~ELENA'S POV~

"You know what– I have been seeking a better time to give you this, and I think now is the time. There is no point delaying the inevitable," he said, as he opened his briefcase and handed me a document, "sign it".

I looked at the documents with widened brows and rounded lips. I couldn't believe my eyes, 'Am I dreaming? Is this not a divorce agreement?' I muttered silently.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stared at the papers and gazed at Alex standing in front of me. I was lost in deep thoughts to myself and couldn't comprehend what had just happened.

Has he been planning this all along? To divorce me and marry a younger woman? So, this lady has been the reason Alex has been so distant and cold towards me' I silently said to myself.

"I won't sign it" I slammed the papers against the table while staring into his eyes. "I can't believe you did this to me. After everything we have been through over the years".

I was so emotionally shattered and didn't bother to go through the contents of the divorce agreement, I wasn't going to sign it anyway. Besides, I'm not ready to give up my marriage for a younger woman.

Alex and I have gone for medical check-ups, and the doctor confirmed we are medically okay, so how is it my fault we couldn't have babies of our own? Why has nature decided to punish me in this way?

"You dare not!" He thundered, while choking my neck against the wall, with a furious look on his face, "I have been through nothing but pain with you all through the years. I'm done going through unnecessary pain all because of your inability to give me a child".

"Let me go, Alex, you're hurting me," I announced in a faint tone. I tried to free myself from his grip as I couldn't breathe.

"Then sign the divorce papers," he declared and pulled away from me. He bagged out of the room.

***

The next morning, I woke up to loud echoes of my phone ringing. I checked, it was a call from Mark Wilson, the hospital doctor.

"Good morning, Mrs Fox, I am calling you from Medstar Washington Hospital Center. I would like to inform you that your mother, Mrs Frost, is awake and your presence is needed at the hospital right away," the doctor revealed.

"Oh my god– really!?" I jumped out of bed into the shower. "I'll be with you shortly".

***An hour later***

I walked into the doctor's office, and he was sitting behind a desk, writing on a sheet of paper with a computer in front of him.

"Good morning, Doctor Mark," I stretched out my arm for a handshake.

"Good morning, Mrs Fox," he also stretched out his arm and shook my hand. "Please have a seat."

"I got a call from the hospital this morning, stating that my Mom was awake. So, I rushed down here to see how she was doing," I reported.

"Yes, Mrs Fox, your mother woke up from her coma earlier this morning, but she's not fully conscious as we speak," the doctor announced

I cried upon hearing the news. I might have failed in my marriage, but at least my mother is alive and well. "Thank you! Thank you! This is good news, Doctor Mark".

"You're welcome, Mrs Fox, but there's just one problem, though," the doctor divulged.

"What is it?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Your mother needs a refill on her medications, and your husband has not paid for her medical bills in the past three months. He said he won't. He said he needs to talk to you first," the doctor revealed.

I quivered as I felt a cold sensation run through my spine the moment I heard those words from the doctor 'Alex has not paid for the past three months? How could he do that to my mom?' I pondered.

"Really? He said that?" I queried, "How come you never told me about it, not until now?

"Each time I reminded him, Mr Alex promised to pay, and specifically instructed us not to tell you," the doctor disclosed.

I gulped hard as my heartbeat increased. 'What has Alex been doing with the money allocated for my mom's medical bills?. Is this part of his plans to punish me for not giving him a child?' I thought to myself.

Alex and I owned a jewelry company together, though it was his money, but we co–managed the business together. He was the CEO, and I was the design director. I owned shares in the company as his legal wife and Co–co-business owner. We had an agreement to pay my mother's medical bills with my profit shares. So, where is the money now?.

"Okay, fine, I'll talk to him about it and get back to you, I promise." I pronounced, "Can I at least see my mom now?"

"Yes, of course, Mrs Fox," the doctor said, "and I'll look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Most importantly, your mother needs you for her healing".

"Thank you, Doctor Mark, I'll take my leave now." I grabbed my bag and headed out of the doctor's office to see my Mom in her hospital bed.

After seeing my mother at the hospital, I picked up my phone and dialed Alex's number.

"Why didn't you pay my mom's hospital bills?" I asked

"I was going to pay, but it skipped my mind," Alex answered. "I'll pay if you agree to sign the divorce papers today. Where are you right now?. Come to the office right away."

