TWO

I burst through the emergency room doors, people stared at me as I ran like a mad woman wearing a now dirty wedding dress.

"Robert Jones," I tried to catch my breath as I reached the reception desk. "My father…h-he was in a car accident….where is he?"

The nurse was surprised at my appearance but she quickly typed into her computer. "He's on the third floor and is currently in surgery. The elevator is just—”

I didn't wait to hear what she said as I made my way to the elevator.

Another nurse directed me to the private waiting area where I collapsed into an uncomfortable plastic chair.

"Miss Jones?"

I looked up to find a doctor in scrubs standing in front of me.

"The impact of the accident caused serious internal bleeding and we need to repair—" He went on, using medical terms I couldn't quite process.

"Is he going to be okay?" I whispered, my heart threatening to jump out of my chest.

"We're doing everything we can but I need to be honest with you about the costs. This type of emergency surgery is very expensive." He paused. "Does he have insurance?"

"“He does,” I said quickly. “But it won’t cover everything.”

“How much can you afford now?” he asked.

My stomach dropped. Even if insurance covered part of it, the rest would be a lot of money. I didn't have that kind of money now.

"We'll work with you on a payment plan. Right now, let's focus on getting him through surgery." The doctor gave me a sympathetic look. "It'll be a few hours, so try to stay calm." He walked away.

I buried my face in my hands feeling like shit. Just two months ago, I'd used all of my savings when he had that heart attack. I didn't have enough. How was I supposed to pay for this?

"Excuse me, are you Breanna Jones?"

I looked up to find a police officer standing there with a notepad.

"Yes.” I replied cautiously.

"Your father's vehicle collided with another car on Route 7. The other driver has minor injuries but his vehicle sustained significant damage." He flipped through his notes. "The other party is here in the hospital as well. We'll need to exchange insurance information and—"

"Officer, I can take it from here."

The voice that interrupted was deep and smooth.

The man walking down the hallway was tall and dressed in a perfectly ironed charcoal suit, his brown hair was styled perfectly, and not a strand was out of place.

My eyebrows shoots up in astonishment.

I recognized him. It was impossible not to. Logan had bragged about him constantly. This was his boss. The CEO everyone was supposed to impress at the wedding.

Elijah Washington. The Elijah Washington of Washington industries which was the biggest and richest company in New York.

He had the darkest green eyes I'd ever seen, like a forest at midnight. I'd seen him in business magazines but this was the first time I'd seen him up close. His features were so beautiful with an angular jaw, high cheekbones and full luscious lips.

He had the kind of face you'd see on a magazine cover or in a cologne commercial.

I opened and closed my mouth like a fish out of water. He was looking at me with a very serious expression.

"Miss Jones and I have matters to discuss," Elijah said to the officer. "I'm the other party involved in the accident."

I gasped. No no no no.

My father had hit a billionaire. He could afford the best lawyers and had the ultimate power to ruin us.

"I'll give you two a moment," the officer said, stepping away.

Elijah’s eyes looked over at my ruined wedding dress with an expression I couldn't read. He moved closer and a woody scent filled my nostrils.

"I—" My voice came out as a whisper. "I'm so sorry about your car…is your driver okay? Are you hurt?"

"My driver has a minor concussion. I'm fine and the car is replaceable." He said calmly. "Your father, however, is not doing well from what I understand."

Tears burned my eyes. "He's in surgery. They don't know if he'll make it."

"I see." He was quiet for a moment, green eyes studying me. What was he thinking? Probably thinking about ways to ruin me.

"But I'll figure out a payment plan. I'll do whatever it takes to compensate you. I promise." I pleaded. Word on the streets was that Elijah Washington was a ruthless business man and it was very foolish to cross him.

"It's funny... I was on my way to a wedding before the accident." he said. “Would it be such a coincidence that you're the bride of that wedding.”

Everything clicked into place now.

I contemplated telling him exactly what happened but I was too embarrassed.

“The wedding is off.” I finally said.

“That's perfect.”

I scrunched up my eyebrows in confusion. That was definitely not the response I was expecting.

"You said you'd do anything."

I looked up at him.

"To make this right and to handle the damages, the medical costs, all of it." His green eyes locked onto mine. "Did you mean that?"

"Yes," I said desperately. "I'll pay you back however long it takes. I'll—"

"Marry me."

I stared at him. What did he just say? I must have misheard.

"What?"

‎“Marry me. You'll be provided accommodation and everything you need. I'll cover all your father's medical expenses and a lump sum payment when we divorce."

"I don't even know you."

"You know I'm Logan's boss, which means I'm not a complete stranger and from the looks of it you need the money." He checked his watch. "The hospital will want payment information soon and the police will need to file their report about the accident."

Every word was true and it made me want to scream.

"What do you get out of this?"

"I just need a wife on paper."

"Okay," I whispered. "I'll do it." I was after all, desperate.

"Excellent." He pulled out his phone. "We'll get married today."

"Today?"

"The sooner this is handled, the sooner your father gets the care he needs without you worrying about costs.”

I'd just agreed to marry a stranger.

What the hell was wrong with me?