Download App
0.54% Husband With Benefits / Chapter 5: The Demon

Chapter 5: The Demon

"Brace yourselves. The demon is here." A message popped onto the company's chat, and immediately, the atmosphere changed.

"Things don't look good. Let's hope that he doesn't freeze any of us today," one employee muttered anxiously.

As Demetri Frost entered the large building, his mere presence sent a ripple of tension through the air. With his dark hair slicked back and his tall, imposing frame, he exuded an aura of authority that demanded respect.

However, it wasn't just his appearance that earned him the moniker "demon" among his subordinates; it was his reputation for ruthless business practices that had everyone treading carefully around him. The Demon's impact on global businesses was profound, and his influence was unmatched.

As soon as Demetri stepped foot in the office, the atmosphere shifted. The hustle and bustle of the workplace seemed to quiet down as employees buried their noses in their work, not daring to give even the slightest hint of idleness.

Passing by the corridor, people would bend at ninety degrees, greeting him with forced cheerfulness, "Good morning, Chairman Frost." Yet, Demetri merely acknowledged them with a curt nod, not bothering to reciprocate their pleasantries.

Demetri had never been approachable, but today his mood was especially foul as he marched towards his office. No one in the world had the power to blackmail him, except his grandfather.

Usually, the old man did not have to resort to underhanded tactics, as Demetri was more than happy to indulge him. After all, the man had single-handedly raised him and his brothers over the years. But last night, the man had crossed all limits. He dared to threaten Demetri to get married.

As he reached the top floor where a few directors awaited him, he walked past them, sitting down and waiting for them to report.

As the various departments talked about their failure to acquire the company he had instructed them to work on, his mood went from bad to worst. "I do not need your fruitless ideas. I need results!" he barked when yet another director droned on about the difficulties in convincing the shareholders.

When everyone quietened down at the command, Demetri threw yet another glance at his employees, but they seemed to have no ideas. Cursing under his breath, he looked sharply at his youngest brother, also the head of the Finance Department. "We need to proceed with the acquisition of Galverson Corp. by the end of the month. I want a comprehensive plan on my desk by tomorrow morning. I don't care about their demands. Get it done. Or find someone who can."

His words were sharp, like daggers cutting through the air, and Lucien nearly rolled his eyes but controlled the impulse and nodded hastily. Brother or not, the Demon would not hesitate to reprimand him if he sensed open disrespect.

Soon the meeting was adjourned, but the brothers all stayed behind. Seeing the office empty, Ian Frost finally slouched a bit and questioned his brother, "Demon? Is grandfather still on your case?" Ian was the second in command and Vice Chairman of the Frost Industries, so of course he could sense the reason for their brothers' foul mood.

"Of course, he is still on his case. It is our grandfather's fondest wish that you get married. After all, you are already thirty-two!" Seb added helpfully.

The Demon raised his eyes and glared at his two brothers before speaking, "I am thinking of opening a new branch for our company office. It's a small, beautiful countryside town with immense potential. I think you three would be the perfect candidates for going there..."

"Uh... No. I am too busy with the details of the upcoming acquisition; let Seb go." Lucien said and quickly walked out of the office.

Seb looked at his brother with a grin and said, "I am allergic to small towns and fresh air and all that. Also, I am not even qualified for this... Bye Demon. Come on Ian. We need to discuss the fund raiser..."

As Demetri watched his brothers leave, he simply shook his head before getting back to his work. Soon, he was interrupted by a phone call, which he answered briskly.

"Demetri. I hope I am not disturbing you."

Demetri stilled when he heard his lawyer's voice and focused his attention on the caller, "No. What is it?"

"You called me last evening with a few requirements for a position. Is that position still available?"

Demetri thought back to his conversation and felt a headache coming on, "Yes, of course, it is."

The lawyer laughed loudly at that and spoke, "Very good. Then, Demetri Frost, I have the perfect candidate for the position of your wife. Come to my office at 6, and I'll introduce you to the future Mrs. Frost."

Demetri leaned back in his chair as he contemplated what his lawyer had said. The man was efficient in all things related to contracts, but he was also efficient in finding a woman. He must be moonlighting as some matchmaker.

It seemed the fates really were aligned to get him married. But first, "Is she really clear on all my conditions? How much money does she want?"

"Demetri, I suggest we meet here, and you can talk face to face. What I can assure you is that she will be the perfect wife for you."

"Pretend wife. I need a pretend wife," he muttered to remind the man that he had no intention of getting a real wife. Getting a wife would simply be too troublesome.

"Demetri, she is perfect for what you need. Why don't you come to my office tomorrow, and you can see for yourself." The man insisted, not even acknowledging anything else.

"Very well. If you think she is perfect, prepare the contract. If we can negotiate the terms and come to an agreement, I want this matter settled right away."

"Don't you want to know her name at least? Her name is Nora. Pretty name isn't it?" The man asked curiously.

