Chapter 5

She wondered why Mr. Cagliari wanted to see her as Mr Turner pressed the button to open the private elevator.

"Are you sure? I can take the stairs" she suggested but he stood firm and she entered; as they made their way up her mind ran in circles as she thought of what could make the CEO want to see her.

She has had no complaints so far and had no reason to see him as well, she would only know when she gets there. Once again, she found herself on the fourth floor of the company, which was known as the executive floor. This was where the office of the president was here and his vice president, although he has never met him before. They walked past the conference room to the end of the hall where a door was labelled CEO in gold.

"You may go in" he gestured as he opened the door and she walked in. The space was wide, and it was furnished exquisitely with Italian furniture, she was astonished at how wide a room can be.

Her eyes roamed around the place before landing on the couch to see her aunt, Mr Cagliari and another man seated. The couches were arranged around a glass centre table, and on the table was an envelope and mugs of coffee.

"Aunt" she called out, Mrs Smith looked up to see her standing at a distance and smiled warmly. Mr Cagliari also raised his eyes to see her and the man as well.

"My dear, why are you standing so far?" she beckoned but Ashleigh stood adamant, peering at Mr Cagliari suspiciously.

"What's this about aunt?" she questioned firmly, staring at Mr Cagliari head on who smiled amused.

He looked dashing today; he wore a beige coloured suit and matching shoes, his hair was slicked back in an elegant style and his stubble framed his lower face, making him seem more mature. He sat with his legs crossed and reached for his cup of coffee on the table, sipping it nonchalantly.

"Won't you come here? will we have to shout it to you? "

Ashleigh moved to sit besides her aunt carefully.

Adrian took a long look at her; her eyes were apprehensive as she waited for him to speak and her hands held onto her aunts clothes tightly.

"Ashleigh, I have been discussing with your aunt before you arrived " he remarked, she turned to her aunt who avoided her eyes.

"I have a proposition for you- a marriage proposal" he stated, and Ashleigh could not hide her shock.

"I'm sorry. Could you repeat what you said?" she asked, looking at him in disbelief.

"I am asking you to marry me" he repeated firmly, and she let out a startled laugh.

This man seemed to be out of it at the moment, because who talks about marriage so lightly.

"I'm sorry. It's just that it sounds funny. Is it a joke? Can you tell a better one" her smile quickly dimmed and she looked serious. Her aunt tried to intervene but she was not in the mood to hear her speak.

"No Mrs Smith, I need to speak to him" she said, holding his gaze.

"Well, Mr Cagliari, why do you want to marry me?" she asked sarcastically, he gave a wry smile in response.

"Miss Hartman I have a pressing need so I want someone who suits those requirements" he replied, giving her a good look.

Ashleigh was bewildered by the fact that she was here hearing the nonsense he had to say, more so that her aunt had heard this but could not refuse.

"Mrs Smith, did you hear what he said? " she inquired and Mrs Smith let out a low sigh.

"Well Ashleigh dear, I have heard it all but I want you to consider it as well" she responded, her voice getting more quiet as she Ashleigh's disbelief deepened.

"Look, Ashleigh, it's not a bad offer. He has promised to care for you and compensate you when the contract is over" she attempted to encourage Ashleigh but Ashleigh shifted from her.

"Miss Hartman, I am Mr Cagliari's lawyer and legal representative. I have the marriage contract " the man who observed silently spoke up.

He moved to remove the paper from the envelope and he placed it in front of her. Ashleigh sat silently, staring at the header of the contract.

It was written in bold letters: MARRIAGE AGREEMENT CONTRACT.

"Ashleigh, I know this is a lot for you to take in. I want you to think carefully. During the period you will be my legal wife, you and your aunt will be fully taken care of. It's more of a favour to you" Adrian added, looking at her still figure. Ashleigh raised her head to look at him.

"Did I ask you to do me a favour Mr. Cagliari? There are a thousand ladies who would take this opportunity but I will not. And don't you ever call me for this again " she said through clenched teeth, turning to leave abruptly.

She was at the door when Adrian said something that made her stand still.

"Miss Hartman.... or is that your real name?" He questioned and she turned sharply with a fierce glint in her eyes.

"What? You think you're a mere orphan? Then your aunt hasn't been entirely truthful to you has she?" Adrian taunted Ashleigh, and she marched straight up to him.

"What are you talking about" she asked in a hushed tone, making him stand up to face her.

Her heart was beating loudly at the moment as she glared at him, this was the thorn that pierced her heart. She longed to find out about her birth parents but she did not have the resources so it was buried at the back of her mind, one of the things that she hoped to do after saving up was to find her birth parents if they are alive or dead.

She lived her life day by day at the orphanage home until her aunt showed up one day. Till now, anytime she asked her aunt or tried to bring up the discussion, her aunt shot it down fiercely every time, stating her parents are dead and there was no reason to talk about it. She told her no stories of her parents, home town or family where they grew up in as children, she explained that this was for the best. Looking at Adrian Cagliari, she now confirmed that there is more to the story than she knew.