Chapter 3

• Elena entered the lavish building and looked at the interiors nervously.
• She had never been to such a high maintenance place and she had no idea why had she landed here,
• when she had merely received a message that the owner of this company could help save her orphanage.
• She had been desperate to save her home, her children's home and if this was the last hope then she was ready.
• She would do anything to save her orphanage.
• Walking inside, she searched for the reception and once she found it, she directly went upto her and asked for the boss's office.
• "Do you have an appointment?" The receptionist asked arrogantly and Elena fumbled for an answer.
• She surely didn't have an appointment and what would she say?
• She got a message saying that the owner of this company would help her get back her orphanage? Or that she had no idea who was this company's owner?
• "I─" Before she could answer, Mark came there and looked at the receptionist who now plastered a sweet smile on her face.
• "Elena, right?" Ignoring the receptionist's flirty looks he looked at Elena who just nodded being tongue tied.
• "That text was sent by me. Mr Colton is waiting for you. I'll take you there.
• " He said politely and she gave him a grateful smile.
• As they reached outside his cabin, he knocked and a 'come in' was heard from the other side.
• Mark smiled and gestured her to step inside. She smiled nervously at him and after thanking him, she stepped inside.
• She gasped when she saw his office because honestly it was too dreamy for her.
• But she shouldn't focus on all this now. Shaking her head, she looked at the man who was now observing her intently.
• It made her uncomfortable but she could not do anything about it.
• "You can sit." He said and she obliged looking anywhere but at him.
• She wasn't scared of him but intimidated, definitely. He had this aura around him that made it impossible for her to get comfortable.
• "So, Ms, Elena you know that you are here because you want to save your orphanage and I'm ready to help you.
• " He started in his business like tone and she looked at him with a serious expression.
• "I just have a make one call and your orphanage will be saved." He declared but she didn't jump in happiness like he had expected instead she just stared at him.
• "But why?
• Why are you helping me? What do you want in return?" She asked and he was certainly impressed because she looked all naive and innocent but she was smart.
• "I don't like beating around the bush so I'll come straight to the point.
• I want a child from you without marriage!!!
• " He announced and gauged her expressions which gave away nothing.
• "So you want to get me pregnant and then give away my child to you?" She asked after two minutes. Her gaze didn't waiver a bit as he leaned forward.
• "My child," He corrected before continuing, "I want a heir for my company but I don't believe in marriage,
• so this arrangement." He explained while she calculated something in her mind.
• "But what about me?" She finally asked the question that had been bugging her.
• He raised one eyebrow as if asking what about her?
• "You get your child and I leave, but then what about my reputation,
• my character which will be questioned once I leave your premises.
• Needless to say it will be the end of me." She said calmly but there was a fire in her eyes accusing him of such vile thing.
• "That can be a problem but I assure you that if you agree to this, not even a word about you will be out in open.
• That is my lookout and I will handle any media, that will meddle in my life."
• The words were strong and stern like him but she was still skeptical.
• "You can take your time but remember Mr. Colton will not wait to demolish your place." He reminded and her eyes snapped at him in helplessness.
• For fifteen minutes they sat there staring at her, trying to read her answer while she could feel her heart sinking with every passing second.
• It was such a big step and she didn't even have time to think about it.
• "I'm ready.
• " With those words she sold herself to the devil just for her kids.
• •••
• Just as soon as she agreed, Mark was called in with the contract in his hand.
• He placed it on the desk and glancing at Elena...
• Elena knew that this man won't just take the words as guarantee,
• he will need it in writing. She just observed everything quietly as he picked up the contract and placed in in front of her.
• "Read this and sign it." He ordered and she felt like glaring at him but controlled her anger and picked up the papers.
• While she thoroughly went through that document, Ryan leaned back leisurely and it was now that he noticed her attire which was a simple white dress with the flower design on it.
• She definitely had no makeup on because it was clearly visible to him.
• No jewellery, hair left open and a pair of chappals. Most certainly she was a wife material but too bad he wasn't interested.
• "What is this clause Mr. Colton?" The anger was clear in her voice and as he looked in her eyes, he was right. The fire was definitely present.
• "Why can't I meet my child whenever I want to? That's totally ridiculous."
• She was fuming and he was calm.
• "As I said, I don't want any marriage and so you will, no where, be associated with me or my child after you hand him/her over to me.
• I know a child needs the mother the most but that won't be a problem because I will be arranging a nanny for the same.
• " He said nonchalantly and she curled up her fists.
• The nerve of this man. First he denies her from meeting her own child and now he's talking as if it's a thing they are trading.
• "I do not agree to this. Allow me to meet my child any time I want, without any restrictions.
• Only then I will sign this contract." She demanded and he narrowed his eyes at her dangerously.
• "You do not have the right to demand anything from me. These are my rules and you have to abide by them or you can kiss goodbye to your orphanage.
• " He threatened and she gritted her teeth.
• Sure she was desperate at the moment but that didn't mean she was weak.
• He couldn't and she would never allow him to walk all over her.
• "Fine then!
• You can keep your contract and find some other woman to abide by your rules.
• I will handle my problem very well." She snapped, standing up with a jerk and turned around to leave.
• He was taken aback by her audacity to refuse him even after his threat.
• But he couldn't let her leave because he knew that he won't be finding another woman like her who will agree to this.
• He hated to bend down in front of anyone but this tiny woman forced him to, for the first time.
• "Wait!" He said and she stopped in her tracks but didn't turn around.
• "I will remove that clause.
• " He announced and she turned around to look at him. Although he looked normal, she could see the dangerous glint in his eyes.
• "But you won't be allowed to meet my child in the absence of my presence."
• He added and she wished she could walk up to him and punch straight in his jaw.
• "What am I, a kidnapper who will abduct the child in your absence?" She gritted and he shrugged in response.
• She sighed heavily and went back to the desk before picking up a pen.
• She eyed him suspiciously because there was still something being missed out.
• "You will be staying with me until you deliver the baby."
• He voiced out the unspoken and she closed her eyes tightly.
• He was really testing her patience but she knew he was right.
• How could she stay at 'Fortune' when she will be pregnant?
• Without another word she signed the document and a satisfying smirk formed on his face.
• Finally he would get what he really wants