Chapter 2 The offer

Aria walked into the elevator anxiously. The doors closed, and the elevator surged upward.

When the doors opened again, Aria found herself in a luxurious office suite. A modern desk dominated the room, and behind it sat Sebastian Green.

"Ah, Miss Aria. Thank you for coming"he said and Aria's breath caught,she can't believe she's meeting this man in person.

"Please, sit down" he said, smiling to the seat before him and Aria sat, trying to pull herself together.

"I'll hit the nail on the head, Miss Aria" he said, his voice demanding attention.

"What's the issue,sir?"

"Miss Aria, I've been watching you. Your... situation is well-known to me"

"Situation?"

"Miss Aria, I'm ready to offer you a life exceeding your wildest dreams. Join in matrimony with my son, Maverick, and provide him with an heir. In return, you'll receive a significant monthly stipend and a secure future" Sebastian said.

Aria's eyes widened as he handed her a folder containing the arrangement's terms.

"Consider it a business proposal, dear," he added.

"You'll be well looked after, and our family's bequest will be secured"

"What makes you think I'd concur with this?" Aria asked, trying to sound brave.

"Like I said, I know your situation, dear. You have no family, no connections. I'm offering you a lifeline"

Aria held the folder tightly, her eyes locked on Sebastian's.

"I don't think so," she said.

"Miss Aria, this is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. You'll want for nothing. My son will provide for you, and our family's legacy will ensure your future" he said and Aria imagined a life of luxury, free from financial struggles. But at what cost?

"What about love? We should marry for love right?" she asked and Sebastian glared at her.

"Love is a premium we can't afford. This is business, Miss Aria. A mutually beneficial arrangement"

"Does your son know about this proposal?"

"My son will do his duty. He understands the importance of securing our family's legacy so don't worry about him"

Aria's heart sank. Duty, not love. A business arrangement, not a marriage.

"What's the expectation for the heir?" she asked.

"A male heir, preferably. To secure our family's future"

She was being asked to bear a child, not for love, but for legacy.

"I need time to think" she said and

Sebastian nodded.

"You have 48 hours. After that, the offer expires" Aria nodded, the folder still clutched in her hand.

She left Sebastian's office, thinking about the offer since she only has 48 hours.

She suddenly felt the urge to use the lavatory. Viewing around, she noticed a hallway to her left and decided to find the lavatory.

Swerving a corner, her eyes read every sign on the doors.

Out of the blue, she paused outside an office door, wearing a gloomy face. Muffled moans roamed through the door, followed by a subtle laugh. Aria's eyebrows shot up, her face warming. What exactly was going on in there?

Uncomfortable, she instantly moved away from the door and continued her search for the lavatory. Finally, she noticed a sign reading "Ladies' Room" and moved towards it.

Once done, she freshened up and pulled herself together before exiting the lavatory.

As she walked out, she spotted a lady coming out from the same office where she'd heard the muffled moans. The lady smoothed her dress, blushing so hard, and quickly walked away without noticing Aria.

She watched the woman disappear around the corner. Her eyes moved back to the office door, pondering what had happened there.

Just then, a tall, dark muscular figure came out from the same office. Aria caught only a view of his back, clad in an ash tailored suit, before he vanished from view.

Her phone vibrated with an incoming text.

Rent is overdue. If payment isn't received within 24 hours, eviction proceedings will begin

Aria's heart sank,she knew it was from the landlord. Where will she see that amount of money in the next 24 hours?

Without hesitating, she rushed back to Sebastian's office. Inhaling deeply, she pushed open the door, and walked inside.

"Ah, Miss Aria. I wasn't expecting you to make up your mind so quickly,"Sebastian said with a gesture.

"I agree to your offer" Aria said and Sebastian's smile broadened.

"Good choice, my dear"

That was when Aria spotted another person in the office, standing with his back to her. The tailored ash suit seemed familiar.

As Sebastian gestured, the man turned to face her and Aria's heart skipped a beat.

It was him – the broad-shouldered figure from earlier.

"Maverick, this is Miss Aria, the woman who will secure our family's legacy" Maverick's piercing look locked onto hers, his expression unreadable.

Sebastian continued. "That's who you'll be marrying, Miss Aria. My son, Maverick Green"

Aria gasped. She felt like she'd stepped into a trap.