Chapter 5

Lena had a good memory and was able to recognize the man even though she only saw her once.

Her face burned with shame. The man probably thought her a slut and wanted to have another swing. Her face darkened and she was ready to give him a good telling off just before he interrupted her.

"I know what you want to say. I know what happened that day was an accident and I am really sorry."

Lena was calmed by his sudden apology, so she decided to listen to him. "It's okay, I know it wasn't what you wanted too, I guess both of us are victims, now if you have nothing else to say I will like to excuse myself." She said firmly.

"No need to rush, I have something important I want to tell you, please listen to me first, this will benefit you." He added seeing that she was about to reject him.

"Okay, tell me what it's, I'm listening."

"I can't do it here." He looked towards a nearby restaurant. "Let's go over there."

She nodded and followed him to the restaurant.

"My name is Carson, nice to meet you," He introduced himself after they were seated in the restaurant.

"I'm Lena, nice to meet you too." She replied with disinterest.

"What would you like to have?" He asked calmly.

"Nothing, just tell me what you want." She replied impatiently.

Carson paused, feeling amused.

"Alright, no beating around the bush." He went straight to the point and started telling him why he needed her help. He told her about his grandfather's will and the conditions. Lena was quite surprised when she heard this. 'Are all rich people really eccentric?' she wondered.

Carson would have vomited blood if he had learned how he thought about them.

He told her everything and finally told her why he needs her help.

"You want me to be your contracted wife? Do I look that free?" She rolled her eyes ready to reject him. She wasn't ready to date or marry anybody even if it's just pretend. But Carson's next sentence caused her to pause.

"It's not free, the pay is $1.5m." Carson decided to be direct.

Lena paused and blinked her eyes a few times. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Are you joking with me? If you are, please stop, I don't appreciate it." She said seriously.

"No I'm not." Carson was also serious, after looking at him carefully she could see he wasn't joking. He doesn't even seem like the type to joke, he hadn't even smiled ever since they met.

As if to assure her Carson pushed a file towards her, "here, this is the contract, read it and tell me what you think. You can take some days to think about it."

She grabbed the file and immediately opened it, she read through the contract and was immediately happy. Her happiness stemmed from the amount of money written in the contract.

She read through all the conditions, ofcourse she won't interfere with his personal life, neither will he interfere with his personal life but she must keep a good image for the public. No sexual relationship, no claim to properties blah blah blah.

She was content with all the conditions. One million will be paid upfront which she will use to pay for her mom's surgery and also afford their expenses for more than one year. This was so good to be through, she doesn't want to miss this opportunity by asking for time to think.

What's she even thinking? Currently her mother is dying, the surgery is the only way to save her. She was ready to go through hell to save her mom who had been taking Care of them for the past six years after her dad died.

She's ready to do anything to save her life, even unspeakable things. What's a pretend marriage compared to being uncle William's mistress? This deal is so good, after the contract is over she can use the half million to open a business and take care of her family.

"But then, why me? I mean, there are other girls that can do the job, but you even spent your precious time looking for me. I'm not trying to undermine your goodwill, I'm just curious."

Carson's lips twitched. Why her, perhaps even he doesn't have the answer. Maybe it was because he felt more comfortable with her, for some reason the idea of having her as his contracted wife sounds very pleasing to him. He had thought of other girls before, but he had always been disgusted by the idea. Lena was actually the only person that made her feel good about this.

"Well, let's say I felt you are the best person for the job. And since we already had something between us I think it will be easier."

Lena wasn't satisfied with his answer but didn't try to push him. She was afraid of pissing him off.

"I don't think there's any need to think more about it, I'm ready to sign it now. But before then, can I receive the money immediately after signing the contract?"

Her face was burning with shame. Carson must think she was cheap now but she didn't mind. Saving her mom is her top priority, every other thing doesn't matter.

Carson was first shocked, then he nodded in understanding. He had always been updated about Lena's circumstances so he was aware of her current difficulties and struggles. Originally he planned to offer her a million, but when he learnt about her mom's situation he increased it without a second thought.

"Yes of course. Let's go to court to complete the signing and get our marriage certificate."

Lena agreed and he took her to court. After everything was settled, it was time to pay her. Carson directly sent her one million dollars. She happily thanked him and wanted to leave on her own but he insisted on dropping her.

After dropping her off they agreed to meet four days later so she can handle things from her side properly before coming over.

'As expected, she went straight to pay for her mom's surgery.' he looked at the happy figure in the distance.