EIGHT

I hadn't been able to make it to the bench. My small business had a lot of orders, and I was trying to avoid going. Adrian had thrown me for such a loop, I wasn't sure I could face Sebastian. I enjoyed talking to him, but his son made me crazy. It had been a few weeks since I was in that office and was sure that Sebastian had forgotten about me already. The collection agencies were after me. I was worried they would take me to court, and I would end up in jail. I had no money. My phone rang, I didn't recognize the number. I assumed that it was either a collection agency or a client. I had to answer anyway, "Alexa's creations. How can I help you?" There was a short pause and a voice I recognized. "It's Sebastian, I've missed you on the bench" it made me smile, "I missed it too". He asked me to meet him and that he needed someone to talk to. I couldn't say no so the next morning I headed off to the city. Sebastian was already sitting on the bench when I arrived. He had an envelope on his lap, I assumed he was doing work while waiting. He seemed uncomfortable and unsure of himself. I asked him "what was wrong?". He stayed quiet for a moment and took a big sigh. I knew whatever he was about to say was weighing on him. "I'm just going to be forward, Alexa if that's alright", I nodded. "I'm a businessman, I see a problem and I fix it. I know you are in serious trouble. Financially and legally". I can feel the tears, welling up in my eyes. "I know none of that is your doing. I'm aware of what your ex-husband did" I scoffed but I didn't mean to do it. "I know he was cruel to you and your son" all I could say was "how do you know about Michael?" Sebastian smiled, "I'm a rich businessman, I can find out anything". I dropped my head, if only he knew half of it, I thought. Clearing his throat, "I have a proposition for you. There is no way you can dig yourself out of the hole you are in. I can help with that. I can make sure you never want for anything. Your son will go to the best schools, get the best care. Your mother will be able to retire and do as she pleases" I was shocked, and I managed to get the courage to speak "and in return?" I questioned. My brain was racing, did he want me to be his sex slave or his mistress? "I want you to marry my son" all I could think was the hot sexy guy from his office. There was no way he would marry me, and it wouldn't be by choice. That seemed so unfair. "What does he think of this" and all he responded was "he'll agree". I knew I could t do that to him. It was unfair, I was so broken and dirty. He couldn't be forced to do that. "There's a lot you don't know about me, my past, it's unfair to your son to do that to him". I wanted to run away, yes; I was in serious trouble but forcing someone to marry me was wrong. "I know a great deal about your past, I know a great deal of what your ex-husband did to you" did he know the abuse? "You would make you son marry a woman whose been so used? Don't want you to want someone pure". I saw a hint of anger in his eyes "you are not used. What happened to you was not your fault. You are pure, in your heart". His voice fell "Adrian will never hurt you and if he ever did, you tell me. I didn't raise my son that way". I was about to decline the offer when Sebastian cut me off "you only have a few weeks before you're going to end up in jail for something you didn't do. You need to do what's best for your son. Growing up without his mom, trust me, it's not good. You don't have more try a few weeks to make a decision". I knew he was right; I had been the only constant thing in his life. I took a deep breath, "I would like to speak to your son alone before I make my decision". He agreed and we parted ways.

Adrian was completely blindsided as well. He was hurt and angry. He became reckless and got into a horrible car accident. Luckily, he wasn't hurt but it scared the hell out of him. His father hadn't shared many details with him. He thought he would at least meet her. If anything, it could be a fun roll in the hay. He agreed to his father, he would at least meet this woman he wanted him to marry. Sebastian called me and made arraignments. We were meeting at some fancy restaurant. He offered to pay for a babysitter but luckily her friends were willing to watch him. Sebastian sent everything I needed from a dress to a makeup artist. I felt out of control but then I thought about how amazing Adrian was. It would be only fair to get all dolled up.