The Fortune Night

CHAPTER 1

A PROPOSAL OF CONVENIENCE

I was sitting in Declan Owen's large office, feeling insignificant in the plush chair across from his enormous desk. I was staring at the man in front of me, not noticing the grandeur of the place.

He was looking over my resume with an intensity that made my heart race. At last, he raised his head and met my intense blue eyes, causing me to gasp for air.

"Miss Ronald, your academic credentials are impressive," he said in a smooth, unwavering voice. top of your university class, many honors, and commendations.

However, I notice a lapse in your work history. Why is this the case?

I forced a deep swallow, trying not to lose my cool. "Mr. Owen, I've been actively looking for a position that fits my qualifications. In a competitive work market, finding a suitable role has proven to be difficult.

He nodded, but his eyes did not show sympathy. "I understand. And your household? Do they rely on you financially?

Indeed, they are. My parents made significant educational investments, so I feel obligated to help them now.

Leaning back in his chair, he interlocked his fingers. "I am aware of how important family responsibilities are.

It's among the factors I'm thinking about giving you this job offer.

A glimmer of optimism appeared in my mind. I'm grateful, Mr. Owen. I can promise you that I will be a committed and diligent worker.

He interrupted me by raising a hand. "Miss Ronald, please read the details of my offer before you thank me. This isn't your average employment proposal.

Confusion gripped my brow. "Explain what you mean."

With a sigh, he seemed to clarify something he had said numerous times in the past. "I need an assistant who is capable of handling more than simply administrative tasks. I need someone to help me with a particular personal duty.

I c****d my head, confused. "Mr. Owen, I'm not sure I understand."

His eyes narrowed, and he leaned in. “Miss Ronald, I need a wife.”

The words lingered in the atmosphere between us, leaving me speechless as I just stared at him. "A spouse?" Unbelievably, I repeated what I had just heard.

Indeed, a spouse. A companion who can assist me in maintaining a particular persona and performing specific household tasks. My parents are pushing me to get married, and I think you meet my requirements.

I blinked, attempting to take in what he had said. "And what precisely are those standards?"

As though he was reading off a checklist, he ticked them off. "Courtesy, intelligence, familial responsibilities, and, above all, the capacity to maintain one's privacy. Both in your personal and intellectual lives, you have exhibited these traits.

I had the impression that the ground was moving beneath me. And what goals do you have for this... arrangement?

He didn't pause at all. "You're supposed to take me out to social events, take care of our house, and act like a helpful partner. You and your family will benefit from financial security in exchange.

The offer was as startling as it was alluring. "And what about private affairs?"

He kept his expression neutral. "We shall have a completely official connection. I'm not looking for or expecting a romantic relationship. Miss Ronald, this is a commercial deal. Not a thing more.

I gave his words a lot of thought. "And how long would this arrangement last if I were to agree?"

"Five years at the very least," he declared firmly. At that moment, we can discreetly dissolve the marriage if either side so chooses.

My thoughts raced, analyzing the benefits and drawbacks. Although the offer appeared unbelievable, the security it offered was certain.

"What happens if I say no?"

He reclined, his gaze never straying from mine. "If you don't agree, you leave this office and go down different paths. I do not doubt that you will find another employment someday, but it might not provide the same level of financial security.

I inhaled deeply, attempting to calm my anxiety. Mr. Owen, why me? Why doesn't someone else do this?

His expression was a mix of cold calculation and apathy. "You possess intelligence, tact, and a deep sense of familial obligation. I respect those qualities.

Additionally, you are currently in a situation where this arrangement could be manually beneficial

I was drawn to his logic even if it was frigid. "And when would this... arrangement begin if I agree?"

"Right away," he said without thinking. "We planned to get married within the month in addition to announcing our engagement within the week."

I fixed my gaze on him, searching for a glimmer of feeling in his unwavering, stony eyes, but I saw none. "Mr. Owen, this is a big decision. I need time to think things out.

He gave a quick nod. Naturally. Spend the evening considering it. I'll be anticipating your response by tomorrow.

I felt as though I was dazed as I stood there. "Mr. Owen, thank you for the chance. I'll think it through carefully. His voice halted me as I turned to walk away. "Miss Ronald.”

I turned to face him again. "Yes," "I promise that your family will never go without you if you accept this agreement. I promise you that.

Even though they were comforting, his remarks felt like an agreement. I slowly nodded. I'm grateful, Mr. Owen. I'll give everything a thorough thought.

After that, my head was spinning with the enormity of what had just happened as I left his office.

Declan Owen, a man I hardly knew, made a marriage proposal that had the potential to profoundly alter my life and the destiny of my family.

The night flew by while I considered the advantages and drawbacks of his suggestion. I had already made up my mind by the time I got back to his office the following morning.

Declan looked up from his desk as I entered the room, his expression enigmatic. "Miss Ronald." Have you made up your mind yet?

I inhaled deeply and steadily met his stare. Indeed, Mr. Owen. I agree with your suggestion.

As though he had anticipated no other response, he nodded. Excellent. We need to create plans and talk about a lot of things. Please take a seat.

And with that, my life suddenly went in a direction I never would have imagined, entering into a formal and icy pact as cold as the man who had suggested it.

Before I could respond, the office door swung open, and a woman I didn't recognize strode in. She looked from Declan to me, her eyes narrowing. "Declan, you didn't tell me you'd already found someone," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "How...convenient.”