Denzel’s POV

After being called away from Sienna's hospital room, I followed the officer out into the hallway.

"What's this about?" I asked.

"You have to come with us to the station," he said. "We need to get your statement."

"In not leaving Sienna," I said stubbornly. "The statement can wait."

"The statement isn't the only reason you're coming to the station."

"Then what is it?" I asked.

"I can't tell you now. Just know that it's important, and it's concerning your girlfriend."

"Fiancee," I corrected him.

He shrugged. "Are you coming or not? Delaying it till we have to take Miss Sienna in is only a waste of time. You'll want to do it now."

"And Sienna isn't getting discharged now?" I asked. "This isn't some fucked up ploy to get me to leave her so you can pull a fast one?"

The police officer gave me a look. "Just come with me, Mr Denzel."

Silently, I followed. My car was totaled, so I rode with him. Thankfully, the police station wasn't far.

The cop led me in, and while I sat and waited to give my statement, another officr approached me.

"Hello, Mr Denzel. I'm the police captain. Can you step into my office for a second?"

I frowned, but slowly stood up and followed him. To my surprise, he didn't follow me in, but shut the door behind me as I entered.

I looked around the room. A man was sitting at the other side of the desk, seemingly waiting for me.

He stood as I approached, and extended his arm out for a handshake. I took it, still confused. What was going on here?

"Mr Denzel," the other man said. "Please sit. I'm sure you're wondering why you're here."

"What is this about?" I asked suspiciously.

"I'm going to go straight to the point so we can wrap this up quickly," the man said. "I was told you were in the vehicle with your fiance when the crash happened?"

I nodded. "And before you say anything else, Sienna didn't cause the accident. I don't know who exactly told anyone that, or why they have her in custody, but she's innocent."

The man smiled slightly. "Is she." He leaned forward a bit. "I've been asked to make you an offer, Mr Denzel."

"What offer?"

He smiled again. "How would you like to be rich?"

I stiffened. "What does that mean?"

"I'm aware you've been job hunting for a while," the man said. "I have a position available for you right now in one of the biggest journalism firms in the state. The job is yours if you want it."

I had a creeping feeling of suspicion about where this was going, but I remained silent, and gestured for him to continue.

"And what would I have to do to accept this?" I asked. "Why are you offering me, a total stranger, a job and money? What do you want in return?"

"I know you're a smart man, Mr Denzel. What do you think? We want you to testify, of course."

I frowned. "Testify? In court?"

"Yes," he replied. "To clarify things, we want you to testify for us. Against your fiancee."

I froze immediately. The nerve of this man. I got to my feet angrily.

"What the hell? Who the fuck do you think you are! How can you ask me to..."

"I'm not done, Mr Denzel," the man said calmly. "Sit down and listen. I represent the family of the man who was also in the accident with you."

"You mean the man who caused the accident in the first place," I spat. "The real murderer. So you all know about his guilt, and are trying to cover it up."

"He's only guilty if we say he is," the man said. "Please calm down. We're not asking you to do much here."

"No," I spat bitterly. "You're only asking me to twist the truth and let a guilty man go free while an innocent woman suffers."

"You care so much about Miss Sienna that you would prefer to see your family continue to suffer?"

"Are you threatening my family?"

The man laughed lightly. "Of course not, Mr Denzel. You read too much into things. All I'm saying is that we've looked into you. We know you're struggling. And we're offering a way out. A better life your your family. A good job for you. And an impressive sum of money. All for your silence."

I took a moment to really dissect what I was hearing. He was right. My family needed money I couldn't provide, and I was responsible for them. I wasn't sure I could afford to let this opportunity pass by. But Sienna? The woman I'd all but promised my life to? The woman who'd sacrificed so much for me?

My mother's words came back to me. "Thank her and let her go. You don't owe her more than that."

But was she right? How could I, in gold conscience, do that to her?

I glanced back at the man who was waiting patiently.

"How much money are we talking about?"

"Ten million," he replied. "Just say yes to the deal, and the job is yours. The money will be yours after the court hearing."

I began to get to my feet again. "I... I can't do this. I..."

"Are you sure?" He asked. "Think carefully. This is everything you ever wanted."

My mind was racing, and I shook my head. He must have seen the indecisiveness on me though, because he reached into his pocket, and pulled out a business card.

He handed it to me. "That's my number. Call me if you change your mind. But remember, this is a time sensitive issue, so don't take too long."

Without another word, I pocketed the number, and walked out of the office. The card felt like it was burning a hole through my pants, and I walked straight out of the station, completely forgetting about the statement I was allegedly supposed to give.

I had to get back to Sienna. She needed me. But... My family also needed me.

Which took precedence? Who could I betray?