I had recently been trapped in a nightmare...
In the dream, I was in a dim room. The tall shadow of a man kept creeping closer as if he was about to rip me into two. His powerful frame pressed against me. I did my best to fight him off, but all I got in return was his hoarse laughter and steamy breath...
"No!"
Oakleigh Atterton blinked her eyes open abruptly. She quickly shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight outside the car window.
She had a pale complexion and cold sweat running down her forehead. The trauma caused her eyes to gleam with terror.
She dreamed again. However, the ache in her leg brought back the memory of her being sexually assaulted the night before. That man could be on his way to find her soon. She had to run away...
"Ms. Atterton, we're here," The driver's words interrupted Oakleigh's thoughts.
She looked up and noticed a high-end cafe outside the window. Something difficult awaited her to solve.
Tomorrow, she would be engaged to Brandon Cosmo, the son of the richest family in Southwood and the current CEO of Cosmo Enterprise.
It was said that in only five years, he transformed this domestic firm into a global business empire. It shook the world and made him a legend.
The man requested to meet her the day before the engagement. Although she didn't know why he had to follow his family's arrangements to choose her, it didn't matter anymore. She had to cancel the engagement today.
Despite the fact that many women wished to marry him, she had been sexually assaulted prior to marriage. She was unable to serve as the bride due to her shame.
However, she was unable to tell the truth. How could she possibly conceal this lie? Oakleigh nervously adjusted the scarf around her neck, hoping to cover up the hickeys.
......
In the luxurious coffee shop, a man was sitting by the window. His embroidered black suit accentuated his figure perfectly. His legs were long and slender. He had a handsome appearance that would entice all women. A chiseled chin, a pointed nose, and sharp eyes...
"What? Still can't find her yet?"
The special assistant, Kevin Avril, who stood before him, trembled. "I'm sorry, sir. The surveillance video was intentionally destroyed the previous night. It will be extremely difficult to confirm the intruder's identity before tomorrow."
"I give you one month." Brandon's eyes were filled with determination, "Find her at all costs."
"Then... what about your engagement tomorrow?"
Brandon sneered as he saw the Bentley that had just stopped outside the window.
It seemed that he had to change his plan...
......
Oakleigh walked into the coffee shop and noticed a man standing straight at the door. It was as if he was awaiting her.
"Ms. Atterton, sir is inside. Please follow me."
Oakleigh felt increasingly guilty and uneasy due to her fiancé's acts of kindness, such as arranging for a driver to pick her up and hiring someone to show her around.
How could she break off the engagement later cruelly?
Oakleigh lowered her head and walked quickly, feeling anxious all the way. After catching sight of the man's polished leather shoes, she quickly halted.
She nervously clenched her handbag and forced a smile before lifting her head up.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Cosmo..."
Oakleigh was taken aback. She didn't expect her fiancé to be so handsome and imposing. It would be difficult to reject a man like him, and even harder to conceal her own sense of guilt.
"I'm here to talk about our marriage..."
"Ms. Atterton, I won't marry you." Brandon interrupted her.
Oakleigh was caught off guard, "So you wanted to talk about breaking off the engagement?"
"The engagement will proceed as usual. But I will announce to cancel our marriage after a month."
Brandon then looked up and placed a cheque on the table.
Incredulous, Oakleigh picked up the enormous cheque and studied it. She tried everything she could to calm herself down, "A month? Why?"
Wouldn't it be the least impactful on both parties to cancel before getting engaged?
"The two of us are merely transacting business, Ms. Atterton. We just want to have a win-win situation. Of course, I have my own plans. Just call me at any time once you agree."
Brandon stood up and was about to stride out.
"Deal." Just as Brandon was about to leave the room, Oakleigh gave the answer.
After the events of the night before, she felt a twinge of guilt toward her fiance, whom she wasn't familiar with. She and Brandon would be even after a month of acting.
Hearing that, Brandon opened the door and glanced at her, "Then, see you tomorrow, Ms. Atterton."