CHAPTER TWO

Lisa’s POV

"I can't believe Dad is marrying me off to someone I don't know, someone I'm not in love with just to save his company," Lisa muttered to herself, consumed by her thoughts as she drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Lisa woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. As she went through her morning routine, she reflected on her life and decided to dress up and head to work without waiting for her dad. She wasn't ready to face him after the events of the previous day.

Upon returning home from work, Lisa tried to avoid her dad, but to her surprise, he was waiting for her in the living room. He spoke angrily, questioning why she had left for work without him and insinuating it was because of their conversation yesterday.

Lisa remained silent, looking at her dad with deep disappointment. He continued, trying to make her understand that this contract marriage was the only solution to his problems.

"I don't care, Dad!" Lisa yelled, her voice filled with frustration. "I'm not getting married to a stranger for your selfish reasons." With those words, she stormed out of the living room.

Her dad's angry voice followed her as he yelled, demanding that she not walk out on him and insisting that she would marry this stranger and sign the contract. Filled with weariness, Lisa made up her mind to visit George Henry's company the next day and speak with him directly.

Lisa woke up early the next day, feeling refreshed and a little better. She went through her usual morning routine and dressed up, aiming for a simple yet unique look.

With everything in place, she took a deep breath and mentally prepared herself for the day ahead. As she arrived at the company, she said a silent prayer, hoping for a positive outcome. Lisa was directed to Helen, George's secretary.

"Welcome, ma'am. How may I assist you?" Helen greeted her.

"I need to see the CEO, please," Lisa replied with a smile.

"Do you have an appointment scheduled with him?" Helen inquired.

"No, but what I want to discuss with him is very important," Lisa explained.

"I'm sorry, but you can't see him without a scheduled appointment," Helen responded firmly. Lisa tried to plead, but Helen abruptly interrupted her, speaking harshly. Lisa was taken aback by Helen's words, feeling insulted. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to give up because she was determined to see the CEO.

Before Lisa could respond, George's PA noticed the commotion at Helen's desk. He quickly approached them, apologized to Lisa, and guided her to the CEO's office.

"Good morning, sir," Lisa greeted George, relieved that he finally acknowledged her presence.

"Morning," George replied, almost making Lisa think he wouldn't respond.

"I'm Lisa Edward, Mr. Edward's daughter," she introduced herself.

George asked, "How may I help you, Miss Lisa?" "I'm here regarding the contract marriage discussion you had with my dad..." Lisa began.

George interrupted her, saying, "So you came to thank me for marrying you?"

"No, no, it's nothing like that..." Lisa tried to explain.

"Then what?" George cut her off again. "Are you here to see me, flirt with me, or because you need money?"

"What?!" Lisa exclaimed, furious at his assumptions.

"Okay, tell me how much you need," George continued, smirking. "Because I know any girl in your position would be extremely happy. But let me make it clear, this is a contract marriage. Nothing will happen between us. I can offer you money and fame, but I won't give you myself because I have self-respect. So, how much do you need?"

Lisa was shocked, angry, embarrassed, and overall overwhelmed. Her eyes turned red with anger. Suddenly, she felt something thrown at her face, and her fear turned into confusion as she realized it was bundles of money.

"Take it and leave my office," George said, dismissing her and returning to his work.

"What?!" Lisa yelled again. "Me? How dare you?! How dare you?!" Her voice cracked with emotion.

"Get out of my office, you gold digger!" George shouted. "Or is the money not enough for you?"Her body shook as she picked up the money and threw it back at him. Then, she grabbed the water from the table and spilled it all over his work files.

"Hey! Are you out of your mind?" he shouted angrily.

"How dare you!" she yelled, pointing her finger at him. "What do you have that would make me even consider being with you? I came here about the contract, but only to let you know that you don't meet the standards of a man who could have me. You lack the qualities, and your money means nothing to me!"

"Do you even know who I am?" he yelled.

"Go to hell! I don't care about you or your personality. I don't know who you are, and I don't give a damn!" she yelled, storming out of the office, tears streaming down her face.