Hearts Under Contract

THE DECISION

Jane woke up the following morning feeling very driven. After the meeting with Mount Ravenscroft, his mind was awash and felt that he urgently needed to come to a decision. In the morning, as she prepared for the day ahead, she could not help but play back some parts of the conversation that he had had with him, examining every minute detail.

Her apartment was quieter than usual, so she sought some solace in the routine of a making her morning coffee. Richly fragranced, it was a something ritual that would help ground her while considering options. Jane knew she needed to talk through her thoughts with someone who could offer a different perspective.

Her best friend, Wan, provided a listening ear at all times. Jane telephoned her, and they agreed to meet at the nearest café house for coffee. By the time Wan arrived, she had observed the tension on Jane's face.

"Hey Jane," Wan said as she pulled a chair to the opposite side. "You look deep in thought. How did the meeting go?

Jane sighed, her eyes focused upon the rotation of her coffee. "It went well, but I am not certain. Mount Ravenscroft's offer is tantalizing, yet it is also an enormous commitment. I battle with the concept of stepping off my current path."

Wan listened attentively. "That's a lot to take in. What are your greatest concerns?"

"I'm afraid to lose my independence and control over my future. I also doubt if this really aligns with my personal goal."

Wan nodded in silence. "These are quite reasonable worries. Do you want to talk to your family? They may have some good advice."

She hadn't thought of that. "I think you're right. I need to speak to them and hear them out."

She was eager to get on with the business now, so with newfound determination; she used the remaining part of the day to prepare for the family meeting. She wanted to be articulate in her thought and determinedly open up to their advice. She listed down points she would want to raise—concerns about independence and the damage it could do to her career, and what marrying a man of such a high public profile meant.

The proposals that the family should be started with the evening, a place that made Jane feel a combination of nervousness and determination. The family gathered in their living room, and one could tell that their minds were filled with curiosity. The parents-Mr. and Mrs. Smith- were seating comfortably and the siblings of the Smith family, Josephine, Joseph, and James, joined them in the living room, as Jane felt a combination of nervousness and strength as she began to explain the proposal.

"Thanks for all gathering here," Jane began with a very steady voice, though there was the undertone of a quaver. "There was something important that I wished to speak to you about. The other day, I had a proposal for marriage. Quite an odd one, if you ask me. Well, it is from a guy named Mount Ravenscroft. He happens to be a billionaire."

That last part sparked a curiosity in her parents' eyes. "Billionaire?" her mother questioned with an arched eyebrow.

"Yes," Jane said. "Mount Ravenscroft is a successful businessman, and the arrangement would involve both personal and professional aspects. I'm feeling conflicted about it and wanted to hear your thoughts."

Josephine leaned forward. "Sounds like a big decision, then. What are your gut reactions to it?"

Jane hesitated for a moment. "I'm not sure. On one hand, the proposal represents opportunities and stability. On the other hand, I'm worried about giving up my actual life and independence."

The practical one, Joseph, sooner spoke. "Have you thought about what this could do to your career, your personal aspirations? You've got to think about what you're giving up here."

James, the youngest sibling, threw in his two cents. "Another thing, what does Mount Ravenscroft have to offer? What is his reputation? Have you researched anything about him at all?

Nodding, Jane said, "I am trying to learn as much as I can, but there's still so much that I'm not sure about. And that is why I have been coming to see you for some advice."

Her father, Mr. Smith, coughed and said, "It's a big decision, Jane. Of course, the opportunity may seem very exciting, but do keep in mind your happiness and the things that are going to fulfill you in life. If you have reservations, it is important to work through those before you make a commitment."

Jane valued the support of her family and the insight they gave her. Their advice did clarify things for her a bit, but she knew she needed more information if she was to reach a final decision.

As she walked home later in the evening, she met a former colleague, Rebecca. Rebecca was an individual who had worked with Mount Ravenscroft quite a while back. Her information would be valuable in telling her more about the man's character.

"Jane! It has to be more than the age of a glacier," Rebecca responded with gleaming eyes, her memory cells rekindled.

"Rebecca! Good to see you," Jane said, smiling. "I was just going to guess—you must have something to say about Mount Ravenscroft."

Rebecca's face turned slightly pensive. "Mount Ravenscroft? That's a heavy name. I worked under his leadership for a very short period a few years back. He's complex—brilliant but with a touch of controversy going on his head."

Jane's ears pricked up. "Controversies? Can you tell me more?"

Rebecca nodded. "There were rumors about his business practices, really, but nothing tangible. He's known for being very private, and the people around him tend to be tight-lipped. It's hard to get a full picture of who he really is."

The information made her mind reel. If anything, it did not bring out anything clear, since every new piece of information added to help her build the picture of Mount Ravenscroft. It made her wary now, and at the same time determined to find the truth about the mixed reputation of Mount.

The following day, Jane felt that she would spend the time working on her response to the proposal. She went through her notes, reflecting on what she wanted to comment on and what questions she had. She wanted to ensure she was letting out what she truly felt and she was taking an informed decision.

So carefully she drafted an answer, putting into just the right words her misgivings and questions. In that letter, Jane really attempted to be respectful yet honest, made all the show of gratitude for the opportunity but really pleaded for clarity on what Mount's private life exactly consisted of, and how their partnership would affect her professional ambitions.

As the day came to an end she was feeling relatively resolute, for by then she had gathered information, mulled things over with her family and considered her own wants. It was not an easy decision for her to make; however, she felt ready to talk about some preliminary ideas with Mount.

Jane had again worked on it all evening, setting out her concerns and questions in writing. She had wanted to be quite clear. She had tried to incorporate what she knew most concerned her within the proposal to her; that relating to the impact upon her independence and career, and that relating to the clarity now available of Mount's intentions.

At last, everything was prepared and arranged by Jane for her discussion with Mount Ravenscroft. She put her notes in order and read through her draft response for the last time, finally getting those little changes to mean that it really did mirror her concerns and questions. As she went to bed, she was feeling quite mixed; on the one hand, excited, but on the other, relieved to feel ready whatever the next stage of this life-changing decision would bring.