The Proposal's secret

Chapter 2: A Deal with the Devil

There were numerous meetings, careful planning, and legal formalities in the days that followed. Aria got one step closer to giving Damien control over the future of her business with each document she filled out. She had agreed to the marriage, which was a one-year public contract, in the hope of getting the time she needed to stabilize Ashford Transportation Group and figure out how to escape Damien's influence. Despite her smooth exterior, she screamed in protest with every fiber of her being. The feeling of being locked up persisted. When she signed the contract on the first day in the sterile, high-rise office with Damien's icy gaze fixed on her, she was aware of the danger involved. With just one error, everything her father had created could be lost forever. However, as she paced through her father's late-night office, she began to wonder if there was truly another option. Their first official action as a "partnership" was a press conference. They would announce their engagement to the general public; Aria assumed that this was a calculated move to close the business deal while maintaining an air of sincerity. In the weeks leading up to it, she had the impression that she was balancing a chasm of uncertainty on a tightrope. She could already hear the media speculating about the criticism she would face. A woman getting married to a man she hardly knew, someone who could ruin her friendship with a simple wrist flick.

Nevertheless, she was forced to move forward by the weight of responsibility. The game was a must for her. She required victory. Finally, the day of the press conference arrived. With a flurry of contradictory feelings racing through her head, Aria stood in front of the mirror in her hotel suite, fiddling with the collar of her dress. She was a logical woman who had always taken pride in choosing to act on reason rather than hunches. Her heart, however, pounded in her chest with each beat, feeling like a strange alien object.

"Are you all set?" Mei her assistant's voice broke the tension in the room. Mei's eyes met her in the mirror. "I have no other option."

Mei smiled, her eyes showing some worry. "You can do it. Keep in mind that this is all for Ashford Transportation.

Although Aria nodded, the words hardly made an impression. The number of times she had told herself the same mantra had slipped her mind. Ashford Transportation is the beneficiary. for the legacy of my father.

A loud knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. The moment had arrived. The press room was sleek and modern, with its tall glass windows that looked out over the city below. The room was buzzing with excitement as reporters vied for the best spot. Aria noticed Damien standing in the middle of the elevated platform with two microphones in front of him. He had already put on his fitted suit and appeared perfectly composed. Like a predator ready to strike, he dominated the space. A mixture of anger and trepidation made Aria's stomach turn. She was only a pawn in the vast scheme of things that he had planned. However, as she stepped onto the platform, she ignored those feelings. She couldn't afford to expose her vulnerability to him. As soon as the reporters saw her, there was a general mutter among them. She could hear the inquiries beginning.

Is there an engagement between you two? Is this a component of the company merger?

"Will the management of your company be changing?"

"Why now? What is the sudden announcement? She had a straight posture as she stood next to Damien and was wearing a professional mask on her face. As he gently put his hand on hers, Damien's coolness remained unflinching, and it felt like an icy chain binding them together. The cameras clicked quickly, one after the other.

Damien in a deep voice that cut through the noise, "Thank you for coming today, ladies and gentlemen." As you are aware, Ashford Transportation Group has been experiencing difficulties recently. My family and I have decided to assist Miss Aria Ashford after giving it some thought. We are joining forces to create a partnership that will help both of our businesses and guarantee Ashford Transportation's continued success.

Aria could feel the cameras of the press focusing on her, anticipating her response. She spoke steadily, despite her racing heart." I am honored to be working with Mr. Whitmore," she said with skill but genuineness. "This collaboration will provide Ashford Transportation with the assistance it requires to develop and carry on providing services to our customers."

"And the engagement?" Sensing an opportunity to stir things up, one reporter pressed.

Damien's gaze was fixed on the reporter with a predatory gleam, and his hand had clung to hers when she looked at him. Smoothly, he stated, "The engagement is a formality, but it is an important part of our agreement." A personal dedication to securing our two businesses' futures. Aria felt sick to her stomach. The engagement was merely an arrangement for business. She served as a tool, a calculated move in a brutal game. Damien's speech, on the other hand, gave the impression that he believed the lie to be true. as if he believed that this deception would be accepted by everyone. Aria hardly heard the additional questions that were asked during the press conference. She was only able to concentrate on Damien's icy stare and his unwavering hold on her hand.

Aria exhaled in relief as the conference came to an end. She was aware that this was just the beginning, but she had overcome the first public obstacle. The true test was still to come. She would be watched, looked at, and analyzed for every action she took during this forced interaction. She had to be perfect. No matter the cost, she had to fulfill her role.

They were alone that night in a private lounge of the building. Damien poured them each a glass of wine without saying a word, and the silence lingered like a thick mist. Aria sat down at the bar after carefully removing her heels. Her feet were hurting after hours of standing. She turned to face Damien, but she was never acknowledged for her discomfort." So," she interrupted the quiet. "Do you do business in this way? Take over businesses, control people, and then conceal yourself behind a façade of civility?

Damien did not tremble at her words. After taking a slow sip of his wine, he responded, "Aria, I don't manipulate people. I bargain. You're not the first woman I've had to collaborate with on a project for work.

She looked up. Do you also like it? Are people serving as pawns in your game? As he set down his glass, it was impossible to read his expression. "You are not a victim. As I promised, you are a partner. Aria shook her head and scoffed. "Company? Do you believe this to be a partnership?

A faint smile formed on Damien's lips. "I believe it's a chance. for us both. On paper, I get a wife, and you get the time you need to save your business. Win-win, don't you think?

Her eyes were keen, piercing him. And Damien, what are your potential rewards from this? Strength? Command?”

His eyes met hers with such intensity that it made her heart skip a beat as he leaned forward a little. "I get what I desire. And I want to know how far you are prepared to go right now to save Ashford Transportation. Aria was tense. She could already sense their growing tension, although the game had only just begun. She couldn't decide whether she was more terrified of him or of herself. Nevertheless, there was no doubt that the union and agreement would alter everything. The following morning, Aria appeared before the board of directors. The air was full of tension. She sensed their uncertainty, their fear.

One of the board members said, "Miss Aria, we recognize that change is necessary, but what happens now? Is this merger going to reduce our uniqueness? Aria inhaled deeply. "Whitmore International and I have an agreement. We will continue to serve our clients while modernizing and growing our business. However, Ashford Transportation is still a separate company. We won't be swallowed up.

She was asked more questions, but she stayed cool and collected. She had to do it. because of her father's legacy. Old Liu went up to her after the meeting. He remarked, "You did well today." However, Damien should be avoided at all costs. You shouldn't put your trust in him.

Aria nodded. "I comprehend. Nevertheless, this is our only option. As she moved down the hallway, her phone buzzed with the message "We must meet this evening." I have plans for you. She gripped the phone more tightly. The game had just begun.