I collapsed onto Sophia's living room couch, feeling like a blown-up balloon. "It's unbelievable that this is happening," I remarked while stroking my hair. "To have a child or to marry a billionaire? It's crazy!
With a scowl, Sophia bent forward. "You're accurate. It's completely absurd. But Emma, we really need to think of a plan. Uncle Harold can't be allowed to win.
"I am aware, but how can I help?" With a sigh, I looked at the ground. "I'm not looking to get married for the sake of being married. and being a parent? That's a significant commitment!
Sophia said, "Maybe we can brainstorm some ideas," as her eyes grew brighter. How about locating a wealthy individual already? Someone who may relate to your circumstance, you know?
"Such as a billionaire?" I arched an eyebrow. "And where can I locate one of those?"
"Perhaps we could check online?" she inquired, stroking her chin reflectively. "Rich people dating sites exist."
I shook my head and said, "Yeah, but I don't want to be just another trophy wife." "I want someone who genuinely feels concerned for me."
Sophia gave a submissive wave of her hands and replied, "Okay, okay." How about a fictitious partnership? You might be able to find a collaborator.
"A phony romantic partnership?" I thought about it and repeated. Who would consent to that, though? That might work.
"Perhaps someone in need of some publicity?" With a sly smile, Sophia proposed. "You know, a billionaire hoping to maintain his prominence in the press."
I laughed, "Sounds like a movie plot," but I was secretly interested. "What if it backfires, though?"
"Then, we'll work it out as we go," she asserted. "Emma, you're smart. You're capable of handling this.
Feeling a glimmer of hope, I nodded. Well, let's continue our brainstorming. There must be an escape from this.
My phone buzzed just then. When I took it up, I saw that there was a dating app notice. I glanced at the screen and remarked, "Speaking of finding someone..." "Some guy named James just sent me a message."
"James? Is he adorable? Sophia drew closer, her interest sparked.
"Let me make sure." When I opened the message, a photo of a dashing man with dark hair and a kind smile appeared. "He's very adorable."
Observe? Perhaps he is the one! With contagious delight, Sophia exclaimed.
I replied, feeling both excited and nervous. "I don't know." "Is he simply another player?"
"You'll soon discover the truth," Sophia teased, giving me a playful prod. "Just go grab a drink with him." What stands to lose for you?
I gave in and said, "Okay, fine," experiencing an adrenaline high. "I'll send him a follow-up message to see if he wants to meet tonight."
Well done! You can succeed at this! Sophia gave a cheer, and a smile crossed my face.
Later that night, I ended up at a hip bar downtown, the kind where the music was energetic and the lighting was dim. While I nervously swirled my drink at the bar, I waited for James to come.
"Emma?" A booming voice jolted me out of my reverie. When I looked up, I saw the same attractive man from the photo standing in front of me with a kind smile on his face.
"James?" Raising my hand to give him a shake, I inquired.
His grasp remained firm as he said, "Nice to meet you in person." "I'm happy you chose to attend tonight."
"Me too," I answered, my anxieties jangling. "This location is quite lovely."
"Yes, it's among my favorites," he remarked as he sat down next to me. What then do you do?
"At the moment, I'm attempting to make sense of my life," I nervously laughed. "The business I just inherited from my family is a little overwhelming."
"Wow, that sounds like a lot of responsibility," he said with real curiosity. "What sort of company is it?"
I waved my hand dismissively and said, "It's a family empire, really." "But my inheritance comes with conditions, and that's a lot to deal with."
He leaned in closer and remarked, "I can only imagine." "Under what circumstances?"
I inhaled deeply, sensing the gravity of my predicament. "Within the next two years, I have to either marry a billionaire or have a child."
James, obviously fascinated, lifted an eyebrow. "That is a pretty harsh ultimatum."
"You know what, right?" I rolled my eyes in response. It's absurd. I'm not looking to get married to satisfy a duty.
"Comprehensible," he remarked gravely. What is your plan, then?
I said, "I'm still working that out." "However, I was considering looking for someone who could assist me."
Curiosity peaked, he asked, "Help you out how?"
I paused for a brief while. "Well, I was thinking about getting a contract. Someone who could assist me in becoming pregnant without causing me any romantic issues, you know.
James's eyes became a little wider, and I could see thought processes at work. "A contract?"
Yes, I replied with a mixture of determination and humiliation. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but I have to plan for the future. My life cannot be governed by the expectations of my family.
"Impressive," he exclaimed, reclined on his seat. "That's a really original strategy,"
"I know it sounds crazy," I said, gaining confidence. But I mean business. Someone who is willing to assist and who is aware of the circumstances is needed.
James looked at me for a minute, his countenance contemplative. "And you believe that I'm that man?"
"I'm not sure," I said, my heart pounding. However, it seems like you could manage it. You have a sound head on your shoulders and exude confidence.
He gave a very little laugh. "Thank you for the confidence vote. What's in it for me, though?
I spoke softly as I leaned in. "You'd have the opportunity to assist someone in need. Furthermore, I swear I won't be a burden. We would establish boundaries and explicit terms.
Curiosity making James arch his eyebrows, however skeptical. And you believe that would be the only thing? Merely a commercial agreement?
I felt an adrenaline rush as I nodded. Indeed! Just an agreement. Nothing ties you down.
With a serious expression on his face, he leaned back. It's undoubtedly an unusual concept. However, I must say that it's fascinating.
"Really?" With my heart racing, I enquired. Would you give it a go?
With a faint smile playing on his lips, he continued, "Let's just say I'm open to the idea." "But first, I need to learn more about you."
I answered, feeling a little anxious and excited at the same time. "Fair enough." What information are you seeking?
He leaned in closer and continued, "Let's start with why you think this is the best solution." Why do you think this will succeed?
I inhaled deeply, prepared to defend my position. "I want to live my life according to my own terms, but I also want to preserve my family's legacy. This may be a means to accomplish both.
James nodded carefully, obviously thinking about what I had said. It's undoubtedly a daring move. However, I understand your desire to take charge of your destiny.
We kept talking, and I sensed a bond developing. Perhaps this marked the start of something unexpected.
My phone rang on the bar as I was about to tell you more about myself. When I looked down, Uncle Harold had left me a message that said, "Emma, you're making a mistake." Don't settle in too much.
James caught my attention as my heart raced. How much did he know?