I know how much I hate to do this, but at this point I don't have any options, because my mother's life was at stake. And I'm ready to do anything to make sure she is okay.

****

I walked into the office and I saw Alex and his mother, Renee Fox, sitting in the office. The divorce papers were right on the desk. He handed me the papers and a pen to sign. I examined the divorce agreement.

I narrowed my brows. "You're taking back my shares?" I clarified

"Remember, I funded the company," Alex explicated. "I gave you the shares, and I have the right to take them back, as part of the divorce settlement. You'll receive a million-dollar payment, and I'll pay your mother's hospital bills to the current date."

I know I didn't contribute financially to fund the company, but I put in my blood, sweat and time to see the company move forward.

I grimaced when I noticed another term on the contract: You want me to give up claims to my previous designs? You know very well they are my designs?".

"You are an employee in the company, so everything you do in the company belongs to the company," Alex rectified. "Aside from that, you'll be dismissed, Elena".

"We both know that we can't work together in our situation," Alex elaborated. "Think about it, Elena, we will have nothing to do with each other, I'll move on, and you should move on with your life also."

I took a deep breath, 'It hurts,' I mused. No matter how much I think about it, I know Alex was right. There was no point delaying the inevitable, so I signed my name and the other copies of the contract as tears rolled down my cheek.

I shifted my gaze towards Alex with narrowed brows. "I regret ever having anything to do with you, I hate you and never want anything to do with you again".

I noticed the look of shock on his face as I dashed out of his office. I went straight to see my best friend, Olivia. The moment I walked in, she knew something was wrong. So, I explained all that happened between Alex and me. She consoled me and tried to make me stop crying.

"Baby girl, you don't look so good right now," Olivia said. "I understand how hurting this could be, but I can't allow you to continue like this. I have suggestions to lighten your mood and make you forget about today."

"What do you suggest?" I enquired

"Let's go to the club and have a new experience of life," She proposed. "Lena, remember you're no longer married and free now."

"Liv, I don't think that's a good idea," I declined

"Girl I wasn't asking," she declared, "get your ass off the bed and go into the shower."

*** A few hours later***

I wasn't interested in Olivia's idea of going to the club at first, because I wasn't the clubbing type. At the same time, I needed some distractions to put me out of my misery. So I followed with her idea.

We got to the club, and there was so much noise and dancing. Even with the noise and crowd surrounding me, I couldn't get my mind off the pain and heartbreak I felt inside of me.

"Lena, our order is taking longer than expected. I guess I'll have to go get it myself," Olivia announced

"Okay, that's fine, Liv," I agreed

I felt twitching in my bladder, making me uncomfortable. I figured I needed to use the restroom.

The bass thumped through the floor, pulsing up my feet as I slipped through the crowd. Strobe light painted the surroundings in flashes of red and electric blue.

After I was done making use of the restroom. I pushed open the restroom door lock. I sighed and rested my head against the wall, causing my eyes to drift shut.

"Elena, you'll be fine," I reassured myself silently.

I turned around, stepping into the chaos as I moved past grinding bodies and raised glasses. My heels twisted slightly, causing me to lose balance. And I was about to crash against the floor when I felt a strong embrace out of nowhere.

"Whoa– careful there," a deep voice said, grasping me by the arm.

I looked up, winking against the flickering lights.

To my greatest surprise, he had a walking stick in one hand and was able to grab me with the other hand before I could fall to the ground. He was tall, with dark hair, a broad chest, strong arms and an easy confidence in the way he stood, like the room moved around him and not the other way round.

"I'm– sorry, my heels–" I stuttered, stroking a lock of hair behind my ears, my face burned. I didn't like how my voice trembled at small moments.

"Are you okay now?" He said with a smirk on his face.

"Yes, I'm fine," I rubbed my palms against my neck.

"I'm Max," he said

I hesitated, then lifted my chin, "Elena".

~ELENA'S POV~

"I'm Max," he offered.

I hesitated, then lifted my chin, "Elena".

"Elena," he repeated, as if trying it out.

"Well, Elena," he said, stepping aside and motioning towards the hallway, "I'm guessing you are headed somewhere before your little accident".

"Oh yeah, just trying to get back to my table," I answered with a faint smile.

