Chapter 3: Why did he want to marry a stranger?
The plush rug beneath Bella yielded precariously as she lurched to her feet. Her head spun, but sheer will kept her upright. "Marriage?" The word escaped in a strangled gasp. "No... I-I can’t."
’Why does he want to marry me?’ she wondered to herself, bewildered.
Confusion clouded her thoughts. This man, undeniably handsome and radiating an aura of wealth and power, could have his pick of any woman. Why her? Why did he want to marry a stranger?
"You said you could do anything if I helped you, didn’t you? Now you are backing off your word." He narrowed his eyes, his tone dangerously cold. "I can still throw you to those men."
His words sent a fresh wave of fear crashing over her. Bella swallowed a lump in her throat. This man seemed dangerous and powerful, not to be offended.
She stammered out an apology, "I apologize, Mister... I spoke without thinking. I’m nothing special, just a nobody, while you obviously seem quite wealthy. I am not fit to be your wife. For your help, I am eternally grateful. This favor... I can never repay. Sorry, I won’t disturb you any longer."
She didn’t dare wait for his answer. With her heart pounding, she bolted out of the chamber.
"Did she just reject me?" he muttered, incredulous. "How dare she?" His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
"Mr. Reid..." A man in a black suit hurried into the private chamber. "Are you alright?"
"Deal with those men," Theodore Reid roared, his countenance darkening. "How dare they create a nuisance in my club!"