Lauren, the daughter of Mr McCarthy, he is also Melissa's father.

They both have the same father, that's why Lauren is being treated like trash and as a maid in the house because they believed she was born out of wedlock and she and her mother were not worthy to be in their family.

She knew of all these but didn't bother or try to leave because she knew they were the only ones that could help in paying for her mother's surgery.

Her mother had been on the sick bed, and her condition was getting worse every day, with Lauren not being able to pay the surgery money.

She left the house late in the evening and went to the hospital where her mum was admitted.

Even though she was treated like a maid there, she was allowed to leave the house whenever she wanted

She was told that the doctor had asked of her, and she went straight to his office. She opened the door and greeted the doctor in charge, who quickly offered her a seat.

"I am glad you are here, I was about to tell the nurse in charge of your mother to call you" The doctor said and Lauren's heart skipped a beat while thinking of every worse thing that might have happened.

"Is there a problem?" She asked.

It felt like her heart was in her mouth as she waited patiently, staring at the doctor expecting him to say whatever was going on.

The way the doctor took time before speaking inputted more fear in her as she thought of one drastic thing, but she quickly discarded the thought and focused on the doctor.

"Not really, but there might be a problem if we don't act fast," the doctor finally said.

"Your mum's condition is getting worse, and we need money for her surgery," the doctor said.

"We need to do it as soon as we can. otherwise, it might be too late," the doctor said, and Lauren bit her lips.

She knew she had nowhere to go and get the money or even borrow it.

She smiled and assured the doctor that she will work on it.

"You should do that quickly, please, so we can perform the surgery on her before it goes out of hand. Once it does, then surgery won't be able to solve the problem."

Lauren left his place and went to her mother's ward.

Her heart broke when she saw her mother, she looked lifeless. Lauren sighed and entered the ward, she sat beside her mother and helped rub her two hands so they could become warm.

A few minutes into that, she slept off, she was really tired, she barely had time to rest in the house as she was always working.

She woke up late the next day. She gasped when she checked the time and saw she had slept till the afternoon of the next day.

She stood up and rushed out of the hospital, and then she took a cab that drove her back home.

Inside the cab, several thoughts clouded her mind, and she thought of asking her father if he would give her the money. She knew he might rebuke her, but she thought of trying her best.

The cab dropped her, and she entered the house. She took a deep breath and walked in.

She gasped when she saw that it was the whole family that was there. She bit her lips and clenched her fist.

Fear and sweat covered her body. She had hoped to see him in private, to talk to him, and beg him if he could have a change of mind and help her.

She knew him being in the midst of the family having a meal with them would make it harder for her to ask him for what she wanted from him.

She stepped forward, and they all turned their attention to her when they saw her.

Melissa frowned when she saw her, she had always hated Lauren and never for once had she acted nice towards her.

She always felt like the lady might come one day and snatch her father away from her. And so she always made sure to inflict pain on Lauren at any chance she got.

Melissa had been looking for Lauren around the house before the meal so she could give her plenty of work, but when she didn't see her, she had to give someone else to do the work.

"What are you doing here staring at us like that?" One of the family asked.

"I am sorry for disturbing your meal, I just want to speak with father," Lauren said, mumbling the last word under her breath.

"Father?" Melissa asked and chuckled.

"You have no father here witch" Melissa half yelled.

She hated that Lauren had called him father, and she hated how that had sounded in her mouth.

She always imagined Lauren getting her father, and then she gets treated just like she treats Lauren, and those thoughts made her hate Lauren the most.

Mr McCarthy placed his hand on Melissa's shoulder and urged Lauren to speak.

"Mother is dying, she needs surgery quickly and I need money to pay, I don't have any and I don't have anyone to run to, please help me" Lauren cried out.

She went on her knees and clasped her two hands together. Melissa scoffed and rolled her eyes, seeing Lauren's behaviour. As a pathetic and attention seeker.

"How dare you come here to disturb us during our meals asking for money for your stupid mother's Surgery, she can die for all we care" one of the family members said and Melissa chuckled in satisfaction, she always loved the way they scolded Lauren every time.