"Okay, well, say hello to fate for me," he smirked.

"Who is fate?" I inquired with narrowed brows.

He leaned in tenuously, voice low and coltishly. "She just swept you off your feet so you could fall into my arms," he replied while grinning.

Eyes rolled, but couldn't fight the curves of my lips, "that was cheesy".

For the first time all night, I didn't feel invisible.

"Maybe. But effective," he said, raising a brow, "did you come here alone?".

"No, I came here with a friend of mine," I answered, pointing my index finger backward. "She must be waiting for me as we speak, so I'd better get going before she comes to find me".

"Do you mind if I join you at your table?" he proposed. "I came here all alone, and I would like company".

Of course. Besides, he's the reason I felt a little better, and he was good-looking. No girl in her right senses would say no to such a good-looking man, and most importantly, I came here to be distracted from my trauma, so anything to achieve that works for me.

"Yes, that'll be fine," I declared. I left, and he followed behind.

I moved through the mobbed club, Max following closely behind me. The music pulsates every inch of my body, swaying bodies, frolicking flashes like distant lightning. I didn't look back, but I could feel his eyes fixed on me.

"There she is," I announced, sliding into my seat. Olivia was near our table, dancing with a stranger whose shirt sparkled under the lights. I emailed faintly and looked at Max, "I guess she is busy".

"I can see that," he responded, while settling opposite me on the other side of the table. He signalled the waiter, "drinks on me".

"I want two glasses of whiskey," he ordered.

"Two glasses of whiskey coming right up," the waiter disclosed.

"So," he began, staring closely at me as he handed me my glass of whiskey, "what do you do outside all of these?".

"I'm a jewelry designer," I gulped hard, the liquor burned down through my throat.

"That sounds... unique," he complimented, raising both brows.

"Yeah. Unfortunately, I have spent the last few years putting beautiful things together while the rest of my life was falling apart." I held onto my glass of whiskey, staring closely at it.

He didn't respond right away, he stared closely at me, studying every part of my body he could view. The look in his eyes wasn't describing pity but interest, presence– Like he wasn't waiting to talk but to hear me out.

"Sounds like there is a story to it," he said, putting down his glass of whiskey.

"There is," I replied with our eyes locked into each other.

"Would you like to share?" he inquired in a soft and mild tone. "I'm a good listener".

I was hesitant initially, but I was beginning to feel comfortable around Max and needed to lift the pain off my chest. Olivia was having a fun night and I wouldn't want to ruin it for her.

"I can't believe Alex would divorce me and also humiliate me publicly, after being married for five years now. As if that is not enough, he took my company shares and rights to my designs away from me." I felt my heart constricting as I explained, I turned my gaze away from his direction, tears flowed down my cheeks."He refused to pay my mother's hospital bills till I signed the divorce papers. How could a man be so cold and heartless?"

I had an emotional breakdown and told Max everything that happened between Alex and me, though it wasn't intentional, but at the time, it seemed like what I needed to do. He said encouraging words to lift my spirit.

"I'm sorry about everything. You're a very good woman, he doesn't deserve you, and clearly, wasn't worth your tears." He consoled me and handed me a handkerchief.

"Come on, cheer up– have you met you? Your smile glitters and your beauty is an imagination," he complimented. I smiled as I wiped my face

"Dance with me?" he offered with one hand stretched towards me.

I hesitated and took a deep breath, then I stood up, leaving the rest of my whiskey behind.

We danced for a while and had a couple of drinks together, then he asked, "Do you want to go somewhere private, like my hotel room?"

I looked up at him, eyes glassy but hazy, "yes".

Moments later, we arrived at Max's hotel room. I was tipsy and hazy at the same time. I noticed Max was on a phone call when we entered the hotel room. He finished the call and dropped the phone on the table, then turned around to see me standing right in front of him.

Our gaze locked into each other, I subconsciously leaned in closer, lifted off my chin with my hands wrapped around his face and embraced his lips with mine. He tried to pull off immediately, but I begged him not to stop, so we continued kissing. Soon we were on the bed with me sitting on his member when I pulled off my clothes as we kept on kissing.

I felt a bonny under his pants as we continued to pull off everything material on our bodies till we were completely naked. He grabbed me and rolled me over, causing me to be underneath. I felt his thick and long member thrust in and out of my rose; it felt so good. We ended up spending the night together in the same bedroom.

