Chapter 2 - I refuse

Sweating and fast beating, Caspian tried as hard as he can to avoid the gazes of the woman in front of him.

He can't believe someone actually tried to hire him. The site was only recommended to him by a friend since he badly needs money. The rates are high so he tried it but after straight 6 months, no one tried to hire him even once.

Since this is his first time to be of service, he can't help but be nervous—especially when the woman in front of him is glaring at him like a prey!

"U-Um, are we not gonna discuss anything?" Caspian whispered, but loud enough to hear.

The woman placed down her coffee and leaned on the chair. "Right. Let's start with introductions."

"My name is Aera Carmiona, Heiress and CEO of Carmiona group of companies."

Caspian's eyes widen. Of all women, A CEO hired him? A billionairess???

"How about you? State your name."

Caspian flinched. "Oh. M-My name is Caspian Lee."

"That's it?" Aera's right eye went up.

Caspian flinched again. His heart is beating fast that he didn't know what to do.

"Um.."

Aera face palmed and signalled him to stop. "It's fine. You can stop."

"Oh, o-okay-"

"And you don't have to stutter in front of me. It's not like I'm going to bite you. It's annoying me." Aera gritted her teeth and furrowed her eyebrows.

Caspian gripped his knees tightly as he look at the ground. He had never felt intimidated in his life.

He tried to steal a glance towards Aera but when he saw her cold gaze, he diverted it back towards the ground.

Meanwhile, Aera is enjoying this. She loves the sight of a man shivering down her feet. Rather, she loves Caspian's reactions. His brown hair, lean but slightly muscular body, slightly tanned skin, and blushing face, Aera belives he is fit for the job.

"My Lady, here's the contract." Anne gave out a folder with almost 5 pages.

Aera gave the contract to Caspian to which he read it immediately.

"To summarize the contract, first, you will be given an advance fee of 10,000 dollars. All you have to do is stand by me during special occasions. The marriage will last for 6 months. After that, you will be given a fee of 1 hundred thousand dollars-"

"I-I'm sorry but I have to refuse."

"Okay-wait, what?!" Aera shouted.

"Why?"

"J-Just because..."

"I'll give you an additional fee of 100,000 dollars."

"I'm really sorry, Ms, Carmiona-"

"100,000 dollars every week." Aera insisted.

"M-May I ask something first?" Caspian shyly raised his hand.

"Sure. Go ahead." Aera crossed her legs and arms.

"W-why would you choose to hire me? There are other men you can hire from the site."

Aera sighed. "It's just because I think you're fit for the job-"

"...."

"-and you're cute."

Caspian's eyes widen. "What?"

"I said you're cute. I love your reactions." Aera smirked.

Caspian blushed as he stare on the ground.

Right, that's the reaction Aera wants to see

"Um..T-Thank you but, I have to refuse-"

*SLAM!*

Capsian flinched as Aera slammed her hands on the table. "Why?! I can adjust the contract as you like so-"

"I'm-I'm really sorry, Ms. Caspian! Please do consider other men on the site. I don't think I'm fit for this job." Caspian stood up and hurriedly left the cafe.

Aera heaved deep breaths. "Please calm down, My Lady."

Aera glanced over Anne behind her. "Did he just deny me?"

"It seems like it, My lady." Anne answered.

Aera sighed and took her phone.

[Hello? Yes, Mr. Yoon. I want you to investigate someone for me.]

[It's a man named Caspian. Thank you.]

As soon as the call ended, Anne spoke, "it's rare for you to get someone investigated, My Lady. You are someone who doesn't want to waste time on someone."

"You must've taken a liking to him."

Aera sighed. "Quit it, Anne. I just need him to get rid of that bastard Orson."

Aera heaved a deep sigh and leaned on the chair. She then closed her eyes. Getting married can be beneficial to her. Not only will she get rid of Orson, but her other investors would be interested once they find out she's married.

Besides, she wants to see more of his reactions.

Caspian tirelessly opened the door and sat towards the seat near the bed. "Mom, I'm back."

He greeted his unconscious mother on the hospital bed. It's been 3 months since his mother fainted.

She got hit by a car after work. The driver of the car even ran to avoid punishments.

"Caspian."

Dressed in a uniform, long black hair almost down to her waist, slim body and skin as white as milk, it was Noelle, Caspian's younger sister.

"Where have you been?" Noelle asked.

Caspian avoided her gaze. "Um...I just met a friend."

Noelle knew he was lying. She knows that. Her brother is a bad liar but it's probably something big that even her honest brother doesn't want to say it.

Noelle sighed. "Anyways, the bill for mom's hospital fees are out. They are asking us when will we pay."

Caspian took the bill from Noelle's hand. "It's more than 80,000 dollars..."

"If we can't pay it by next month, they'll probably kick us out."

Noelle sat over the seat next to Caspian. "So we won't be able to pay for my school fees again?"

Noelle is in highschool. It should be the time his sister gets to have fun without worrying such things, Caspian thought.

Caspian pitifully looked at his sister. "I'm sorry.."

They have a lot to deal with. The debt their father left off, their mother's hospital fees, the rent for their house, and Noelle's school fees. It's not something two people can manage most likely since Noelle is 18 and Caspian is 25.

"It's fine. If only our bastard father never trusted that guy from the Carmiona company, we would never be this poor."

Caspian looked down. He remembered Aera Carmiona, the new CEO of Carmiona group of companies. There's a reason why he turned down such offer despite the good contract. Caspian just could never make himself trust the Carmiona Company after the previous CEO tricked their father and made them poor.

"I'll find a way." Caspian says.

Hopefully, he can.

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