"But I need the money. If I don't pay quickly for Mother's surgery, she might die" Lauren said.

"Who cares if she does? She can die for all we care" They said and scoffed.

"Leave here now," one of the family members yelled.

"So much guts to come here and ask my father for money, you look so pathetic" Melissa said, and laughed.

"I should make a video of this" She brought out her phone, but before she could start recording, Lauren rushed out of the place.

She was sobbing as she ran out of the house and boarded a cab back to the hospital. She went to her mother's ward and hugged her.

"Why? Why do they hate me so much?" Lauren Sobbed.

"They have too much money and helping me won't cost them anything, but they won't do it" Lauren mumbled.

"They always treat us like trash and will never consider us as part of the family. They just hate us," Lauren said.

"I can't wait for you to be well, mum, so I can leave that house"

She raised her head and stared at her mum whose eyes were closed.

Lauren sighed and held her mother's hand.

"I don't even have half the money we were asked to bring," Lauren said.

She started rubbing her mother's hand again. She always did that every time she went there, believing it made her mum warm, and she also loved doing it.

She sighed and rested her head on the bed, thinking of what to do.

ALEX'S OFFICE

Alex sat on his wheelchair focused on his work, his face cold as usual, his sea blue eyeball moving along with the laptop as he operated on it.

He never got distracted when working, his mind was always on work when he was in his office. He always made sure he dropped anything that would divide his mind when he was at work but there was something hovering in his mind that won't leave no matter how he tried to get rid of those thoughts.

He was also worried about why he hadn't gotten any reply from the McCarthy family. His mind wasn't in what he was doing, so he dropped it and wheeled to the window.

He could see the outside company from there, so he watched people walk around and also do different things.

As much as he hated to admit it, he was really worried, he had the feeling that his proposal could get rejected.

He called Dan, and the guy rushed to his office.

"You called for me," Dan said.

"I haven't gotten a reply from the proposal I ask you to drop. What's happening?" Alex asked.

"I also haven't seen a reply from them, sir," Dan said.

Alex frowned while staring outside. His mind was far away, but it felt like he was watching everyone.

"What should I do, sir?" Dan asked.

"Just wait till when they send a reply, regardless, the wedding date is still on, and the wedding will go on" Alex said.

"But, what if it is rejected?" Dan asked, and Alex glared at him with his usual cold gaze.

"I am sorry, sir, I just wanted to know what to do if the proposal is rejected." Dan rushed his words and rushed out of Alex's office.

Alex sighed, knowing that thought crossed his mind, but he discarded it, knowing he could never be rejected.

Lauren cleaned her tears and checked the time. She saw it was leading to the afternoon, and she knew the family would have gone to take care of their own businesses.

So she left the hospital and boarded a cab back home with the intention of meeting Mrs McCarthy. Since she wasn't in the family meeting, she thought she could talk to her to see if she would help her.

The cab stopped in front of the house, and Lauren ran inside. She stumbled on the maids.

It looked like she was the one they had been waiting for. They stood at the kitchen door waiting and glaring at her.

It seemed like they had planned what they would do to her.

"Do you think you are some special kid all because you are an illegitimate child of McCarthy?" One of them asked.

"What are you talking about? Lauren asked.

"You refused to do your appointed work. Instead, you chose to run around skipping work." Another maid said.

"I was busy, and I always do my work, I never ask you to do them for me," Lauren said and passed them by. They frowned and scoffed.

Lauren had seen that it might be Melissa that had asked them to gang up against her, so she decided to cool down about it.

Knowing if she tried to argue with them, they would take it up on her.

"She is going to get it one day," they said and left.

Lauren started doing her chores, and it seemed like they were more than usual that day. She knew instantly that it was Melissa's handwork. She didn't see any other maid come to help her which meant Melissa had instructed them not to do that.

By the time she finished them, she had become a little tired. She was also heartbroken and couldn't stop thinking about her mum.

