(Autumn's POV)
Stocks at my company started crashing and investors started withdrawing. The company I had tried so hard to protect was crumbling. I had almost hit rock bottom, but I was saved just in time. An unknown organization decided to invest in us. I was suspicious at first, but I had no choice but to agree with them. They invested millions into the company, and we were able to get back up. Seeing that the company was still doing well even amidst the issue at hand, the investors who left came back and new offers also came. I was grateful to the organization that helped me out. The rumours had also died down so I thought I could finally breathe. But I was wrong. The organization decided to withdraw their investment without giving a reason. If they withdrew, my company would face a huge loss and I didn't want that to happen. I contacted the owner and set an appointment. When the agreed day came, I got there early to show my sincerity. But, to my surprise, the person got there before I did. When I saw who the person was, I began regretting my actions. I knew that it was very suspicious to get an investor when my company was already sinking. It was that man, Greyson Burton, the father of my children. Why was he doing this, why me? What made him so interested in me was that he decided to spend so much money. I quickly retracted my thoughts on putting on a business face and asked why he wanted to withdraw. He told me that he only helped me because I was in dire need, and he couldn't bear to see me, or his kids suffer. He also told me that he was the one who brought the other investors to my company because he wanted to help me. I didn't know what to say when I heard these words. To be honest, I was very grateful for his help, but I knew he wanted something in return, and I wasn't going to let myself be sold off to some random guy just because he wanted me. I never want to be tied down to any man again. I just wanted to raise my kids on my own and forget about anyone else. I don't need anyone to cause chaos in my life. I already made a mistake once by sleeping with him and I wasn't going to repeat the same mistake twice. I finally asked him what he would gain by doing all these things that he was doing. I needed to be sure of what he wanted. He told me that he wanted me, not like how he wanted other women, but he wanted me to be the only woman in his life. One that he would cherish and take responsibility for everything that concerns her. He told me that he would be faithful to only me if I agreed to be his wife. I couldn't help but frown at his words. Was he expecting me to gladly accept? Even though he had helped me so much, I would never agree to it. Men like him aren't trustworthy. He'll probably just use me and dump me like all his other women. He noticed my frown but didn't say anything. Instead, he looked like he was trying to read my thoughts. Thinking of a way to end this situation, I finally broke the silence and told him that no matter how grateful I was, I would never marry him. I also told him that it was hard to believe someone like him. I knew I was judging him because of the way he looked but even if he looked or behaved differently, I still wouldn't give him a chance. After all, he was a man, and I really couldn't help but despise him. I was about to leave when he held me back. I reacted to his touch because it felt warm. I quickly removed my hand from his and asked him what else he wanted to say. I could see a desperate look on his face, but I wasn't moved by things like that. How many times did I show that expression to my parents, but all they did was ignore me? Then, he asked me what he had to do to make me believe that he was being sincere. I scoffed upon hearing his words. I looked at him with a serious face and told him that it wouldn't be possible no matter how hard he tried, and then I left.
A few months passed by, and everything had calmed down and things were finally running smoothly at the company. Grey didn't withdraw his investment but kept on investing more and more every month. I was grateful because it was helping me boost my company's status and profit level. He hadn't contacted me since that day and I felt a bit relieved but sometimes, I couldn't help but feel like I was accepting what he was giving me without giving him anything in return. But I couldn't give him what he wanted. I had paid someone to investigate him just as I had expected, he had been with so many women. But what surprised me was how dedicated he was to his business. He managed to build his father's company in just a few months, and he obtained many VIP clients by working as their bodyguard. He worked hard to earn his money and he wasn't corrupt in any way. I couldn't help but feel happy that the father of my children had some good points. I knew that all men weren't like my ex, but if they had full access to the company just like my ex, would they still keep their principles and not get greedy? Going through Grey's personal information made me feel like he could be trusted with my company. I quickly retracted my thoughts and almost beat myself up for thinking of such a thing.
I had been spending more time with the kids than at work so most of my work was brought from the office by my assistant. She would sometimes help me take care of the kids when I was busy even though it wasn't her duty. She was another person I was grateful for, even though I still couldn't give her my whole trust. But at least, she deserved to be trusted. One morning, I had an unexpected visitor who took me by surprise…