Jenny's hands trembled as she placed her phone back on the cupboard, the reality of the conversation still sinking in. She didn't know what to expect when she called Paul, but the calmness in his voice had her in shock and disbelief. He didn't panic, hadn't made her feel like she was a cross for him to carry. Instead, there was a quiet assurance yet again in his words that made her feel.. Meticulously safe.
But the uncertainty still lingered, weighing heavily on her chest. What does he mean by "taking care of everything"? Would he advice on getting rid of this pregnancy or on keeping the pregnancy a secret? Would he want to force me into some kind of arranged marriage to protect his image and family lineage.
Her thoughts spiraled. "I would have never asked for any of this." But now, there was no turning back of escape.
As the days passed, the silence between her and Paul grew almost unbearable. He hadn't called her back, and though she told herself that he must be busy—he was a billionaire, after yet she couldn't shake off the feeling that he was avoiding the situation altogether.
And then, on the third day after their phone call, she received a message from him.
Paul: "We need to meet. Tomorrow, 2 p.m., my office. It's urgent."
Jenny stared at the message for sometime, her pulse in fast pace. She didn't know what she was expecting, definitely not this? This felt too formal and straightforward, too distant. Was he treating me like a business partner?
But then, she had no choice but to agree. Jenny replied:"I'll be there as requested."
The following afternoon, Jenny found herself standing in front of the imposing the Almighty Paul's Family corporation building, beautiful is an understatement, its sleek, glass exterior reflecting the city's skyline. The building was everything and more than she had imagined, cool, efficient, a symbol of the empire his father had built. The place practically screamed power and ultimate authority.
She bit her lips, trying to calm her nerves, and made her way inside. The reception area was magnificent, modern, and far more intimidating than any office lobby she had been to. The receptionist barely looked up from her computer as she checked in, directing Jenny to the elevator to make her way up.
Paul's office was on the top floor, she made her way to the elevator and as the elevator doors opened, she stepped out into a long red carpeted corridor, her heels clicking sharply against the carpet floors. At the end of the hall stood a set of brown double doors, probably the gateway to Paul's office.
The door opened before she could even knock, and there stood Paul, he was dressed in a sharp black suit that made him appear even more authoritative than she had remembered. Immediately his eyes met hers, and there was no warmth or longing look in them, only the same kind of look he gave her the day he lost his temper with her in the bathroom.
"Hello Jenny," he said, his voice low and authoritative. " You can come in."
She made her way into his office, feeling out of place. The office was something she neve imagined it would be: grand, cold, with luxurious furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows blinds that offered a perfect view of the city. Despite the elegance look, there was something strange, and sterile about his office, as if everything had been positioned to serve a particular purpose.
POWER.
Paul offered her a chair across from his desk, and she sat on it, her heart pounding. She noticed a well kept folder with her name boldly written on it already, sitting on his desk. He had it all organized and prepared already.
" Jenny I will get straight to the point," he said, settling into his chair across from her. He spoke like it was a business meeting, and Jenny had to fight the urge to interrupt. "I've arranged a perfect way for us to handle this particular situation as discreetly as possible, which am sure you understand. It's glaring that this wasn't part of either of our plans, but we have to face and deal with the consequences of our actions."
Jenny nodded in agreement, feeling her stomach twist. She just didn't understand what he meant by "handle," but she knew it wasn't going to be something easy.
Paul leaned forward slightly, his eyes stricked as he spoke. "The best option for both of us, especially for your future, is for us to get married. This way, there will be no public backlash or gossip. The Paul's name will remain intact with no blemish, and you and the child will have security and live in satisfaction."
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Jenny couldn't breathe or utter a word. She had been expecting many things, but an arranged marriage? To Paul Bryan? Was far from it all.
She blinked countless times, trying to process what he had said. "Are you really asking me to marry you?" she asked, her voice shaking in a low tone.
He gave a small nod, as if this was the most normal and logical thing in the world. "Yes. It's the best way forward. You and I both know how the media works and the effect. A pregnancy, especially one involving a man of my caliber, would be impossible to conceal. If we marry, it will provide the legitimacy this situation needs. And it will ensure you and the baby are well taken care of and in good condition."
Jenny's mind reeled with different thoughts, She was a complete stranger to riches and the expectations that came with it, but this kind of wealth is something she can imagine being involved with for life. This was no longer about love or friendship—it was a business deal.
Paul continued, his tone soothing so slightly. "I know this isn't ideal. But I believe it's the best option for both of us. And the only advice I can give, I will provide for you, give you everything you need, but this marriage will need to be transparent, publicly and privately with nothing held back."
Jenny wanted to let out a shout. This wasn't what she had imagined when she first found out she was pregnant. She had never dreamed of her life becoming some kind of business arrangement.
But at this point what other choice did she have? She was definitely not prepared to raise a child all by herself, and the thought of her future without Paul's support seemed even more overwhelming.
"i really do need time to think about this," she said quietly, her voice shaking despite her best efforts to put herself together.
Paul sat back in his chair, staring at her with a fierced look. "Yes of course. Feel free to take all the time you need to come to a conclusion. But just know this: the longer we wait, the more complicated it will become, you are not a child."
Jenny nodded yet again, unable to find the right words to use. She stood up to leave, her legs shaky and losing balance as she walked toward the exit. She could feel Paul's eyes on her, but she couldn't bring herself to look back at him.
The moment she heard the door clicked shut behind her, she leaned against the cold wood, closing her eyes, reminiscing over the whole conversation and trying to make sense of everything that just happened.
This wasn't just about just pregnancy anymore. It was now about her future, dreams and aspirations, and possibly the future of her unborn child. And the man she had barely known now held the power to shape both lives.
The days that followed were a blur of paperwork, legal involvement, and awkward meetings with Paul's team of lawyers. Jenny found herself buried in contracts and outlines, signing documents that stated everything from the division of assets to visitation rights and how the public would perceive their marriage. It all felt so strange, not a dream wedding, as if she were preparing for a business merger rather than the beginning of a new and beautiful chapter in her life like every lady would wish for.
Paul was nothing short of professional, well precised and yet managing every detail of the contract. She couldn't deny the fact that the help is rendered is for their own betterment, but feel a little out of place in this new world she about to embark on—a world that operated solely on money, power, and strategy. But she couldn't help to admit that he was doing everything in his power to ensure her comfort and satisfaction.
Jenny knew that despite the overwhelming nature of it all, there was one thing she had to admit is that she was no longer as scared and confused as she was when she first received that shocking message on her phone from him. The fear of the unknown had slowly been replaced by an answers to the problem. She was in this with him, it's now for better or worse, and the only thing that truly mattered now was making sure her child would have a stable and comfortable life and there's no turning back.
Jenny kept comforting and convincing herself, while reminiscing on the night well spent with paul, and still believes he will soften up-- back to the Paul she knew, who told her how much he loves and adores her, who is willing to do anything to have her even when all his attitudes at the moment points to the opposite direction.