She headed straight to Melissa's mother's room. She knocked on the door and walked in when she was asked to do so.

She entered and saw the woman sitting on a cushion in the room and sipping her drink while she was focused on something.

She raised her head when she saw who had walked in, she frowned.

"What do you want?" She asked.

"I came to ask you for something ma'am" Lauren mumbled.

"What?" The lady asked

"Well, I came to ask for your help. My mum is really sick and needs money for surgery. Please help me" Lauren said.

"Why should I help you? Did I send your mother to the hospital?" The lady asked rudely.

"No ma'am" Lauren said and bit her lips.

"Good, so why should I care if she is sick? Besides, I don't have any money to give" Mrs McCarthy said.

"The doctor said if we don't get money quickly, she will die," Lauren said.

"Well, she can die for all I care, " Mrs McCarthy mumbled without giving Lauren attention.

The door opened, and Melissa walked in, looked at Lauren, and frowned.

"What is this nitwit doing here?" She asked.

"Begging for some alms," Melissa's mother said and smiled at her daughter.

"Has she done what she is supposed to do?" Melissa asked.

"Yes, I have," Lauren mumbled, and Melissa scoffed.

She had wanted Lauren to work till night, but it seemed the girl was fast in doing her chores.

Melissa sat beside her mum and hugged her, then smiled broadly, Lauren was a little bit shocked. She hadn't seen Melissa let out a genuine smile.

"Ohh, my beautiful daughter, I can't believe that cripple thinks he can get you," Melissa's mother said, and Melissa chuckled.

"Mum, that guy has lots of guts. I should get married to a cripple" Melissa said and laughed after imagining how it would look like getting married to Alex.

She had gone to her mother to talk about it the day before since she wasn't there when the proposal was brought. It really made her mother laugh as she found it funny that Alex would think Melissa was going to marry him.

"That guy really needs to know his place. He believes that because he is rich, he can do anything he wants? Being crippled makes him no different from a poor man, yeah, he is handsome but what is the essence of a rich handsome man that can not be used to brag" Melissa said.

"I can't imagine you two walking to the aisle together. The stupid low-life fools would definitely mock us, saying you left them for someone like that," Mrs McCarthy said.

Mother and daughter gossiped, ignoring Lauren that was standing there staring at them.

"I am never choosing any of them, Alex or those fools," Melissa said.

"Trust me, I am planning something great for you, and I am sure you will like it" Mrs McCarthy said and winked at Melissa.

"Mum, just forget about that cripple, I am never going to get married to someone like him," Melissa said.

"I know my daughter, you will never settle for less," Mrs McCarthy said and smiled.

"Mum, I came here to get money, I and my friends are hanging out, and we need some cool cash, " Melissa said.

"How much will you be needing?" Mrs McCarthy asked.

Melissa told her the amount and Lauren gasped, the money was more than what she needed for her mother's treatment.

Mrs McCarthy brought her a card and gave it to her daughter, and then she stroked her hair.

"Use it as you like love. If that is not enough, you can text or call me" She said, and Melissa grinned.

"Trust you, mum, you know how it goes," Melissa said. She stood up, and eyed Lauren, who was still standing there.

"Your mum can die for all we care bitch" Melissa said, she brushed past Lauren and walked out.

"You said you didn't have any money, but you gave her more than what I needed" Lauren mumbled.

"What if I did? I said I don't have any money to give you" Mrs McCarthy said.

Lauren looked at the woman whose focus was back to her phone. She clenched her fist in anger. She knew they were really proud and cruel, but she didn't expect it would be up to that.

Lauren walked out of the room with one thought in her mind.

She brought out the proposal letter and opened it. She went through it again and thought of doing the first thing that came to her mind.

She squeezed the paper in her hand, and she walked out of the house like a crazy woman.

***

Alex sat on his wheelchair in his room, staring at nothing. A maid knocked in and walked in with caution. She put his meal on the table and bowed and then walked out.

He had asked them to bring the meal to his room since he wasn't interested in eating in the dining room.

