HIS TERMS, HER HEART

THE ULTIMATUM

What is this woman thinking? Julian paced his room like a caged animal, fury building with each step. Why would she assume I'd marry some random woman just because she helped her cross the street? Who does that?

The audacity of his mother's ultimatum gnawed at him. It wasn't the idea of marriage itself that infuriated him—it was the threat attached to it. Lose the company he'd worked tirelessly to build, or surrender his freedom to a stranger. The company wasn't just his livelihood; it was his identity, his purpose, and everything he'd sacrificed for since taking over as acting CEO.

"What am I supposed to do?" he muttered, running his hands through his hair. The weight of the decision pressed down on him like a physical force.

Julian had never been interested in romantic relationships. Women served one purpose in his life, and it certainly wasn't companionship. He preferred them in his bed, not in his home or his heart. Emotional entanglements were weaknesses he couldn't afford, distractions from the empire he was building. But he also knew his mother well enough to recognize when she was serious—and this ultimatum was as serious as a death sentence.

He had to act fast.

Grabbing his phone, he scrolled to a familiar contact. "Let me call Vincent."

Vincent Hale had been his legal advisor since Julian became acting CEO, and if anyone could find a loophole, it would be him. The man had an uncanny ability to navigate the most complex legal situations with surgical precision.

"Hi, Vincent," Julian said, his voice tight with tension.

"Good evening, sir. You sound troubled. What's keeping you up this late?"

"There's a problem. My mother informed me today that if I don't marry someone, I won't be allowed to become the full CEO of the company. What are my options?"

Vincent was quiet for a moment, and Julian could practically hear the wheels turning in the lawyer's analytical mind. "That's... significant. But there might be a solution."

"I'm listening."

"Contract marriage," Vincent said simply. Make it purely business. No emotional attachment, no real commitment—just a legal arrangement that satisfies your mother's requirements while protecting your interests."

Julian's mood shifted instantly. "That's brilliant! A business transaction, nothing more."

"Exactly. You get your company, she gets whatever compensation you're willing to offer, and everyone walks away when it's convenient. We can draft ironclad terms that protect you completely."

"Vincent, you're a genius. Thank you."

After hanging up, Julian felt the first genuine excitement he'd experienced all day. "Yes!" he shouted, pumping his fist in the air.

The solution was perfect. He could have his company and his freedom, with minimal complications. It was elegant in its simplicity—a marriage in name only, a piece of paper that would satisfy his mother's conditions while changing nothing about his actual life. Exhausted from the emotional roller coaster, he collapsed onto his bed, finally able to relax.

When his stomach growled loudly, he realized he'd been too stressed to eat. The tension had consumed him completely, making food the last thing on his mind. Heading downstairs, he found his mother in the living room, reading in her favorite chair.

"Mother!" he called out, his voice bright with newfound enthusiasm.

Mrs. Carrington looked up, clearly surprised by his cheerful tone. Just hours ago, he'd stormed out in anger. "Yes, son?"

"I'll marry her," he announced with a wide grin, the picture of filial obedience.

"So soon? What changed your mind?" she asked, studying his face carefully with the sharp eyes that had made her a formidable businesswoman in her own right.

"I just want to make you happy, Mother. Isn't that what matters?" Julian replied, maintaining his innocent expression while internally congratulating himself on his performance.

"Nothing's wrong, my love," she said, though her eyes remained curious. "The young lady mentioned she needs employment. Perhaps you could offer her a position at the company."

Perfect, Julian thought. Having her work for him would make executing his plan much easier. He could observe her, gauge her desperation, and structure his offer accordingly.

"She can start Monday," he said decisively. "Just let her know to be ready to begin."

"Wonderful! Let me call her this evening," Mrs. Carrington said with genuine delight. "But first, let's have dinner."

They made their way to the elegant dining room, where the chef had prepared another exquisite meal. The Carrington household maintained the highest standards in everything, including their carefully balanced, gourmet meals prepared by a team of professional chefs who catered to Mrs. Carrington's refined tastes.

After dinner, Julian spent time updating his mother on company affairs—both to maintain appearances and to keep her informed of the business she'd entrusted to him. It was a ritual they'd established, one that helped him gauge her level of involvement and satisfaction with his leadership.

"The Henderson merger is proceeding smoothly," he reported. "And our quarterly projections are exceeding expectations by twelve percent."

"Excellent work, darling. Your father would be so proud."

"I should retire for the evening," Julian finally announced.

"Yes, I'm ready for bed as well," Mrs. Carrington agreed.

Julian wheeled her to her room, and they shared their usual goodnight embrace—a tender moment that reminded him how much his mother meant to him, despite their current disagreement.

"Goodnight, Mother."

"Goodnight, my son."

Meanwhile, across town, Aria burst through Mrs. Craig's front door with barely contained excitement.

"I'm home!" she called out joyfully.

"Hello, Aria," Mrs. Craig responded, immediately picking up on her infectious energy. "What has you so happy?"

Aria threw her arms around the older woman in an enthusiastic hug. "Mrs. Carrington said she's going to help me find a job!"

"Congratulations, dear! I'm so happy for you," Mrs. Craig exclaimed, returning the embrace warmly. "God does work in mysterious ways."

"Thank you. She said she'll call me with details."

"When do you start?"