****

The next morning, I woke up in Max's hotel room. Sunlight spilled into the room through floor-to-ceiling windows, washing the space in a warm, golden hush. I sat up slowly, my muscles sore in the most intimate way. I observed the room–modern, clean lines, everything curated and especially not trying too hard. Not flashy. Just powerful.

For a brief moment, I forgot, then it all came rushing back. The club, the dancing, the sex. Max. I was caught in a deep reflection of last night when the bedroom door opened with a gentle click. Max walked in with two cups of coffee.

"Good morning sunshine," he handed me one cup of coffee, then sat back and watched me closely as silence encroached the atmosphere.

He sat across from me, sipping his coffee. "I know you have questions," he said.

"Yes, I do. Starting with Who the hell are you?" I inquired, and I sipped on my cup of coffee

"I'm Max Dickson, the eldest son of Dickson's family," he revealed.

I blinked, my fingers tightening around the cup. "You're that Max Dickson? The one and only?".

Max is the eldest son of the Dickson family. One of the wealthiest families in Washington, D.C.

"Yes, I am," he confirmed

"What was last night to you?" I asked while stroking a lock of hair behind my ear.

He paused, thoughtful. "It was honest."

I didn't respond at first, and I gulped hard. "I felt safe," I admitted, surprisingly.

"Good," he said. "I'm very sorry about everything that happened between you and Alex, but I can help you get back the rights to your designs and even a better jewelry company of your own, which will thrive with my support. I will also take care of everything you need, including paying your mother's hospital bills and ensuring her recovery. Lastly, I'll help you get justice for all that Alex has done to you. But on one condition."

"Really? You'll do all that for me?" My eyes narrowed with curiosity written all over my face, "What condition?"

"A contract marriage," he said without hesitation.

I froze, staring at him. "Excuse me?".

He leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees and said, "I want us to get married legally, publicly. But with an agreement. One year. Strictly business"

I stared at him, not knowing whether to talk or walk out. "You don't even know me," I exclaimed.

"I know enough," he said mildly, "I know you were publicly humiliated. I know you're a brilliant designer. And I know that whatever happened between you and your ex, Alex, doesn't define you".

My breath caught, and I looked straight into his eyes. "Why would you do all that for a lady you met last night?" I asked

"Because you're worth investing in. My grandfather has been pressuring me to get married. You don't need to know the full details, but what I'm saying is that getting married is beneficial to me in many ways." He explained and then asked, "So Elena, what do you think?"

I looked away, my heartbeat thumped faster as I thought silently. It's too early to be in another marriage, although it made a strange kind of sense. What do I have left to lose after all?

I was deep in thought when my phone rang. It was Dr. Mark on the phone, and I picked up.

"Mrs Fox, your attention is needed urgently at the hospital; your mother had a cardiac arrest," the doctor divulged.

~ELENA'S POV~

Max was sitting with his back resting against the chair and his elbow resting on the chair handle. He stared at me like he was eagerly waiting for a response. Then my phone rang and I picked up, it was Dr. Mark.

"Mrs Fox, your attention is needed urgently at the hospital; your mother had a cardiac arrest," the doctor divulged.

My heart thumped so fast like it was going to escape my chest all of a sudden, my brows widened, "What!?" I exclaimed, "I'll be there shortly."

Max immediately asked out of curiosity, "Elena, what is the problem?"

"I have to get to the hospital right away," I announced, "the doctor just called and said my Mom just had a cardiac arrest."

"Okay, let me take you in my car, that way we get there faster," he said, then took out his phone and called Steve, his assistant, to get the car ready.

"Okay," I agreed without hesitation. I quickly rushed out of bed and put on my clothes. I grabbed my bag and dashed out of the hotel room with Max following behind me.

Steve drove us in Max's car to the hospital. I ran into the doctor in the hallway at the ICU, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and I stopped the doctor to find out how my mother was doing.

"Doctor Mark, how is my mother doing?" I was panting repeatedly while I awaited the doctor's response.

