Chapter Five

Emilia

It wasn’t a question.

I couldn't answer him, but my silence was enough of an answer.

He continued looking at me and his stare grew more unnerving. Shutting my eyes I came back to my senses.

“It's none of your business. Y-you shouldn't have barged into my home. Leave now,” I snapped, trying to pull him away despite my racing heart.

He didn't budge. Instead his sharp gaze lingered on me.

“It is my business. It’s our child, after all,” he said, freezing me in place.

I held back the urge to flinch at his words. Unable to pull him away I took several steps back.

How was he so calm about this? Mentioning my pregnancy so calmly. I didn't even know him!

“What are you doing here?’ I huffed, trying to regain my composure, “How on earth is Richard Kane in my house?”

“So you do know who I am.”

A wave of embarrassment rose to my cheeks as his lips curled into a smirk. Nevermind that if you only found out recently.

A sigh left his lips.

“And to think that I came here for something else. You're full of surprises Miss Carter,” his deep voice rumbled, sending shivers down my spine.

“Luckily, I already have a solution in mind.”  

My brows furrowed in confusion at the last line.

“What the hell do you mean?” I asked,

“Marry me.”

My jaw dropped. For a moment, everything halted as I'd processed what he was saying.

Marriage?!

It was ridiculous. Completely unbelievable, yet he still stood there, a smirk on his face. My heart sank as it dawned on me that he really meant it.

“You’re insane.” I said, my voice nearly a whisper. Was this how the rich and elite acted?

“This is the best solution for everyone involved-”

“No. You're insane!” I cut him off, shaking my head, “What are you talking about? I don't even know you. You can't just come out of nowhere and…”

First the pregnancy and his arrival and now, this? It felt like I was going through a nauseating rollercoaster.

Looking back at him, I found that his expression had changed. Gone was the smug smirk from earlier. For the first time, I saw something like determination flicker.

“An offer.” he suddenly broke the silence.

“What?” I blinked, unable to comprehend his words,

“You already know who I am, but you don't know why I came here. It was to personally give you an offer.” He replied simply.

“You're a peculiar person, Emilia Carson. In less than a month you've taken the business world by storm. Companies all over the city are already making plans to scout you.”

“I…” I trailed off as his words sank into me. If he was talking about my freelance work then that meant that companies were looking for me?

I knew there was an influx of jobs, but was it really that bad?

“That is how I found your address.” He continued, bringing me back to reality, “The plan was to offer you a special position in the company, but now, I have a second joint offer in mind.”

“Work for me and become my wife Emilia Carson. I'm offering you both a prestigious job at Kane Group, and my hand in marriage.”

“Why are you doing this?” I asked,

“I’m not trying to take over. But I won’t ignore my responsibility. This child deserves stability, and I intend to provide it.”

“No child of mine will be born out of wedlock. It will be a purely convenient arrangement, one which you can take advantage of.” he said, his voice low.

That was what he said, yet his eyes said something different. I couldn't keep away from his intense glare which seemed to roam every part of me. The first time I'd seen him I could clearly recognize his arrogance. Now all of a sudden, why did he look more amused and intrigued?

I swallowed hard, blinking away.

No matter what I was thinking, I couldn’t deny that he had a point. I had the support of Bae and stable finances, but how was I going to work through the more difficult periods of my pregnancy?

This wasn't only my child but his. The Richard Kane. And unlike what any other person would do, here he was, offering to support it.

Marriage? With Richard Kane?

It was completely insane , yet…

“Fine.” I finally said, surprising myself, “I accept both offers. I'll marry you.”

I was taken aback by my own words. Yet the more I thought about it, I realized that it made sense. For the sake of my child, I had to do this.

"Good," he said, his voice full of satisfaction.

His eyes lowered and I felt my lips tingle in response.

“I'm looking forward to this arrangement, Miss Carson.” his voice rumbled with something I couldn't place but sent shivers through my spine nonetheless.

Something told me I didn't know what I was getting into.

…

In less than a day, it was done.

By the evening, he had taken me to the civil service department where we got married in a small, private ceremony.

It was ironic to think that months ago, I had settled for a long engagement with Jayden in the past only to marry a man I knew nothing about.

In a few days time my life had changed drastically, I had moved in with him and had been officially employed under Kane groups. And now, only a few days after my ‘wedding’, I stood in front of the Kane group headquarters for my first day of work.

I had already been briefed by Colin, Richard’s Secretary on the ‘Secret’ High ranking position that was now my own. I was hesitant about starting work at Kane Group but he had assured me that everything would be fine.

"You'll be working in a temporary position until the official announcement is made," he said, “your identity as Richard's wife will be kept hidden for now.”

His assurances still didn't help the feeling of trepidation now as I walked into the Kane Group building.

Before my real position was given, I was going to begin acting as a mere office worker both as a front and in order to help me get used to the company. Stepping inside, it didn't take me too long to begin working. For a moment it felt like the day would go by easily.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I froze at the sound of a familiar voice.

I turned around to see it was none other than Jayden staring at me incredulously.

This was not what I needed.