Chapter 2 The Proposal

Racheal stood frozen, her mind reeling from Francis Blackwood's sudden and bold declaration. She hadn't shaken his hand, hadn't even touched him, yet his words had hit her like a thunderclap. She had heard of Francis-everyone had. A ruthless businessman, the heir to one of the wealthiest families in the country. His name alone commanded attention, and now he was here, standing in front of her, claiming she would be his wife.

Her thoughts scrambled, trying to make sense of the absurdity of the situation. "I'm sorry, Mr. Blackwood, but I think you're mistaken. I don't know what you're talking about."

His lips curled into a faint smile, as if he found her confusion amusing. "I don't make mistakes, Racheal. I never have." His voice was smooth, confident-too confident. "You're the one I've been looking for."

Racheal took a step back, almost instinctively, her mind whirling. Was this some kind of joke? Or perhaps a misunderstanding? "I'm not sure who you think I am, but I'm just a librarian. I have no idea why you would need me for anything."

Francis's gaze didn't falter. His eyes were like steel, unwavering and intense. "I need you to marry me, Racheal. It's not up for debate. You'll do this, or there will be consequences."

Her heart skipped a beat. There was something in his tone, something that made her shiver despite herself. The words sounded like a command, not a request.

"Consequences?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you mean?"

He stepped closer, closing the distance between them, his presence dominating the space. "I'm in a position where my family's legacy is at stake. You're the solution to a problem I can't solve on my own. Our marriage will secure my control over the company and the future of the Blackwood empire."

Racheal's head spun. "Wait, you want to marry me for business reasons?"

"Precisely," he said, his expression unreadable. "It's a marriage of convenience. You will gain the wealth, security, and status you've never had, and I will gain the backing I need. It's mutually beneficial. There's no room for emotion in this, only practicality."

Her breath hitched. "But... I don't even know you."

"I'm not asking you to fall in love with me, Racheal." His voice softened, just slightly, as he continued. "I'm asking for your compliance. We'll both play our roles. You'll marry me, and I'll make sure you want for nothing. Your life will change in ways you can't imagine, and in return, I'll get the one thing I need to secure my future."

Racheal's mind raced. This couldn't be real. How could he expect her to just agree to something like this? She was just an ordinary woman-she had no interest in being a pawn in his game.

But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something else. Beneath the hard, businesslike demeanor, there was a hint of something deeper-something that pulled at her curiosity, even though she didn't understand it.

And yet, she couldn't ignore the unease bubbling inside her.

"Why me?" she asked, her voice trembling despite her efforts to remain calm. "Why would you choose me?"

"Because," he replied, his gaze narrowing ever so slightly, "you're the only one who can give me exactly what I need. The Blackwood name is at risk, and your family's legacy, though small, is a perfect match for mine. Your reputation as a woman of grace and decency will help salvage mine."

Racheal shook her head. "I don't know anything about the business world. I don't know anything about being married to you."

"I'll teach you," he said, his voice firm. "You'll learn everything you need to know, Racheal. All I need is your agreement."

The weight of his words hung heavily between them, and for the first time in her life, Racheal found herself considering the impossible. Could she really marry a man she didn't know for the sake of a business arrangement?

She didn't know what to do. Every fiber of her being told her this was wrong, but there was something about him-about the way he spoke, the way he held himself-that made it hard to say no.

"You have until tomorrow to decide," Francis added, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "After that, I'll make arrangements for a public announcement."

Racheal opened her mouth to protest but found no words. Francis turned and walked away, his steps echoing in the silence of the library, leaving her alone to grapple with the reality of what had just been offered.