business proposal

fresh jasmine. The lavish estate sprawled before me, its manicured gardens and grandiose architecture a testament to the power and wealth that resided within its walls. I paused for a moment, taking in the view, as if to prepare myself for the day that lay ahead. My heart was already racing, my palms sweating, but I refused to let it show. I was Lily, after all, and today was the day that would change my life forever. My father, a successful businessman in his own right, had arranged for me to marry Jack, the son of another billionaire. It was a business arrangement, he had explained to me, a way for our two families to expand our empires. And so, despite never having met him, despite the fact that I had no say in the matter, I was to marry this stranger in the near future. As I surveyed the opulent grounds, it occurred to me that this was just another day in the life of the wealthy and powerful. Despite my initial reservations, I had to admit that there was something intriguing about Jack. His father had sent me countless photographs and videos of him over the years, and each time I saw his face, I couldn't help but feel a strange pull toward him. It was as if some invisible thread connected us, drawing us together despite the vast distance that separated us. Even now, as I stood outside the gates of his estate, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was meant to be. As if sensing my presence, a servant emerged from the shadows, hurrying over to greet me. "Good morning, Miss Lily," he said with a bow. "Jack's father is expecting you. Please, follow me." With a deep breath, I nodded and allowed him to lead me through the winding paths of the garden, toward the main house where my fate would be sealed. The air grew thick with anticipation, and my heart raced with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. As we approached the grand entrance, the servant paused and turned to face me. "Jack is already waiting for you inside," he said, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth. My heart skipped a beat as I felt my cheeks flush with an unexpected heat. Could it be possible, I wondered, that Jack felt even a fraction of what I did? Or was this all just another game to them, a mere business transaction disguised as a marriage? Only time would tell. With a deep breath, I steeled myself and walked forward, toward the enormous double doors that stood before me. My future, my life, my everything, lay on the other side. As I reached out to grasp the ornate handle, I couldn't help but wonder if I was truly ready for what awaited me. But then again, I reminded myself, I had always been independent, always in control of my own destiny. And so, with a final nod of determination, I pushed open the doors and stepped into the unknown.