, welcomed me.

"Sweetie, you've arrived early. The sir is in his office and is waiting for you."

"Thank you, Rose. I arrived early despite myself," I replied. I had the feeling that the news of the contract marriage had reached the ears of most people in the house, as Rose spoke as if they were aware of my arrival. When I entered Jordan's impressive office, he was behind a large computer screen, looking impeccable as if he were going to work in a corporate office, even though he was staying at home.

"Good morning, Megan. I hope you slept well. Are you ready to sign?" he asked without taking his eyes off the screen.

"Good morning, sir. I'm not ready because your lawyer hasn't contacted me, but it seems like I don't have another option, right?"

"Of course, you have other options, Miss Parker. But it seems you're not a fan of emails and haven't read the contract. If you wish, you can come back in a couple of hours after reviewing it."

I was paralyzed by his way of speaking; he was the most calculating man I had ever met in my life, and it gave me a certain fear. Despite his spectacular appearance, his personality seemed to be the reason why they called him "the monster" in whispers.

"It won't be necessary, Mr. Frederick. I trust that you won't play any tricks on me. I just want to make it clear that the money must be delivered directly to me since I'm the one who will be marrying you. Understood?"

Jordan stood up from his chair, adjusted his jacket, and walked towards me. He was much taller and looked down at me, making me feel vulnerable. There was no turning back.

"That's perfectly fine that you want to assert your authority, Miss Parker. Of course, the money will be handed directly to you. However, you must understand that I have some rules that you must strictly follow. From this moment on, you will stop working in the garden."

My eyes widened, and I interrupted him.

"No, that can't be. The garden is in its current state thanks to me, and I can't allow it to deteriorate. I will be your contract wife, don't I have any rights? And my choice is to continue working in the garden."

"No, you don't have those rights, you're mistaken. Your contract clearly states that your only right is the agreed-upon payment, which will be made in two parts: half when we marry and the other half when we divorce. That's the only thing you'll get from me. If you agree, perfect; let's sign. If not, return the two million I paid in advance, or your father will end up in jail."

I stamped my foot on the ground like a little girl, grumbling about Jordan's absurd conditions. My father had set a trap for me, and now I was trapped. I swallowed the lump in my throat to avoid crying and looked at him with determination.

"All right, Jordan, we'll do it your way. I'll go read the contract, and please keep me informed about the wedding date. I'll do my best to be present on that day."

I was about to leave when Jordan called me back.

"It's not that easy, my dear gardener. We must start with your transformation. If you're going to be my contract wife for two years, you need to change your appearance and certain bad habits, like your tardiness. I don't tolerate people who arrive late every day."

"Do I have a schedule?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, if you had read your contract, I wouldn't have to tell you. Although it will only be during these days leading up to the wedding, there will be a wedding party. You must look perfect for the occasion."

I shook my head in disbelief at his words. I bit my lower lip to avoid a string of expletives, but I had already accepted his offer. I nodded and waved my hands in a sign of surrender.

"All right, sir. I'll do as you say. Money is money. I'll read the contract right now, and we'll do what's necessary to make this work."

Jordan looked at me in an intimidating manner. It was as if he exerted a strange control over me, which made me nervous. Although I didn't like him remotely, his face seemed strangely familiar, as if I had seen it somewhere before. But that couldn't be possible; I must be going crazy because of the situation.

"And one more thing, you have two days to move in here. I want you close and safe. I don't want you causing a scene outside the mansion."

"What? No, I don't want to live here. Look at how this place is. I won't get married if this is what it involves," I said, crossing my arms.

"It's not your decision, Megan, but if you wish to annul the contract, you know what to do. You have 24 hours to decide. Oh, by the way, an envelope with a blue card arrived at your house. You'll need to change your style and appearance; your hair looks terrible. You'll also have to take some glamour classes. For the wedding day, you must be nearly perfect."

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his criticisms. He made me feel like a complete mess, and even though I was far from being the opposite, I was bothered that he judged me based on my appearance.

"Why are you doing this, sir?" I asked, confused. Everyone had a reason for this marriage of convenience, except me.

"You don't care why I'm forced to marry you. You just need to know that I didn't choose you, and I don't agree with this either. Now go; I have things to do."

I pressed my lips together and left his office. I wanted to say goodbye, but Jordan didn't give me the chance. I ended up in a large room in his mansion, all dark and cold, without a hint of light. It was the destiny my father had decided for me.

I obeyed Jordan's orders and returned to my house. I wanted to talk to my father, but I only found a note.

"Dear, I hope you forgive me, but I had no other choice. I've paid off the mortgage on the house and taken the rest of the money. Please be patient and think that this is for your own good. I don't know when I'll be back; I'm on a spiritual retreat. I'll call you when I can. I love you more than you can imagine. -Dad"

I shattered my father's note, wondering why he had left if he supposedly loved me. I slumped into my old armchair, desperate tears streaming from my eyes. My world was falling apart; it wasn't a matter of whether I wanted to accept the contract marriage, but I was forced to do so. My father had already spent the money, and working a lifetime wouldn't come close to that sum.

After shedding all my tears in a torrent of grief, I headed to the mailbox, where I found an envelope and a card with detailed instructions. There were countless appointments at hair salons, boutiques, and other places to kickstart my transformation. I sighed deeply; my father had abandoned me without a single explanation. I thought he truly loved me, but it seemed like he only used me to get money from Jordan before disappearing who knows where.

I served myself a bowl of oatmeal and quickly consumed it, feeling completely lost. I was destined to marry that eccentric man, and worst of all, my boyfriend had also asked me to do it. At that moment, I didn't know whom to trust, as the men who claimed to love me had betrayed me in the worst way.

The next day, with puffy eyes from crying so much, I left home determined to fulfill all the appointments Jordan had scheduled for me. The first stop was the hair salon, where a renowned stylist began working on my hair. The change was drastic; my dull color was replaced with lighter and healthier tones, and the damaged ends disappeared. I felt like a completely different person when I walked out of there.

Then, I visited a boutique and purchased an impressive wardrobe. My ripped jeans and short tops were a thing of the past, replaced by beautiful pastel suits and figure-enhancing tops. I continued with two more appointments, where I transformed into a completely different woman in terms of physical appearance. Although it was only an external change, my heart still belonged to a rebellious girl in love with a rogue, but I was willing to do whatever it took for him.

Finally, Dorian picked me up in the city center and took me back to the mansion. From that moment on, I would live with "the monster" as per his request. Perhaps a contract marriage wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.

When we arrived, I found Jordan in his living room, enjoying a glass of wine. When I introduced myself to him, his eyes lit up in surprise, as if he were seeing a completely different woman. He seemed impressed by my transformation.

"You look spectacular, Megan. I like your new look," he commented.

"Thank you, sir. Although it's not my style, I followed your orders, and I'm adapting. I'm grateful for the card and the appointments you scheduled. I felt really good," I replied.

"It's the least I can do. Come, I'll show you to your room."

When I heard that, I don't know why I felt a profound relief; for a moment, I thought I would have to sleep with him, and that wasn't in my plans.

Little did I know that this would be the beginning of the true hell that the contract marriage with Jordan Frederick would bring.