Accepting the Challenge

POV. Samuel. 

“Sir, Pedro Perez’s company cannot repay its debt on time.”

Hearing the report from my trusted man, I remained silent, my gaze as sharp as an eagle’s. Even though I rarely showed myself at the company after the tragic accident three years ago, everyone still feared and respected me. Rumors said I had turned into a bloodthirsty monster.

“If he cannot pay, tell him to pay with his life,” I said firmly, without a trace of mercy.

“Sir, he… he is offering his daughter as collateral.”

A cynical smile formed on my lips. How could a father be so cruel as to sell his own flesh and blood just to settle a debt? Disgusting.

“Tell him the child he offers will become a servant here forever.”

“Yes, Sir,” my guard replied before leaving my office.

This room has been my world for the past three years. From here, I monitor all movements of my business. In truth, I can still work as before. The accident only injured my leg, it did not take away my ability to walk.

Yes, I am not truly crippled.

This is all an act to find out who betrayed me by sabotaging my car three years ago. The culprit worked flawlessly. Even my trusted people and the police could not solve the mystery. That is why I chose to pretend to be paralyzed, to lure my enemy out of hiding.

I let out a long breath, then slowly stood up from the wheelchair that had become my false legs.

Pretending to be disabled is far more exhausting than I imagined. Even the people in this house do not know that I can actually walk normally. Caution is everything, because I believe even walls have ears and eyes that can betray me at any time.

***

“She is his first daughter, Sir. Her name is Emelia Perez, twenty-five years old. I have investigated why she was the one given up, even though they have two daughters.”

My trusted man paused, as if hesitant to continue. “The first daughter has never been loved. She has only been treated as a servant in her own home. Unlike the second daughter, who is twenty-three, she receives all the affection. When she heard the rumors that you were crippled and had become a terrifying monster after the accident, the second daughter refused outright when offered marriage to you. Only the first daughter agreed.”

I stayed silent as I listened. I examined the photo in my hand carefully. It was only natural that no woman wanted me, even with all my wealth, considering the rumors about my ruined face and explosive temper after the accident.

But why would this girl agree? Even if she never received love from her parents, she could have rebelled or run away.

There was something different in her gaze in that photo. Her eyes showed resilience and a quiet challenge that somehow caught my interest.

“Arrange my marriage with her. Then bring her here,” I ordered.

“Yes, Sir.”

I did not fully understand my own decision. At first, I only intended to make her a servant to repay her father’s debt. But there was something about her that made me want more.

***

At first, I thought she was just an obedient, naive girl I could easily control. I was completely wrong. Emelia was an exception. When facing my sharp gaze, she should have trembled in fear. Instead, she boldly teased me without end.

What happened at the swimming pool truly tested my patience. I even had to dismiss all the guards because I refused to let anyone else see what was mine. Yes, no matter what, Emelia is my wife. I did not like how the outline of her body was clearly visible through her thin, wet clothes.

My desire almost exploded when she pulled my hand to touch her chest. Honestly, I wanted to claim her right then and there, but logic held me back. I did not fully trust her yet. What if she was a spy sent by my enemies?

It was possible. Logically, what sane woman would marry a crippled man with a monstrous face unless she had hidden intentions? But look at her now. She was boldly provoking my desire.

I struggled to build a wall against her charm. But she was too reckless. She dared to sit on my lap and kiss my lips with a teasing gaze. As a normal man, I could not stop myself from pulling her closer and returning the kiss. Fortunately, I still had enough control. Otherwise, I might have dragged her to bed at that moment.

Damn. How could I, a man known for being cold and indifferent, suddenly feel pity when I saw her asleep on the floor of my study after I punished her?

Seeing her curled up in the cold, I immediately ordered one of my men to bring a pillow and blanket. I could not bear to see her suffer. Without her knowing, I stayed there with her all night. Just before dawn, I returned to my room so she would not notice my presence.

As I was about to close my eyes, I was startled by her suddenly slipping under my blanket and hugging me tightly. I tried to control myself, but this girl truly had no fear. She even climbed on top of me and kissed my lips again.

And to my frustration, I was once again carried away. I kissed her back.

Emelia managed to break down the walls I had built so carefully. But the suspicion remained. I was still afraid she might be an infiltrator, skilled at acting.

“Samuel, I know you are a good person. Thank you for marrying me.”

Hearing her words, I felt a sincerity that seemed genuine. But I had to stay alert. I could not let my guard down just because of a woman’s charm.

“I do not care if you treat me as a servant or only as a wife given as collateral. To me, this marriage is real. You are my husband, Samuel. So, if you want to be with me as husband and wife… I am ready.”

I tried hard to steady my breathing, holding myself back from taking her right then. But the truth hurt my pride. I had truly been tempted by her.

***

“I have investigated everything, Sir. Madam is safe.”

I looked sharply at my trusted man, whom I had assigned to watch Emelia closely. I could not afford even the smallest mistake.

“There have been no signs of Madam contacting anyone. Her phone is clean, no suspicious call history. Even when you are away, she spends her time watching television, eating snacks, and taking naps. Nothing unusual. Her life has been confined to the house since finishing school, as her family treated her like a servant. Her relationship with her younger sister is also very poor. So it is most likely she accepted this marriage purely to escape her family,” he explained.

“Has she ever been in a relationship before?” I asked in a low voice.

“No, Sir. Madam only liked someone once, but her younger sister took that man before anything could begin.”

My jaw tightened instantly. A burning feeling spread through my chest. I would not allow another man’s name to remain in Emelia’s heart. Only I could exist in her heart and mind, now and forever.

After that conversation, I immediately left my study in my wheelchair to find her. And there she was, causing a commotion in the kitchen, insisting on cooking for herself even though there was a professional chef.

I looked at her as she stood there, meeting my gaze with confidence. She truly believed in her abilities.

“Fine. I will grant your request, Emelia. If you can make a dish that makes me finish it without leaving anything, then the bet stands,” I said coldly, accepting her challenge.

Deep inside, I smirked. I wanted to see just how far she would go to win me tonight.

***

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