Chapter 3: A Proposal of Convenience

Roselyn Moore POV 

I rehearsed what I’d say to Mr. Harrison, trying to find the right words to ask for an advance on my salary. I arrived at the office at 7:30 am, and I'm surprised to see his door still closed. He was always the first one to arrive at the office, like he never left the building.

"Good morning, sir." I greeted him immediately I saw him walking out of the elevator.

He grunted in response, disappearing into his office. I immediately stood up from my desk and rushed towards the coffee room to make his morning coffee, lest he get annoyed about me not having his coffee ready.

As I made his coffee I tried to muster up some courage. "Okay, Rose, you can do this, just ask him, I'm sure he'll understand.“

I took a really deep breath as I stood at the door of his office, my anxiety and fear of his reaction threatening to overwhelm me, but I steeled myself, knowing I had to swallow my pride as my dad's life depended on it.

"Come in." I heard him say after I knocked on his door.

"Here's your coffee, sir." I said, gently placing it on the coaster on his desk.

I stood nervously, contemplating how to start the conversation, and I found myself studying his features. The way his eyebrows were furrowed as he concentrated on the file in front of him, his sharp nose, and the determined set of his jaw all captivated my attention.

"If you're done staring at me, Miss Moore, I suggest you leave and go make yourself useful," he said, his words snapping me out of my trance. I quickly looked away, my face growing hot with embarrassment.

I clear my throat, my heart pounding in my chest, hesitant on how to begin. He looked up, raising his eyebrow questionly.

"Um, Mr. Harrison, I was wondering if I could make a request.” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Go on," he said, returning his gaze to the paperwork.

"I'd like to request an advance on my salary, if possible," I said quickly, the words tumbling out before I lost my nerve.

"An advance on your salary?" He repeated, his tone neutral. He lifted his head, his gaze meeting mine, with an unreadable expression.

"Um…yes sir." I held his gaze, trying to read his thoughts, but his face was a mask of calmness. My mouth went dry as I waited for his response.

He leaned back in his chair, studying me. "And why is that, Miss Moore? I'm sure the company pays you well enough." 

"It’s a personal matter, sir, but it’s urgent. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.” I explained, my voice pleading.

"That doesn't explain why you need an advance on your salary. Your explanation isn't enough for me to approve your request. What if you end up running away with the company's money?" 

He stared at me with skepticism. 

I clenched my fist, trying to keep my composure as his words felt like an insult. "I understand your reservations, sir. But I'm not asking for a handout, all I asked for is an advance on my salary, which you can deduct from my future salary payments. I'm open to repaying it with interest if that's what you prefer."

"If you are not going to give me a valid reason, then I suggest you leave my office, Miss Moore," he said, turning his attention back to the file he was working on.

"Please, sir." I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice.

"My dad has been hospitalized, and I need the money to take care of his treatments." I found myself explaining, hoping he would finally understand why I needed the money.

"Hmm." He stared at me, his expression unreadable. I felt a flicker of hope that he might understand, and show me some kindness.

"I'll take care of your father's treatment, get the best doctors to help him recover“ he said and my heart swell with joy, I felt a smile creeping up my face. 

"But only if you agree to be my wife." He stated, his eyes gazed intensely at mine. The smile swept off my face, my eyes widened in shock, and I blinked my eyes, trying to comprehend what he just said. My mind raced, thoughts swirling in a chaotic jumble: what?, be his wife?, he can't be serious.

“Be your wife!“ I shouted, staring at him in disbelief. 

"Yes, Miss Moore, I'm sure your ear still works perfectly.” He sneered. Of course they do, but at this moment I wish they don't, because why on earth would you ask me to be your wife? 

“I'm sorry, sir, but you're not my type," I said confidently, killing any possible feelings he has for me. Who on earth would want to be with a cold, arrogant beast like you?

"Don't flatter yourself, Miss Moore," he scorned. "All I need is for you to portray yourself as my wife to my family, most importantly my grandfather," he explained, but what does that have to do with me? 

“And if I may ask, sir, why do I need to act as your wife?"

"My grandfather won't transfer the company to me unless I get married." Tck, rich people and their problems; this is the 21st century, why would one make such a demand? 

“I'm sorry, but I can't." I said I might be in need of money, but that doesn't mean I will get married to him or involve myself in his family problems. 

"And why is that? Are you in a relationship or something?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.

"No, but marriage is a big deal for me, and I don't want to get entangled in your family business."

"It won't be a real marriage, Miss Moore, we will only be married for a year, and I will make sure to take care of your father's medical treatment." 

"I'll still have to decline, sir." I said, my decision set on this. 

"Don't you want to pay for your father's treatment and see him get better?" he asked, looking at me with confusion. 

"I want to, sir, but I can't accept your proposal."

"Your choice then is either you agree to my proposal or forgo an advance on your salary," he said firmly.

"Please, sir, I really need the money. I promise I won't run away after receiving it." I pleaded.

"Unless you've changed your mind, then leave my office, Miss Moore," he ordered, gesturing for me to use the door.

I scurry out of his office, my eyes stung with tears threatening to spill, and my breath caught in my throat. I quickly made a detour to the ladies' room, needing a moment to collect myself.

"What kind of human being is he?" I cried out in frustration as soon as I entered the restroom, and thankfully, it was empty, so I could freely pour out all my emotions.

"Why does everything have to be business with him? Why is he so selfish and arrogant? He's a billionaire, for God's sake! The money won't even make a dent in his fortune. It's not like I'm trying to steal from him, I just need the extra money to be able to pay for dad's treatment." I exclaimed, tears of frustration welling up in my eyes as I thought about his decision regarding my advance on my salary.

"He needs someone to act as his wife. More like signing a deal with the devil! He must be dreaming." I scoffed.

"I'm not going to waste my tears over a jerk.“ I wiped away the tears that had fallen from my eyes as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

"I'm sure I can find another way to get money for Dad's treatment," I said, taking a deep breath and encouraging myself. 

After I was done in the restroom, I quickly returned to my desk to avoid him calling for me and getting annoyed at my absence. 

"Hi, Rose," I lift my head from my computer to see Jeffrey, Mr. Harrison's personal assistant, standing in front of my desk. I remembered he had been sent to inspect the company's branch in Australia a few weeks ago; I guess he's back now.

"Oh, hey! How was your trip?" I asked, smiling at him. Okay, fine, I may have a tiny crush on him. Who am I kidding? I totally have a crush on him, but just a small one… But who wouldn't? He's nice, kind, and friendly, and the complete opposite of someone who's full of themselves. 

"It was good. How have things been at the office while I was away?"

"Um...nothing much, except for him being his usual cranky self," I said, with a small smile.

"Oh, I hope it wasn't anything serious, though," he asked, his voice laced with concern. Jeffery has witnessed firsthand how Mr. Harrison shouts and scolds me when he's angry.

"Nah, it's nothing I couldn't handle," I said, not wanting him to worry.

"Oh, okay, I got something for you from the trip, but they're in my office. You can drop by later to get them. I have to go see the boss to let him know I'm back."

I grin widely. "Okay, thanks! I'll swing by your office later to grab them," I said, and he walked towards Mr. Harrison's office, I turned my attention back to my work.

I was in the middle of replying to a client email when I heard my phone ring, and I picked up the call without looking at the caller ID.

"Hello, Miss Moore," a female voice said.

"Your father just had a seizure," she said, and I felt my head spinning, my heart pounding with anxiety.