Anything for a million dollars

Years later.

Lilac's POV

"You have a chance to sleep with me, and you're refusing?"

My boss growled at me. I stood still, clutching my hands tight, hoping this meeting would end. When I walked into the office this morning, and my co-worker told me Mr Wilson, my boss, wanted to see me immediately, I knew I was in for some deep trouble. 

"I'm just not interested in you, sir!"

Ops, that was too blunt.

I quickly cleared my throat. "It's not professional, sir." I corrected myself. My gaze locked onto the floor. 

Mr Wilson lay back on his chair. A spiteful chuckle escaped his lips. "You're pathetic, Lilac. Do you know how many girls are hurling themselves over me?"

"I don't think I'm capable of doing such, sir." I spat again.

God! Why am I so direct?

I pressed my lips together. "I think my talents should be enough for my promotion, sir."

Silence.

I could tug at his heartstrings, if he has any. Who won't want to pity an orphan like me?

"I really need this, sir." I pleaded. "It's been months now since I lost my grandma. Thankfully, she died well and of old age, but I have no one to fall back on now. I promise to give 100 percent to the company once I get this opportunity."

"I know how desperate you are, Lilac, that's why I'm giving you this offer." A smug grin curved his lips.

Gross. What a repulsive man!

"You either come to my hotel tonight and do what you have to do or kiss that promotion goodbye."

"What!" My eyes blazed with tears. "I've given this company years of my life and this is how you treat me?"

"It's not a fair world, Lilac," he sang as he twiddled a pen between his fingers.

"Well, then. In that case, I quit!" I spat. Even Mr Wilson looked up at me, surprised. "You can shove that promotion and this job up there because I want none of it!"

I threw my file on his desk and stormed out of his office, the building, and into the cool air of the city. 

I ran my hands through my hair, trying to calm myself down. 

"What have I done?" That wasn't just my boss; that was Mr Wilson Chessington, heir of the millionaire dollar corporation I work for. His father owns most of the businesses in this city. 

Being disrespectful to him like this only means one thing. I'll never get a job in his city. Not on his watch. 

I strolled down the street to a park, trying hard not to think about what I just did. I settled on a bench and cupped my hands on my face, my eyes blurring with tears. 

Grandma Chichi would have told me not to worry, and she would have whipped out a new idea I could fall back on. But Grandma Chichi isn't here anymore. I'm all alone: tired from all the hard work and overtime I have given to this job, and broke because living in the city is pretty expensive. 

I sobbed.

I noticed someone had settled beside me on the bench in the park, but I didn't look up. I don't cry in public, but today is a different day. 

"Lilac Eve Carter?" I heard the person beside me say. 

I raised my head, shocked and confused, only to see a middle-aged woman in diamonds and a designer's dress staring me down. She looked at me like she wasn't sure she should be talking to me. This woman was definitely an heiress or the wife of a billionaire.

"Yes? How did you know my name?" I wiped my tears. 

"It doesn't matter." She waved her hand dismissively. "I've got a proposition for you." She said as she reached into her bag, bringing out a neatly stacked document, and handed it to me.

"What is this about?" I asked as I received the file.

"Read." She said curtly.

My eyes lowered to the document in front of me.

"A marriage contract to my Son - Kaleb Damian Cross." I read 

Wait? The Kaleb Damian Cross that is all over the media? The mysterious, cold-hearted, CEO billionaire playboy who breaks hearts like he snaps his fingers.

I looked up at her. This is Gracie Odessa Cross! The Heirness of the Cross family. Mother of the notorious playboy.

Quickly, I shot up to my feet and bowed to her repeatedly. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know it was you." I bowed again and again

I'm not much for a social media girl. I only follow the hottest gossip through my co-workers' gisting about it in the office. I understand the hype around the Cross family. But, I haven't gotten the time to put a face to these enigmas because I'm always busy working and working.

Seeing Aunty Gracie now is like standing in front of a goddess. I felt so small and insignificant.

Gracie rose up to match my eyes. "I want you to marry my son, Lilac. And you will be properly compensated. All you have to do is follow the terms of the contract."

Marry Mr Kaleb?

Why me? 

I looked down at the contract and carefully read through it this time.

"No touching, speaking to him except you're spoken to, no nagging…. You live with him, prepare his meals, and blend into the background. Escort him to parties if he wants you to. Do anything he asks without questions…"

At this point, I had to stop. What the heck is this? 

"So I'm supposed to be a traditional wife?" I peeked at Gracie, who returned my look with a cold stare.

"You're meant to be beneath that, Lilac." She spat back. "You're meant to be his slave. It's what Kaleb will prefer."

"Then, I think you got the wrong girl." I handed the contract back to her. "I'm not interested in this." 

I moved to leave, but Gracie's voice stopped me midway. 

"You're throwing away an opportunity of a lifetime because of your pride? You don't even know where your next meal will come from," She scoffed. 

I turned around to give her a piece of my mind. Heirness or not, I will not be disrespected. But her voice cut me short before I could breathe the next words out of my mouth, her back still turned against me.

"This deal is just for nine months." She turned around, facing me. "And for a start, I'd hand you a million dollars just to sign the damn contract."

A million dollars?!

Just for my signature?!

Okay, now she has my attention.