A BUSINESS OF THE HEART

*Chapter 1: The proposal* Sophia Patel sat at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen as she tried to focus on the report in front of her. But her mind kept wandering back to the conversation she'd had with her best friend, Rachel, over lunch. Rachel had been nagging her to ask for a raise, but Sophia was hesitant. She loved her job as a marketing specialist at Harrison Industries, but she knew the company's CEO, Alexander Harrison, was notorious for being tough to impress. Just as Sophia was starting to get into a groove, her phone buzzed with an internal call from Alexander's assistant, Karen. Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she picked up the phone. "Sophia Patel speaking." "Sophia, Alexander would like to see you in his office," Karen said, her voice crisp and professional. "Can you come up right away?" Sophia's curiosity was piqued. What could Alexander want to talk to her about? She smoothed out her skirt and made her way to the executive suite. When she arrived, Alexander's assistant ushered her into the CEO's office. Alexander himself stood by the window, looking out over the city. He turned as Sophia entered, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "Ah, Sophia. Thank you for coming up. Please, have a seat." Sophia sat down, trying to read Alexander's expression. He was notoriously hard to read, but today, he seemed...different. Almost...nervous? "Sophia, I'm sure you're aware of the recent...controversy surrounding the company," Alexander began, his voice low and smooth. "The board of directors is breathing down my neck, and I need to improve my public image." Sophia nodded, intrigued. "I see. And how does that affect me, sir?" Alexander leaned forward, his eyes glinting with intensity. "I want you to pretend to be my girlfriend. For a few months, at least. Just long enough to convince the public that I'm a family man, someone they can trust." Sophia's jaw dropped. "Excuse me?" Alexander smiled wryly. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but hear me out. You'll get a promotion, a significant raise, and all the benefits that come with being in a high-profile relationship. And I'll get the PR boost I need to save the company's reputation." Sophia's mind was racing. This was insane. But the prospect of a promotion and a raise was tempting. And Alexander was...well, he was certainly attractive. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. "What do you say, Sophia?" Alexander asked, his eyes locked onto hers. "Are you in?"