Lahat ng Kabanata ng Sudden Vows: The Billionaire's Deal : Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

Ethnan's POVHow poor could this family be to live in such a tatty house? Questions started playing out in my mind as I followed Mrs Rebecca upstairs.“The deal is simple, Mrs Rebecca.” I blurted as we stepped inside the room. “If your daughter agrees to my terms I will clear your family debt and erase every trace of poverty from your lineage.” Authority reeked from my voice unintended.“Mr Ethnan, do not mind my inquisitiveness.” Her voice was shaky as she averted her gaze and let it fall on her feet. “Could you brief me what the terms are like?”“Under a non-disclosure agreement, your daughter will become my proxy wife until my father passes away.” I paused, looking at her face to get her reaction. “And through the course of her stay in my house there will be no intimacy between us and she won't discharge a slight of spousal duty for me.”A suffocating stillness lingered and I could feel my patience trimming out. “Would you call her in to sign the agreement? I have other things to

Ethnan's POV.Inhaling a sharp breath, I ripped my hand away from Samantha's hold as soon as the wedding ceremony was over. At the speed of light I hurried to my car. “Start the car!” I ordered my driver. Samantha stood frozen as the car slowly drove past her. The confusion that lodged in her eyes stabbed my heart with guilt, but I had to remind myself that I owed her no obligation to accord her any form of spousal courtesy. She knew the deal she signed up for, and so did I. From the rear mirror I could see how dazed she looked, her mother stood next to her, looking happy and cheerful. But, I couldn't help but notice Samantha's appearance that was enchanting—the wedding gown gave her the look of a goddess. I wiped my hand across my face to distract my attention, before pulling out my phone from my side pocket. Dialing one of my boys’ numbers, I watched impatiently as the phone rang. “You came with the Mercedes Benz to the wedding venue, yeah?” I asked the moment he got on the phone.

Samantha. Five Years Later in Chicago. “Get up already, Atlas.” I ran my hand through my son's hair as he snuggled close to me on the bed, sleeping. Stretching his body, he blinked his eyes open. “Mummy,” His sleepy voice sounded like a whisper, filling me with the memories of Ethnan—how he sounded on that fateful day, speaking in an unsteady tone, holding onto a bottle of whiskey before he sank into my arms. “Can I go with you to work today?” Atlas's question bore some emotions. I held my breath for a while as I caught his questioning gaze. “No, you can't, Atlas. I am meeting my boss for an important meeting this morning.” I could hear Atlas murmuring when I rushed inside the bathroom for a quick shower, but I ignored him and turned on the shower. “Crying? No, boy.” I blurted when I stepped out and saw Atlas facing down on the bed, sobbing. “I want my daddy.” His eyes were glassy with tears. “Where is he?” “Don't cry, boy,” I said in a weighty tone, cupping my hand on his

Samantha.“It's unprofessional, I know.” My pulse quickened and I swallowed a thick lump. “But, I do hope my request is granted on confidentiality.” I kept my tone low as I tried not to let myself be charmed by the gentle manner in which my new client, Alfred, spoke. But the softness of his tone was disarming.“It's beyond my power, my dear.” His voice was thick with concern. “But, do you mind stating the reasons why you want to travel along with your son?” Alfred's gaze on me was unbelievably soft and consuming, as though he was taking some pity on me already. “Based on the data available now,” He continued. “I know that your stay in New York City will not exceed one week. So why do you need to bring your son along with you?”A feeling of vulnerability rushed through me. Disclosing my private life to people, especially when it involved my son, was something I disliked. But, at this point I had no option. “He is five years old and I can't leave him behind and embark on a trip like

Samantha.The evening air was cool against my skin, and I could feel everything in my insides coming alive as I broke the news of my latest achievement to my son..“I am proud of you, Mum.” Atlas's hands rested against my shoulders, as I squatted, facing him. “You are a superwoman.” Seeing how happy my son was, an overwhelming feeling of fulfillment swelled inside me. “I promised to work hard so I could give you the best of everything, remember?” I gently tucked at his soft cheek.He attempted to speak, but tears filled his eyes. “What's the problem, Atlas?” My voice was tense. “Why are you crying?”“You didn't keep to a promise you made to me.” He was sobbing now. “I wish you had kept that one promise, mom.”“What promise?” I blurted, rising to my feet.For a while all he could do was sob, and mymy heart wept because Atlas's tears caused me to be miserable in some sort of way. Finally he told me that It was about his father. I had failed on my promise to him that his father was com