An offer she could not refuse
699 Words
Amina remained frozen in the boardroom long after the CEO had left.
The secretary cleared her throat.
"Miss Amina?"
"Y-Yes?"
"He does not like to be kept waiting."
Neither do landlords, Amina thought.
Taking a steadying breath, she smoothed the creases from her navy-blue blouse and made her way toward the executive floor.
With each step, her stomach tightened.
Why would the CEO want to see her alone?
Had she damaged an expensive suit beyond repair?
Was he going to demand payment?
Or was he about to ensure she never worked in another company in Kampala?
She reached the large mahogany door.
A silver plaque read:
Daniel Okello
Chief Executive Officer
She knocked softly.
"Come in."
The office was even more imposing than she had imagined. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Kampala's busy skyline. Bookshelves lined one wall, while modern artwork adorned another.
Daniel stood by the window with his jacket removed. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms.
Without the jacket, he somehow appeared even more formidable.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
He turned.
"I did."
She lowered her gaze.
"I'm truly sorry about the coffee."
"I know."
"I did not do it on purpose."
"I know that as well."
"I can pay for the cleaning. It may take me a few months, but—"
"You worry too much."
The response caught her off guard.
Daniel walked behind his desk and sat down.
"Miss Amina, tell me about yourself."
She blinked.
"Sir?"
"Humor me."
She hesitated.
"I graduated with a degree in Business Administration last year. My father passed away before I completed university. Since then, I have been supporting my mother and younger brother."
Daniel listened without interrupting.
"I have applied to dozens of companies," she continued. "Everyone wants experience, but no one wants to hire someone who does not have it."
"So you are desperate."
The word stung.
"I prefer 'determined.'"
For the first time, a small smile appeared on his face.
"Good answer."
He opened a folder on his desk.
"I have already reviewed your application. Your grades are excellent."
"Thank you."
"But I do not intend to hire you."
Her heart sank.
Of course.
She should have expected that.
"I'm sorry for wasting your time."
She turned toward the door.
"Sit down."
She stopped.
"You have not heard my proposition."
Slowly, she returned to the chair.
Daniel folded his hands.
"My grandmother is very ill."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"She has one final wish."
Amina nodded politely.
"She wants to see me married."
Silence filled the room.
"I'm... not sure what that has to do with me."
Daniel looked directly into her eyes.
"I need a wife."
Amina laughed.
Then she realized he was not joking.
Her smile faded.
"You cannot be serious."
"I rarely joke."
Her mouth opened, then closed again.
"You have known me for exactly ten minutes!"
"Twelve."
"That is not better!"
He slid a document across the desk.
"This would be a contractual marriage. One year. You would live with me, attend family events, and convince my grandmother that we are happily married."
Amina stared at the papers without touching them.
"In return..."
He named an amount.
Her eyes widened.
"That is... more money than I have ever seen."
"You would also receive a salary, housing, and full medical insurance for your family."
Her mind raced.
It sounded absurd.
It was absurd.
"What happens after one year?"
"We divorce quietly."
"And if I say no?"
Daniel leaned back.
"Then you walk away."
She studied his face.
No arrogance.
No pressure.
Only a businessman presenting a proposal.
Still...
"Why me?"
He glanced toward the rain beginning to fall outside.
"Because when everyone else was concerned about my suit, you were concerned about losing your job."
His gaze returned to hers.
"That told me everything I needed to know."
Amina looked down at the contract again.
One signature could solve every problem her family faced.
Or create entirely new ones.
Her phone buzzed.
A message from her landlord appeared on the screen.
Final reminder. Rent is due tomorrow.
Amina swallowed hard.
Bad decisions had brought her to this office.
Would one more bad decision change her life forever?
- Writer
