11 The Failed Pac

"M-My-My Dear?"

"It's a habit. Sort of like an expression I frequently use." Jim shrugged.

So you just go off and call anybody your 'dear'?!

Miya nodded, though she was thoroughly annoyed.

Thinking about it, she realized that the man had a point. Where in the world could she go to, where the Hunters won't find her? Also, she might be poor, but theft was against her principles.

This deal that Mr. Hunter had laid before her… Under normal circumstances, she would have rejected it outright, and would have kicked some serious ass for talking to her like that. The ass-kicking part in this case, however, she had already done. Not to mention, if she said no, would the guy really drag her to court?

But if he did, there was severe humiliation to be faced on his part. What would he say to accuse her? That she had hit him with a broom without substantial reason, and thrown a mop on his face? These were businessmen. They cared about their reputation. The part about taking her to court had to be a bluff.

What she was afraid of, though, was that he might reduce to using underhanded means. How difficult would it be, for him to abduct a nobody like her and make her disappear, just like that?

Also, he might be from that class of businessmen who really would sue her, just for the heck of it. What if he didn't care about his reputation?

Internet, however, had suggested otherwise. Wasn't he super reserved as a person?

But internet had also suggested he was gay.

Which, for now, she was assuming he was not.

If there was a way she could get out of getting sued, and getting married…

Her mind wandered, and she wondered how the brains of these rich brats worked. I'll sign this deal if you get married! I'll give you money if you marry me! Let's be partners if you jump up your own ass and die!

Argh. Her head hurt.

Miya realized she wasn't making sense. Then slowly, she pondered upon a very potent question.

"Why are you making this offer to me?" she asked him, after a while of thought, "There must be plenty of women of your association who'd be willing to marry you. Why ask me?"

"It's a contract, lasting a year," Jim said nonchalantly, "No girl of my association would marry on terms like that."

"And what makes you think I'll do it?"

Jim raised his brows, and explicitly looked at her shabby room, leaving no doubt as to his implication.

She'd sign it because she had no money, unlike the women he knew.

Miya wanted to roll her eyes. Was it just him, or were all rich men stupid?

"I'm sorry, Mr. Hunter," she said, a bit annoyed and with an air of finality, "I can't do it."

She got up from the bed, and began to walk towards the kitchen.

Jim was flabbergasted.

"But why?" he blurted out loud, following her steps, "You just said you'd think about it!"

"Well you didn't think long enough. I demand you think again!"

"What?"

"Yes, think again!"

"Mr. Hunter –"

"Look, if you say no, it's prison for you! And damages, you'll have to pay up for harassing me!"

"Don't bluff. You'd never report what I did."

Jimmy was taken aback.

Part of him wondered why this woman was cleaning places. She was sharp! Part of him wished her seven hells for figuring this out. Because of course, he'd never sue her. Imagine the humiliation, if the 'broom' incident ever got out!

Coughing, Jimmy glared at her. Then breathing deeply, he began again.

"Look. Let me explain. You have a lot of pride. I like that. But why would you risk your child's future for it? I mean, do you want his future to be what yours is right now?"

Miya's expression turned filthy.

They were standing in the kitchen now, which was so small and cramped, Jimmy felt like a giant in there. Miya quickly fetched herself a glass of water. If she didn't, she would have broken his face.

Jim sighed. She must be a very violent woman, judging by her constantly murderous expressions and prior behaviour.

He prayed for patience.

"I don't mean to insult you," he said, as calmly as he could, "Just consider my point for a minute. I'm offering you a whole different world, that you get to enjoy and share with me for a year. And after that, I'm offering you money to carry on with that kind of lifestyle. I'm presenting you an opportunity to get out of the dust. Haven't you heard anything about 'seizing the day'?"

The only thing she wanted to seize was his neck.

Jim took in her face, which was somehow turning fouler, and breathed. What was wrong with her? Just then, he realized something important.

"Wait a second," he suddenly said, like a man who had achieved enlightenment, "Is it about sex?"

Miya spit out the water she was gobbling.

"What!"

"I mean, if that's what you're worried about, then, no! You don't have to sleep with me! In fact, you can sleep with anyone you like even while we're married. It's not a problem. See, there, problem solved now!"

Miya wasn't sure she had met anyone who made her so angry. She blushed furiously, wishing he was one of her people. She would have beat him up brutally by now.

"That's not what I'm worried about," she hissed, furious but still red in the face, "In fact, you know what? I'll agree to marrying you. Just promise me you'll remain celibate for a year."

There. She had him.

Jim looked at her seriously, his frown deepening a bit.

Although she had meant the statement as a snide remark, a sarcastic comment at most, it had somehow got a pretty earnest reaction from Jim.

With utmost sincerity, he nodded.

"That won't be a problem," he said assuredly, "Consider it done."

Miya slapped her face.

What. The. F***.

"Look," she breathed, keeping the glass back as she wiped her face, "I can't marry you. And that was a joke. Thank you so much for the consideration, but I won't do it. It's not your offer, it's me. I don't want to get involved in something I don't completely understand."

"What did you not get?"

"Why do you have to marry, again?"

"Like I said, it's for a merger. To fulfil a contract."

"Would you be willing to let me know the details?"

"No."

"There. That's my first reason. Now, why do you want to marry me?"

"I told you. No woman I know wants a one year deal."

"You still wouldn't run short of women. Not with your position, at least. Why me, in particular?"

"Chance."

"Hah! That's my reason no. 2. Please, accept my answer and leave me alone."

Jim was silent.

He was kind of impressed, but he still had his trump card, even if intimidation had partly failed. Miya was walking out of the kitchen and into the room again.

He pressed at his forehead.

"Even if I tell you I can get rid of that fat geezer who wants you to give up your kid for adoption?" he asked her quietly.

His words had the assumed effect.

Miya stopped in her track and slowly turned to look at him. She was shivering slightly, and her expression was so contorted, she resembled a demoness.

"How do you know about that?"

He didn't bother to answer.