Grayson's Pov: 'Come in', I mutter under my breath, with my back turned to the door. I am currently looking for a new nanny for my daughter, which is why I have decided to handle it myself, but none of the applicants were up to standard. I sent a message to my PA to cancel the entire interview after this last one. I turned my chair to interview the person who came in, hoping she would be different. When our eyes connected, time stilled. An audible crack of tension fills the space. Standing before me is none other than Lillian. The one person I swore to never come in contact with. As the most successful businessman in New York City, no one has ever rendered me speechless. Only she has this effect on me. I clench my jaw tightly, still not breaking eye contact. "Good day, sir. I am Lilian, and I am here for the nanny job," Lilian says, holding her documents tightly. Is that what we are doing now? Feigning ignorance? Every bone in my body is screaming revenge as I eye her once again. This is not the Lillian I fell in love with. "In case you are lost, this is a job interview for a nanny, not for a sl*t," I say harshly, eyeing her once again. I know I am meant to be professional, but I can't help but remember how much she hurt me. "I am here for the nanny job, sir," she says, looking at her feet. "Give me one good reason why I should hire you?" I say, checking her file. "Your daughter will be properly taken care of, sir." "How do you intend to take care of my daughter when you have dirty habits? The job description clearly states that you must be experienced. But here you are with no experience, expecting me to hire you. Or do you think you can sway me because we have history together"? "No, sir, that's not it." "Get out of my office, young lady!" I bark. "Please, sir, give me a chance to prove myself. I really need this job," she says, as she lowers her head slightly. I was almost moved by her pretense, but you know what they say, 'once bitten twice shy'. "I will do anything you ask me to, please just give me the job." Is this the part where she offers me her body like she did with those men years ago? I keep my clenched fist in my pocket as I walk closer to her. She takes a few steps back when I approach her. And for the first time in my many years, I looked into her eyes. Gone was my happy and cheerful Lillian. The person staring back at me looks sad and lifeless. I swallowed my thoughts as I took a few steps away from her. "We only hire experienced people, Miss. You can leave now," I say as I walk away from her and head to my desk. "Sir, I know I am not an experienced nanny, nor do I have the educational qualifications required, but I have worked at a hospital as a nurse, I know what it means to take proper care of a child, sir, which is why I am confident in my ability to be a good nan-" "Stitching injuries and delivering children does not mean you are a perfect fit for this job." I retorted before she could complete her sentence. Before I could utter my next sentence, Rachael entered my office looking stressed. "Hello princess, why are you frowning your face?" I say as I kneel to her level. "I don't know what to eat, Dad, the pancake Claire made is awful," she says, scrunching up her face. Rachael barely complains about food; the pancake must be horrible. "Which food do you want me to order, princess?" I say even though I know she might refuse. I cook her meals most of the time. But due to my recent injury, our chef has been the one preparing her meals. "I miss your food, Dad," she says whilst pouting and side-eyeing my injured wrist. "I can help you with the meal, sir." Lillian, whom I had forgotten was here, says behind me. "Are you my new nanny?" Rachael says, shifting her attention to Lillian, whom she did not notice before. "I am here for the job interview, sweetie. My name is Lillian," she says, smiling softly. "You are pretty, Miss Lillian. Can you cook?" "Yes, baby, I can cook anything you want me to cook." Who does she think she is? Her mother? How dare she forget her place and call my daughter sweetie? "Listen, this interview is over. You can use the door. And don't ever speak to my daughter again. Know your place." "Daddy, will you please give her a chance? I like her already." Rachel says, tugging my trousers. "But princes-" 'Let's make a deal, Dad, if she cooks for me and I do not like it, then you can fire her," she says, giving me puppy eyes. I hate that I cannot say no to her. I do not want to seem weak in Lillian's presence. I mutter a low 'fine' before she grabs Lillian's hand and takes her to the kitchen. I have never seen her connect with anyone this quickly. I follow them and watch silently as they both interact, and Rachael pays keen attention to what Lillian is doing. From what I can see, she wants to bake. Lillian has always been a good cook and baker because of her mother. And for a moment, there was a tiny part of them that wished she had not betrayed me years back. We would have built a happy family together. But the hatred and urge to hurt her burned more in my heart. I was pulled out of my thoughts when her phone beeped on the counter. It was a message from someone called 'Sebastian'. Who the fuck is Sebastian? Is it one of those men? Lots of questions are swirling in my head as I read the text, not caring if I am invading her privacy. 'Hi, love, why is the interview taking so long? I am waiting outside. I brought your favorite snacks.' I try to keep my anger at bay as I read the text. How dare she move on when she shattered me completely, rendering me incapable of loving anyone else. Just on cue, she finished baking, and Rachael brought it to me. "Daddy, you should try this. This is the best cupcake I have ever tasted," she says, squealing, as she pecks Lillian on her cheeks. "Go to your room, princess, I would like to have a word with Miss Lillian," I say sternly, leaving no room for further questions. Immediately she left, I faced Lilian, who was still wearing an apron, and rubbing her hands together nervously. Without thinking, I blurt out two words that I know would change my life forever. "Marry me."

