"Get in!" Eden commanded in a cold voice.
Hearing his commanding tone, her hands immediately moved to open the car door. She entered the car and Eden did the same as well.
Entering the car, Mia sat at the end, while Eden sat towards the middle. The driver didn't enter the car, leaving Mia and Eden alone inside.
Silence permeated for a brief second, before Eden parted his lips to ask, "Do you know me?"
Mia's brows creased with confusion by his odd question, "Pardon!"
"'Eden Parker.' Does that name sound familiar to you?" Eden spoke more clearly.
Of course, it was familiar. Everyone in the whole of Graceland knew who 'Eden Parker' was.
The Evil CEO of Graceland. He was rich, handsome and every woman desired, but he was like a piece of cake that one could never get into anyone's mouth.
Many beautiful stars, models, actresses and many more tried to seduce him but all failed.
Rumour had it that he even has a little daughter, but he has never made her known to the world yet.
Looking at him, Mia nodded, "Yes I do."
"You are one of the richest CEOs in Graceland," she added.
Pleased with her response, Eden continued, "Yes... now let's cut to the chase. Be my wife and the mother to my daughter."
Shaken by his shocking words, Mia's eyes widened, "Excuse me?"
"Be my wife and the mother of my child and I will help you and your family in anything you want," Eden said again coolly.
With surprise still lingering in her eyes, Mia replied, "Sir, I don't understand what you are saying, right now."
Eden let out a soft sigh then said, "Mia Queen, the daughter of Alice Queen and Derek Queen. A 27 years old actress, works in the Graceland entertainment industry. Few weeks ago, she was dumped by her fiancée."
Mia stared disbelieving at Eden without blinking. Hearing him state her life history so indifferently rendered her speechless.
Seeing the girl's reaction, Eden continued, "A few days ago, your father threw you, your mom, and two siblings out of the house. Bringing in another woman with a girl who he claims to be his daughter."
It looked like he already knew everything about her. What more was there to say?! He was wealthy enough to get any information about anyone or anything. It won't be a surprise to her if he knew the size of her bra.
Her eyes held sorrow in them hearing her gloomy life being reiterated to her, "It seems like you did your research on me. Well…. Now you know that I am in the worst situation ever. Are you here to rub salt on my wounds?"
"Why will I buy you for 50,000,000 million just to rub salt on your wounds?" Eden asked, patiently.
"Well, you are rich, so of course it's possible. But may I ask why you bought someone like me for that amount. Even though I know I'm not worth that much," Mia said, directing a doubtful gaze at Eden.
"How I spend money is none of your business. All you should know is that I don't spend my money on things that are irrelevant," Eden responded unperturbed.
"So what do you want from me?" Mia asked, a bit sceptical. She had heard his request earlier but she was still finding it hard to believe that was all he wanted from her.
"I already told you! Be my wife and the mother of my daughter and I will make all your dreams come true," Eden responded patiently.
He knew his request was unusual so he at least expected the doubt swirling in her eyes.
'Why would a man like him want a wife from the black market?' Mia pondered. Her little brain was still in confusion over all that had happened.
"Bu-u-ut... Why me? You are handsome and rich, any girl will happily be your wife and the mother of your daughter." Doubt still ruled in Mia's mind.
"Yes. That is true but I don't need a woman who will only be my wife because of my riches, rather I need a woman who will love and take care of my daughter," Eden clarified.
"And….you?" she enquired.
"Being my wife you will perform other duties also."
"…."
"So, have you decided? If you accept, you can sign on this contract, and you will automatically become my wife." Eden said, pointing at a pre-drafted contract and a pen close to it.
Taking the pen beside the contract, Mia hesitated. Then she heard Eden saying, "If you accept to be my wife, I will get your mother a stable life, take your sister to the best high school in Graceland and get your brother treated. So what is your choice?"
Of course with such an irresistible deal before Mia. Her answer would be yes. Her family can finally be safe and well taken care of, and all she had to do was become the wife of a billionaire.
She would even get a free daughter too. It is like a free giveaway.
Mia happily signed the contract, but she could not imagine what the future held for her.
******
After signing the contract, Eden signalled the driver to get in, and they left the parking lot. They drove towards the Graceland Central City Hotel (GCCH), a hotel only rich people could afford.
Eden's secretary, Mr. Joe, arranged a new set of clothes for Mia to wear and gave her the key to her hotel room for the night.
Seeing that it was already so late, Eden decided against returning home. So he decided to pass the night at the hotel as well, but not in the same room as Mia.
*********
The sun streamed in through the elegant curtain, the reflected rays mirrored their warmth on Mia's face. She woke up and looked around her.
It was her first time staying in such a suite. It was grandiose and beautiful. She got up and walked towards the bathroom to take her bath.
Coming out after a few minutes with a towel wrapped around her body, she saw some clothes placed on the bed. She assumed it to have been the hotel service.
After getting ready, she went outside. She saw Mr Joe waiting outside with a car for her. Thankfully she recognized him from the previous night as Eden secretary.
"Good morning, madam!" Joe said, bowing in respect.
Taken aback by his actions, Mia hastily responded, "Mr Joe what are you doing? You can't bow at me, I'm old enough to be your daughter… Ah, please don't make me embarrassed."
She knew that Mr Joe was older than her, but he still called her madam and even bowed to her.
Feeling the sincerity in her words, Mr Joe smiled, "Well madam, you are now my boss's wife. So, I have to show my respect."
"Well, I understand, but please don't. You can call me by my name, 'Mia'," Mia requested, trying to not make things difficult for the man.
"No…no. I can't do that," Mr Joe declined.
"Please… I insist. Just consider me to be your daughter and call me Mia. I don't know if you know that my father is the worst in my life. Please let me feel a father's love, even if it's only by calling my name," Mia requested sincerely.
Sighing, Mr. Joe finally gave in, "Fine then if you insist, but in return, you have to call me Uncle Joe instead of Mr Joe."
"Okay!" Mai agreed with a smile on her face.
"Now shall we go? Less your new husband and daughter will think you abandoned them," Mr Joe teased a bit.
"Hmm!" Mia nodded in agreement before entering the car, followed by Mr. Joe, and they drove off.
Mia still couldn't believe that she had become the wife of Eden Parker and the mother of a girl she knew nothing about or had even seen.
All she knew was that this was a beginning for her.
A beginning for a new life, where she won't trust anyone easily and only cared about her family, including her new husband and daughter.
She couldn't wait to see what the future had in store for her.