Chapter 2

Ashley was in awe when Liam entered the luxurious Rolls Royce,her eyes fixed on the car as it disappeared into Manhattan's traffic.

She was too stunned to speak when the butler Davis smiths addressed him as “Mr Liam Miller.”

Her embarrassment grew when she learnt that he is engaged to Jessica Matthew, one of New York's most influential women.

She is in disbelief as the guy she dismissed as a small town boy and country bumpkin is not a nobody after all.

Matthews estate

 On Manhattan's Upper East Side,as the Rolls-Royce glided through the iron gates.

The grandeur of the mansion surprised Liam.As they entered the living room, he could not help but be amused by crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and exquisite artwork adorned the walls.

“This way Mr. Miller.” David Wagner, the butler, escorted Liam to the office where Jessica awaited.

He knocked twice and awaited a response.

“Come in,”she said softly.

David pulled the door and gestures for him to enter.

Liam could not help but stare at Jessica.

Jessica's eyes sparkled,her elegance and poise commanded attention.

"Welcome, Liam," Jessica said, her smile polished. "I'm glad you're here."

Liam's gaze roamed the office, unsure how to respond.

“Please, have a seat.” 

Jessica said as she stood up and walked to the couch.

"Mr miller, I'm sure you're aware of the arrangement between our families." She said, Her expression looked serious 

He nodded. "I am."

"My grandfather and your grandfather agreed to a union between us," Jessica continued. 

"I intend to honour that commitment." She picked up the mug In front of her and sipped the coffee.

Liam stared at her trying to understand her intention. What did this mean?

"However," Jessica added, her voice sounded strict.

 "I must clarify that this marriage is purely a contractual obligation. I have no intention of marrying for love."

Liam's face remained neutral.

"I'm willing to fulfil my duties as your wife," Jessica said.

 "But I expect the same from you. Our arrangement will remain secret, and we'll maintain separate lives."

Liam processed the information. A loveless marriage?

He still needs to find the dragon seal grass.

"I give you one year to prove yourself," Jessica said, her gaze piercing,"If you fail, our contract will be nullified, and we'll divorce."

“What do you mean by 'prove myself'? Liam asked.

“Make me fall in love with you.”she said with no expression on her face.

"What are the terms?" he asked, his voice cautious.

Jessica handed him a document. 

"Our agreement outlines the expectations. You'll serve as my assistant, manage my business interests, and accompany me to social events."

Liam scanned the pages, when his eyes caught what he has been looking for.

"And what about...personal expectations?" he asked, hesitant.

Jessica's expression remained stoic. "Our arrangement is strictly business. No emotional attachments, no intimacy."

“A loveless marriage, a business arrangement.just what I need right now but working as her assistant I won't have time to get the Dragon seal grass.” Liam thought to himself.

“Lastly, I don't know if your grandfather informed you about the Dragon seal grass.”

Liam raised an eyebrow as she said something that intrigued him.

“It is stated as a crucial thing in the contract.”she continued

Liam's eyes locked onto Jessica's, his interest was aroused. "The Dragon Seal Grass...it's crucial to our arrangement?" He asked.

Jessica nodded. "Yes, its medicinal properties are unmatched. But we must discuss…….."The phone on her desk rang, interrupting her.

"Excuse me."

She stood up and walked to the table. Liam’s eye instinctively checks her out, tracing the curves of her slender figure.

Jessica's expression changed as she answered. "Yes?"

Her voice dropped, and her eyes widened. "What? How severe?"

Liam sensed a change in the atmosphere.

Jessica's face became pale. "I'll be right there."

She hung up, her composure shaken.

"What is it?" Liam asked, concern about the sudden change in her expression 

Jessica's voice trembled. "My grandfather…..he's critically ill. The doctors said...." She pause.

Jessica rushed out hurriedly without completing her statement.

As Jessica rushed out of the room, she called her secretary.

Liam instinctively followed.

The family driver, James, awaited them by the car, sensing the urgency.

"Hospital!!, James…. Now!!!" Jessica instructed, as David opened the back door.

They both entered the vehicle.

As they sped away, Liam reached out, gently placing a comforting hand on Jessica's shoulder.

"Hey, it's going to be okay," he whispered.

Jessica's gaze remained fixed on the distance, tears streaming down her face.

"My Pa...he can't leave me now."

Cynthia's eyes met Liam’s in the rearview mirror, her face hardened..

Jessica's hands trembled as she burst through the hospital doors, Liam is beside her.

"Pa!" she exclaimed, rushing to his room.

They met the doctor in his room. "I'm afraid we've done everything we can. Your grandfather's condition is critical."

Jessica's world crumbled. "No, please…there must be something."

Liam placed his hand on her shoulder to offer her comfort.

"We've tried every treatment, but his old age and frail health make recovery uncertain."

Jessica's eyes locked over grandfather's fragile body.

"Support from loved ones is crucial now."

Jessica's voice cracked. "Please, save my grandfather."

“There is one way to revive him.” The doctor said, "Summon Christopher Stephens, the mystical doctor. His Nine Dry Needling technique might be your grandfather's only hope."

As they exit the roomJessica looks at Liam, before facing her secretary.

“Cynthia,get Christopher Stephens on the line," Jessica instructed.

Cynthia swiftly dialed the number and handed Jessica the phone.

"Christopher Stephens," a low, soothing voice answered.

“Jessica Matthews speaking.” She answered.

There was a short pause before he responded.

“How may I be of help to you?”

Jessica explained her grandfather's condition, her voice trembling.

Christopher listened intently. "I can help, but only at Gabriel's request."

Jessica's brow furrowed. Liam was worried as he noticed her Stoic face.

"Gabriel? Why?"she asked.

Christopher's tone remained neutral. "That's the condition. Gabriel's approval is required."

"Who is Gabriel?"Liam thought to himself.

Jessica's gaze met Liam's, uncertainty reflected in her eyes.

Jessica's fingers tightened around the phone as she ended the call with Christopher.

"Cynthia,get Gabriel Armstrong on the line," Jessica instructed, her voice full with determination.

“Yes ma.” She answered 

She handed the phone to her after dialling his number.

Gabriel's deep, smooth voice answered. "Jessica Matthews. What can I do for you?" He sounded like he had been expecting her to call him.

"I need your approval for Christopher Stephens to treat my grandfather," Jessica stated, her tone sounding strict.

Gabriel paused before answering. "And what are you willing to offer in exchange, Jessica?"

Jessica's grip on the phone tightened. "What do you want?"

"I want you to marry me, Jessica" Gabriel replied, his tone dripping with confidence.

Jessica's eyes locked onto Liam's, shock reflected in her face.

Jessica tried to make her voice steady. "I won't marry you, Gabriel. I'd rather lose everything."

"Fine, I knew you would say that." he said.

"You have 24 hours to reconsider. If you don't, your grandfather dies, and the Matthews family will crumble."

Jessica's composure changed, her heart began to race.

She can't imagine losing her grandfather now.

"You wouldn't dare," she said, her voice almost shaking.

"I will destroy everything your family owns dear. The business, the reputation, the legacy. Without your grandfather it is all gone."

Liam's eyes narrowed, from Jessica's expression and body movement this was no longer just about Jessica's family; it was about power, control, and manipulation.

Jessica's world seems to be crashing over and over. 

She was trapped between saving her grandfather and marrying an ass.

"I'll never marry you." she repeated, standing her ground. Fear could be seen on her face.

Gabriel's laughter sent chills down her spine. "We'll see about that."

He ended the call.

Jessica's phone slipped from her fingers, her eyes locked onto Liam's.

"What have I done?" she whispered.