"So…that's the problem"

"Yes, that is quite a problem. The thing is, I'm not sure I can help you. I mean, I would love too but you know how it is. With the economy the way it is…I just don't think I can offer you the sort of help you need"

Phil always had habit of daydreaming during his meetings, even if he was the head of the whole company. Today's meeting was kinda of important since three other company representatives were meant to be there. There was still a while until the meeting actually started so Phil thought why not go over his notes one more time. Going over his notes normally meant doing a whole lot of daydreaming and not actually getting anything productive done at all.

In his daydream like state he couldn't help but overhear the conversation which was currently happening basically right next to him. The town leader, David- was leaning against the table as he kept his eyes set on the man on front of him. The man in question was one of Phil's own employees. He wasn't sure of the man's name but knew he had brought many successes to their company throughout the years.

"I really would love to help you John, but I really can't. I'm sorry"

John, that was his name. Of course, he'd been the one who had proposed the idea that gained the most profit Phil had ever seen his company acquire. He was a good guy, a great thinker along with a generally nice man.

"I understand…My only other option is the inheritance then. With that much, it'll take us out of the red for now but…" he sighed, running his fingers though his thinning hair "But of course, that means I'll have to stick to the clause…"

"What's the clause?"

"My son, Dan…he has to be married as soon as possible. I just…" he paused "How am I ever gonna find someone right away. Someone who…Someone who I can really trust…"

"I'm truely sorry John, but maybe you should try at least find someone who you can trust" He gave John a sad smile before turning to leave "I'm really sorry, but this looks like it might be your only choice"

"Possibly…thanks anyway, sir"

Phil's heart sank a little as he watched that sad thankful smile which covered John's face. His problem was he was such a sucker for people who were down and always wanted to cheer them up, even if he really didn't know the person. This was probably Phil's biggest weakness. He had to help people and he just couldn't stop himself from doing so.

He slowly stood up from his seat and tentatively made his way over the older man. John sighed softly to himself as he leaned against the wall. Phil wasn't sure if too approach him now, but…he just looked so sad. Phil couldn't just sit back and watch the poor man's sad life fall apart before him.

"…Mr Howell?"

John looked up, straightening himself up as he tried to pull his best fake smile. "Good morning Mr Lester" he greeted in a yet again way too fake voice. This was breaking Phil's heart more and more by the second just seeing someone like this.

"Sorry but, I couldn't help over hearing your conversation there…"

He looked taken back for a second before nervously looking down at the floor. He was obviously embarrassed for Phil to have heard that. "Sorry sir, I know I shouldn't have brought my personal problems to work but David was just here and I thought maybe I could ask him before the meeting and-"

"Whoa, John. It's okay" Phil laughed slightly, trying to show John a comforting smile in an attempt to calm him down "I didn't come over here as your boss to tell you off. In all honestly, I want to help you. Do you maybe wanna talk about this in my office? We have a little time before this meeting starts"

John looked relieved and quickly nodded, managing to pull an actual sort of half smile.

"So" Phil said softly as he sat down at his desk, keeping his eyes on John as he sat down in one of the black chairs in front of Phil. "What's going on?"

He hesitated for a second, opening his mouth and sucking in a large gulp of air before shutting it again as that same sad smile appeared. "It's…it's a really complicated situation. I…I don't know how to explain it to you"

"Just try, okay? I'll delay the meeting if I have to" Phil said, leaning on his hand as he smiled. "I can't let one of my best employees be troubled like this"

"It's, well…My mother passed away a few months ago and left everything to me. Of course it isn't a lot but we really need it just now. But as you probably heard, the clause of that was that my son has to be married before I even get a share of the money"

"So…Your Son needs to be married before you get anything?"

