Chapter 2: The Proposition
1069 Words
Ava's dad was radiant. "It may be time to finally upgrade those broilers! And maybe even recruit another pair of hands."The anxiety that twisted in Ava's gut contrasted sharply with their delight.She stumbled, "But... there is a condition," her voice barely audible.The smiles vanished from her parents' features, replaced with a focused curiosity."A condition?" Her father's brow creased as he resounded. "What kind of condition?"Ava inhaled deeply, bracing herself for their reaction. "He needs me to wed him."The words lingered in the conversation, stifling and overpowering. The grandfather clock's ticking, as it were, shattered the uneasy silence that pervaded the room.Her mother's face became sallow. "Married him? You hardly know the guy, Ava.Ava said, "It is a marriage of comfort," in a calm voice. "A trade course of action."Her father's face reddened with anger as his words echoed across the room. "Not at all! To save our pastry business, we will not sell you to a few rich strangers."Ava's heart sank as she winced at his disturbance. It is not like that, Father. He is giving us assistance and an opportunity to save what we have fought so hard for."Her father ordered, "There are other ways," his tone becoming softer. "We will discover another arrangement, indeed in case it implies beginning over."Although Ava valued his reassurance, she was aware of their current situation. They had no other options.She protested, "Father, if you do not mind," her voice cracking. "This is often our so-called trust. Seeing everything fall apart around us is too much for me to handle. Her mother, who had been silent until now, said in a cool, collected voice. "Marriage might be an unbreakable vow, Ava, my love. It is not something that should be done lightly, especially when it comes to financial gain.With tears in her eyes, Ava motioned. "Mother, I understand. But what are our options? We are losing everything.Her guardians exchanged another glance, their expressions marked with worry and a deep, unspoken comprehension.Her mother gently whispered, "Ava," and took her hand. "We can appreciate your urgency, but you should make this decision. We will not force you to do anything you do not want to do."Appreciative of their support, Ava squeezed her mother's hand. However, she felt the weight of their comments pressing down on her. Her decision would determine the fate of the pastry store and their legacy. Her flexibility was the price."I need time to reflect," she said, her voice heaving with the weight of duty.Stress etched on their features, her guardians motioned. Ava felt the boundaries closing in as she withdrew to her room, the scent of flowers still clinging to her clothes. The inexplicable decision hovered over her like a dark cloud, threatening to drain her.That night, Ava avoided rest. The cloying sweetness of the flowers on her nightstand tormented her, a constant reminder of the absurd decision she had to make. She tossed and swung, her mind a tempest of conflicting ideas.Images of Richard Westlake flickered across her mind, evoked by snippets of news stories and gossip magazines. He was a guy of extreme opposites: a ruthless businessman with a kind heart, a recluse who organised lavish parties, a man renowned for his cold demeanour and said to have a soft spot for stray animals. Even though Ava was close to him, the idea of being married to him made her shiver.She had visions of lavish living, a world of designer clothes, fine dining, and expansive chateaus. A world where money was unquestionable, where worries vanished into the background, and where caviar fantasies and champagne desires took their place. It was an alluring possibility, a seductive diversion from the grim reality of their financial struggles. However, at what cost?Ava had always valued her independence, her freedom to make her own decisions, and her ability to pursue her goals. She felt a choking sensation of horror at the idea of being chained to a stranger and becoming a plated cage fowl.She observed her guardians, their weary features, the wrinkles left by years of strain and hard labour. Their foundation and legacy was the pastry kitchen. Does she just watch things fall apart, knowing she had an opportunity to rescue it?Ava made her decision when the sky was decorated with the main rays of first light. She was unable to sacrifice her family's happiness for her own. She would see Richard Westlake, get his advice, and make her own decision.Ava hurried to the location Mr. Wellington had provided, dressed in her finest gown, a simple but elegant design that her mother had altered. It was a sleek, modern structure in the centre of Beverly Slopes, a sharp contrast to the familiar, comfortable neighbourhood where she lived.She was greeted with a cool smile by the assistant, a clean woman with a well styled hairstyle. "Miss Montgomery? Mr. Westlake is looking forward to seeing you.Ava was shown around a spacious office overlooking the city, with sunshine streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows. With his back to her and his silhouette drawn against the skyline, Richard Westlake stood at the window.Ava's breath froze in her throat as he turned as she stepped inside. In fact, he seemed more impressive in person than in the pictures. He exuded strength and assurance, tall and inclined, with piercing blue eyes and crisp highlights.He greeted her, "Miss Montgomery," in a deep, booming voice. "Thank you for coming." Ava motioned, her anxiety growing. "Mr. Westlake."He gestured towards a plush sofa. "If you do not mind, have a situate."Richard Westlake positioned himself opposite Ava as she sat down on the sofa, his expression solemn and devoted.He said, "I will be straight to the point, Miss Montgomery," without any merriments in his voice. "I do not have time for distractions since I am a busy guy. I am looking for a husband, and I acknowledge that you may be the right one."Ava felt her heart pounding in her chest. There was something menacing and oddly rejuvenating about his unwavering quality.He said, "I am mindful of your family's money related circumstance," as he fixed her with his gaze. "I am willing to offer you an arrangement, a way out of your bind."Ava's hands tightened into fists. She hated the way he said it, like she was a charity case, a maid in distress."I am not looking for a gift, Mr. Westlake," she said firmly. "I am willing to work for what I need."
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