Beneath His Wings

Chapter 16 The Proposal

The private room was quiet now, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only background noise. Beauty’s eyes darted across the spacious hall, taking in the polished wooden floors, the subtle gleam of the chandeliers, and the understated elegance of the minimalist décor. She had never been in a place like this, and the very air seemed to demand respect, composure, and obedience.

Ethan finally stepped forward, tall, imposing, and impeccably dressed. His dark eyes swept over her, calculating, precise. Every movement he made was deliberate, measured, and there was an unspoken command in his posture. Beauty felt a shiver of anticipation, though she forced herself to kneel slightly, as she always did when greeting someone formally.

“You’ve prepared well,” Ethan said evenly, his tone cold yet not unkind. “I expected nothing less. I’ve been informed of your diligence, and… your composure under pressure is admirable.”

Beauty swallowed, kneeling with a slight bow. “Thank you, sir. I… I only do what is expected of me.”

Ethan studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “You are clever. Observant. Capable. Yet, you are unaware of the significance of this meeting, aren’t you?”

Beauty’s pulse quickened. “I… I don’t fully understand, sir.”

He nodded once, almost imperceptibly. “Good. That is exactly how I want it.”

There was a pause, the kind that stretched seconds into what felt like minutes. Beauty could feel his gaze weighing her, dissecting her every movement. Her heart thudded in her chest, a mix of fear, curiosity, and a strange sense of anticipation.

“I am here to make you an offer,” Ethan continued, his voice precise and unwavering. “An arrangement. A partnership of sorts. One that will benefit you, and, for the time being, me as well.”

Beauty blinked. “A partnership?” she asked cautiously, her voice soft but steady.

“Yes,” Ethan replied, taking a step closer. “You will live with me. You will attend meetings, accompany me to official gatherings, and act in a capacity that I will define. In return, you will be compensated handsomely. Two hundred thousand naira per month, provided you comply with the rules I set forth. You will have responsibilities, and you will perform them diligently.”

Beauty’s knees shook slightly. “Live… with you?” she whispered, barely audible. “As… as a wife?”

Ethan’s eyes darkened, a hint of steel in their depth. “Yes. As my wife. But understand this—this is a contractual arrangement. There is no romantic obligation. You will be my partner in name, in appearance, and in function. That is all. Any other notions… are irrelevant.”

Beauty’s mind raced. Live with him? Attend meetings? Receive money? This… this is… unbelievable. She glanced down at her gown, then at the polished floor, trying to steady herself. Her pride tugged at her—she was a hardworking girl, not used to being offered such a life. Yet, the opportunity was tantalizing, too good to ignore.

“I… I don’t understand fully,” she admitted. “Why… why would you choose me?”

Ethan’s gaze didn’t waver. “Because you are competent, observant, and capable. Because you have the qualities necessary to navigate the worlds I occupy. And because, for now, I require someone who is loyal, discreet, and diligent. You meet those requirements. That is why I chose you.”

Beauty swallowed, kneeling slightly more, a knot forming in her stomach. “And if I refuse?”

Ethan’s expression remained cold, calm, but firm. “Then the opportunity is lost. That is all. I am offering this because I believe it is mutually beneficial. You may choose to accept or reject. The decision is yours. But if you accept… you will live by my rules, and you will be rewarded accordingly.”

Beauty’s hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together. Two hundred thousand naira… attending meetings… living in a suite… working closely with someone like him… Her thoughts spun with possibilities. Pride and caution warred with practicality. Her parents’ struggles, the months she had spent hustling just to survive, the dream of stability—they all tugged at her.

“I… I will accept,” she said finally, her voice steady despite the whirlwind in her mind. “I will do as you say… and follow your rules.”

Ethan’s lips curved into the barest hint of a smile, imperceptible but there. “Good. That is all I needed to hear. You will begin immediately. Your first responsibilities will be to observe and assist at meetings. Everything else will be explained as you progress. Aiden will ensure you are prepared and transported safely. He will also provide guidance regarding attire, conduct, and protocol. Do not disappoint me.”

Beauty nodded, kneeling deeper in respect. “I will not, sir. I promise.”

Ethan paused, studying her one last time. “Remember this clearly: this is not a romantic engagement. You are here to perform duties, and your loyalty, discretion, and diligence are paramount. Any deviation may result in termination of this arrangement.”

Beauty’s heart skipped. “Understood, sir. I… I am ready to do what is required.”

Ethan finally moved back, straightening his jacket, his dark eyes fixed ahead. “Very well. Aiden will escort you to your accommodations and provide everything necessary for your transition. Prepare yourself for tomorrow. The first meeting will set the tone for all that follows.”

Beauty rose slowly, kneeling one last time before standing fully. The weight of the gown felt heavier now, as though it symbolized the gravity of the life she was about to step into. Her hands were clammy, her mind racing, but beneath the fear was a spark of determination. She would navigate this world, even if it meant placing her pride and personal comfort aside.

Aiden stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Shall we proceed, Miss Beauty? Everything has been arranged for your safe transition.”

Beauty exhaled, nodding. “Yes, let’s go.”

As she followed Aiden out of the private room, her eyes stole one last glance at Ethan. His figure was a silhouette against the soft glow of the chandeliers, tall, commanding, and cold. She felt a strange mix of fear and intrigue. He is… intimidating. Ruthless, yet… careful. Precise. And somehow… in control of everything.

Her mind wandered briefly to the thought that, though the arrangement was fake, she would now live among the world she had always admired from afar. She would attend meetings, witness power and influence firsthand, and gain not only financial stability but knowledge that could change her life forever.

Yet, a part of her remained wary. She knew this was only the beginning, that Ethan’s cold demeanor was a shield, and that the true nature of their relationship—if it ever became more than contractual—was unknown. For now, she had no choice but to comply, to adapt, and to survive.

The ride to her accommodations was quiet, the hum of the car masking the storm of thoughts in her mind. She rehearsed her manners, her posture, and her words. She reminded herself to be vigilant, respectful, and composed. The world she was entering demanded nothing less.

By the time she arrived at the suite prepared for her, the sun had dipped low, casting a golden glow across the city skyline visible from the expansive windows. Aiden opened the door, gesturing her inside. The suite was lavish yet understated, with every amenity carefully chosen for comfort and practicality.

Beauty stepped inside, her heart racing. This was no longer the cramped apartment she had known. This was a world of luxury, precision, and expectation—a world she would now inhabit, under Ethan’s strict rules, as his contractual wife.

She knelt briefly in the middle of the suite, whispering a quiet prayer. I can do this. I will survive. I will thrive.

And in that silent, elegant space, the contractual marriage began, marking the start of a life she could never have imagined. The spark of love had yet to ignite, but the foundation—rigid, cold, and strategic—was firmly in place.