The next morning things were still tense between Lillian and her parents, but she didn't want to leave for work on a bad note.
Realistically, she knew that they were making a fantastic change for themselves. Her father had been less chipper than his usual energetic self ever since he had to close his store. She'd also planned on moving out to an apartment of her own eventually, hoping to live closer to downtown if she was ever able to find a job that could pay her well enough. It had just been such a big shock to be told everything was changing so soon.
She wasn't sure what she wanted to do. Moving to the countryside was never on her radar, though she loves her family, she didn't want to give up her life in the city to stay with them. But, with how expensive rent had gotten in the past decade, she wasn't sure if she'd be able to afford living there with her current salary.
Thinking about her mom's suggestion to stay with Jacky, Lillian hoped that maybe her friends would agree to her staying for a few nights each before she could figure out a permanent place to stay. She didn't want to impose on any of them for too long, since almost all of them were in committed relationships and she felt awkward being in their space.
One time she had been staying with a friend and her boyfriend for a week, sleeping on their fold out sofa. Her third night there, she heard some very loud noises coming from their bedroom, which kept her up until 4am. She'd tried to put on headphones, but she could still here them in the background. Even though she knew it was a natural thing that happens between couples, she had trouble looking them in the eyes after their energy filled night.
"I'm heading out for work now. Good luck with the realtor today. I'm sure it'll all go well," she kissed her parents on the cheek and made her way downtown.
Lillian showed up 15 minutes early to work as usual. Jacky surprised her by already being at the desk and ready to go. On most days, she was rushing in at the last moment.
"Morning, Lil!" Jacky flipped her hair with her left hand and fluttered her fingers back and forth.
"Good morn-, Ah!" Jacky's face lit up in a wide smile when Lillian noticed the new ring on her finger. "OMG?! You got engaged? Congratulations!"
"Thank you thank you," she faked a posh English accent and held out her hand. "Isn't it cute. I'm not all that into diamonds, so I was excited he got me a sapphire instead! Mr. Lover Man even dropped me off at work this morning even though he didn't have to wake up so early."
Jacky went on for a while, gushing about how he proposed. Lillian was so engrossed in Jacky's story, that she didn't even remember the anxiety she had as she entered the building that morning.
Her excited coworker moved on and started talking about wedding ideas when the phone rang.
"Hello, you've reached the Geldan Group front desk, how may I assist you?"
"Lillian, I'm so glad you answered. It's Peter. Please, come up to the 35th floor as soon as possible, the CEO would like to see you."
"Understood, I'll be right there." Lillian hung up the phone and looked at Jacky with a blank stare. "Um, the CEO requested my presence upstairs, I better go," her voice wavered as she spoke.
"Hey, I'm sure it'll be alright. If you're not back in an hour, I'll personally lead a team of super assassins to come rescue you," Jacky tried to reassure her with a joke.
Lillian cracked a smile at her silly remark and made her way to the elevator upstairs.
5th floor, 19th floor, 27th floor, did the elevator ride always feel so fast? She felt her heart beating harder in her chest, as the nervousness began to set in. It's fine, everything is going to be fine. Maybe he's just going to thank me for assisting Peter all weekend.
The elevator doors opened and she hesitantly stepped out, the doors threatening to close back on her if she didn't move.
She walked over to Peter's desk and saw the man pick up his phone as she came into view.
"Mr. Geldan, Lillian Grace just arrived."
"He said you may go on," the thin, brown haired man motioned her to the door. The door that lead straight into the CEO's office.
She knocked on the door, before opening it to step inside. Andrew Geldan was seated at his desk, busy reading through some files. Lillian noticed that his eyes looked rather tired, the slight dark circles made her wonder since when he had been at work that morning. Neither she, nor Jacky saw him come in, so it must've been quite early.
"You may take a seat anywhere you like," he said in an uninterested deep voice, his eyes never leaving the file in front of him.
Lillian made her way forward and chose to sit on the dark leather chair, furthest in distance from Andrew's desk, but also facing straight in his direction. She hadn't noticed that last part until she sat down and Andrew looked up from his desk, locking eyes with hers. His sudden stare caused her to unconsciously hold her breath, until he looked away and she let out a soft sigh.
"You see that document on the table there. Read it."
Lillian picked up the pile of papers from the low table in front of her and read the front. 'Partnership Agreement Between the Two Parties : Geldan and Grace'
She looked up at the poker faced man in front of her and asked.
"What's this?"
"Can't you read. It's a contract."
"What for?"
"To marry me."
What?! Had their CEO gone insane? No, this must be a joke.
Lillian collected herself and repeated, "No, seriously, please. What is this? Is it some sort of business agreement or work contract?"
Andrew Geldan lifted his head up from the desk again, an annoyed look crossed his face. He got up and made his way over to the sofa next to Lillian, and sat in the spot closest to her.
"One could call it a work contract. The document in your hands details a strictly business marriage contract between the two parties involved, you and I."
"Excuse me, but why would I ever sign a document like that?" Lillian looked at her strange CEO dumbfounded.
"I had a look at your resume and found that you're much too qualified for the position you have now. If you agree to the terms, I can offer you a position in the strategic marketing department after the contract period has ended."
She couldn't help but let out an astounded laugh, "You really think I'm that desperate that I'd enter a relationship with you just to get a promotion?"
"Don't worry. It'd be a relationship in name only. My grandmother is convinced she is going to die without seeing her favorite grandson get married despite the fact she'll probably outlive all of us. Rather expectedly, my father came to threaten me if I don't follow through with her request. You'd just have to pretend to be my fiancee for a single month before we have a marriage ceremony. After that, we can divorce right away - I would've technically fulfilled my grandmother's ridiculous request and you can work in a position that better suits your qualifications."