MR CEO'S PROMISE TO HER

CHAPTER FOUR

ESTRELLA'S POV

I'm having the most terrible day. First, I slept way past my alarm, which made me almost late for work.

“Hey, Es.“ Rob said as soon as I stepped out back.

“Morning, Rob.“

“Someone called for you.“

“What?“

“Yeah. Earl or someone like that. I promised you'd call them back.“

My heart quaked nervously. When I left the diner's contact with the Earls, I never expected that they would ever need to call me. What was wrong? Did something happen to Rose? What could have gone wrong after three years? I know her birthday was only a month ago, so what was the problem?

I reached for the phone when I was pulled to work. An hour later, I could no longer take it. I dashed to the backroom to return the call.

“Hello,” I cleared my throat when my call went through. “Estrella speaking.“

“Hello, Estrella. You remember us? Mrs Earl.“

“Of course. How have you been?“ I desperately wanted her to get to the point. Was something wrong with my baby?

“Just good. So listen, there's something we need to tell you.“

My first thought was that they were moving out of the country. Except it was worst, I wish it was that simple.

They were returning Rose to me. They could no longer take care of her. I wanted to protest. Were they allowed to do that? Was it in the contract?

At the end of the day, it was either they returned my baby to me or put her in the system again.

“We thought we should give you the choice, dear. You might want your baby back.“ She had said warmly, and I couldn't hold that against her.

“Thank you, Mrs. Earl. I'm going to call you in the morning to tell you my decision.“ I managed to reply.

Could this day get any worse? My coworkers got worried about me after that call. I mixed orders up because I couldn't focus.

Although a huge part of me was just thrilled that I would be reunited with my baby again, I couldn't help but think about how I would take care of a three-year-old.

I had been in this town for three years now, and I kind of just stayed. It got too comfortable. The first six months after I got here, I started saving up to go back to the city. Life happened, and I now spent all my money on my rent and groceries.

It was not the life I envisioned for myself, but it was all mine. After the second year, I stopped thinking about leaving. I had friends and a work that made me feel safe enough from Dominic. Often, someone would mention Dominic and all the things he had accomplished at such a young age.

I had a decision to make before the next morning. Deep down in my mind, I know what I was going to do. There was no way I could afford for my baby to go through the system again.

But the money and Dominic, I sighed for the nth time since I woke up this morning.

I was abruptly cut off from my thoughts when I crashed into someone, spilling coffee on the man.

“What the?“ He swore harshly and I cringed. I was ruining someone else's day with mine. I felt the beginning of tears begin to form, but I quickly blinked it back.

“I'm sorry.“ I dabbed at it, and he assured me it was okay. I didn't stop though. I couldn't afford to get fired on top of everything.

“It's okay. Actually, can I talk to you?“ He said, making me stop.

“Talk?“ I asked dumbly.

“Yes. There's something I wish to discuss with you.“

“Now?“

“I can come back in three days.“

*****

“I know you must be confused as to why I want to talk to you.“

“I am, but I am more curious.“

“I'll go straight to the point.“ He placed some papers in between us. “You are Miss Estrella Reymond, aren't you?“

“I am.“

“Good. I have the solution to all your problems.“

I was taken aback. I looked him up after our meeting three days ago, so I know he's a rich businessman who was even more successful than Dominic.

“What problem?“

“I know you need protection for your daughter. Her foster parents are returning her. You have no means to take care of her.“

My jaw was on the ground. How does he know about this? Only my friend Amy knows about my situation with Rose.

“What are you talking about?“

“Am I right?“

“Yes, you are.“

“Good. My solution is this. Marry me.“

I blink my eyes slowly to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

“Marry you?“ What does a rich, successful man like him want with me? Xander Nicholas looks like a Greek god with his straight nose and intense gray eyes, and he wants me to marry him?

“Yes.“ He said it like it was the most natural thing. “It's going to be a contract marriage. I only need to be married for three years, and you'll get some benefits, of course.“

“Why me?“ I asked. I couldn't deny the attraction I felt to him. Honestly, there was no straight woman who wouldn't feel attraction to him, but I still needed to know if I was being played.

He shrugged lightly. “I guess we'll see.“

“Let me think about it.“

“You have only twenty-four hours to make a decision.“ He said, and he left.

Thirty minutes later, I was still dazed, so I went straight to Amy's house. She was the one that encouraged me to meet him in the first place.

“So? Is he as hot as his pictures?“

“Even hotter.“ I fan myself.

“Sweet. What does he want with you?“

I told her everything that he said. “I really need help with Rose.“ I finished.

“Babe, you have no other choice than to call him. What's the worst that could happen?“