Hearts Under Contract

THEREVELATION

Jane awoke the next morning before time; her brain was still whirling with the thoughts from the interview with Mount Ravenscroft. The discussions with her mother and Mr. Blake only added layers to her understanding yesterday but left her with many more questions than gave her answers. Mount was, after all, going to present himself in person today, and the anticipation preceded her in the realization.

Her apartment in Manhattan was silent, a sanctum from the clamor of New York. Jane took in a deep breath, preparing her mind for what was about to come. She clothed herself professionally yet modestly wearing an all-navy-colored tailored dress and blazer. She looked nothing over the top, polished, only enough to leave a good impression but still in character.

Thoughts of the probable meeting kept floating before her mind as she walked to her office. Indeed, she had read not only about Mount but also about his two marriages and a divorce, his success as a businessman, his reputation, the mystique that surrounded his persona. Everybody knew that Mount Ravenscroft was a sharp businessman, but very few knew anything about his personal life. That only added to the mystery of his character and made Jane, at that moment, more anxious about the upcoming encounter.

Shaw was at his desk in the office when Jane arrived. He was sitting hunched over some papers, at work with some concentration. Looking up, his warm smile betrayed his effort at reassurance. "Big day today, huh?"

Jane forced a smile in response. "Yes, I have that meeting with Mount Ravenscroft this afternoon. I'm a little on edge."

Shaw stood, and ambled over to her desk. "You'll be fine. Just remember, keep your cool and be yourself. You've got it."

Jane smiled. "I hope I remember that. Thanks, Shaw.".

The morning just flew by with all the meetings and work. Jane worked to occupy her thoughts with something other than that increasing anxiety for the meeting later this day. As the clock crept closer to noon, it became impossible to focus. A little fast, her heart raced every time she checked her watch.

Another hour had passed, and she decided to leave the office to refresh her mind. A small café selling her favorite cappuccino was just next to the office. It was filled with people, but the aroma of coffee did its best to warm the air. Jane took a seat in a quiet corner, hopefully preluding the serenity before the meeting.

As she sipped her coffee, her mind strayed back to the proposal. Jane couldn't help but wonder about Mount. What type of man entered into an arranged marriage? What was he looking for in the set-up? The questions whirled around her now, more insistent with every passing moment.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Wan, her best friend. Wan had been a rock to Jane through the turmoil, and her messages often made the much-needed difference in perspective. Jane glanced at the screen.

"Hey, Jane! Just checking in. How's it going today? Big meeting later, right?"

Jane typed back quickly. "Hi, Wan! Yeah, it is today. I am nervous but trying to keep focused. How's your day?"

Wan replied almost immediately. "Busy, but good. I've been working on some new project and it's been keeping me on my toes. Catch you up after your meeting. Want to hear all about it!"

She felt a little better after that exchange. Wan's support meant a lot to her, and she looked forward to their meeting afterwards.

She returned to the office to gather herself and prepare for the meeting. She reviewed her notes again, repeating in her head the information of the proposal and what she hoped to accomplish in the discussion. She had just finished when Shaw appeared at her desk.

"Almost time, Jane," he said, in a jovial tone. "Are you ready, or do you need a few more minutes, perhaps a motivational song?"

Jane took a deep breath. "As ready as I'll ever be. Thanks for.

Shaw nodded reassuringly at her. "You will pass this, don't worry. Just be calm and focused."

With that, at the designated hour, Jane poked her head out of her office and made her way to the meeting spot. Mount Ravenscroft's office was accommodated in a very impressive building located in Midtown Manhattan, overlooking the city with fantastic architecture and views.

Jane was awed by how grand the building looked as she entered it. Marble flooring and classy furnishings graced the lobby. She went up with the elevator to the top floor, where Mount's office was. The ride was uneventful, but her nerves were anything but.

When she was finally on the topmost floor, a receptionist attended to her and directed her to a lounge. The place was tastefully furnished with soft couches and huge windows that offered the best view of the city. She sat down with her heart literally in her throat.

A moment later, a really tall, impeccably dressed man strode into the waiting area; his whole presence, his aura, demanded to be seen. Mount Ravenscroft, Jane just knew, that had to be him. He walked sure, exuding an air of authority.

