Chapter 5: The Couch

Emily POV

I woke up feeling drained and heavy. Sleep had been almost impossible last night. I kept replaying everything — Rose’s threats, Cade’s ridiculous proposal, and the terrifying realization that my mother and I could soon be homeless.

When Mom had been hospitalized and needed emergency surgery, Rose had offered to pay the huge bill without hesitation. She had even said I could repay her whenever I could afford it. But that kindness had vanished overnight. I knew how ruthless Rose could be when collecting debts. I had watched her ruin other people’s lives over money. I wouldn’t be any different.

I pulled the covers over my head, wishing I could hide from reality.

The bedroom door flew open.

“Emily, you need to see this right now!” Mom rushed in, waving a piece of paper.

I took it with trembling hands.

Eviction Notice.

My heart sank. “How is this possible? We’ve always paid on time.”

“That’s what I want to know!” Mom cried. “We’re not behind on rent. What kind of nonsense is this?”

“I’ll handle it,” I said quickly, forcing myself out of bed. “Stay here, Mom. I’ll go speak to the landlady myself.”

I changed into jeans and an orange crop top, barely bothering to brush my hair, and left the house with my mind spinning. How much worse can this get?

The confrontation with the landlady was even uglier than I feared. After several heated exchanges, she let something slip — “Madam Rose made me promise…”

The truth hit me like a slap. Rose had bought our house just to force my hand. This wasn’t business anymore. This was personal destruction.

I left the landlady’s house feeling sick to my stomach. On the way home, I stopped at an ATM and withdrew every cent I had saved. It still wasn’t enough to fully repay Rose, but maybe it would buy us a little time.

How did my life collapse so fast? One argument with a billionaire and suddenly my mother and I are about to be thrown onto the street?

When I finally got home, I tried to paste on a smile.

“Mom, I’m back!”

“Come in, sweetheart. You have a guest!”

I walked into the living room and froze.

Cade Callaghan was sitting on our old couch, looking completely out of place yet perfectly at ease, sipping tea my mother had served him.

“Here’s your visitor, dear,” Mom said warmly. “He said he’s a very good friend of yours.”

A good friend? If only she knew.

“Mr. Callaghan,” I said coldly. “What are you doing here?”

“We still need to finish our conversation from yesterday.”

“I already gave you my answer.”

“And I’m hoping you’ve reconsidered.”

Mom excused herself, leaving us alone. I immediately dragged Cade outside so she wouldn’t overhear.

The moment we were alone, I turned on him.

“Why the hell are you here?”

“To see if you’ve changed your mind.”

“Even now that you’re getting evicted?” he asked softly.

“That’s none of your business.”

“I can make it my business, Emily.” His voice was smooth, tempting. “Accept my deal and all your problems disappear. Money. A safe home for your mother. Security. Whatever you need — it’s yours.”

I wanted to scream.

Part of me hated him for offering this. Another part — a much more desperate part — was actually considering it. My mother’s health was fragile. She couldn’t handle the stress of moving, let alone being homeless. Rose would destroy us if I didn’t pay her back. And I had no other way out.

But I’d have to lie. Live with this arrogant man. Pretend to be in love with him in front of his family. Sleep under the same roof as him. What if he tries to cross boundaries? What if I lose myself in the process?

Cade stepped closer, watching me intently.

“Why me?” I asked, voice breaking. “I’m nothing like the women you usually surround yourself with.”

“That’s exactly why I want you. You’re real. You’re not after my money. You challenge me. You’ll make this believable.”

He gave me that dangerous half-smile. “Just say yes, Emily. I’ll solve every single one of your problems. I promise.”

I stood there, torn apart inside.

One choice meant protecting my mother and keeping a roof over our heads. The other meant holding onto my pride and principles… and watching everything I loved crumble.

My hands trembled at my sides. I hated how tempting his offer sounded. I hated him for making it.

Cade waited patiently, those sharp eyes studying every flicker of emotion on my face.