He looked at the meal, not interested in it. His mind was occupied. He thought of asking Dan to call and ask for updates, but he decided against it.

He wasn't ready to accept rejection even though one part of his mind was telling him she might not accept to marry him and the other part was rest assured that he was going to get married.

It was just two days to when he chose to get married and he hadn't gotten a reply and that was what baffled him the most. But he hoped they were going to reply him soon.

He pushed his wheelchair to his bed and carefully crawled to the bed.

***

Jake walked into his father's office, and his face was not looking good at all. He sat on the chair opposite his father and sighed.

The old man looked up and furrowed his brow when he saw the look on his face.

"What's wrong, young man?" Mr Magnus asked

"What if Melissa accepts Alex's proposal?" Jake asked.

"She won't, you know the lady, she doesn't settle for people like Alex," Mr Magnus said, and Jake chuckled.

"I know, right, but he still thinks she is going to accept," Jake said.

"Let him keep dreaming," the man mumbled.

"Dad, does this mean if Alex can't get her, I can get her?" Jake asked, and Mr Magnus shrugged.

"Do you want her?" Mr Magnus asked.

"Yes dad, I mean it's not like I love her but I want to show Alex that he can't get her and I can always get anything I want besides she is too proud, I want to cut down her wings," Jake said.

"Then You can have her, " Mr Magnus said, and Jake smiled.

"Thanks, dad," Jake mumbled.

"There will be a meeting at the company tomorrow. You should go there," Mr Magnus said.

"Why?" Jake asked.

"To taunt Alex and see if he is up to anything." Mr Magnus said and Jake nodded.

Since that was what he loved doing the most, annoying his cousin.

Alex woke up to the sound of soft knocking on his door. Ariana, his personal maid entered when he replied, his eyes still stuck on the newspaper in his hand.

She helped him shower and dress, careful not to step on him throughout the activity. It was the same every day, yet something felt unusual.

He had only three days to bring up a wife to the investors.

By the time he arrived in the dining room, a delicious feast of breakfast had been set, but he didn't have the appetite for one. So he asked for a cup of black coffee instead.

The name Melissa McCarthy kept ringing in his head like some sort of mantra.

"There's still nothing on her, boss." Alex looked up to see Dan, his right-hand man, standing over him.

He remained quiet for some time, just sipping on his drink. But Dan could notice how his hand tightened on the mug.

"What is taking them so long? Even a rejection should have gotten here by now. What games are they playing?" Alex muttered.

Dan stood stiff, not responding. He didn't know how to tell the man to give up. It was obvious that Melissa didn't want a marriage with him. But Alex was too stubborn, he wouldn't listen to anyone.

By the time Alex reached his company later that day, the thought of the marriage contract had taken over 99% of his thoughts. He hadn't even been paying attention to what Dan was saying.

"I reviewed the files. The investors are reliable and solid, but they would want to build a full-proof trust in you" he whispered into Alex ear as they walked towards the meeting room. "You will need to impress them."

Alex nodded.

He entered the board meeting room.

Alex finally looked up to see Jake, his cousin, talking and laughing with a group of his investors that he had called for a meeting. He stood there like he owned the place.

What audacity!

Jake turned to him immediately, a sly smirk growing on his face. "Cousin! You're finally here," he greeted, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"You should thank me. If not for me, your investors will be sitting here getting bored out of their mind," he laughed.

"What the hell are you doing here? I don't remember calling for you," Alex growled at him.

"You're my cousin, of course you don't need to call me before I come to you." Jake grinned.

Alex turned away from him to face his investors.

"I hope I didn't keep you all waiting for too long?" He inquired.

"No, you didn't," they said, shaking their heads, a hint of a smile on their faces.

The meeting began, immediately, Alex taking full control of the activities. He explained how the project would go and how it would benefit everyone who made contributions to it. His tone was professional, and the investors couldn't help but nod their heads in affirmation.

Alex was convinced he had won the heart of the investors until one finally spoke up.

