Claire sat in Ethan Blackwood's office. She tapped her fingers on the shiny coffee table. His words hung around them. This wasn't just about starting her business. There was more to it. Claire wasn't sure if she was ready for it.
Ethan leaned back and looked at her. The silence stretched out. Claire felt her nerves kick in. This wasn't just a chat about marketing or business tips. It felt different.
"I've been thinking about how to help you, Claire," Ethan said calmly. "You're stuck. Your family's debt is weighing you down. You're trying to keep it all together."
Claire's heart raced. "I don't understand, Ethan," she said quietly, struggling to find her voice. "I'm doing my best to figure things out."
Ethan leaned forward. "What if I told you I could fix your financial problems? What if you could chase your business dream without worrying about debt?"
Claire's heart raced faster. "What do you mean?"
Ethan took a breath. "I can settle your family's debts. All of them. But I want something in return."
Claire felt a twist in her stomach. "What do you want from me?" She was confused. This felt like more than just a business deal. It felt personal.
"I want you to marry me," he said, looking straight into her eyes. "Not for love. For a legal agreement. I clear your debts, and we enter a marriage contract. I'll help you build your business, and you'll help me with some obligations."
Claire's mind went blank. "A marriage contract?" she echoed, disbelief in her voice. "Are you serious?"
Ethan nodded. "Yes. It's a legal arrangement. You can keep your job, grow your event planning business, and get the help you need. In return, you'll assist me with some business tasks. Think of it as a partnership."
Claire felt breathless. The idea of a marriage contract was strange. Could she trust him? Was it a good idea?
She never thought her life would take this turn. Marriage had always been tied to love and respect in her mind. But this felt like a business deal.
"I don't know..." Claire said, trying to understand his offer. "Why me? Why this?"
"Because I see you have potential," Ethan replied. "You're passionate and driven. You need someone who understands the business side of things. This could work for both of us."
Claire swallowed hard, feeling torn. The idea of escaping her family's debt was tempting. The chance to start her business felt close. But was this the right way? Could she marry a man she barely knew just for a fresh start?
"I—I don't know, Ethan," Claire said quietly. "This is so much to think about. My family's debt and my dream mean everything to me. But can I really—" She stopped, feeling the weight of her decision.
Ethan's expression softened. "Take your time," he said gently. "I know this is a lot. But think about it. You can keep struggling, or you can grab this chance to change your life."
Claire looked down, trembling. She had fought so hard for her family's future. But what if Ethan's offer was the way out?
"You'll have time to think," Ethan added. "But remember, the longer you wait, the tougher it will be to reach your goals."
Claire stood up, her thoughts racing. She didn't know what to do. For the first time, she had a real choice.
Ethan's voice followed her as she turned to leave. "Remember, these chances don't come around often."
She paused at the door, hand on the knob. Could she say yes? Could she take this deal with Ethan and still hold on to her dreams?
With a heavy heart, she closed the door behind her. She stepped back into the familiar world of uncertainty. The proposal lingered in her mind, and Claire needed to decide if it was the right path for her.
The weight of her family's future pressed on her again. The decision loomed ahead.