Last night felt like an eternity, the longest in my personal history. I stood before the mirror, and damn, I couldn't believe how stunning I looked. It was as if I had transformed into a different person altogether. The burgundy hue of my hair perfectly highlighted my mesmerizing blue eyes. Rocking that office gown ,I felt like one of those badass CEOs from the movies with every curve accentuated. I couldn't help but notice that I had gained a bit of weight since I first acquired this dress from a thrift shop. It had caught my eye with its undeniable cuteness and affordable price but somehow, it slipped my mind after I bought it.
I quickly stole one final glance at myself in the mirror making sure I looked on point, before snatching my bag and dashing out of my room. Being late on my first day of work was not an option I was willing to entertain.
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[LYON ENTERPRISE ]
As I stood at the entrance of the office on the top floor, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and discomfort. I had arrived before eight, following the directions given by the receptionist. Little did I know that I would be waiting for a whopping forty-five minutes! My poor legs were aching from the unfamiliar heels I had chosen to wear today.
Just when I thought I couldn't bear the wait any longer, the door swung open, revealing a lady with a rather unpleasant expression on her face. I couldn't help but wonder how someone could look so dreadful on a morning like this. With her brows slightly lifted, she asked, "Miss Emila?" I extended my hand for a friendly handshake but to my surprise, she completely ignored it, giving me a quick look from head to toe, assessing my appearance.
Without wasting any time, she motioned for me to follow her, stating that the boss was waiting. With a nod, I obediently followed the lady into the office because I was determined to set aside any negative thoughts and concentrate on the task at hand. After all, I had encountered far more challenging situations back in school. This was nothing compared to that.
As I lifted my gaze from the floor, my eyes locked onto a figure that instantly captivated my attention. Benjamin. There was something undeniably mesmerizing about him, something that had caught my eye from the very first moment.
I was in complete shock, unable to find the words to express myself. I stood there completely entranced by Benjamin's gaze. There was an air of calmness about him and his expression held a mysterious quality that made it impossible to decipher his thoughts.
Just as I was lost in his eyes, the lady from earlier abruptly interrupted snapping me out of my trance. "Staring at your boss?" she remarked, her tone cutting through the silence.
"Uhmm... I..." I stammered, my voice trembling with nerves.
But before I could finish my sentence, Benjamin spoke up, dismissing the lady named Stephanie. I watched as she left the office, her departure accompanied by a glare that reminded me of the angry stares I used to receive in the locker room.
The office fell into a hushed silence as I stood there unable to meet his gaze. He was my boss for crying out loud! Everything felt so overwhelming and I couldn't make sense of my emotions. Though I could feel his eyes on me, I couldn't find the courage to look back at him.
"You should sit," he said, his tone calm yet firm. I had no choice but to obey. There was something about his voice that commanded respect, as if I had to heed his every word.
I took a seat in front of his desk, the silence hanging heavily in the air. It was one of the most awkward moments of my life. Suddenly, I realized that I hadn't properly thanked him for saving me twice yesterday. I couldn't be that rude.
"Thank you for yesterday. I didn't really have a chance to say it," I managed to say, finally lifting my eyes to meet his. A small smile graced his face before he stood up from his seat.
"You wanna thank me?" he asked, his voice laced with intrigue.
"I mean, I just did, but I'm sorry I didn't do it yesterday," I replied, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity.
But instead of acknowledging my gratitude further, he surprised me with an unexpected proposition. He reached for a file on his desk and placed it in front of me with his eyes fixed on mine. The air crackled with anticipation as I wondered what this offer could possibly be. What was this all about?, it was asif he had expected me to be here. Or did he really get me here?.
As I flipped through the pages, my eyes scanned every word, absorbing the shocking contents of the document in front of me. It was a marriage proposal laid out in black and white. My heart raced as I turned to the next page, revealing the shares I would receive in the company if I were to accept this unexpected offer.
But it didn't stop there. The following pages delved into the intricate details of my life, chronicling my journey over the years, including the mention of my ex. I couldn't help but raise my head from the papers, my gaze meeting his unfazed expression. It was as if he had anticipated my reaction, leaving me with a mix of confusion and curiosity.
Returning my attention to the paperwork, I continued to read every word, my mind racing with questions and emotions. Yet, amidst the sea of information, one sentence caught my eye, piercing through the chaos: "Let's show your ex what he has missed."
"What? This whole thing is absurd," I blurted out, my frustration evident as I crossed my arms over my chest.
"You just read it, but let me break it down for you," he began, his voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and resignation. "Yesterday, my father saw you, and now he expects me to marry you. My parents have always had this idea of me getting married, which I totally disagree with..."
"Why?" I interjected, cutting him off mid-explanation. The confusion and disbelief were etched on my face as I sought to understand his reasoning.
He paused, his gaze fixed on me as if contemplating his next words. I could sense a mix of frustration in his expression. His sigh hinted at a deeper struggle, perhaps a desire to be understood.
"I don't do relationships because... well, I don't feel anything for women," he confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I want to get married, not for love, but to officially take over the company and finally get my parents off my back. It's a means to an end you know? And maybe after a year or two, we can have a divorce."
His words hung in the air, the weight of his truth settling between us. It was a surprising revelation, one that shattered any preconceived notions I had about him. In that moment, I saw a glimpse of the person beneath the façade, someone burdened by expectations and searching for a way to break free.
"What's in it for me?" I blurted out, unable to contain my curiosity. The words slipped past my lips before I could fully process them. Was I really considering entering into this charade with him?
He let out a weary sigh, his brow furrowing slightly as if the weight of the conversation was taking its toll. "Well," he began, "you'd have a share in my company. As my wife, you'd have access to anything you desire. And, let's not forget about that silly ex of yours. He should definitely pay for what he did to you."
As I glanced at him, my mind raced with a mix of suspicion. How did he know so much about my life , especially the details of my past with Luke? It was clear that with his immense wealth he must have had people dig into my history. It was a sobering realization but at the same time, it presented an opportunity I couldn't ignore.
The thought of seeking revenge on Luke, the one who had caused me so much pain sent a thrill of excitement through me. And the prospect of having my own shares in a multi-billion dollar company? Well, that was beyond exhilarating. I found myself nervously biting my lower lip, a telltale sign of my inner turmoil.
I pondered everything I had been through, weighing the risks and rewards of this proposition. Could I truly go down this path knowing it might compromise my own values and emotions? Unfortunately, the allure of justice and financial stability was hard to resist.
His gaze bore into mine, anticipation palpable in the air. The weight of his question hung between us, waiting for my response. "So?" he urged, his voice filled with expectation.
I took a deep breath gathering my thoughts before I answered. This decision would shape my future, for better or worse. With a steady voice, I finally replied, "I'm in. Let's do this."