Chapter 19: Not to My Advantage

Ram's POV.

I knew it was too good to be true when I heard my dad telling me that someone was willing to help us.

As a businessman, I know that someone with that capability will not just lend his money unless he gets something he wants in return, but what I didn't expect is for that person to ask me to marry someone I didn't even know—he was asking for my freedom!

I value my pride more than anything, so how could I possibly agree to his demands?

"Please tell them that we won't need their help and we can find other solutions," I answered emotionlessly.

I could see the panic on my dad's face when he heard what I said.

"But, Ram, think about it. We only have less than two months to come up with the money. I already reached out to some of my friends to borrow money, but they couldn't," he said while shaking his head.

He appeared to be sure that the only solution we have is for me to agree to this fixed marriage and for us to accept the charity work of whoever that businessman is.

Yeah, we only have less than two months, but still, I didn't want to think this would be our last option. As long as we still have time, there is still hope, and I will not allow anyone to dictate my life.

"I will find ways, Dad, just leave it to me," I said in a determined tone, and no one can change my mind.

I was delighted earlier, driving to my dad's place, but that changed to annoyance when I found out that someone tried to control me.

Yes, I believe in marriage for convenience, but I want it to be on my terms and not just anyone's.

I was really thinking of staying for the night, but after what I learned, I decided to say goodbye to Dad and go home to my place, where I found Atilla, who was already asleep.

I carefully lay down beside her, and while lying down, I looked at the ceiling of the room, trying to think of a solution.

Honestly, I know for a fact that this wouldn't be easy; a lot of our assets are frozen and cannot be used, and even if I wanted to sell some shares, that wouldn't happen.

"I know it's not going to be easy, but I won't give up without a fight," I told myself, and with that in mind, I drifted into an uneasy sleep.

I woke up the following day feeling exhausted, not just from the fight I had with Jeffrey but from everything that came my way.

I kept my eyes shut, pretending to still be sleeping when I felt Atilla's body and, man, it was so hard to pretend to know that the most attractive woman was lying beside you.

"Maybe you can skip work today?" I heard Atilla ask, and my eyes automatically opened because of it.

I stopped pretending and decided to open my eyes and face her.

"I hope I can, but there are a lot of things I need to do in the office," I answered.

I was planning to personally go to the banks I called yesterday, hoping that someone would finally talk to me.

She didn't insist anymore and invited me to have breakfast before I left.

There were no words passed between us as we shared the breakfast she prepared, and I couldn't help but notice that something seemed to be bothering her.

I thought of asking her, but I couldn't afford to add more worries to my mind right now.

After we were done with our meal, I went ahead and prepared to leave, and after thirty minutes, I was already on my way to the first bank on my agenda.

I felt hopeful when the manager welcomed me, only to be disappointed in the end when I was told that my request had been rejected.

I decided to move to another bank, only to end up with the same result, and I never felt so rejected in my whole life.

Normally, people do everything to carry out favors, but now, no one wants to help me.

I didn't stop and continued searching for any bank that could help, but all the banks I went to rejected my request, so I decided to go to my office to think of another way.

When I arrived, I saw Tricia waiting for me, and when she saw me, she immediately approached.

I could see the sympathy in her eyes, which didn't surprise me since she knew what I was going through.

"Have you eaten already, Sir Ram?" She asked.

"I'm fine, Tricia. Did I miss any calls while I was gone?" I asked while checking my email.

I was really hoping to read something positive, but almost all the emails I received contained bad news, which is why I decided to just log out of my email.

I know the look that Tricia is giving me, but I chose to ignore it.

She's concerned about me, which I greatly appreciate, but right now I need to concentrate on how to collect the funds necessary to pay off our debts.

"I'm truly sorry, Ram, and I hope I have some good news for you," she replied with a wistful tone.

"Fire it away, then," I said, forcing a smile but failing miserably.

She stated, "Some of our business partners are complaining about the company's current events and want a meeting with you."

I took a deep breath when I heard what she said, and to be honest, I already expected this to happen.

The business world is like a beehive, full of people who like to gossip, and news this big tends to spread like wildfire.

"Ram..."

She called my name when she didn't hear any reply from me, waking me up from my reverie.

"Make a scheduled meeting this Wednesday next week," I finally said.

She nodded her head while she saved the information on her tablet, and after that, I told her to take her lunch, which she agreed on.

The moment Tricia left the office, I instinctively covered my face with both hands, feeling more frustrated than ever.

Nothing seems to be going my way, and my requests for assistance appear to be futile.

Instead of remaining idle, I chose to make phone calls, even though I knew they would end similarly to the calls I had made in the days prior.

I was so focused on what I was doing that I didn't notice the time, and I was surprised when I saw Tricia returning from her lunch.

"What is it?" I inquired when she handed me a paper bag, and upon opening it, I discovered that it contained the food she had ordered.

"I know you haven't had your lunch yet, so I thought of getting you something to eat," she explained.

I'm grateful for her thoughtfulness; Tricia is more than my secretary; she's a friend, and I often take her advice since she's like the elder sister I never had.

"Thank you," I said, feeling grateful for all the people around me who were showing that they cared for me.

"You're welcome," she said, and she was about to go back to her station when she suddenly stopped and looked at me.

"And, Ram, give yourself a break; you need to rest and relax; maybe that will help you find the right solution to your problem," she said before returning to her seat.

What she said lingers in the back of my mind. Perhaps she is correct; perhaps I needed to unwind to get my bearings.

I quickly picked up my phone that was on my table and dialed Atilla's number. A few rings passed before I heard her voice.

"Get your stuff ready; we're going out of town tomorrow," I said and immediately ended the call without waiting for her response.

A wide grin appeared on my lips when I thought of Atilla's confused reaction.

Tricia was right; I needed to take my mind off work, and with all the problems I was facing, with that in mind, I started thinking of the best place to bring Atilla.

I really wanted to take her to the Visayas or Mindanao regions, but I couldn't afford to travel very far in case there was an emergency with my father or the company.

I decided to take her to Batangas, which is not too far from Manila, and after searching for the finest hotel, I was able to reserve a room for three days and two nights.

"Three days with Atilla—not a bad plan," I murmured with satisfaction.