Chapter 1 I CHOOSE EMMA

"Sweetheart," Emma called to Elizabeth.

"Yes, Mommy," Elizabeth replied as she grabbed her school bag and dashed out of the room to meet her mother, who was waiting by the entrance door.

"Honey, we are running late," Emma said, prompting Elizabeth to rush to her.

"I am here now," Elizabeth replied slyly, giggling. Emma knew she was up to something.

"What have you done, Eli?" Emma asked. She raised her brows in suspicion.

"Nothing, Mommy," Elizabeth replied, shaking her head. Emma gave up after looking at her for a minute. She walked out of the apartment, holding Elizabeth's hand. She locked the door, and they walked to the bus stop, waiting for the bus.

The school bus soon arrived. Emma kissed Eli's temple and assisted her in boarding the school bus. "I will see you later, honey."

Elizabeth waved goodbye to her mother and boarded the bus. As soon as she settled in. The driver drove away.

Emma is a stunning, young, and hardworking woman. She has milky white skin, hazel eyes, charming dimples, long blonde wavy hair, and a stunning physique. Emma is 27 years old and a single mother. She has a seven-year-old daughter. Emma adores her daughter and would go to any length to ensure her happiness.

Emma arrived at her office and settled in. She works as a general supervisor in a hotel and has resumed her daily duties of overseeing all departments.

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Ethan, on the other hand.

Ethan is a successful businessman, perhaps the most successful in all of New York. He is regarded as a ladies' man due to his youth and attractive appearance.

Despite having had numerous relationships with women, he does not enjoy dating; his only passion is expanding his business. He makes trillions of dollars but is never satisfied; he always wants more.

Ethan faces a significant challenge to advance: he must marry. He is unable to achieve his next business goal without marriage.

Someone knocked at his office door.

"Come inside," he said. A lady entered and closed the door behind her. She saunters over to his desk.

"Good morning, sir," she said.

"Good morning, Serah. "Please sit down," Ethan motioned to her, pointing to a single chair across the desk.

Serah took a seat across from Ethan. "I came to give you the update you requested." She handed him an envelope. He opened it and went through the contents. It contained profiles of several women. He set it aside after a glance.

"I will get back to you about this, Sarah. "You can go now," he said. "And thank you for your time," he said with gratitude.

"OK, sir. "I will take my leave," Serah said, standing up and leaving the office.

After she left, Ethan summoned Rose, his secretary, to his office.

Rose stepped inside. "Sir?" she inquired.

"What are my plans for today?" Ethan inquired, his eyes drawn to his phone.

"Sir, you have an appointment with your doctor at 10 a.m., followed by a meeting with Mr. Wellington at noon. "You have the rest of the day free."

"And tomorrow?" he inquired.

"You have a meeting at the LA'VIDA Hotels and Resorts at 9 a.m. Also, your flight to London has been scheduled for"

"Save it. "You can leave now," Ethan interjected. Rose walked out of the office, and Liam, Ethan's advisor and the company's COO, entered. He sat on a single white sofa, his legs crossed. Ethan had also joined him.

"Hey," Liam greeted.

Ethan replied without looking up from his phone, "Update, Liam."

Liam gave him a folder. "These are the only suitable candidates. Check out their profiles before making a decision."

Ethan is serious about finding a wife, not out of desire, but out of necessity. He wants to purchase a resort and an island.

The property owner insisted on dealing with someone accountable. He desired someone stable. Ethan's offer had been turned down numerous times because he was single, so he chose a contract marriage.

The folder included profiles of six women. Ethan begins reading:

"Kate, twenty-two, a dancer, is looking for Mr. Right. Seriously? "Looking for a wealthy husband, no." He chuckled.

"Emma, age 27, is looking for a father for her 7-year-old daughter. Specifically, a contract marriage."

"Okay, I have made my decision," he said, placing the folder on the coffee table. Getting more comfortable on the sofa.

"There are four additional candidates, Ethan. "You have not checked them out," Liam retorted, frustrated.

"I have made my decision."

"What!? Okay, who is it?" Liam inquired with curiosity.

"I choose Emma". Ethan sat upright, his elbows resting on his thighs. "She wants a contract marriage, just like me. Furthermore, she is a single mother and will not be clingy.

He sat fully in his chair, one leg on his thigh, and a smirk spread across his face.

"You can not be serious," Liam remarked.

"Yes, I am. Tell the agency to set up an appointment for us to meet."

Liam, still in shock, dialled a number. Still looking perplexed.

"Hi, my name is Liam. Could you please schedule a meeting for my boss, Mr. Williams, and Miss Richard-Emma Richard?"

After hearing from the person on the other end of the line. He responded, "Okay, thank you." And then hung up.

"They will get back to us once the date is set," Liam explained.

Ethan rose to his feet. "Thanks, man." He returned to his desk and retrieved his suit from the hanger. "I have an appointment with my doctor."

Emma and Ethan were scheduled to meet the next day. There were four bodyguards stationed at the entrance. One of them opened the door to Ethan's Rolls Royce.

He made a grand entrance, stepping out of his car in designer pants and a jacket, capturing the attention of the agency's staff and clients.

"Hello, Mr. Williams." A middle-aged woman greeted him and dashed after him as he walked in, taking long strides. She barely keeps up with his pace.

As soon as he entered the luxurious lounge. She spoke and formally introduced herself. "My name is Debra, and I am the Manager of this Agency. "We have been expecting you."

"Is she here?" He inquired irritatingly, not finding the woman interesting.

" Miss Richard called. She will join you shortly." Ethan nodded and settled into a plush Italian leather seat.

"May I get you a cup of coffee?" the manager inquired. Ethan declined by shaking his head.

In one minute. Emma walked into the lounge wearing a beige pencil skirt and a lacy white crop top, looking stunning. Her curvy figure, sparkling milk-white skin, and brunette hair that cascaded down her shoulders were alluring.

"Welcome, Miss Richard. "Please sit down." The manager motions for her to sit on one of the sofas.

"Thank you, Mrs. Jackson. "I hope I am not too late for this meeting." Emma inquired with a slight smile.

"No. You are right on time. "Can I get you something?" The manager inquired.

"No, thanks," Emma said. Ethan's gaze never left her as she sat across from him.

Their manager formally introduced them. "Miss Richard, this is Mr. Williams. "Mr. Williams, meet Miss Richard." They exchanged nods. The manager then instructed a waiter to serve them each a glass of water, and she excused herself.