CHAPTER 3: THE PROPOSITION

Ava gazed at her phone, her fingers tightly gripping it as if she could extract understanding from the device. Damien Sterling. Of everyone who might have called her, why did it have to be him

Her mind raced. What could he possibly want? Surely, he wasn't calling to apologize for the fabricated gossip columns throwing her name into the spotlight? No, billionaires didn’t do that. They handled things on their terms, and she doubted he was any different.

A knot tightened in her stomach. She needed to think, to breathe, but she was already suffocating under the weight of unpaid rent and now—this.

Her phone buzzed again. Another call from Damien.

Damien Sterling's voice echoed on the phone, making Ava's apartment feel even smaller than it had been before. He spoke with a casual, professional manner that contrasted sharply with the informal chatter they had during their galley event. He wasted no time in responding to greetings, straight to the point.

She was left with a cold, fearful sound from his voice as he told her, "I assume you’ve seen the news."

With a soft voice, Ava replied with 'Yes.'

With her knuckles turning white, she held onto the phone with greater force. "That picture... it's not what it looks like."

Damien acknowledged, "I know, but the damage has already been done. The media is in motion and pursuing the narrative."

With her closed eyes, Eva envisioned the headlines, speculative articles, and gossip websites flooding in alongside her picture. She felt a surge of anger, a feeling of unfairness at being depicted as something she wasn't. Despite her anger, she was haunted by an unceasing fear. She may lose not only her reputation but also her ability to earn a living from her art due to this scandal.

"What do we do?" She muttered in despair.

"We? Damien's voice remained somewhat amused. "I think it'll be more of your problem than mine, Miss Rossi."

Ava's gaze widened as she blurted out. "Sorry?….I was on my own minding my business when that opportunistic of a  photographer—"

Damien interrupted, his voice reverting to a business-like tone, "Even so, your name is now associated with mine, and that has implications."

The intensity of Ava's anger was overwhelming. He was right, of course. The same kind of scandal was affecting his business deal, too. His aloof behavior and apparent lack of concern for her situation caused discomfort.

Her voice rang with anger as she asked, "What are you suggesting we do?"

With a smooth voice, Damien stated, "I have... ONE proposition for you and me."

The interest was ignited in Ava. "I am listening ."

"Let’s get ENGAGED," Damien replied with a cold voice.

Ava's eyes flew open. "Excuse me?" she sputtered

"I propose a fake engagement," Damien stated

Ava raised her eyebrows in confusion. "A fake engagement?" she queried.

“Yes,” Damien replied, "We announce that we are engaged, a quick-moving romance born out of that unforgettable night at the gala. The media gets their fairytale ending, my investors are reassured, and you..." he paused, letting the message sink in.

Ava blinked. Then she laughed, a robust, skeptical chuckle. "You must be joking."

"I'm completely serious."

"And I’m completely saying no." She stood up. "Thanks for the entertainment, Mr. Sterling. Have a nice life."

Before she could take a step, his calm voice stopped her. "You need the money, Ava."

Her spine stiffened. "Excuse me?"

"I did my research." He motioned toward the eviction notice she had crumpled in her bag. "You’re on the verge of losing your apartment and studio. I can offer you financial security in exchange for a few months of pretending."

Her fingers curled into a fist. "So that’s what this is? You buy me, and I play the devoted fiancée?"

He exhaled through his nose, as if restraining himself. "It’s not about buying anyone. It’s about control. The media spins narratives, Ava. I refuse to let them control mine."

She studied him. His tone was straightforward, and his body language showed no signs of deceit. He truly believed this was the best option.

Ava's mind raced. A fake engagement. It was a crazy notion, an impulsive action. Her thought process revealed a sense of confusion and uncertainty. It was the most plausible explanation. Damien's deal would be protected from negative rumors, and she could have financial freedom. This is crucial.

"And what do I gain from this?" She inquired with a cautious voice

"Financial stability," Damien asserted, his words being precise. "A generous allowance, access to my resources, and the freedom to work on your art without having to make ends meet.”

Ava's heart skipped a beat. This offer is too much for her to turn down. But a persistent doubt haunted her.

With a silent answer, she asked, "Why does it have to be me?" She replied. ”I am sure dozens of women would jump at this offer without thinking twice.”

“Maybe, but you happen to be in the picture, Miss Rossi," Damien said, his voice becoming softer.

“Also," he said, adding with a laugh, “you have this certain…spark that I find interesting.”

Her cheeks were filled with blush as Ava looked on. She had never been accustomed to receiving compliments, especially from a man like Damien Sterling. Her self-love and independence had always made her feel inappropriate to be a part of the high-class elite, distancing herself from them with their polished appearance.

Her voice regained its clarity as she inquired, "What else do you gain from this, aside from impressing your investors?"

"A chance to control the narrative," Damien declared, his voice becoming more professional. "A chance to provide credible proof that I am not the manipulator or playboy the media painted me to be. And perhaps," he mentioned, with a slight hint of challenge in his voice, “to test your ability to match the intensity of what I had mentioned."

The air in Ava's throat held her breath captive. She felt a thrilling rush, a combination of excitement and unease. It’s a tense, critical situation with possible catastrophic results that she must maneuver through. There was a feeling in Damien's voice that made her want to take the risk, a hint of vulnerability beneath the controlled exterior

"And what happens after? When does this arrangement end"?

"We quietly part ways. No harm, no foul."

Ava stared at him, then shook her head. "This is insane. Even if I agreed, I’d have my own conditions."

Damien smirked. "I’d expect nothing less."

"Alright, Mr. Sterling.” She spoke with a firm and unwavering voice, saying, "I'm in."

Damien's response was immediate, his voice regaining its brisk efficiency "Very good!. A contract detailing our agreement will be drafted by my legal team. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the details and finalize the announcement.”

Ava's mind reeled. Everything was happening so fast. She had been facing eviction just hours before, with her dreams almost falling apart. And now, she was about to initiate a rapid faux engagement with one of the most influential individuals in the town.

With a faint expression, she whispered, "Tomorrow?"

With a firm voice, Damien said, "Yes, tomorrow. Get ready by ten. My driver will bring you'.

Damien ended the call before Ava could answer. As she held the phone, her mind raced with a thousand thoughts. She had just made a deal that could either save or destroy her. But as soon as she gazed around her small studio apartment and her gaze fell on the eviction notice on the table, she realized she had no other option available.

In readiness for the situation, she breathed deeply. She was on the verge of entering a world of wealth and power but also deceit, with high stakes at every level. Despite challenges, Ava Rossi was not afraid to take the chance. She was a fighter, despite everything. She had no desire to engage in this game alone.

That evening, Ava rested in bed gazing at the ceiling, the burden of her choice weighing on her like a heavy anchor. She struck a bargain with the devil, and there was no way to retreat

The media would believe she was engaged to Damien Sterling. The world would watch their every move. And for six months, she would have to play a role that was the furthest thing from reality.

But as much as she hated to admit it, Damien wasn’t the only one who had just secured an advantage.

She had, too.

And she’d be damned if she didn’t make the most of it