The Allure Of the Unknown

A Bold Proposal

The morning was tense. I sat at my desk in Sky Industries and saw many top executives walk by. They all looked worried. I knew something big was about to happen.

Then Simon's helper came to my desk. "Ms. Hitler, Mr. Joe wants you in the boardroom," she said.

I felt my heart jump. I was still shocked about who my boss was, and now I had to go to a board meeting? "Okay," I said fixing my shirt and taking a deep breath before I walked down the hall.

As I walked into the boardroom, I spotted Simon at the table's head. His face looked stern and hard to read. Everyone stopped talking, and he pointed for me to sit in the back. I did trying not to draw attention to myself.

"Mr. Joe," a board member spoke up, "we must talk about our recent problems. Our investors worry, and the press won't leave us alone. If we don't keep a strong steady public image, Sky Industries might face big troubles."

Simon's jaw clenched, and I could see he felt upset. "I know what's going on," he said in a cool tone. "We're already taking steps to fix the damage."

The board members looked at each other. One of them cleared her throat. "Simon, we're asking you to think about a more... personal approach."

He lifted an eyebrow, not amused. "What do you mean?"

"What we mean is a stable high-profile relationship could do wonders for public opinion. Investors would see you as someone with their feet on the ground, with a steady personal life. It would boost confidence in the company's future."

Simon's face showed a flicker of tension, but he covered it up well. "Are you suggesting I create a fake relationship just for show?"

The board members nodded. "A well-planned engagement or marriage would bring instant credibility," one of them said.

I couldn't believe my ears. They wanted him to fake a relationship to rescue the company? But as I observed Simon's face, I noticed his expression change. He thought about it.

Simon looked around the table then his eyes met mine staying there a bit too long. My heart raced, and I felt a weird mix of excitement and nerves.

"Thanks for your suggestions," he said at last, his voice steady. "I'll think about it."

With that, the meeting ended, and the board members left still talking among themselves. As I stood up to go, Simon's voice made me pause.

"Ms. Hitler, hang on a second."

I glanced back, thoughts whirling. Once everyone left, Simon shut the door and stared at me. His intense look made me shiver.

"Sit down, Luna," he said. I dropped into the chair noticing how he watched me.

He perched on the table's edge, arms folded. "You heard the board's idea. They think a relationship would boost the company's image."

I bobbed my head confused about his point. "True... but is that needed?"

His eyes moved, and his face showed something hard to read. "It's not just needed. It might be the only way to keep Sky Industries going." He stopped, took a slow breath. "That's why I'm going to ask you something... out of the norm."

"Out of the norm?" I said back trying to keep my voice even.

He nodded. "I want you to sign up for a contract marriage with me."

For a bit, I couldn't grasp what he'd just told me. A contract marriage? With him?

My mouth opened, but I couldn't speak. At last, I stumbled over my words, "You... want me to act like I'm your wife?"

"Yes." He spoke with confidence, like he'd given this serious thought. "We'd both get something out of it. You'd boost the company's reputation, and I'd give you and your sister money to help out."

When he brought up my sister, it hit me hard. Cynthia's school fees, the bills stacking up... this deal could fix all that. But it still seemed nuts. "Simon, I'm not sure... you're asking for a lot here."

"I know," he answered looking straight at me. "But think what this could mean to you. I'm aware of your money problems Luna. This could give you a steady income, help for your sister. And it wouldn't last forever - just until the company gets back on its feet."

I felt like I was dreaming, or maybe having a bad dream. "But... people will believe it's true. They'll think we're... in love."

His mouth curved. "That's the idea. But don't worry, we'll keep it all business-like."

I gulped taking in what he said. "And what's in it for you Simon? Besides keeping the company afloat?"

His smile disappeared, and he seemed almost defenseless for a second. "I get the board to stop bothering me. And... I get someone I can rely on. Someone who won't turn against me."

His voice had a gentle quality that surprised me suggesting hidden hurt beneath his calm appearance. I understood that Simon Joe might be more complex than I'd thought.

As I returned to my desk, my thoughts raced. A marriage with my boss even if it wasn't real? This wasn't a romantic fairy tale; it was a straightforward business arrangement. But the consequences were significant, and I knew what this could mean for my future and for Cynthia's.

The whole afternoon slipped by in a daze. I couldn't concentrate on my work. My mind kept racing. Was I considering this? Could I pull off being Simon Joe 's wife when I knew him?

As I packed up to head home, Simon came to my desk. "Have you given my proposal some thought?"

I nodded. "Yes... but I still need answers."

He motioned toward his office. "Let's talk in private."

We went into his office, and he shut the door. I sat down aware of the tension between us. "Simon why pick me? You could ask anyone to do this. What made you choose me?"

He inhaled, his look softening. "Because you stand out, Luna. You're not here to get rich or gain status. You're authentic, and I have faith in you."

His statement surprised me, and for a second, I noticed a hint of openness in his eyes. "This request doesn't come easy to me," he went on. "But I need someone I can count on."

I nodded sensing a strange connection. Despite everything, I trusted him. "Okay," I whispered. "I'll do it."

Simon's face stayed the same, but his eyes showed a hint of relief. "Good. I'll get the contract ready, and we'll check the details."

"Hold on," I said raising my hand. "I need to know what I'm saying yes to. I don't want any shocks."

He agreed. "Sure thing. We'll set clear limits, and everything will be on paper. You'll get money to help your sister's schooling, and when the contract's done, you can leave."

My heart raced as I agreed. "Okay. But one more thing... what if people start asking about us? You know, about our situation."

Simon moved closer fixing his eyes on me. "We'll give them answers. They'll buy whatever story we tell them. Our relationship will seem real to everyone else."

I gulped as the truth of this deal hit me. I was about to start a fake marriage with my boss, a person I knew, for reasons that seemed both business-related and very personal.

He held out his hand. "Ready to make it official?"

I paused for a second before I took his hand. He gripped it, and I felt the warmth of his skin. For a moment, we both held on, and I sensed an odd spark between us.

"Welcome to our partnership," he whispered, his eyes locked on mine.

I started to reply, but he moved closer, his stare dark and fierce. "Remember, Luna—our lives will soon become much more complex."

His words lingered filled with a significance I couldn't quite understand. At that moment, I knew this was more than a business agreement. It marked the start of something unpredictable, something that could alter everything.

As I walked out of his office, I felt his piercing stare on my back. The weight of my decision started to sink in, and a mix of fear and excitement ran through my body. I had just agreed to a contract marriage with Simon Joe , my boss and the most enigmatic person in my life.

But as I headed down the hallway, a nagging thought wouldn't leave me alone: What other secrets was Simon keeping from me?