"I notice how you've done well by emphasizing how this deal is beneficial to couples," he started. "But I can't help but ask how this would go when you're not even in any relationship. You're not married, Alex."

Alex stilled. He hadn't expected this reply from them. No one had questioned his relationship status, ever. It never mattered to any of his business partners.

He looked up at Jake to find him already staring at him, a smirk plastered on his face.

Of course.

"The business is built around partnership, trust, and love...that I could tell from what you've been telling us. But how can we trust you when we don't even see the quality of that in you." The investor said calmly.

He had a point. He would be skeptical about a single man leading a project like this too.

He clenched his fist and then tried to control the anger that bubbled inside him.

Furthermore, he was trapped.

"I'm getting married," he finally said, his teeth clenched.

The investors stared at him wide eyed, surprised at the sudden announcements.

Alex was a famous man, popular among the ladies for his good looks, but not once had he been heard or seen intimate with a woman. So this took them by surprise.

"In three days, you'll meet my wife," he said, his voice controlled. "This meeting is over."

After the investors had left, Jake barked out a loud laugh, his head thrown back.

"What do you mean you're getting married? Did you finally find a prostitute to take as your wife?" Jake laughed as he said.

"Watch your mouth," Dan stepped forward, glaring at Jake.

She ignored, looking past him to meet the eyes of his cousin. "I hope you're really not placing a bet on getting Melissa. She doesn't want you. You should get this into your thin skull," he said, glaring at him. "You're a cripple, no woman will fancy you, especially not a gorgeous and wealthy woman like Melissa."

Alex's fist tightened on the arm rest of the chair, but his face remained impassive.

"Get out," Was all he said.

"Are you __"

"I said get out," he repeated.

"I'll leave, but don't say I didn't come here to warn you. You should look for a woman who has your kind of disadvantage, that's the kind of person who would throw a look at you." He grinned and then turned to leave.

"Boss, I think you should give up on melis__" Dan started but was interrupted.

"Prepare the car now, we're heading to the courthouse."

MEANWHILE...

Lauren sat in the corner of the abandoned storage room, sitting on the dirty bed, her eyes roaming over the wedding contract.

Melissa's word from earlier seeped into her mind when she had attempted to convince her to take the marriage proposal from the rich CEO.

"If you're so interested in this marriage, you should take it. Alex is just the right man for you. With his... terrible condition, I bet he wouldn't bat an eye before taking you to be his wife," Melissa had said, laughing at her suggestion.

She crushed the paper in her hands, a scowl resting on her face.

This family had treated her like trash, she had to make them pay for what they had done to her and her mother.

But she was weak.

They were too powerful. She was just a rat trying to find her way around among lions. They would eat her up even before she made clear of her intention.

So there was only one way. She had to look for a high class animal in the midst of predators, that she could befriend.

And there was only one way she could do that.

Back at the courthouse...

Alex sat stiffly on his wheelchair, staring at the empty and cold courtroom.

It was now past three hours since he had been here, waiting for Melissa to honor his marriage proposal, but the only person who had entered the courtroom was the slightly older woman who was responsible for legalizing the marriages.

His hand squeezed around itself, a slight panic going through him.

This was embarrassing to him. Maybe, he should have listened to his cousin.

Who would want to marry a man who had no control of his feet? No woman would trust him enough to lead a home.

He was pathetic, and he could smell it on himself too.

But what about the investors? What would he tell them? He had promised to introduce them to his wife.

He closed his eyes, swearing under his breath.

"Boss, how long will you seat here?" Dan's voice broke him out from his thought. He could tell how concerned the young man was.

Alex kept quiet for some seconds.

"Prepare the car. We should leave." He finally announced.

"You'll have to get a woman from the club who can agree to a marriage with me. I don't care if she's a wh*re," he said, his voice was cold.

Dan was taken aback, but he nodded his head. He couldn't judge the man. Dan quickly walked towards the exit, but as he opened the door, a woman stepped inside.

Her eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted like she had been running.

"You don't need to find a wh*re. I'll marry you," the woman said, stepping towards a shocked Alex.