Chapter5:An unconventional proposal
1022 Words
Ava spent most of the night staring at the ceiling.
The moment dawn broke, she was already sitting at the small desk in her room, her laptop open and a notebook beside it. One by one, she updated her résumé, carefully correcting old dates and adding the skills she had gained during university.
She scrolled through dozens of job listings, applying to every entry-level position she could find.
She wasn’t in a position to be picky.
No matter what happened, she refused to spend another day depending on someone else’s generosity.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
She looked up.
“Come in.”
The door opened, revealing a tall man dressed in a dark suit.
“Miss Hayes.”
His voice was polite but formal.
“I’m Victor Kane, Mr. Vale’s chauffeur.”
Ava offered a small nod.
“Mr. Vale would like to see you in his study.”
Her fingers froze above the keyboard.
Had he finally decided to bring up the gala?
She quickly shut her laptop and followed Victor through the mansion.
The corridors seemed even longer than she remembered. Paintings lined the walls, and every member of staff they passed greeted Victor.
No one questioned him.
No one delayed him.
Victor eventually stopped outside a pair of large wooden doors.
“He’ll see you now.”
Ava took a slow breath before pushing the door open.
The study was silent.
Cassian sat behind the desk, several files spread neatly before him. The words Vale Holdings appeared across almost every document. Merger agreements, financial statements, board reports, and investment summaries were stacked with military precision.
He didn’t immediately acknowledge her arrival.
Instead, he calmly signed the final page before placing his pen aside.
Only then did he look up.
Evelyn’s eyes found Ava the moment she entered
Ava quietly took the empty seat beside her mother.
Cassian folded his hands on the desk.
“I apologise for calling you here so soon.”
“It’s alright,” Ava replied.
“As you already know, I am the CEO of Vale Holdings.”
Ava glanced at the files scattered across the desk.
It was impossible not to notice the sheer volume of paperwork.
“My company is currently negotiating the largest merger in its history.”
“The agreement has taken years to arrange. If successful, it will significantly expand the company’s global operations.”
“Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be worse.”
She leaned forward, her eyes fixed on him.
“Over the past few weeks, rumours surrounding the company have unsettled several investors. Certain members of the board have begun questioning my leadership, while one of our competitors has shown an unusual interest in disrupting the merger.”
Although he kept the explanation brief, Ava understood exactly what he meant.
Corporate uncertainty.
Loss of investor confidence.
Hostile interference.
Any one of them could destroy a deal worth billions.
Cassian leaned back slightly.
“The family behind the merger values stability.”
The corner of Ava’s lips stirred downwards.
“They prefer to do business with someone whose personal life reflects long-term commitment.”
Realisation slowly dawned.
His problem wasn’t financial.
It was personal.
Cassian’s gaze settled on her.
“I’ve reached the conclusion that both of us are facing problems that require an unconventional solution.”
Ava exchanged a quick glance with her mother.
Evelyn remained unusually quiet, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
She seemed just as confused.
“What kind of solution?” Ava asked.
Cassian held her gaze.
“I believe we can help each other.”
The room fell silent once more.
He continued before either woman could respond.
“Your father requires ongoing medical treatment.”
“Your family is burdened by debts that continue to grow. Without immediate financial support, you risk losing both your home and any chance of continuing his treatment.”
Then he added,
“My situation is different, but no less urgent.”
He stood and walked towards the window overlooking the estate.
“For this merger to proceed without further complications, I need a wife.”
Ava blinked.
Surely she had misheard him.
Cassian turned to face her.
“A legal marriage would reassure the board, strengthen investor confidence, and remove the doubts currently surrounding my public image.”
His expression remained unreadable, his tone as steady as it had been since the meeting began.
“When the merger has been secured, we may end the marriage if we both choose.”
Ava simply stared at him.
Beside her, Evelyn’s lips parted slightly, but no words came.
She looked from Cassian to Ava, too stunned to interrupt.
Cassian returned to his desk.
He opened a leather folder and withdrew a neatly prepared document.
He slid it across the polished surface until it came to rest directly in front of Ava.
Her eyes dropped to the bold heading.
MARRIAGE AGREEMENT
Her pulse quickened.
She slowly turned the first page.
Every clause had already been drafted.
Every signature line was waiting.
Including hers.
The room suddenly felt much smaller.
Ava looked up, searching Cassian’s face for the slightest indication that this was some elaborate joke.
She found none.
His expression remained calm
“Our marriage would protect Vale Holdings from further instability,” he said evenly. “In return, I will settle your family’s debts, ensure your father receives the best medical care available, and provide your family with the security you desperately need.”
Ava’s fingers tightened around the edge of the document.
This couldn’t be happening.
One day ago, she had been trying to move on from a failed relationship.
Now she was sitting across from the same mysterious man she had met at a gala, holding a marriage contract with her name already printed on it.
Cassian met her gaze without hesitation.
“I want you to marry me, Ava.”
The contract slipped from her trembling fingers and landed on the desk with a soft thud.
She could only stare at him, wondering whether she had just heard the most impossible proposal... or the beginning of a life she never saw coming.
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