Chapter 04

"Do mafia bosses have short fuses? He said he'd give me a week to consider, but now he wants to meet again? This man is driving me crazy!"

Manuela was a whirlwind of anxiety in her office, pacing back and forth, her eyes constantly drawn to the clock. Her meeting with Uno was rapidly approaching.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

"It's okay, Manuela. You still have a week to decide. He can't go back on his word; he should be a man of his word," she reassured herself, though the nervousness remained. The prospect of facing a mafia boss again was undeniably daunting.

"Manuela?"

Suzie peeked into the office, then entered, carrying a glass of water.

"I brought you some water. You seemed really restless at JJ Lumbers," Suzie said, setting the glass down.

"Thank you, Suzie."

"Is your restlessness because of the luncheon with Mr. Urquio?" Suzie asked gently.

Manuela sighed. "Honestly, Suzie, I'm terrified, but I have no choice but to meet him. I just hope he doesn't pressure me or threaten me with my father's debt to rush my decision." Suzie saw the worry etched on Manuela's face and approached her.

"Manuela, you know I'm more than just your secretary; I'm your friend. Is it okay if I share my thoughts about Mr. Urquio?"

"Of course, Suzie. What's on your mind?"

"I know you were shocked by his proposal. I don't know much about your conversation, except that you have to be his wife for a year. My thought is, even if you spend the whole week deliberating, you'll only have one answer: yes. So, why delay the inevitable? Why not just accept his offer?" Suzie said, avoiding eye contact.

"I know that, Suzie. I know I have to accept his offer to pay my father's debt. This week is my last week of freedom, my last week of being single," Manuela replied, a bitter smile touching her lips. She was surprised when Suzie took her hands.

"B-but why don't you and Lucas just leave? It would be safer to go far away. I can book a flight for both of you. Where would you—"

"—Suzie, calm down. Why are you suddenly so frantic?" Manuela interrupted, rising from her chair, concerned by Suzie's sudden agitation.

"I'm sorry, Manuela, so sorry..." Suzie stammered, tears welling up. Manuela was completely bewildered by her friend's emotional distress and tried to comfort her, noticing Suzie's trembling hands.

"You're shaking, Suzie? What happened?" Manuela asked, her concern growing.

As soon as Suzie left Manuela's office, she hurried to the restroom. With a trembling hand, she dialed a number that had called her the previous night.

FLASHBACK

Suzie was playing with her three-year-old nephew when the doorbell rang. She was caring for him while his mother was out shopping.

"Jaja, stay here, I'll see who's at the door—" Suzie's words were cut short by the sudden entrance of several men in black suits.

"W-wait, who are you?! How did you—"

"I hate small houses like this."

Suzie's eyes widened as Uno entered, going straight to the living room and sitting on the sofa near her nephew, who was engrossed in his game. Before she could reach her nephew, two men restrained her.

"M-Mr. U-Urquio, w-what is the meaning of this?"

"Suzie Palcea, Manuela's secretary, correct?" Uno asked calmly, his gaze unwavering.

"Y-yes, I—"

"—I need a favor. You seem close to her. Can you persuade her to accept my offer and forget about the week she wants to decide? Can you do that for me?" Uno said coldly.

"Y-you want me to convince Manuela to marry you? But Mr. Urquio—"

"—It's a simple favor, Ms. Palcea. In return, I'll provide the money you need for your nephew's surgery." Uno interrupted. Suzie's eyes widened in shock.

"H-how...?"

"Your nephew has leukemia, right? My offer will help him live. So, what do you think? Refuse, and consider what might happen to your three-year-old nephew. He's still young, he has so much to do in his life. It would be a shame if that didn't happen because of his aunt," Uno added, approaching Suzie's nephew.

"M-Mr. Urquio..."

"Don't even think about calling the police. I'm a mafia boss; I have people in the police force. Just do me this favor, and you'll save your nephew. Answer me now, Ms. Palcea," Uno said emotionlessly. Suzie was terrified for her nephew, especially after realizing Uno wasn't just a businessman.

The temptation was overwhelming. The money for her nephew's surgery would be life-changing.

"I-I'll do it. I'll try my best to convince Manuela. Just don't hurt us, and what you said about—"

"—of course. You'll save your nephew's life because of your decision," Uno said coldly before leaving, followed by his men.

Suzie rushed to her nephew and embraced him tightly.

END OF FLASHBACK

"I'm sorry, Manuela, so sorry..." Suzie repeated, her voice choked with sobs. Manuela was completely at a loss, unable to comprehend her friend's distress. Manuela was utterly unaware that agreeing to Uno's proposal would mean marrying a cunning and dangerous man.