"Mrs Fox, your mother had a cardiac arrest, which was caused by a swelling in her brain as a result of electrolyte imbalance. We were able to stabilize her for now, but she needs surgery as soon as possible, or she might die. We need to move her to the Dickson Medical Center cause we do not have the facility to conduct such surgery here," the doctor revealed. "I have been waiting for your feedback on the funds for her medication refill."

I felt a sudden coldness through my core. I gasped, "What!? I thought Alex took care of the bills yesterday," I grimaced.

I remember vividly that Alex and I had an agreement to pay my mother's medical bills immediately after I signed the divorce papers. So what is going on? Did he go back on our agreement? Does Alex want my mother to die? This is unfair. I felt my heart constricting, and I ran my hands over my hair.

"Not that I'm aware of, Mrs Fox–" I cut the doctor off, correcting him from calling me by the name 'Mrs Fox' since I'm no longer with Alex.

"Please address me as Miss Elena. Alex and I are no longer together." I divulged.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Mrs fox– I mean Miss Elena," the doctor corrected.

"I'll make sure the bills are sorted out today, Doctor Mark," I announced. "Can I see my mother now?"

"Yes, you can, Miss Elena," he replied.

I rushed into her ICU room, and I saw my mother lying lifelessly; she was connected to a cardiac monitor.

"Mom, please stay with me, no matter what. I can't lose you now," I begged as I held her hands. Tears rolled down my cheeks.

Max stood by the door, staring at me crying by my mother's side. He stood there for a while and then walked close to me and pulled me into his arms. I didn't realize how I ended up sobbing in his arms with my face against his chest.

With my mother's current state, my hatred for Alex amplified. After being humiliated and stripped of my rights to my designs, I planned to just let it go. My moving on and becoming successful in the future was my vengeance, but after what had just happened, I knew I had to settle the score.

I pulled away from Max, and a mix of anger and sadness filled my chest. I sat back in my chair and glanced at my sleeping mother for some time. After taking a deep breath, I glanced at Max and declared, "About your proposition, I agree."

"What?" He inquired

"I agree to marry you," I replied without hesitation

Alex has turned his back on our agreement and has not paid my mother's medical bills even after I signed the divorce papers. Now her situation is worsening and needs urgent attention, and I can't do all that if I don't have the money.

In my five years of being married to Alex, I have earned a lot of money while leading our company's design team. However, I have also spent lavishly on my mother.

My mother, Leni Frost, was a single mother who made so many sacrifices to raise me. When I began making decent money, I bought her a house, cars, jewelry and other luxury stuff. I also have my investments. Asset-wise, I could cover the hospital bills myself, but I lacked liquid funds. So, making Alex pay the bills was the quickest solution.

Max stood for seconds, speechless with his lips parted, staring at me before he finally answered, "I promise you won't regret this"

"I will sort the medical bills right away and have Steve make immediate arrangements to transfer your mother to Dickson Medical Center for the surgery," he assured. "From now on, your mother's recovery is my number one priority."

Max picked up his phone and made some calls. So I reached out to the doctor, demanding that we transfer my mother for the surgery as suggested.

"Doctor Mark, I want to move my mom to the Dickson Medical Center now," I said unwaveringly. "We can't afford to waste more time, I don't want to lose my Mom."

"Your mother is not in a condition to move facilities, but I'm sure Dickson Medical Center has a high-end ambulance that can transport patients on cardiac monitors. Though you'll need to sign a waiver," the doctor prescribed.

"Please, doctor," I asserted, "we need to leave as soon as possible."

In the next two hours, everything was ready. My mom was moved to the Dickson Medical Center using the hospital's most advanced medical transport. Seeing how efficient the staff was, I was a bit relieved that my Mom would be well taken care of.

At Dickson Medical Center, they began preparations for my mother's surgery, and then I got a text from Steve, Max's assistant.

Steve: [The boss wants to see you in his office before we begin the surgery on your mother.]

I was at the hospital lobby when I saw the text, and I answered: [Okay, Steve, I'm on my way now.]

Moments later, I arrived at Max's office, and he was sitting with Steve standing by his side. He offered me a paper containing the contract terms, and I went through it thoroughly. Not like it matters, basically it changes nothing. Besides, I don't have a choice considering my mother's condition.

"Sign the contract papers and we'll begin your mother's surgery," he said, offering me a pen.

I glanced at him, then back at the papers. I took a deep breath. "Okay." I signed the contract.