Married to my worst nightmare

Chapter 2.

I stay static in my chair, I knew something bad would happen as soon as I saw him in front of my desk, I try to calm down and continue reading the article.

"The genius behind one of the biggest companies in our country has surprised us with this great news. As you may know, the great Nathaniel Rossi is known to be a predator in his business dealings.

The troubled boy adopted by the Hoffman Family proved to be their best investment, despite his troubled beginnings, he continues to be relentless and arrogant in his field of work, but in the sentimental sphere he has never given us more than a photo with his female colleagues or as he would call them his ‘girlfriends’, this man has never been seen in a real relationship, besides being known for being exaggeratedly strict with his staff to the point of being called tyrant and despot by his own workers.

For the first time he showed signs of humanism, some sources inform us that apparently, our dear Nathaniel is engaged to one of his employees, Miss Polly Evans, one of the most important designers of Publicity Hoffman. Everyone's doubts are: will our flirtatious womanizer be able to settle down? Will Miss Evans manage to tame the beast? But the biggest doubt of all is what does this ordinary woman possesses to attract the attention of our favorite tyrant?"

I freeze, I knew lying was wrong but a week ago when I was at the appointment with Rachel James, the social worker, I noticed how she looked disparagingly at my apartment for not being suitable for raising a newborn.

When she started asking me about my personal life, she was reluctant towards the idea that I would be a single adoptive mother to Mary, and stressed to me the importance of providing a family experience for the baby, with a father and a mother.

But I am the best mother Mary could have. Kate was my sister, I would have given my life for hers if I could have. But life takes totally unexpected turns, and now here I am, at almost 22 years old, doing the impossible for a five-month-old baby, I would do anything for her... Even lie about an engagement to my boss.

The moment I mentioned Nathaniel's name, the caregiver totally changed and gave me hope about adoption, until she mentioned that we should do an interview with my partner to see if he is suitable to take care of Mary, so being married he would also have to legally adopt my daughter.

Putting my memories aside, I straighten up a bit, get up from my desk, smooth the skirt of my white dress, and lean as best I can on my heels to make my way to Mr. Rossi's office.

When I arrive, Miranda who is his secretary, looks at me with hatred in her eyes, I have long suspected that she has feelings for Nathaniel, surely she must also know about the article in the newspaper. I greet her and tell her that Mr. Rossi is waiting for me, and she gives me the pass.

When I knock on the door I only hear a "come in" from Nathaniel, it is possibly the first time I am in the boss's office and probably the last. It is very nice, with a minimalist design, but it has avant-garde touches, his desk is made of glass and chrome iron, he is sitting, watching me.

“Miss Evans, have a seat” He asks, and once I’m seated he says: “I guess you know why you are here.”

I just nod my head.

“Before I make any decisions and fire you, I need you to explain to me why the New York Times thinks we are engaged.”

At this moment I realize what a big mistake I made, now I will lose my job and I need it more than ever.

“You see, Mr. Rossi, I... I...” Of course and now I'm stuttering: “I didn't expect anyone to find out, I don't know how that information got into the tabloids, I swear.”

“Look, Miss Evans, maybe you are not interested in society but I am, any information about my life is gold for them and more about my private life, so prepare your things because in thirty minutes I want you out of my company, you'd better do it on your own, don't make me call security.”

“Mr. Rossi, let me explain, I am currently in the process of adoption, but being a single mother and without many resources, and it is very unlikely that I will be approved.”

“And what do I have to do with it?”

“I recently had my interview with the social worker, when I explained my situation she was reluctant about approving the adoption of my daughter.”

“Your daughter?” He asked, looking at me with an arched eyebrow.

“Yes, for me she is already my daughter, even though she doesn't carry my blood I consider her so.”

I know that he was adopted by the Hoffman couple, and as their son he inherited their company, which since he took over has gone from being one of the best in the state to the best in the country, lately there are rumors of plans to create several international partnerships to expand our market.

“And tell me, Miss Evans, what do you expect me to do?” he looks at me in such a way that his black eyes do not reveal anything.

“As I told you, during the interview, the caregiver explained to me the importance of providing an environment with both parents, she was so dismissive of the idea of me being a single parent that I panicked and told a lie, but it wasn't on purpose...”

“It wasn't?” he said interrupting me: “Let me see if I understand you, you told your social worker that you are engaged to your boss and it wasn't intentional? Tell me, you expected me to marry you? Didn’t you think about the consequences?” He says as he looks at me accusingly: "Miss Evans, get your belongings and get out of my building.”

For God's sake, I'm losing everything.

But now I have a reason to keep going with my life, so… I have no other chance than keep trying to beg for this job, even if it is very embarrassing for me to do something like this.

“Mr. Rossi, please don't fire me, I need this job more than ever, I know what I did was wrong, but please understand me, a mother does anything for her children and I never thought it could be leaked to the press” I can no longer hide the tears, they fall without stopping on my cheeks at the prospect of losing Mary.

“I'm sorry Miss Evans, but there is nothing I can do to help you” He denies.

This man's heart is the worst I have ever seen in my life, but I understand him, to arrive at your office one day and find out that you are engaged to an employee with whom you have never said more than ten words, is a situation no one plans to be in.

“Mr. Rossi, I offer you a deal, let's just fake the engagement for six months and then deny it, please, if you deny it right now my daughter will...” I leave the words in the air while I try to hold back my tears.

“You will still lose your daughter, or you would be a single mother and a liar" he says finishing my sentence.

“Exactly… Please sir, I only ask for six months, after that I will resign and you will never hear from me or my daughter again.”

I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep my daughter by my side, even if it means begging a man as ruthless as Nathaniel Rossi.