Chapter 3:

Lily's POV

Did I hear well? Or was I imagining things?

“What?!” I turned to look at Mr William. The seriousness in his eyes told me he wasn't joking but I still found it hard to believe.

William sighed and relaxed more into his chair and said, “It’s going to be a marriage contract between me and you, you become my wife and conceive my child and I'll cater for your every need”

This was too surreal, too good to be true that I had to ask, “Why? I am no use to you and we are not of the same class”

“You shouldn’t be worried about that, that's my problem. All I need is for you to act like my wife in front of everyone and convince them well enough. Are you willing?” If his face wasn't so serious, I would have really thought this was just a prank.

A fake marriage with a billionaire… What games was fate playing? Is this what it means to have struck gold?

I wouldn't have had too many problems with the idea except that… “Urmm, I have a five year old son, he has been diagnosed with down syndrome” I spoke up about my condition.

The only person that mattered to me was my son, if he didn't want him then the deal was off without second thoughts… my son goes where I go.

Mr William shrugged casually with batting an eyelid, “It’s no problem, he will be well taken care of and given the best medical care”

I released a breath and nodded, “In that case, I have no objections, I agree to the deal” it all sounded crazy when I heard myself but it was really happening. It was just yesterday that I was calculating how to work overtime to buy some essentials for August and today I was signing a contract with a billionaire, some supreme being must be working for my favor.

“Great, my lawyer will prepare the papers so you can sign. I would love to introduce you to my family as my wife to be” William's face turned brighter at my answer and he said.

“Oh, right now?” I stammered in surprise. Why was he in such a hurry?

“Well yes, if you are not busy. You and your son will have to move in with us” he answered.

I glanced at the Manager who had been watching quietly and he nodded with a smile, “Don’t worry about work, you are dismissed” he said.

I snickered and returned my gaze to William, “Okay but I would have to pack and get my son, will you be able to wait Mr William?” I asked.

“Sure, no problem. And please call me William or just Will” he replied as he stood up.

I nodded and and stood up as well, we greeted the Manager goodbye before I followed Will to his car. The drive to my house was awkward, I was still getting used to this marriage contract of a thing and Will's intimidating presence made me shy. Soon we arrived at my house in a few minutes because it wasn't that far from my workplace, it was a one room shabby apartment.

“Do you need help?” He asked when I got out of the car.

“No, I don't have much anyways” I replied then walked into the building alone. I really didn't have much so in about 20 minutes I was done packing me and my son's belongings into a medium sized luggage, I rolled it out and Will helped me put it in the boot of the car.

“Now, I have to go get my son. Please wait here, he's just across the street” I said before walking away to the building opposite mine. I usually left him there for the nurse to babysit while I was at work because of his condition.

August was a happy child despite his condition, he was so happy to see me when I arrived at the place, the thought of him finally having a better life brought tears to my eyes. I picked him up and hugged him so passionately and he hugged me back too.

“Hey, baby, how are you? Did you have fun today?” I asked him with a warm tone.

“Yes!” he cheered and laughed, my heart warmed in an instant. I always wanted him to be happy every time because he was everything good in my world.

“Awesome! Come on, let's go to our new home” I said after saying goodbye to the nurse. I began walking to William's waiting car and when I got there, I gently put him inside the backseat of the car and sat beside him.

“We can go now” was all I said and William grunted in reply. I noticed he was staring at us from the mirror so I looked away. I didn't like the pity looks I got when people stared at me and my son.

A second later the engine roared to life and we began our journey to a new chapter in our lives.

***

Thirty minutes later, we arrived at the Carter Mansion. It was even more majestic and beautiful than the pictures on the internet, it definitely didn't do enough justice. I had to consciously remind myself to close my mouth because it kept dropping in shock.

We got out of the car and together with August, we stepped into the building. The inside was ridiculously more beautiful than the outside even when I thought nothing could beat the majestic outside look. It was brightly lit with chandeliers and everything screamed expensive, they would definitely cost a fortune.

This time I couldn't stop my mouth from falling open, I was completely lost in the beauty of such an estate. I guess the family owning the best real estate company in the country was true, their family house was the best example of what they could do.

“Eww, what are beggars doing in our house?” The unfamiliar voice pulled me out of my thoughts and then I heard footsteps of heels clicking.