Lillian I clench my fist tightly, and for a second, I feel my whole world crumbling. I stare deeply into his eyes, trying to fathom what he meant by asking me to marry him. After leaving me years ago without any explanation, and marrying Sierra. Now he wants me to marry him when he is married and he has a daughter? "Excuse me?" I say, trying to keep my anger at bay. "You are excused," he says, giving me his nonchalant look. "You want me to marry you when you have a wife and a daughter?" "What do you take me for, Grayson?" I say, holding back the tears that are threatening to spill. "I take you to be an attention-seeking wh*re who would do anything for money. And I am a divorced man, so do not flatter yourself," he says coldly, making me stumble back a bit. The hatred I feel towards him intensifies. But he has the upper hand here, as I remembered the state my mum was in this morning. I cannot let his words get to me. I need money to save my mother's life. But I cannot marry Grayson. Our relationship ended years ago, and the only thing I feel towards him is immense hatred. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Without thinking twice, I run out of the house with hot tears streaming down my face. I had high hopes this morning that I was going to get a job and finally pay my mother's hospital bills, but now my mum is going to die because of me. I checked my phone to call Sebastian when I saw that he had messaged me earlier. I wipe my tears as I walk towards the car park. Immediately he sees me, he envelops me in a hug, and he doesn't say anything as he opens the car for me. I feel like I am being watched, but when I turn back, no one is there. Throughout our drive back home, Seb did not ask me anything. He just holds my hand and gives me his reassuring smile. Even when we get to his apartment, he gives me food and asks me to rest without pressing further, which I am grateful for. Because I do not plan on telling him that the interviewer was my ex, who abandoned me when I was pregnant, and now he is asking me to marry him. I can neither eat nor sleep. I am feeling restless. But my mind drifts to Rachael. There was a kind of peace I felt when I was with her. It felt genuine, which made me miss my daughter. I was pulled out of my thoughts when the doctor called me. This is the second time I will be receiving his call today, and the first time was nothing to write home about. "Good afternoon, doctor." "Good afternoon, Lillian. I am really amazed by the love you have for your mother. We received an order to transfer your mother to the best hospital in Chicago immediately and start operating on her. I am really proud of you for not giving up on her. Everyone deserves a daughter like Lillian," he says, not waiting for my response as he hangs up. I am so confused right now, but I know this is all Grayson's doing. He wants me to cave in to his demands. How did he find out about my mum's health so quickly? Without any second thought, I head to his house. I still remember the way Sebastian took me there this morning. How dare he think he can control my life after what he did to me? When I got there, I was not surprised that the security recognised me and let me in easily. As if he were expecting me, Grayson stood at the entrance, still in his three-piece suit, staring into my soul in an intimidating manner. "Is this how you visit men at night without any prior invitation?" he says, still staring at me. "Please stop whatever game you are playing, Grayson," I say weakly. I already have enough going on in my life, and I don't want him to complicate things further. "I am not playing any games with you, sunshine," he says, still staring at me. And for a second, it felt like my Grayson, but I know he's just putting on a facade. The person standing in front of me is selfish and emotionless. "I do not want your help, Grayson. I can take care of my mother on my own." "But that was not what the doctor told me. But if you insist, then it's fine. I just want you to know she is currently on life support, and the doctors are waiting for my permission to begin the surgery. But if you want your mother to die because you cannot sacrifice for her, then it's fine." Once again, I let him get to me. For a moment, I wanted to tell him how much I have suffered and sacrificed for my mother, but I owe him no explanation. "You are blackmailing me," I whisper. "No, Sunshine, I simply want to help an old friend from the past." "How does forcing me to marry you count as help?"  "That is for me to know, Sunshine." "Can you stop with this 'Sunshine nonsense'? I cannot marry you, Grayson." I say, looking down at my feet. How can I get married to someone who was once the bane of my existence? Even if the urge to revenge is burning deeply inside me, I know there is a part of me that still cares about him. And I cannot afford to put myself in a situation where that part would resurface. Instead of replying, he pulls out his phone and calls someone who I am assuming is the doctor. He puts the phone on speaker,  and immediately the person picks up the call. "We are waiting for your permission, Mr.Blackwood. If we wait any minute longer, we might lose the patient forever," the doctor says, and Grayson makes eye contact with me. I knew I had lost. And he has gotten what he wanted. With tears falling from my eyes, I muttered a low 'I will marry you.' and he permitted the doctors to start the surgery. The silence between us is loud. I am too tired to speak because I know I have just signed my life to the devil. "You can come inside, my maid will show you to the guest room. Make sure you wake up early tomorrow. I will see you at the altar." He says without waiting for my response before disappearing. What the fuck does he mean by meet him at the altar tomorrow?