As the phone call ended, Demetri had already forgotten about his wife-to-be and could not have remembered her name if his life depended on it. There was no curiosity or any other feelings because, as far as he was concerned, it was simply a business deal and nothing more. However, little did he know that this contract might change his life in ways he never expected.


next chapter

Chapter 6: Guilt

Nora stood alone at the grand steps of the luxurious hotel, bathed in the warm glow of the chandeliers that lined the entrance. Thankfully, she had been able to slip away from the taunting show of sympathies to the sly enjoyment of her misery. As she waited for her ride, she couldn't help but shudder. How innocent and naive had she been to strive for 'love'?

"Let them party tonight and enjoy her misery," she thought, her resolve hardening. "They assume that tonight was the end of me, but they are unaware that tonight is just the beginning of a new me."

Inside the foyer, Antonio stared at Nora with guilt in his eyes. Even though he had chosen Sara as his life partner, Nora would always hold a special place in his heart. After all, she would forever remain his first love.

He wanted to apologize to her for humiliating her today. He'd never planned to abandon her at the altar. All night he had tried to escape everyone's attention for a chance to speak to her. He wanted to tell her that even though they were not in a relationship anymore, he would always remain her friend. Not for a moment did he doubt that she would not forgive him. He knew that Nora loved him deeply and was willing to do anything for those she cared about. So, he believed she would be happy to accept his friendship and free him of the guilt.

As the cool breeze ruffled Nora's hair, she hugged herself, her simple dress not enough to protect her. Antonio caught her profile with that faint smile she had worn all evening and strengthened his resolve. He would speak to her right away.

Marching forward, he took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders, a gesture he'd often done in the past because Nora had a habit of never bringing anything warm with her. Nora stiffened as she felt the familiar warmth of his jacket on her.

In the next instant, however, she quickly took off the jacket and pushed it towards him. "I don't need this. Thank you."

Antonio shook his head and caught Nora's hand, "Don't be stubborn. You'll catch a cold. Don't forget I know you. You have no tolerance for a drop in temperature."

But Nora stubbornly stepped back and shook her head, "You do not have the right anymore, Antonio."

Even though the words were softly spoken, Antonio felt his heartache at her tone, "Nora, we can still be friends. We are brother-in-law and sister-in-law now. So, we are family."

"I am not your family, Antonio! And I never will be. Please go back inside. Your new wife must be waiting."

As Nora turned her back to him, Antonio caught her and pulled her to him, catching her in a hug. "Nora, please believe me, I really am sorry. If I could turn back time, I would never have hurt you like this. Forgive me, Nora, please. We are going to the university soon. We were going to do everything together! Please don't give that up. Let's remember our past friendship."

Nora struggled to get out of his embrace, but he simply refused to let go. Stilling, she looked at him with narrowed eyes and warned, "Antonio, if you have really treated me like a friend, then let me go this instant. Your closeness makes me nauseous."

Stepping back, Antonio let her out of his arms but held her shoulders, "Hugging me felt like coming home, Nora. That is what you used to say!"

"And now I do not have a home, Antonio. Please go away and be happy with the woman you have chosen. I do not need you or your alms of friendship."

This time, the man's eyes hardened, all softness disappearing from his tone as he completely stopped touching her and warned, "Do you really think you will be able to go through university on your own? I know how weak your concepts are, Nora. I am the one who has tutored you and helped you reach here. If you are going to be like this, then you can forget any help from me in the future."

"The only day you may get a chance to help me is if I am in a casket, Antonio."

Before either of them could utter any more bitter words, Sara emerged from the hotel. Seeing her sister and Antonio staring at each other, both angry, she quickly walked to Nora and held her arms, "Nora...thank you for being so selfless. If not for you, I never would have gained the happiness that I have today. Thank you for giving my Antonio to me."

While Antonio was moved by Sara's words and stared at her with admiration, he failed to notice Nora's slight flinch when Sara caught hold of her shoulders. Even as words of gratitude and happiness poured from her mouth, Sara's grip on Nora left marks on her skin, of that Nora was sure.

Nora winced at the pain in her arm and shoulders but kept her gaze steady as she finally looked at Sara without the love that she had always shown for her. Remembering everything that she had endured in the name of familial love, Nora pushed her sister away, causing Sara to stumble and fall into Antonio's arms. "Nora, how dare you!" Sara seethed as she was helped by Antonio, who was also looking at Nora, askance. He had never thought that Nora would resort to violence.

But before anyone else could react, Nora had already stepped down and into the car that had stopped and driven away.

In their shock and anger, they failed to notice that the car was not some generic taxi but a limited edition Bugatti Divo that even the valet who brought it out was lusting over.


Load failed, please RETRY

Gifts

Gift -- Gift received

    Weekly Power Status

    Batch unlock chapters

    Table of Contents

    Display Options

    Background

    Font

    Size

    Chapter comments

    Write a review Reading Status: C5
    Fail to post. Please try again
    • Writing Quality
    • Stability of Updates
    • Story Development
    • Character Design
    • World Background

    The total score 0.0

    Review posted successfully! Read more reviews
    Vote with Power Stone
    Rank 200+ Power Ranking
    Stone 13 Power Stone
    Report inappropriate content
    error Tip

    Report abuse

    Paragraph comments

    Login

    tip Paragraph comment

    Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.

    Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.

    GOT IT