Chapter 1

The clock continues to run nonstop. Minutes have turned into hours as the seconds have passed. The longer the time passed, the quicker Shelina's heart was thumping. Slowly trembling hands were unable to contain the surge of anxiety. She started to get cold perspiration on her temples. Even though the air conditioner has been running since earlier, this private room feels warm. Oh My God, Shelina was drenched in perspiration. Questions of all kinds started to pop up in her head.  

How did he see Shelina's appearance?  Will he consent to it? But what if he doesn't show up? What if he rejects it? What if he rejects and opposes Shelina?

Shelina was becoming agitated. The room's door drew her eye, more than the delectable food in front of her. Why has he not yet arrived? Did he—

Shelina's hand was held by a large, warm hand that encircled it with warmth. The lovely girl tilted her head and stared into his lovely, calming black eyes.

"Don't worry, he will come," Shelina was relieved when the man in front of her gave her a gentle grin. Shelina may always be made to feel at ease by this man's smile. He appears young and attractive despite his age of forty-five-year-old. He appears younger than his actual age thanks to his incredibly well-kept facial features. He was Andrew Herbert, Shelina's four-months love interest.

Surprised? How could Shelina, who is twenty-four years old, be his girlfriend? A forty-five-year-old widower who has a son already. Shelina is two years younger than even his son. When people learned of their relationship, there were many unfavorable rumors in circulation. Shelina is only a young girl from a low-income family, while Andrew is the president of a sizable corporation with billions in assets. She was derided by many for approaching Andrew to extort his fortune, they said. Ridiculed her as a sleazy whore who wooed affluent men.

Every time that occurs, Shelina's heart aches. Shelina, being a bitch, is unable to refute it. They are unsure of Shelina's feelings for Andrew. The rumors no longer bother Shelina.  That was fine for her as long as she was happy with Andrew. Because in Shelina's dark life, he is a hero.

"My son will be there in a bit." His tone is gentle and soothing. Andrew gave a warm smile, his eyes settling into a line. In response to Andrew's words, Shelina nodded slowly.

Shelina, on the other hand, was even more agitated and nervous. Andrew had already shared some information about his son. The man, who was two years Shelina's older, was much better suited to be her older brother than her stepson. Andrew stated that his son is the company's main director. He arrived late for this dinner due to his hectic schedule. Andrew planned a dinner program to bring Shelina and his son together. Andrew stated that he wanted to have a serious relationship with Shelina and that he planned to marry her after this meeting. This is why the first meeting with Andrew's son was so crucial.

Shelina is terrified of how Andrew's son will react to her.

That man would not be pleased if his father's girlfriend was even a year younger than himself.

That's what's been making Shelina nervous, anxious, and unable to sit still.

What was his son's reaction when he met Shelina?

Do you think he has a young stepmother like Shelina?  

The sound of the door opening jolted Shelina out of her trance. Shelina jerked her head up.

A man stands at the front door. Their gazes locked. Shelina's attention was drawn to the deep, dark black eyes that swept her away from her memories of the past.

The heart beats so quickly that it pumps blood to all organs at breakneck speed.

Shelina had a light stroke because she couldn't even move a finger to move. The entire body is tense and numb.

"Marcus, you finally arrived. We've been expecting you since earlier."

Andrew's voice diverted Shelina's attention away from the man who remained frozen in front of the door.

Shelina lowered her head to avoid the man's piercing stare. Shelina's hands shook and squeezed.

What exactly is this?

Why is he even present?

Why did he appear in front of Shelina after so many years of not seeing each other?

While Shelina pursues her happiness with another man.

Her heart beat faster as she heard footsteps approaching.

She was irritated by the sound of a chair shifting.

Before Shelina, there was a hot and piercing gaze.

But the woman only looked down, nervous and afraid.

"Shelina, please introduce he is Marcus Herbert, my son," Andrew said quickly.

Shelina's eyes widened and her body stiffened as if by thousands of volts of electricity.

Son? Marcus, Andrew's son?

Impossible? Isn't that impossible?

Shelina slowly shook her head. She looked up with difficulty. Marcus had taken the seat across from her.

His gaze pierced and skinned Shelina like a hot laser that melted everything.

Shelina wanted to get away from Marcus as quickly as possible.

The thin air congested her lungs, and the room seemed to shrink and squeeze her.

Cold sweat poured down Shelina's forehead and all over her body, becoming increasingly profuse.

She had difficulty swallowing saliva; it felt like a sharp knife stuck in her throat, torturous and painful.

How did this all come to pass? Shelina will be engaged to and married to her former lover's father.

Ex?  Shelina was hesitant to say that because our relationship had not ended five years ago.

Shelina was becoming agitated.

She was squeezing her hand so tightly.

When she is nervous and restless, she falls into this bad habit. Shelina squeezed her hand so hard it hurt just to distract herself from her anxiety.

What will Marcus have to say?

Will he tell Andrew about their previous relationship?

Marcus, will you oppose Shelina's relationship with Andrew?

Was he going to call her a mercenary girl?

Will she— Oh my God, Shelina can go insane with so many questions in her head.