"Ms. Smith," his smooth, deep voice greeted her.

"Yes, Mr. Ravenscroft." Jane stood up. "Great to meet you."

Mount extended his hand to shake. "Please, call me Mount. Let's go into my office."

Jane followed Mount through a corridor. She just couldn't stop thinking while trying to subdue her nervousness. Mount's office equated to the beauty of the rest of the building, with windows running from the ceiling to the floor, offering a view of the panorama of the city. It was modernly and elegantly decorated, indicating his success and sophistication.

They sat down at a long, gleaming conference table, and Mount launched into conversation. "Thanks for coming in today, Jane. I know this is a big decision for you."

Jane nodded. "Thanks for seeing me. I appreciate the chance to go through the proposal in some depth."

Mount leaned forward a bit in his chair. "I'd like to start with your vantage. What do you think about the arrangement?"

Jane reflected for a moment. "I feel so mixed. On the one hand, it's an opportunity to be part of something larger; on the other hand, I will feel like I am just backing away from all that I worked for."

He listened attentively, his face thoughtful. "I can understand why this would be a hard decision to make. It's very important to me that you're comfortable and confident with this arrangement. My intention is to offer a partnership that will benefit both of us."

Jane raised an eyebrow. "Partnership? Would you care to explain?"

Mount was all smiles. "Definitely. I need a person who would enrich my life and my aspirations. I only sense that, together, with that right guy, we will be a phenomenon. This is not about business merger; this is about a real partnership."

Jane digested the response. "What would you want from this partner?

Mount's gaze was steady. "I am looking for someone who shares my values and goals, someone who is willing to work together to build something meaningful. I value integrity, ambition, and a sense of purpose and believe that together we can support each other's dreams and achieve success.

In general, they talked further. Hopping down more in their individual areas of goals and aspirations, Jane had been quite surprised by his vision and clarity, but she herself was still trying to deal with her confusion. The more they had spoken, Jane realized to her comfort that Mount's intentions were caring enough, although the arrangement was still unorthodox.

The further along the meeting went, Jane felt that perhaps there were some potential advantages that could be associated with the link to the relationship. The mount is articulate and convincing in the expressed desires that are being relayed for the future with this particular relationship. Yet, Jane remained cautious, well aware from experience that a prompt decision of such magnitude needed to have careful thought.

Mount's phone buzzed, and he glanced at it before putting it face down on the table. "Sorry—like I said, busy." But I want it clear that I do care about your concerns."

Jane nodded. "I appreciate that, it's just that this is a big decision, and I want to make sure I feel good about all parts.

Mount leaned back in his chair. "Of course. So if you have more questions or there's something specific you'd like to go into detail about, I'm here to answer them."

The meeting continued, Jane asked questions of all kinds about the logistics of the arrangement, Mount's expectations, and how their future would have to turn out. To each of them, Mount answered carefully, thinking through and being honest.

It was finally coming to an end. Jane felt so many mixed feelings; relief because it was over, but apprehension about the decision that lay ahead. It had been quite open and cordial with Mount, but the weight of it all was still heavy on her mind. She was going to need some time to process.

Mount rose as Jane did. "Again, thank you for coming in, Jane. I look forward to hearing from you once you've had a chance to consider what we've proposed."

Jane offered her hand for a handshake. "Thanks for the chance, Mount. I'll need some time to think about everything we talked about."

Mount nodded. "Take all the time you need. By the way, if you have more questions or need pleadings for whatever, feel free to come back to me."

Jane left the building with feelings of both relief and uncertainty. The information was enlightening and yet thought-provoking. Walking back to her office, she could not help but run over the conversation—deciphering every last detail.

She was thoughtful when she landed at her desk. "How'd it go?"

Jane sighed. "It was really overwhelming. Mount Ravenscroft is impressive, and his vision is compelling, but I still have a lot inside of my head to sort out."

Shaw nodded sympathetically. "It sounds like you had an intense meeting. It's good that you're taking time to process everything."

Jane agreed with Shaw, "I want to make sure I'm making the right decision for myself.

Since the morning wore on, Jane felt the burden that the choice had brought.