I found myself back at Amelia's office following the tumultuous events of the previous several days. Except that this time, there was a new, unnerving dynamic to the tension that existed between us. Our relationship had evolved into something far more complex and intense than the icy professionalism that had formerly characterized it. With my mind going a million miles an hour, I had no idea what to anticipate when I waited for her to speak.
Seated at her workstation, Amelia was examining some documents with an expressionless expression on her face. Although it was obvious she knew I was there, she purposefully kept me waiting. Despite my chaotic thoughts, I attempted to seem composed by adjusting the cuff of my shirt. I could still clearly remember being afraid and feeling helpless when I discovered her in that vulnerable situation. As though nothing had occurred, here we were, back in the workplace.
She put down the papers at last and glanced at me. I could feel the weight of her discerning, evaluating stare weighing heavily on me. I guess you've been wondering why I asked you to come here today, Lucas," she said in her calm and collected voice.
Not knowing how to reply, I nodded. To be honest, I had no idea what she was interested in talking about, but I sensed it wouldn't be something easy or clear-cut. Time was not squandered by Amelia Marco on unimportant things.
Peering at me through those sharp blue eyes, she reclined back in her chair. Choosing her words carefully, she replied, "I've been thinking a lot about our..r.r.r situation." What transpired at my flat and in my office, respectively.
My heart raced a little faster. Her broaching the subject so openly surprised me. She intervened by holding up a hand as I opened my mouth to say something, maybe another apology.
She said in a forceful voice, "Let me finish." "I'm not interested in dwelling on what happened, but it was unfortunate." It's quite another matter that I wish to talk about. If you are open to it, something that might be advantageous to us both.
Scrambling to see where this was headed, I scowled. What do you mean? Notwithstanding my self-control, I inquired.
Getting up, she went to the window and peered out at the skyline of the city. She paused, as though thinking about something significant. With a resolute gaze, she faced me once again.
She said in a calm, determined voice, "Please, I want you to be my fiancé."
I thought I had misheard her, and I blinked. Be your what...?
She looked straight ahead and said, "My fiancé." Of course, but just in name. The arrangement would be merely symbolic and transitory.
Feeling unbalanced, I just stared at her. I never would have predicted this. How come? Shaking my head at all of this, I asked. "Why do you think I should act like we're engaged?"
With a sigh, she seemed to be tired of the explanation. Selecting her words carefully, she replied, "There are certain... expectations that come with my position." I face frequent criticism in my role as CEO of a large firm. Everyone is watching me, waiting for any hint of weakness, including the media, board members, and investors.
Though I wasn't sure if I liked it, I could see where this was headed. Is it also thought of as a weakness to be single? Unbelievably, I asked.
She answered in a hurried tone, "In their eyes, yes." Both in my personal and professional lives, they anticipate steadiness. Their confidence would come from a serious relationship, particularly an engagement. That would give the impression that I'm more dependable and settled.
As I continued to struggle to understand the concept, I shook my head. But why me? Asking, I did. Why doesn't someone else do this? Who better suited for this kind of work than me...?
With a gleeful grin, she seemed slightly amused. For that reason, Lucas, you're the ideal person. Being spotted together wouldn't raise any red flags because you already work here. Furthermore, given everything that has transpired, I am confident that I can rely on you to keep this confidential.
Have faith. We both felt the weight of the word hanging between us. I had her trust despite everything. I didn't anticipate how hard that reality would hit me.
Trying to absorb what she had said, I took a big breath. After this "engagement" is over, what happens? Skeptical as ever, I asked. How do we fare after that?
As if the solution were clear-cut, she shrugged. "Our lives resume as usual. Just as long as it is necessary, the engagement will last. We may call it a day and part ways amicably if the issue is settled.
Split apart. Though I wasn't sure why, the words hurt. After all, this whole thing was only a business deal. No significance was intended for it. The idea of returning to the previous state of affairs, however, felt... off.
I glanced at her, looking for any clue that this wasn't just a well-planned action in her eyes. Still, all I could see was the steely resolution, a determination that informed me she was already decided. Even though it might just be momentary, she was allowing me to contribute to what she intended.
But even so, I wavered. "How would you feel if someone knew?" Asking, I did. What would happen if they found out it was all a show?
She stated boldly, "They won't." "We shall exercise caution. Moreover, individuals perceive what they are drawn to. People won't question it as long as we do our roles convincingly.
Although I felt there was more at stake than she was letting on, her statements made sense. And your family, what about them? Recognizing that this was a touchy matter, I inquired. Are they not going to be wary?
Upon hearing about her family, her expression stiffened significantly, but she covered it quickly. Her response was blunt: "My family is not a concern." They will not be involved.
Perceiving that she was not inclined to talk about this subject, I gave a nod. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of familial dynamics had brought her to this particular situation. I realized better than to press her on it, though, since that wasn't the right place for me to inquire.
Rather, I gave my attention to the details. "What am I supposed to do for you?" Resigning myself to the fact that I was seriously thinking about agreeing to this or not, I inquired.
Her expression softened, as though she was relieved that I would comply. She answered, "For the time being, just act the part." We'll probably run into each other at a couple of meals and functions. A reasonable amount of intimacy, nothing too personal. The rest is on me.
In an attempt to accept what I was consenting to, I nodded gradually. I felt like I was in a bad horror movie since everything was so bizarre. However, the peculiar rush that accompanied it was something I couldn't ignore. It was very enticing to think of myself as Amelia's lifelong friend, even in this small way. I had been struggling with complex emotions since that fateful day in her office, and perhaps, just maybe, it would help me sort them out.
In the end, I met her gaze and responded, "Okay." "I will think about it and give you a reply very soon"
Her countenance briefly softened, and I perceived a brief flash of something in her eyes, possibly relief or appreciation. But it was over as soon as it surfaced, giving way to her typical calm professionalism.
"Well done," she nodded. At the following board meeting, we will reveal the news. We shall maintain secrecy till then.
Feeling as though I was in a daze, I nodded. She interrupted me as I was about to walk away with another word.
Her voice carried a note of sincerity that surprised me as she murmured gently, "Thank you, Lucas."
There was a glimmer of vulnerability in her eyes when I looked back at her. She quickly vanished, but it served as a poignant reminder that beneath all her professionalism and control, she was simply a regular person, just like me.
I answered, giving her a tiny, comforting grin, "Anytime." When I left her office, I couldn't help but worry about what I was about to get myself into and how it might affect our lives in unexpected ways.