GRAYSON Immediately after the interview, I had my private investigator look into her. I wanted to know why she was so desperate for money when that was why she betrayed me in the first place.. When I heard about her mother’s health, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to exact my revenge. I felt bad for her mother because she was sweet to me, and it was also the right opportunity to punish Lillian. I arranged with a pastor to tie the knots tomorrow morning, and also have my lawyer prepare our marriage documents. I quickly freshen up and head to Rachael’s room. I always read her nighttime stories before going to bed. When I open her door, the sight before me makes my blood boil. “Are you insane? What do you think you’re doing?” I say, gritting my teeth together in anger. Lillian is cuddled up with my daughter, with her nighttime storybook in her hand. What right does she have? I pull her up angrily and fling her out of the room. She lands on her butt, with a tiny yelp, and I almost feel bad for her. “I am sorry,” she says, still on the floor. “What right do you think you have to sleep near my daughter?” “Listen, Grayson, I just want to bond with her since I’ll be her mother soon.” She says with her head still hanging low. “Her mother? I never knew you were this dumb.” I replied angrily. “Now listen clearly, and I won’t repeat myself. You are not her mother. You are going to be my wife in name only. I do not expect you to do anything. And you are no different from a maid. The next time you come in contact with my daughter without seeking my permission first, you will lose your mother.” I say harshly, ignoring her struggle to stand on her feet. “And it is sir to you, not Grayson. You lost the right to call me by my name a long time ago.” “AM. I. CLEAR”? I roar angrily. “Yes, sir.” She mutters softly, but I do not miss the tears that drop from her eyes before she walks away. This is the third time I am making her cry. I should be happy, but surprisingly, I am not. *The next morning* I could not sleep at all last night, although I am marrying her for revenge, the idea of her being mine brought a satisfying feeling to my heart. After freshening up, I head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for my daughter. As I walk down the stairs, I can hear Rachael’s laughter, which is weird because she wakes up late on weekends and she has breakfast in bed most of the time. Lillian is cleaning up, and my princess is sitting on the counter, laughing at something Lillian is saying. Immediately she spots me, she distances herself from Rachael, and mutters a low ‘good morning’ before walking out of the kitchen. “Hello, my princess,” I say, grabbing Rachael’s attention. “Hi, Daddy.” She says as she hugs me tightly. “Why are you up early?” “I wanted to spend time with my new nanny.” “About that, I want to talk to you about something.” I realized that I was so caught up in my revenge scheme that I forgot to ask Rachael if she would be comfortable with me marrying Lillian. “I am getting married to Lillian today, and I need to know if-” I don't complete my sentence before she hugs me tightly. “I love you, Daddy. And I will be happy if Lily becomes my second mum. Thank you, Daddy.” She says, showering me with kisses. “I need to dress like a princess, Daddy. Will you take Lilly and me shopping?” “I already asked a personal shopper to come here, princess,” I say, lifting her from the counter. “But I need to get my hair done, Daddy.” She says dramatically. “I will send someone to do everything for you, princess.” She doesn't wait for my response before rushing out of the kitchen. It feels good to see her happy, but I do not want her to get attached to Lillian because she’ll leave eventually. I already arranged for their dresses and everything they need to be delivered. They should be here anytime soon. I quickly make breakfast and make sure Rachael eats before leaving. “The stylist should be here anytime soon to fix you up. Try not to look like your condition. My driver will pick you up and bring you to the church.” I say to Lillian, before making my way out. I head to the office to finish my work, and I cannot help but be anxious. That is why I made sure my PA handled everything except picking the rings. No matter how much I hate her, there’s a part of me that wants to make the wedding special for Lillian. I can vividly remember her telling me about her dream years back, but she left me because of money when I could’ve given her whatever she wanted. I push the thoughts away and drown myself in work. After working nonstop, I get a call from my driver, informing me that he is on his way to pick up Lillian and Rachael. I straighten my suit, pick up my car key, and drive to the church. I suddenly feel like a child who is eager to open his Christmas present. I park my car, give the keys to my driver, and make my way inside the church alongside my driver and my PA, who is going to be the eyewitness for the marriage. As I take each step, my knees almost give out beneath me. I know I am supposed to get her flowers, but I don’t want her to get the wrong idea. The church door opens, and my heart stops. Standing at the altar is Lillian. Dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress that hugs her curves softly, with a sheer veil resting over her face. Beside her, Rachael smiles proudly, holding her hand and carrying a small bouquet in the other hand. As I walk closer, I feel my heartbeat increase. I keep reminding myself that this is just a deal. A transaction wrapped in white lace and vows neither of us means. By Lillian. My Racheal. Standing side by side, looking pretty. Something shifts in my chest. The kind of shift you try to pretend doesn’t matter. I should hate this. I should hate her. But as I near the altar, and she meets my gaze through her veil, no hate comes. Only heat, and a dangerous ache I’ve buried for eight years. Before I can utter a word, someone bursts into the church. Who would dare interrupt my wedding? I turn back to meet the gaze of my Ex-wife. How dare she show her face after cheating on me? When we got divorced, I told her I did not want to see them near me. I was about to instruct my driver to throw her out of the church when another shadow emerged behind her. What the hell is he doing here? Jokes on him if he thinks he can stop me from getting married to Lillian.