CHAPTER 2: AN UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL
834 Words
Chapter 2: An Unexpected Proposal
The rain fell heavily against the glass walls of Dawson Group Headquarters as Isabella stood in the reception area, clutching the folder that carried the last hope of saving her family's company. Every passing second felt heavier than the one before.
"Miss Isabella Hart?" the receptionist called.
She nodded.
"Mr. Adrian Dawson will see you now."
Taking a deep breath, Isabella walked into the CEO's private office. The room was elegant and intimidating. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, and behind a large mahogany desk sat Adrian Dawson—the youngest billionaire in the country.
His sharp gaze met hers.
"So," he said calmly, "the daughter of Hart Industries finally decided to come."
"I didn't come to beg," Isabella replied confidently.
A faint smile crossed his lips.
"Good. I don't like people who beg."
She placed the folder on his desk.
"My father made mistakes. I know that. But hundreds of innocent employees will lose their jobs if you complete the takeover."
Adrian flipped through the documents without showing any emotion.
"You expect me to abandon a billion-dollar acquisition because you feel sorry for them?"
"I expect you to remember that business isn't only about profits."
He leaned back in his chair.
"Interesting."
Silence filled the office.
Then Adrian stood and walked toward the window.
"There is one way I can cancel the takeover."
Hope flashed across Isabella's face.
"What is it?"
He turned around.
"Marry me."
Her eyes widened.
"What?"
"You heard me."
She laughed nervously.
"This isn't funny."
"I'm not joking."
She stared at him, unable to understand whether he had lost his mind.
"You don't even like me."
"I don't have to."
"Then why?"
Adrian walked closer.
"My grandfather's will requires me to marry before I inherit the remaining shares of Dawson Group. I need a wife."
"And you expect me to agree?"
"It's only a contract."
She shook her head.
"You've completely lost your mind."
"Maybe."
He placed a neatly prepared document on the table.
"One year. Public marriage. Separate bedrooms if you want. Your father's company survives."
Her heart pounded.
This wasn't just about pride anymore.
It was about everyone depending on her family.
"You planned this?"
"I plan everything."
She looked down at the contract.
Every page felt heavier than the last.
"What happens after one year?"
"We divorce."
"And if I refuse?"
Adrian answered without hesitation.
"The takeover proceeds tomorrow morning."
The room suddenly felt smaller.
"You'd destroy my family just to force me into this?"
"I'm offering a choice."
She looked into his cold grey eyes.
"You call this a choice?"
"It is."
She wanted to slap him.
Instead, she clenched her fists.
"I need time."
"You have twenty-four hours."
Without another word, Isabella walked out.
Outside the building, the rain had stopped, but the storm inside her heart had only begun.
She drove home in silence.
Her father was waiting in the living room.
"What happened?"
She couldn't answer immediately.
Finally she whispered,
"He offered to save the company."
Relief appeared on his face.
"That's wonderful."
"He wants me to marry him."
The smile disappeared.
Silence filled the room.
Her father lowered his head.
"I'm so sorry."
Tears formed in Isabella's eyes.
"This isn't your fault."
"It is."
He had spent years building the company.
Now his daughter was being asked to sacrifice her freedom to save it.
"I won't force you."
She looked at the family photographs hanging on the wall.
Her late mother smiled in every picture.
"What would Mom have done?" she whispered.
Neither of them had an answer.
Across town, Adrian stood alone in his penthouse.
His assistant entered.
"Sir, are you certain she'll accept?"
Adrian looked at the city lights.
"She has no other choice."
"But why her?"
For the first time that evening, Adrian hesitated.
Years ago, before wealth and power changed everything, Isabella had unknowingly helped a lonely teenage boy after he was humiliated at school.
She had never remembered him.
He had never forgotten her.
"This marriage isn't only business," Adrian said quietly.
His assistant looked surprised.
But Adrian said nothing more.
The next morning, Isabella arrived at a quiet café with the unsigned contract in her handbag.
She hadn't slept all night.
As she stirred her coffee absentmindedly, someone sat across from her.
It was Adrian.
"I thought you'd need privacy," he said.
"You've been following me?"
"No. I know this is your favorite café."
She frowned.
"How?"
He ignored the question.
"Have you decided?"
She looked at him for a long moment.
"I have one condition."
"I'm listening."
"My family keeps full control of our company after the marriage."
Adrian smiled.
"Done."
"And you never interfere with my personal dreams."
"Agreed."
She slowly took out the contract.
Her hand trembled as she picked up the pen.
The moment the ink touched the paper, both their lives changed forever.
Neither of them realized that hidden enemies were already watching—and someone was determined to make sure this marriage would never survive.
- Writer
