Chapter 9 One Month Deal
He was her one-night stand, the man whose name she could remember because he had made her whisper it that night.
Her heart dropped into her stomach.
Of all people… why did it have to be right now?
Derek lazily removed his sunglasses and stared at her with polite confusion. There was no flicker of recognition in his eyes.
And why would he? He was a playboy, a man who probably had a different woman in his bed the next day—maybe even every night. To him, she had been nothing more than another blur in a long list of meaningless flings, or perhaps he had had so many that he couldn't remember her face.
But to her?
Her entire life had changed because of him. She didn't hate him; no. She just wished she hadn't been too reckless and gotten pregnant.
She looked at him, and the absence of recognition stirred something within her. How could he not recognize her?
Rebecca's chest tightened with anger that she could barely swallow. Her fingers curled into fists at her sides.
She opened her mouth, wanting to scream and ask if he remembered her, to throw the truth in his face that she was pregnant and he was the father.
But then Derek glanced at his watch impatiently, as if waiting for her to move aside.
That tiny gesture stabbed her.
This man, the very reason her world had turned upside down, couldn’t even remember her face. So why would she remind him of what he had forgotten?
Rebecca swallowed, the words burning in her throat. If he didn’t remember her, why should she burden herself by telling him anything? And then explain that she'd been too heartbroken to remember to get a morning-after pill?
Wouldn't he blame her for being stupid enough to ask for sex when she knew she could get pregnant, especially since she knew the condom had broken?
Why give him power over her life and say things she wouldn't want to?
Without a word, she stepped back.
Derek blinked, confused by her sudden coldness, but before he could ask anything, Rebecca simply thanked him, turned sharply, and walked away, her footsteps quick and stiff.
Derek stared after her for a moment, a frown etched on his face.
"That was… weird," he muttered, trying to figure out why the woman had looked somewhat familiar and why he felt strangely connected to her.
He shook his head, and slipped his sunglasses back on. He was about to walk into the hospital when he noticed a piece of paper on the ground. He picked it up, but just as he was about to see what it was about, his phone buzzed.
When he saw it was his grandfather calling again, he simply slipped the paper into his back pocket and headed inside, making a mental note to check what if was about later.
Derek went straight to the VIP private ward. He knocked once before pushing open the door.
His grandfather, Edward Hemsworth—an intimidating man even in his seventies—glanced up from the bed, his sharp eyes narrowing.
“So, you finally remembered you have a grandfather,” the old man snapped.
Derek rolled his eyes but stepped inside. “I’ve been busy.”
“Busy drinking, partying, and wasting away your youth?” his grandfather shot back.
Derek sighed. “Let’s not start…”
“Have you forgotten our deal?” the old man interrupted.
Derek paused, confused. “What deal?”
Edward crossed his arms. “The plan for you to get married within three months. It’s already past the first month.”
Derek blinked, looking at his grandfather incredulously. “You know I NEVER agreed to that.” He was already angry; his grandfather had a way of making people do his bidding, and he didn't like it one bit.
Marriage was something he didn't want, and his grandfather should've known that by now.
“You did,” Edward replied flatly. “Or rather, you didn’t refuse because you never pay attention.”
Derek scoffed. “Grandfather, you know I’m not getting married. Marriage is a trap, a walking disaster. It's not for me.”
“Well,” Edward said, clearing his throat and sitting up straighter, “I called you over to let you know I’ve changed the deadline.”
Derek frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
“You now have one month.”
“What?! ONE MONTH?!” Derek exploded.
Edward's expression didn’t change. “Yes, and if you don’t get married before the month ends, the company will not be yours. I will personally make sure you NEVER become CEO.”
Derek’s jaw clenched, his face darkening. “That’s ridiculous. You can’t be serious—”
“Oh, I’m very serious,” Edward said coldly. “I am not leaving my life’s work to an irresponsible playboy who believes life is one giant nightclub.”
Derek’s nostrils flared, just like they did when he was angry. “Grandfather…”
“I have made my decision,” the old man said, waving him off. “Go and do your part. I don't have much time left, and I want to personally see you get married before I go. If you can't fulfill this wish of mine, then I see no reason why you should inherit what is mine.”
Derek fought the urge to throw something.
Marriage? In one month? Him?
It was impossible and insane, and no matter what his grandfather said, he wasn't going to get married.
Without another word, he turned around and stormed out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
His entire future as CEO was suddenly at risk.