Sam leaned back in his chair, exuding that infuriating confidence he always carried. "It's simple, Lisa. Marry me, I get my inheritance, and you get the financial stability you desperately need."
I paused with my wineglass partly raised to my lips. "I don't have faith in you," I stated, while shaking my head.
His face was decorated with a smug smile.
"That is not a rejection."
"I emphatically refused," I said sharply, placing my glass on the table with a clink. "Do you believe I am a desperate woman who would marry you just for money?" "Sam, go to hell." I said quietly.
He didn't blink his eyes. "Consider your father, Lisa." His medical expenses will remain, just like your overdue rent.
I felt my chest constrict. "You can't use my dad to manipulate me."
Sam lifted his shoulders in a nonchalant manner. "I am not." I am presenting a resolution.
You may have a dislike for me, but it's undeniable that we both have something to gain from this situation.
I tried to reply, but a shadow appeared over the table.
Evelyn. Suspicion was clearly visible on her face as her sharp eyes moved back and forth between us.
"Lisa, is everything alright?" she asked.
I plastered on a tight smile. "Of course. Just an old friend being his usual annoying self."
Evelyn didn't look convinced, but she nodded and moved away. I seized the moment, grabbing my clutch and standing. "This conversation is over, Sam."
I turned and confidently made my way towards the exit, navigating through the dazzling crowd.
Upon reaching the entrance, a familiar voice caused me to come to a sudden stop.
"Lisa."
I turned, my heart sinking. David.
His suit was perfectly tailored, his dark hair just slightly tousled. He looked… good. Too good.
"What do you want, David?" I asked, already dreading the answer.
"As he stepped closer, he stated, 'To converse,". I have been searching for you throughout the entire night.
I folded my arms, feeling the anger I had suppressed months earlier rising again. What is the reason? Can you disappear once more afterward?
He looked dejected. I am entitled to that. Lisa, please allow me to clarify.
"Explain what?" "Who is that lady?" I asked immediately.
The lady you saw at my house is my sibling, not my betrothed. He responded quickly.
I blinked, feeling puzzled. "Is she your sister?"
"Indeed," he expressed sincerely. She stayed with me as she was in the process of getting a divorce.
I didn't inform you because I got anxious and panicked. After receiving the job offer from abroad, everything quickly escalated.
I looked at him, my feelings like a turbulent tempest I couldn't manage.
A part of me desired to trust him, while another part vehemently opposed forgiving him so quickly.
"And you've returned?" I inquired with more intensity in my tone than I had planned.
He gave a nod. "I'm working as a consultant for a company in this location. I was hopeful that maybe we could—"
I raised one hand. Stop right there and don't complete that sentence. David, this night has been very lengthy. I lack the strength to deal with this.
I pivoted and strolled off, disregarding the ache in my heart.
The dog ran quickly through the park chasing a squirrel.
The journey back home in the cab was a whirlwind of thoughts.
Sam's unbelievable suggestion.
David's abrupt return. My father's declining well-being. It all seemed overwhelming.
Shortly, my phone vibrated, and I sighed, anticipating another message from David.
It was not.
Lisa, I will like you to change your mind eventually. I am completely certain about it. Sam demanded.
I flung my phone onto the coffee table, muttering angrily.
Sam nodded, looking every bit the charming businessman. "Guilty."
"Well, any friend of Lisa's is welcome here," Harrington said, clearly starstruck.
Sam turned to me, his eyes glinting with amusement. "See? I'm not so bad to have around."
I felt the urge to choke him.
Once Harrington left, I quickly seized Sam's arm and pulled him towards the elevators.
"What is the matter with you?" I made a hissing sound.
He didn't even react. Lisa, as I said before. I do not accept refusal in any form.
I pushed him into the elevator as soon as the doors opened. "Sam, keep away from my personal life."
As the doors shut, he grinned. Both of us are aware that this scenario is unlikely to occur.
After I got home, I was feeling emotionally exhausted. Upon removing my shoes, I entered the kitchen, hoping that a glass of wine would aid in my relaxation.
Just as I was about to pour it, I heard a sudden knock on the door.
I frowned as I placed the bottle on the table and opened the door.
The person in question was David.
His expression was serious, he said, "Lisa." "We must have a conversation."
Before I could reply, he entered, clutching something in his hand. A tiny box made of velvet.
"What is that thing?" "My heart racing, I inquired."
Opening the box, he uncovered a diamond ring.
"He regretted not doing this month's earlier," he muttered, his voice shaking. My affection towards you, Lisa, is strong. Will you marry me?
I gasped, my breath stuck in my windpipe. "David, I have something to tell you—"
My phone vibrated on the counter, interrupting me.
I quickly looked at it, feeling my stomach turn. Another message from Sam.
You must decide within the next 24 hours. Time is passing, Lisa.
I looked at the phone, then at David, who was still clutching the ring. I felt like my world was spiraling out of control.
While I attempted to make sense of everything, there was another knock on the door.
This time, upon opening it, a man in a dark suit gave me a sealed envelope. "This is meant for you."
I opened the envelope with shaky hands. In the interior was a picture of my father, seated on his hospital bed.
Written in red ink across the surface was the message: 'Make your decision carefully.'