"Yes" he sighed, looking down at his hands in his lap. "We really need this money and as soon as possible. Of course I tried other people but…the inheritance is my only choice left" he met Phil's eyes with a pleading look "Who am I ever going to find to marry him? I need to convince someone then convince Dan and…oh god I'm such a horrible father…"

Phil sat up straight, taking a quick breath in as a thought crossed his mind "I'll do it"

"You'll…what?"

"I'll do it. I'll marry your son"

John looked confused, sceptical. All the emotions he was feeling were clear just from how he looked at Phil. But most of all the confusion and relief shone through. Phil knew now he could definitely help John and he the warmth that flooded his chest at that thought really made him smile brighter than he ever had before.

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"What do you mean? why do I need to talk to him?"

"I…Dan, I don't think I can say"

"And why not? Why can't you tell me the reason I'm being forced to live with such an asshole like you!"

They both froze, just staring at each other.. Dan hadn't meant that, of course he hadn't. Phil was the furthest thing from an asshole. He was actually really was a kind and decent young man, like his father had said.

"Do you really think I'm…" Phil started but stopped as he looked the ground, a hurt expression covering his face.

"I…I'm gonna go"

His head shot up at Dan's words "To where? You don't need to go. I'm going, it's fine"

Dan sighed softly, quickly grabbing his coat from the hallway and slipping it on "If you won't tell me, dad will"

Dan placed his hand on the door handle before he felt someone's arms wrap around his chest. He tensed up at the contact, beginning to shake slightly as he repeated to himself that it was okay over and over again. It was just Phil. Phil was nice. Phil won't hurt you. What was the big deal with contact anyway? It was nothing to be freaked out about. But no matter how much he tried to tell himself that he couldn't stop himself from shaking and having that feeling of panic building up in his chest.

"You might not like what you hear so…I'm here for you" he Heard Phil whisper before he felt a quick kiss being pressed to the side of his head and the arms around his chest disappearing.

*********************************************************************************

Dan's hands shook violently and his chest heaved as he raised his fist and pounded it into the white door. He tried to steady his breathing and at least calm himself dowm slightly. But nothing was working. The feeling in his chest had grown and he now found it hard to breathe.

What the hell had Phil meant by that? The reason Dan was forced to marry him was because of his status, wasn't it? That's what Dan had been lead to believe anyway.

"Dan? What are you doing here?"

"Tell me" Was all Dan managed to get out as kept his eyes glued on his fathers. His father's look of confusion turned into one of concern as he looked his son up and down.

"Tell you what?" he paused, taking a step towards Dan and gently laying a hand on his back "Come inside. You look like you need a drink, or something"

Dan sighed, nodding slowly as he took a deep breath and stepped over the threshold. His father led him into the sitting room, letting Dan sit down before quickly disappearing to the kitchen to fetch Dan a cup or tea, or so he assumed. His dad soon came back with two cups in his hands, holding the usual one Dan always drank out of to him.

They both sat there in a slightly uncomfortable silence as they quietly sipped at their tea. Dan kept his gaze on his dad the whole time, trying to work up the courage to actually say what he wanted to say. Sure he could scream and shout while he was angry and all riled up. But now he was calm he felt more nervous than angry.

"What are you doing here Dan?" John said softly, interrupting his thoughts. Dan's gaze snapped up to meet his dad's, which had a sort of sincere look that Dan didn't really understand.

"Phil said…I…" he sighed, running a hand through his hair as he closed his eyes for a moment. "He said there's another reason that I'm married to him"

"He must be confused, there is no other reason-"

"Dad" Dan said, his eyes narrowing at his father as he clasped his hands together firmly in his lap "Tell me the truth"

John had a strange look on his face as Dan watched him. He seemed to be conflicted, confused even. Whatever it was, it made Dan even angrier. It reminded him of all there stupid fights about this marriage in the first place. If all this arrangement was going to do was cause trouble then why was he going through with it? If it really was as simple as his dad wanted him to be married to Phil, then couldn't they easily call it off?

there had to be something else.

"Dan…you've got to understand that what I'm about to tell you. I needed to do it, for us"