"She'll let me know," Aria replied, practically glowing with hope.

The next morning began early for Julian. After his usual prayers and a breakfast of steel-cut oats prepared by the kitchen staff, he prepared for another day at the office, his mind already focused on the day ahead.

"Good morning, sir," one of the chefs greeted him respectfully.

"Morning," Julian replied curtly, not bothering to look up from his phone where he was reviewing the day's schedule.

He ate in silence, then headed out to where his driver waited by the black Prado, the vehicle already running and ready for departure.

"Good morning, sir," the driver said, opening the rear door with practiced efficiency.

"Good morning. Let's go."

The drive to Carrington Corporation passed in Julian's preferred silence. His employees had learned that he valued efficiency over small talk, and while this made him somewhat unpopular, it also made him undeniably effective. The city rushed past the tinted windows as he mentally prepared for the confrontation ahead.

At 10 AM, Mrs. Carrington was enjoying her morning routine when she remembered her promise to Aria.

"Could someone please bring me my phone?" she asked one of the maids.

The phone rang several times before Aria's voice came through, bright and eager.

"Hello, ma'am!"

"Good morning, Aria. I have wonderful news. I spoke with my son, and you can start working Monday."

"Really? Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much this means to me," Aria practically shouted with joy.

"It's my pleasure, dear. When you arrive at the office Monday morning, they'll direct you from there."

"Thank you again, Mrs. Carrington. You're an angel."

At his office, Julian was already implementing his strategy.

"Thank you for yesterday's advice, Vincent," he said, greeting his legal advisor with an unusually warm handshake.

"My pleasure. How do you plan to proceed?"

"I'm sure Mother will want her to start working immediately. Once she's here, we can present our offer," Julian said with calculated satisfaction. "Strike while she's desperate and grateful."

Back at Mrs. Craig's house, Aria's news created a celebration.

"Mrs. Craig! I got the job! I start Monday!" she announced, bursting with excitement.

"God is good!" Mrs. Craig shouted, and both women began dancing around the living room.

Little Lila watched her mother and their host with bewildered amusement, not understanding what had caused such joy but happy to see her mother smile for the first time in weeks.

"Congratulations, Aria! I'm so proud of you," Mrs. Craig said, pulling her into another tight hug.

Monday morning arrived with Aria waking before her alarm, too excited to sleep. After her morning prayers and a careful bath, she selected her most professional outfit—a crisp blouse and tailored skirt that Mrs. Craig had helped her choose from their shopping trip the previous weekend.

In the kitchen, she found Mrs. Craig already awake and preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, ma'am," Aria greeted her.

"Good morning, darling. You look absolutely stunning. "I wish you tremendous success on your first day," Mrs. Craig said with maternal pride.

"Thank you. I should leave soon to make sure I'm on time."

"God will be with you," Mrs. Craig said, offering a blessing as Aria headed for the door.

Outside, Aria hailed a taxi quickly.

"I need to go to Carrington Corporation," she told the driver.

"That'll be ten dollars," he replied.

During the ride, Aria's nerves mixed with excitement as she watched the city pass by. When they arrived at the impressive corporate building, she took a deep breath.

"This is it," she whispered to herself. "I'm going to excel here."

The reception area was as polished and professional as she'd expected. Behind a sleek desk sat a well-dressed woman who looked up with a practiced smile.

"Good morning. I'm Aria Mason. Mrs. "Estelle Carrington told me to start working today," Aria explained.

The receptionist's demeanor immediately shifted to one of heightened attention. Anyone sent directly by the CEO's mother deserved special treatment.

"Welcome to Carrington Corporation, Miss Mason," she said warmly. "Please take the hallway to your left, and someone will direct you to the CEO's office."

"Thank you so much," Aria replied gratefully.

A staff member guided her through the impressive corridors until they stopped outside an imposing door marked "CEO."

"This is Mr. Carrington's office," the employee informed her.

"Thank you," Aria said, though her heart was now racing.

Standing before the door, she tried to calm her nerves. This was her chance—possibly her only chance—to change her and Lila's life. She knocked firmly.

"Come in," came a voice from inside.

Gathering her courage, Aria opened the door and stepped inside.

"Good morning, sir," she said, trying to keep the nervousness out of her voice.

"Good morning. How can I help you?" Julian asked without looking up from his computer.

When he finally raised his eyes and saw who stood before him, something flickered across his face—recognition, followed quickly by calculated interest.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the professional atmosphere charged with an indefinable tension.

"Mrs. Carrington told me to come here today to start working," Aria said, finding her voice.

"Ah, you're the woman my mother mentioned," Julian said, pretending this was their first meeting.

"Yes, sir. I'm Aria Mason."

"What's your educational background?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.

"Fine and Applied Arts, sir."

"Work experience?"

"I've been drawing since childhood and have participated in several exhibitions, including the City Art Exhibit and the Royal Art Museum exhibition."

"Impressive," Julian said, though his tone suggested otherwise.

The room fell silent as he appeared to consider her qualifications. When he spoke again, his words carried a weight that made Aria's pulse quicken.

"I'll have HR handle the formalities, but first, I have a special offer for you. One that would guarantee not just this job, but much more."

The silence that followed was deafening.

"What kind of offer, sir?" Aria asked, her voice barely above a whisper.