Chapter 7 My Proposal

I ran my fingers through my hair, letting out a heavy sigh as I glanced at my sister's stomach in the wake of the news. It was no secret that my younger sister, Mia, was a bit of a troublemaker. She always had a way of getting whatever she wanted and seemed to be indifferent to the feelings of others, much like she was at this moment. I found myself struggling to accept the stipulations for my inheritance, all the while Mia was asserting that I needed to take care of her because she was pregnant. I couldn't bring myself to blame her, though.

In the past, I hadn't been there for her when she needed me, as I was blind and couldn't see.

"What? I can't stay with you?" Mia asked making me let out a sigh.

She knew I couldn't refuse her.

" Fine, you can. You can stay but, you better not cause any trouble. Go and pack your bags and bring them here. We can leave together after work." I said watching as Mia smiled leaving the room without a second thought.

Taking a moment to settle back in my seat, I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of the situation wash over me. The daunting reality of not only having to navigate the prospect of having a child with Tristan but also ensuring Mia's safety during her high-risk pregnancy, was truly overwhelming. Without hesitation, I reached for my phone on the table and dialed my secretary, urgently requesting her to spare no effort in finding the most skilled and capable doctors and nurses to assist Mia.

" You know your sister is just doing this to get some money, right? She knows that your grandfather left everything in your care which is why she wants to stick close to you. You should not trust her." Anthony said making me roll my eyes.

" She is my sister, Anthony. If I don't trust her, who can I trust in this world? I need to make sure she gives birth safely to this child. If it's money she wants, I am more than willing to give it to her." I said signing all the documents I had to eagerly.

A few hours later, just as I was about to leave the office to pick up Jessica from school, Mia showed up in her expensive car. Seeing her arrival, doubt crept in about her intentions for the first time since Anthony had left. Determined to uncover the truth, I suggested we go together to pick up Jessica and then make a stop at the hospital. I deliberately didn't mention the doctor's visit to Mia because I wanted to catch her off guard. If Mia was really lying about her pregnancy, this plan was the perfect way to expose the truth.

" Your sister is really pregnant, Ms.Williams. Her pregnancy is a high-risk one because she has a long history of being anemic. I suggest that she should be on bed rest for the designated period of her pregnancy" The doctor said making me glance at my sister.

Convinced of her honesty, I quickly headed home to ensure she followed the doctor's instructions. After ensuring she was resting, I stayed awake in our room, anxiously awaiting Tristan's return. Given our earlier argument and his reputation as a playboy, I had my doubts about whether he would show up. Part of me longed for his return, while the other part remained wary of putting my trust in anyone again. Since he was going to be the father of my unborn baby, I hoped that he wouldn't end up like Jared. One failed marriage was enough for me.

" Why are you awake? Are you waiting for me?" A voice asked making me turn around happily.

It was Tristan. Watching him walk in with his suit jacket in his hand, I stood up heading to meet him so I could take it. Folding it gently, I placed it on the chair watching as he took off his clothes so he could go to bed. His body. It was no secret how fit and sexy Tristan was. Since the very first day I had seen him in Jared's company, I knew I was attracted to him. Now the problem was having to seduce him. I wasn't sure of my skill in seducing people since this was my first time however, I knew it was better than telling him the truth.

" Let's go to bed," I said taking off my nightgown jacket as I turned to face Tristan.

Watching his eyes linger all over my body as he looked at me, I stared at Tristan unable to know if my plan was working or not.

" What?" I asked.

" What are you doing? Our marriage is a fake, Michelle." Tristan stated making me roll my eyes.

" I know that. Nevertheless, it's a marriage, isn't it? Or what? You don't find me attractive?" I asked staring at him intensely as I waited for him to answer my question.

Getting from the bed, Tristan stood up placing his two hands on his waist as he walked past me backing me. I couldn't see his face so I was extremely nervous as to what he was thinking. Did he really think I wasn't attractive? I had also wondered the same thing after leaving Jared. I had exercised a lot and achieved a goddess's body so how come it was so hard to seduce a playboy?

" Never mind. I was wrong. Let's go to bed." I said climbing into bed and covering myself up.

" Michelle, it's not....." Tristan started.

" There is nothing to talk about. You are right. This is just a marriage of convenience. A fake marriage. I'm going to bed." I said shifting away so that there could be enough space between us as I tried to fall asleep.

Although it was hard for me to sleep after what wanted, I closed my eyes trying to force myself as Tristan got into bed. Feeling as a tear ran down my face, I cleaned it immediately not wanting Tristan to realize that I had been crying because of him.

The following morning, I woke up with a heavy heart and a cloud of frustration looming over me. Emotions of anger and disappointment flooded my mind as I sluggishly rose from bed, aware that Mia would take care of Jessica in my absence. Slowly making my way to the kitchen, I prepared a meal for both Mia and myself, diligently following the doctor's dietary instructions for her. I've never been particularly picky about food, so I was content to share whatever Mia was having.

" You look like you're in a bad mood. What happened? Lover's quarrel?" Mia asked arriving just as I was about to put on the TV.

Watching as Mia served herself some food, I couldn't help but look at her physique as she walked. My sister was the true definition of a seductress. With beautiful glossy blonde hair and a sexy waist, she had always gotten whatever man she wanted. On the other hand, I had zero experience which was probably why Tristan had rejected me yesterday. A part of me wanted to give up and accept what he said. He was not wrong about our marriage being fake. Being a playboy, he would probably not want to be tied down by anyone. That was why.....

" I got it!" I shouted standing up.

Rushing over to Tristan's company for the first time, I was stunned as I got there and realized how huge it was. I had always thought that Tristan's company wasn't as huge as mine. Although we were not in the same industry, I couldn't help but suddenly see him as my rival in the business after seeing his company. Arriving at his office, I stopped feeling anxious as I stood. A part of me suddenly wondered if he had a woman in his office with him. Just as I was about to leave, Tristan opened the door leaving his office.

" What are you doing here? Is there a problem with Jessica?" Tristan asked looking concerned.

Walking past him, I entered his office searching for evidence that he might be cheating on me. Sighing in relief as I saw none, I turned around to look at Tristan.

"Do you want to make a deal with me? I need your help to conceive a child. In exchange, I will give you half of my shares. It will help your company a great deal. What do you say? This is your chance to have shares in one of the best companies around. What do you say?" I asked folding my arms nervously as I looked at Tristan.