Beneath His Diamond Heart

The proposal

I looked at the papers that were spread out between us. A proposal. I just didn't like the word on its own. I scanned the papers and looked up to Damien but his face held no emotions.

“What is the meaning of this or where are you driving at?” He looked so calm as he folded his hands around his chest.

“This is a two side beneficial contract.” I frowned.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He stared at me for some time.

“Think Amara, i dont perceive you to be dump” A flare of rebellion arose in my chest but i held it down. Such level of rudeness. I kept staring at him without making a move to touch the files between us. Two can play the game. I watched as amusement flickered on his face.

“If that is the case, let me tell you.” The bartender comes with the beverages, sets them down on the tables, and then leaves right away. The moment we were alone, Damien pushed the documents towards me. I opened it carefully, the first page caught my attention. It was like I swallowed something bigger than my esophagus, making me choke.

ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT

My eyes widened.

“What?”

I scanned up in a flash to see the wide grin on his face at my surprise.

“What is this?”

“My proposal.”

“You are crazy.”

Damien sat up to take a deep breath.

“No I’m not,” he said leaning forward. I stared at him in disbelief, he didn't give off the vibe of a mentally derailed man, so…why was he doing this? I stood up, the chair scrapping against the marble floor. Drawing attention to myself, I was so done with this craziness and humiliation.

“Three hundred million naira.”

I froze, twisting to look at him.

“What?”

“I'll pay your rent.” I stared at him as he went ahead as he continued listing them off.

“Your debt will be cancelled, I'm going to pay your sister's school tuition until she's out of school.” My pulse quickened. All the words punched through me in the weakest spot. Sophie,the apartment and our future, worries I have every day. There was something that didn't seem right though. There was no easy way, especially from billionaires.

“What benefits do you derive from this?” I asked quietly. For the first time Damien looked serious.

“My company is ready to complete a merger.” I remained silent as I let him continue, slowly taking back my seat opposite him.

“The investors are seeking stability.”

“What does this have to do with me?”

“They think that if they make a public engagement, it will boost confidence.”

I blinked rapidly at him, he wasn’t making sense at the least he was probably drunk.

“You want me to pretend to be your fiancee?”

“Correct.” He said with a seriousness I haven't seen on his face. I couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled out from the pit of my belly. He trained his face on me. “Tell me what you want and I’ll add it to the proposal, in addition to what is there”

“Sure you must be kidding.”

“I'm not.”

“This is insane.”

“ possibly.”

I stared at him.

“Why me?”

He studied me carefully for a moment as I fought the urge not to shift under his heavy gaze.

“ You're different.” I stared at him a little confused.

“Different how?”

“You don't want anything from me.’’ He was kinda right, most people probably would have spent their lives trying to get close to a man like Damien Vaughn. The keys to success are money, power and connections. I didn't want any of it.

At least not from him.

“This is still nuts, don’t be too trusting, I could steal all your money and go off the radar."

“Maybe. But if you took my money , I’ll make more money and when I find you, you must marry me.” He said with a chuckle.

“What will happen in six months?”

But people don’t pretend to be in love for six months with no repercussions. I didn't think they did at least.

“I need time,” he nodded, giving me approval.

“Take it.”

I was overcome with relief as I didn't feel pressure to give feedback immediately. I picked up my bag and got to my feet, but before I could get up and go, Damien spoke one last time.

“Miss Cole." I paused, not turning back to look at him.

“If you don't, I will honor your choice.” I nodded slowly.

“Okay.”

“If you accept”, he went on quietly, “then your life will never be the same.”

Those words stuck me home.

"My driver will take you home,” he said. I went outside and an elderly man approached me, who turned out to be the driver. He was very polite and drove me home. That night I couldn't sleep. An eviction notice was on the kitchen table. The unpaid bills are still piled by its side. Sophie slept peacefully in the next room, unaware of how close they were to losing everything. I lay in bed for hours, looking up at the ceiling. Thinking,worrying and wondering.

Finally, rising with the dawn, I knew there was something dreadful.

Weighing my benefits and trying to find the catch in Damiens' offer.