Chapter 1: The Proposal
“Mr. Harrington, we are talking about financial ruin and we could go bankrupt, if we do not come up with a solution fast.” hollered by Dan Montgomery from across the vast boardroom Alexander Harrington could practically feel the tension crackling through the air, and with it came the burden of history that now lay heavy across his broad shoulders.
Alexander sat back in his chair, his clear and vibrant blue eyes moving around the room amongst all of the nervous board members. "Dan, how did this happen? It's a unique form of financial planning that only those on the autism spectrum could really pull off though we've always been good with our money.
Dan lowered his glasses and looked serious. Alex, it's that foreign account. This, in turn, has helped funnel huge amounts of money over the years. It ties into your fathers… between the sheets.
There was a collective gasp of shock and disbelief. Alexander's jaw tightened. "My father's indiscretions? What the f**k are you trying to say, Dan?
Dan sighed heavily. Your father was cheating in Asia. That affair is linked to this account. And there's more. Lillian Hayes is involved. She is saying it's your kid, the one she has.
His fists clenched until his knuckles were white. “Lillian… chaos just follows her as a general rule.”
The door to the boardroom creaked as it opened, and Emily Parker slipped in almost unnoticed - Alexander's secretary. She knew she had to move quickly having overheard fragments of the conversation.
I- Hi, Mr. Harrington," Emily said carefully; her internal drama kept tightly compartmentalized away. "May I have a word?"
Board members out, Alexander nodded. The rest of the room cleared out and she stepped up closer to him, her "green with ambition" eyes locking on his.
I hate to eavesdrop," she started. I think I have just the idea to end our troubles. A contract marriage."
Alexander arched one eyebrow, looking quite surprised yet curious. "A contract marriage? This is not some fairy tale, Emily.”
Emily let out a deep breath. “I know what I’m about to suggest is crazy, but just listen. According to your father’s will, in order to inherit the company, you must be married. If we sign a contract to get married, we can stabilize the company, and Lillian will have no leverage over either of us.”
Alexander studies her for a moment, his thoughts in turmoil. “And what do you get from this, Emily? Why would you do this for me?” She squares her shoulders.
“I do it because I believe in this company, but most importantly, I believe in you. It works out for both of us. You inherit the company, and I get the opportunity to prove to you that my background doesn’t matter.”
Silence falls between them. Alexander doesn’t believe it, it appears unthinkable. Still, it may be the solution they desperately require, “Emily,” he says slowly, “do you comprehend what you’re agreeing to? This isn’t just a business contract; it has the power to impact every aspect of your life.”
Emily nods her head, determined. “I understand, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
Alexander takes another look at Emily, his expression softening, but it snaps back into place a moment later. “Okay, Emily, we’ll do it. However, there are some rules that need to be set. This is strictly business between the two of us and nothing else.” Emily nods.
“Agreed! We’ll discuss a get-out strategy, and maintain everything professional… The exterior of our relationship needs to sound real. However, our professional lives and personal lives are from two different worlds.”Spain chuckled.
They spent the next hour drafting the particulars of their contract. The atmosphere between them was electric, but they couldn’t afford to be distracted. As they signed the final paper, Alexander’s phone buzzed and displayed an incoming call. He sighed as he looked at the screen. “It’s Lillian. She’s relentless; she’ll never stop until she gets what she wants!”
She reached out a hand and laid it gently on his arm, reassuring him. We shall resolve her together, Alexander. We finally have this marriage that will give us the leverage we seek.
Alexander turned his gaze to her, gratitude and apprehension written into them in equal measure. "Thank you, Emily. I have no idea what I would do if you were not there.
A warmth spread throughout Emily, and she smiled. Alexander, we're in this together. " We'll make it work."
And with a strong grip and kept his gaze, Alexander said in anticipation of the back speaking more quietly than usual but firmly confident. "Emily, Hello and welcome to the Harrington family. We can only hope we both know what we've gotten ourselves into."
Looking back at her with a steady gaze, Emily mimicked that sentiment but his eyes told another story; one hidden only in the depths of their gleam and though they shone just a vibrant blue as always there was something else within them now. "Thank you, Alexander. I think we are going down a road of pushing the limits and challenging everything that has ever been presented to us (emphasis added)
Their decision hovered like water vapor in that hot, Australian summer morning... too close to making the air wet with their mix of deep contemplation and excited anticipation. It meant more than a contract, trust formed in words and paper that would unknowingly change the paths of their lives.
It was just a look that they shared, but in that glance between the three of them, all agreed silently it would not be easy. No longer just written words on a page, their lives were now intertwined in great and magical works that would push them to the limits of endurance, questioning all they thought was true about themselves....... Changing them forever….
