The Proposal's secret

Chapter 3: Shadows Beneath The Surface

Aria sat by herself in the corner booth of a peaceful café tucked away in a side street of Sunstone Way, the morning after the board meeting. Unopened since delivery, her coffee had gone cold. As she gazed out the window, she saw the cityscape turn to grays and silvers due to the drizzle. Once more, her phone buzzed. Damien had sent her another message.

This evening. 8 p.m. You'll be picked up by my driver.

She locked the screen of her phone and clenched her jaw. It felt like a leash tightening around her neck with each message he sent. But she couldn't afford to be disobedient. Not just yet. I heard a familiar voice ask, "Are you still despairing?"

When Aria turned around, she saw Mei thumping her bag to the seat across from her.

Mei continued, "You were meant to meet me half an hour ago," raising an eyebrow. Aria mumbled, "I needed some time to think." Mei observed her expression. "I take it you're not sleeping?"

Aria remained silent.

Mei let out a sigh. "Aria, you're doing everything you can. The business is still going strong thanks to you. You made it through the meeting of the board. Keep in mind that when you dealt with Mr. Whitmore, you did not become a puddle. Aria giggled faintly. Is that now the standard? Do not melt in front of a corporate devil? "Look," Mei said, leaning closer now. "I am aware that you don't believe him. I also wouldn't. He doesn't, however, want you to do anything pointless. Something more is happening here. Do you think he would put in all of this effort to make a good first impression? Aria retreated. "I think he wants power. Over me, over Ashford Transportation, over everything.

Mei paused. "Perhaps. However, he might also be watching you. You are being tested, and your potential is being observed. Aria remarked sourly, "Awesome." "An additional test is exactly what I require." As promised, Damien's driver showed up on time at eight that evening. Aria entered the sleek vehicle in a black evening gown embellished with delicate pearls with the poise of a warrior entering combat. They made it to a fancy rooftop restaurant with a view of the Forbidden City. Rather than being in awe of the breathtaking view, Aria was extremely nervous as delicate gold-toned lanterns cast delicate shadows across the curved architecture. Damien had already arrived and was seated behind silk curtains at a private table. He got up to look at her as she got closer. He said, "You show up on time." "I was told I had no choice," she replied. A smirk appeared on his lips. "You pick up things quickly." They took a seat. Wine was poured. Appetizers were served. However, neither reached the food.

"Why all this fuss?" As she inquired, Aria's eyes narrowed. His response was "Symbolism." "The City of the Excluded." Power, dynasty, and legacy. Suitable for two people who want to build an empire together. Aria's eyes grew rocky. Are we acting in that manner? Are you acting foolishly? Damien rested on the chair. It varies. Will you do more than just play the character?

She stopped. What are you trying to imply? He looked her in the eye. "Public perception won't hold up unless there is consistency. Looks. excursions in public. occasional manifestations of love. People must have faith in us.

Aria's stomach became tense. "You want me to behave in public like your loyal fiancée."

Indeed. And in exchange, your business will continue to have our undivided attention.

Arie took a sip of her wine to calm down. "You want me to tell a lie."

"I'm asking you to play your part," he said calmly. "And you may discover that it's not all that different from the truth in the end." She did not respond. She shuddered at the thought of giving the impression of love by allowing him to touch her while smiling for the cameras. Then she considered her staff, though. Regarding Old Liu. She said quietly, "I'll do what's necessary." Damien's eyes flickered, but his expression remained unchanged. Aria and Damien were spotted together at several public gatherings over the following week, including business forums, ribbon cuttings, and charity galas. They played their respective roles each time: she played the elegant future bride and he played the charming fiancé. Pictures appeared in business newspapers, and comment threads and theories flared up on social media.

People believed it to be true. To the outside world, they appeared to be the perfect couple. Reason and emotion, grace and strength. The quiet between them, however, was deafening when they were alone. She was getting used to the performance, which was exhausting for her. Every time he whispered in her ear or touched her waist, she seemed to lose her dignity. She confronted him in the limousine one evening following a long charity auction.

She said in a firm, hushed voice, "I'm not your puppet." She got a funny look from Damien. "No. My partner is you. Keep the two separate. "Then treat me as such."

A pause followed. Fantastic. Attend Whitmore International's upcoming board meeting. Take a seat alongside me. Speak. challenge me if you must.

"Are you serious?" Aria asked. He responded, "I don't make jokes about business." Whitmore International's large boardroom was graced with power suits, chrome, and glass. As Aria entered the room next to Damien, every executive in the room turned. Sharp and commanding, she wore a white suit and had her hair pinned in a sleek twist.

Formal introductions were given. Formalities were followed. The meeting then started.

It was intense. talks about supply chains powered by AI, new logistics technologies, and international expansions. Although Damien led with assurance, he occasionally stopped and looked at Aria, which surprised her.

"What do you think about the integration timeline, Miss Ashford?"

Without hesitation, she answered.

"What would be your top priority if we launched in Singapore? She offered a course of action. Even the most doubtful board members were nodding by the end of the meeting.

Damien looked at her as they got out. "They were impressed by you."

Aria looked ahead. "I didn't help them."

He replied, "No." You succeeded because you are capable. Additionally, you detest being undervalued. She didn't respond. Nevertheless, there appeared to be a shift in their relationship, possibly resulting in uneasy admiration. That evening, Aria sat on the balcony of her hotel and observed the moon. Now, the game was different. She wasn't merely responding anymore. She was participating in the scheme. And for the first time, she understood that she might win if she played tactically.