~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.

~ELENA'S POV~

"Elena, you need to eat. How can you care for your mother if you don't eat?" Max said as he pushed a bowl of soup and noodles in my direction, "You've been at your mother's bedside for the past two days. You need some time off to rest and eat well. You are so thin."

I grimaced. I looked at my arms and couldn't deny Max's statement. I had lost weight in the past few days. I accepted the meal and dug in.

Max insisted that I take a break from watching my mother, even just for a few hours. I haven't left my mother's bedside since she was transferred to Dickson Medical Center two days ago. Thus, we were at a Chinese restaurant that was about to close, but Max's family was well known with a higher reputation in the city, and the owners were more than willing to accommodate him.

I felt better while eating. The soup and noodles warmed my stomach. I have not had a good meal for the past few days, and it's showing on me in the way I was eating, and at the same time, giving sensational sounds.

"My grandfather will be returning from his trip in three weeks, and he'll be hosting a family reunion dinner at his place. I am going to introduce you as my girlfriend, so your divorce needs to be finalized before then," Max announced. He raised his chin, flaunting his perfectly proportioned face.

"And how do you intend to do that? Because, obviously I don't think it can be processed that quickly," I mentioned

"Concerning that, you have nothing to worry about. I can get the Supreme Court to hasten the process," Max assured.

I don't doubt Max can pull off such a stunt. The Dicksons have connections in the government. They are one of the oldest and richest families in Washington; they were practically like gods in the city.

"You said you've been pressured by your grandfather to get married, why?" I asked

Max stared into my eyes. He responded, "To continue the Dickson's legacy, to extend the family, to gain stability and to have grandchildren. It runs in the family," Max paused a bit and avouched, "and it's part of Grandpa's condition before he can give me his shares –that I must get married. I need his shares for a specific reason."

I grimaced. I ate some more and stared at Max as he sipped on his soup. After a few seconds, I broke the silence with a question: "Why do you need your grandfather's shares?"

Max paused midway from eating his food. He glanced at me and answered, "To secure it and at the same time give me leverage."

He leaned back and added, "It is no secret that my family has been in disunity since my father remarried."

"My stepbrother was voted as the CEO of Dickson's Enterprises, whereas I was made to only manage the corporation's healthcare entity," Max divulged. He clenched his fist before explaining, "I intend on taking back what is rightfully mine."

Come to think of it. Four years ago, Max's stepbrother was chosen to lead Dickson Enterprises instead of him. It was the talk of the town for a long time. I mean, everyone knows Max to be the only biological grandchild of the Dicksons' family, so why was an adoptive son chosen instead of him? Something must be wrong somewhere, either way.

"I'm– I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that," I sympathized

"It's alright, and thank you for sympathizing with me," Max said. "You have nothing to worry about, I have plans in motion to make sure my family's legacy is secured, and you will help me make that happen."

"You mean all this will possibly happen once I get married to you?" I questioned, still puzzled and confused. I couldn't connect the dots. How can my marriage to Max solve his problems? "Max, you are fully aware that I'm a divorcee, I'm worried your family may not accept me."

"I know my father won't be in support of this, and that's because he had always wanted me to marry Nicky Dame. We broke up a long time ago, so she is out of the picture now. To be honest with you, it doesn't matter what my father thinks of our relationship. But I know my grandpa won't oppose my choices," Max assured

"And Elena, a little piece of advice from me. Never underestimate yourself, no matter the condition you find yourself in." For the first time since meeting Max again, he laughed softly. I couldn't help but notice how the small laugh line on his face made him look enthralling.

Max glanced deeply at me, making me feel uncomfortable. "You're worth so much more than you think. I can assure you that in a year, you'll be one of the best jewelry designers in the country, and your company will be top of the charts," Max expressed.

"Wait– you are reckoning on the success of my future designs?" I inquired.

"Yeah, this is one of the qualities that makes you special and outstanding. I may not know much about you, but I know that your company's top-selling jewelry is your designs." Max informed, "Just trust me, Elena. As long as we work together, I believe everything will be fine. We get to achieve our goals."

"Can I trust you on this?" I asked

"Yes, of course, Elena, you can trust me," Max assured

"Okay, if you say so," I said.

"Good," Max declared, "eat."

We resumed eating in silence until our bowls were empty. Afterwards, Max announced, "Now that you're technically my girlfriend, I will make sure you're looked after. I will ask Steve to check in on you at intervals. And also, I'll make sure to visit your mother whenever I can. You need to eat thrice daily and make sure you have enough rest*

"To ensure that, I'd love you to move in with me," Max added.

My eyes widened with my lips parted. I coughed and reacted, "Wait– what? Don't you think it's way too early for that? I think my mother's place is fine–"

"Come on, Elena, you must have people around you to help you get through these crucial moments in your life. I can attest to it, cause I've been through it," Max pronounced

I mused on Max's words. What could Max be referring to when he said 'I can attest to it, cause I've been through it'? The conflict in his family? Or could it be when his mother passed away?

I didn't want to dwell much longer on that thought, so I waved it off and expressed, "If that be the case, I will stay at Olivia's place."

"Elena, this is non-negotiable, you're moving in with me this weekend," Max declared. "Besides, we need to get to know each other and make our relationship believable to everyone, especially my grandfather. Because he is the main reason I'm taking this step," Max added

I raised a brow and asked, "Okay, let's say I agree to move in with you, how do you propose we make this relationship believable?"

"We take it one step at a time, from courtship to engagement to marriage," Max clarified

"Are you saying, this won't be a secret marriage thing? I've seen stuff like this in movies, even read it in novels," I said

A faint smirk appeared on Max's face, and he asked, "What will be the essence of the whole process if I keep you a secret? I don't think you get it, do you? Remember, I need you to gain my grandpa's favour and shares."

"Now that you have signed the agreement papers, I'm certain we can advance further from this point," Max said while buttoning his suit.

"Okay, but..." I bit my lips and gasped. I shifted my gaze sideways, then I finally expressed what was bothering my mind, "I know this was not included in the agreement papers, but are we supposed to make babies in the process?"