A Chanced Encounter

Michael Langston was back in the city, his mind preoccupied with the monumental task ahead. The weeks of packing and preparing to take over his family's sprawling corporation had passed in a blur. Now, there was another equally pressing matter on his mind. His children needed a mother, and he needed a contracted wife who would love them unconditionally. His solution? A pragmatic one: enlist his personal assistant, Sandra, to find a suitable candidate.

Michael had given Sandra explicit instructions. The ideal wife should be kind-hearted, compassionate, and, above all, genuinely affectionate towards his children without being swayed by his wealth and status. Another important part of the deal was the fact the woman will be his wife in name only. No marital affairs will be necessary between them, but all motherly affairs will be needed for his children.

When he found that most of the candidates were interested in his wealth more than his children, Michael decided to hide his real identity. He wanted to find a woman who could love his children without knowing he was the CEO of the company.

Sandra, efficient as always, had arranged a meeting with a promising candidate. They were to meet in front of the company building and then head towards Michael’s home to take the initial assessment for Michael to see if she qualifies.

It is also a neutral and bustling location that offers anonymity and ease. The candidate wouldn't be able to guess his status as the CEO of Langston corporation.

Michael stepped out of his sleek black sedan, straightening his suit jacket as he scanned the area for the candidate.

Fifteen minutes passed, but no one looked like a candidate to him. Michael became a little impatient.

As he did, his eyes landed on a woman standing by the entrance of his building, holding a neatly wrapped lunch bag. She was slender, with an aura of gentle warmth that seemed to draw him in immediately.

“You are late. You should have arrived fifteen minutes ago.” Michael walked toward her quickly.

“Excuse me?”

“No need to apologize, I’m in a hurry, if you accept my terms, we can make an appointment to discuss in detail. I need you to meet my kids as soon as possible.”

The woman looked up, her beautiful almond eyes wide with confusion. "I'm sorry, but I think there's been a mistake. I'm not here for an appointment. I'm here to deliver lunch to my fiancé." She said in such a soft and beautiful tone that could melt hearts.

Michael's brows furrowed slightly in surprise at her statement though.. "Your fiancé?"

She nodded, a small, polite smile gracing her lips as she held up her left hand to reveal a modest engagement ring. "Yes, he works in this building."

Michael's face grew a little awkward with embarrassment upon realizing his mistake. "I apologize for the confusion. I must have mistaken you for someone else." He said to the woman.

"It's quite alright," she replied, her voice soothing and kind. "My name is Yvonne, by the way." She said politely.

“Micheal.” He replied, reaching out his hand to initiate a handshake. A gesture unlike his usual detached personality.

There's just something about Yvonne that makes him want to know more about her.

Perhaps her unfazed demeanor at his presence, which usually makes women unable to be their true self around him. Many will jump at his misunderstanding to get to be with him, but not this woman.

Or perhaps due to the fact that she possesses all the features and demeanor he envisioned for the woman who would play the role his children yearn for.

….

Meanwhile, Yvonne who was a little startled by the misunderstanding from Micheal let out a soft sigh as she stared down at the message she sent to her fiance, which had been read but wasn't responded to.

She wondered if she should give him a call when the figure of A young man, sharply dressed but with an air of arrogance, strode out of the building and headed straight for her.

Yvonne smiled at the man, but her smile disappeared when she watched as the man's expression darkened at the sight of her. Her heart clenched in her chest.

The man is her fiancé, David.

He was soon standing in front of her and scowled "What are you doing here, Yvonne?" he snapped, his tone laced with irritation. "I told you not to come here. You're embarrassing me in front of my colleagues with your silly lunch box. At least act with class, not like some century old woman reincarnation. Look how simply you dressed like you were just taking a stroll at the backyard of your house.”

Yvonne flinched at his harsh words, her face paling. "I just wanted to bring you lunch, David. I thought you might be hungry." She said with her almond eyes glistening with unshed tears.

David scowled, snatching the lunch bag from her hands and throwing it to the ground. "I don't need your pity or your pathetic attempts to 'take care' of me. Don't come to my office again. Unlike the former company that you carelessly visited to shame me with your pathetic care, this new company is above your level. I can't be seen with you here, so leave. I just got a promotion for God sake! People look up to me in this building and I won't let your appearance degrade my influence.”

He turned on his heel and marched back into the building, leaving Yvonne standing there, humiliated and on the verge of tears.

Yvonne let out a shaky breath as she stared at the spilled food. Rice, beef and sausage laid waste on the floor.

Michael, who hadn't walked far before the whole drama played out, had heard every single word and felt pity for Yvonne as she looked around at so many employees and passersby glancing towards her.

Micheal felt that no one deserves to be treated so cruelly by their partner, especially someone as gentle and kind as Yvonne seemed.

Without a second thought, he walked towards her, bending down to help her gather the scattered contents of the lunch bag. "Here, let me help you," he said softly.

Yvonne looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling.

As they cleaned up the mess, Michael's heart ached for her. He could see the pain and embarrassment etched on her face, and he admired the strength it took for her to hold back her tears. When they were finished, he handed her the crumpled bag, his expression gentle.

"I'm really sorry you had to go through that," he said sincerely. "No one should be treated that way," he added.

Yvonne managed a weak smile. "It's not your fault. Thank you for your kindness." She said and walked away.

Micheal watched her leave. The woman that was in a good mood a while ago, cradling a well prepared lunchbox now walked with sagged shoulders and wore a downcast expression.