UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL

OLIVIA'S POV

I stared out of the window of my cramped Office, watching raindrops race down the glass pane, my breath fogged up the window as I exhaled, a deep sigh escaping my lips. The weather seemed to match my mood-gloomy and unpredictable. I returned to my desk and flipped through the files for the third time this morning, trying to focus on the budget reports that were to due by noon.

But it was no use; my thoughts kept drifting back to Lily. She is only five, Yet her Laugh Could light up the darkest room. Her latest treatments had been rough, and I hated being away from her even for a second. Still, work Was a necessary evil. We needed the money, especially with the mounting medical bills.

Just as I managed to refocus, a sharp knock on the door broke my Concentration. I looked up to see

my boss - Dawson Pierce, The CEO & Pierce Enterprises. Standing in the doorway. His presence filled the small room instantly, his broad shoulders nearly brushing against the frame. I had been his assistant for nearly a year, and I'd never seen him look. so.... purposeful.

“Ms. Candel," he said, his deep voice cutting through the silence. I need to talk to you."

I have motioned for him to sit, my heart thumping against my ribcage. I had been summoned to his Office countless times, but never had he come to mine. It was unheard of. He closed the doors behind him and sat down across from me, his Intense blue eyes never leaving mine. I could feel the weight of his gaze, assessing, Calculating.

"I'll get straight to the point," he said, folding his hands on the desk. "I need you to marry me”.

I blinked, convinced I Misheard. "Excuse me?"

"Marry me" he repeated, as if it were the Simplest request in the world. "It's not a real marriage, of course. it's a business arrangement!"

I felt a cold wave of confusion was over me. "A business arrangement? You want me to marry you... as part of a business deal?"

"Yes," he answered, his voice unwavering. I need my wife to secure an important merger. The Investor wants to see stability, family, values, and things I don't currently possess. You're smart, professional, and most importantly, you're single. You are perfect for the role."

My mind raced as I tried to process his words. It sounded unreal, almost like a bad joke. But Dawson Pierce was not known for his sense of humor. He was serious. Dead serious.

“And why exactly would I agree to this?” I asked trying to keep my voice steady.

He leaned back and confidently answered, “Because I'm prepared to pay you a significant amount Of money. Enough to cover up all of your daughter's medical expenses and then some."

My heart stopped. Lily. He knew about her condition? I shouldn't have been surprised Dawson had a way of knowing things, secrets people didn't want to share.

“I've seen the hospital bills,” he continued. “l know what it costs to keep her treatments going. I'm offering you a way out Olivia. A way to secure her future.

I sat there, Stunned into silence. On the one hand, his offer was a lifeline. I had been drowning under the weight of Lily's expenses; on the Other hand, what he was proposing was insane, a fake marriage? a lie? could I put that off?

“I don't know what to say,” I finally managed, my voice barely a whisper.

“you don't have to Say anything right now,” Dawson replied smoothly. "Take the weekend to think about It, I need an answer by Monday"

He stood up, the conversation apparently over in his mind. "And remember. Olivia" he added, Pausing at the door, "I don't make offers lightly. think carefully."

With that, he was gone, leaving me in Stunned silence. I sat back in my chair, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. could I really do this? Could I pretend to be Dawson Pierce's wife for the sake of my daughter?

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept drifting back to Dawson's Proposal. His words replayed in my mind over and over, each time sounding more tempting, more dangerous. By the time I left the office, I felt like I was going to explode from pressure.

I decided to walk home, hoping the fresh air would clear my head. The rain had stopped, leaving the street glistening under the fading sunlight, as I walked, I thought about all the things I could do with the money Dawson was offering. I could pay off all of Lily's medical bills, move us into a nicer apartment, and maybe even take a vacation.

But then, reality set in, could I really marry Someone like Dawson Pierce? could I keep up the charade day in and day out? pretend to love a man who is nothing but a Stranger to Me? It felt so wrong, so dishonest, yet the Idea of being free from financial burdens was too enticing to ignore.

By the time I reached my apartment building, my mind was made up. I needed to talk to someone, Someone I trusted. I pulled out my phone and dialed my best friend, Sarah.

"Hey, Liv!" Sarah's cheerful voice answered on the First ring “What's up?"

"Are you home?" I asked, trying to keep my Voice Steady. "I need to talk to you. It's… Important?"

"Yeah, I'm here. Come on up."

I made my way up to her apartment and Knocked on the door. Sarah opened it almost Immediately. Her smile faded When she saw the look on my face "What's wrong”

"I need your advice," I said, stepping inside. "Dawson Pierce just proposed to me.”

Sarah's eyes widened. "What? like, a real proposal?"

"No, not a real one,” I quickly explained. "He wants me to marry him for business reasons. he says it's to Secure some merger deal, and he's willing to pay me a lot of money. Enough to cover Lily's medical expenses.

Sarah's face Softened with understanding "Oh, liv... What are you going to do?."

I don't know, I admitted, collapsing into her couch,

“it does sound crazy, but……maybe it's not the worst idea. I mean, if it's just a business arrangement, and if it helps you and Lily……maybe it's worth Considering.” Sarah said.

I looked at her, surprised. I had expected her to talk me out of it, to tell me I was insane for even thinking about it. But hearing her say it out loud. It almost felt right.”

“Do you really think so?" I asked, my heart pounding.

Sarah nodded. "I think you should do what's best for you and Lily. If this is what it takes to secure her future, then maybe it's worth the risk.

I left Sarah's apartment feeling more conflicted than ever. Her words had given me some comfort but I was still unsure. I spent the rest of the Weekend thinking it over, weighing the pros and cons, By Sunday night, I felt like I was going to lose my mind from all the back and forth.

Finally, I made my decision. I picked up my phone and dialed Dawson's number, my hands trembling as I waited for him to answer.

“Olivia,” his voice was calm and collected as always. "Have you made up your decision?"

"Yes," I said, taking a deep breath. "I'll do it. I'll marry You!”.

There was a pause on the Other end of the line, and for a moment, I thought he might have changed his mind. But then he spoke, his tone businesslike. "Good. I'll have the Paperwork drawn up. We'll discuss the details in my office tomorrow morning”.

"Okay”, I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Goodnight, Olivia," he said, and then the line went dead.

I put the phone down and leaned back against the wall, a wave of emotions. Crashing over me. I had just agreed to Marry Dawson Pierce, a man I barely knew, for Money For Lily. I Closed My eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me.

As I crawled into bed that night. I couldn't help but wonder what I had signed up for. Could I really go through with this: pretend to be someone I'm not? I glanced at the framed Photo of Lily on my nightstand, her bright Smile giving me Strength.

Yes, I told myself. I could do this for her

With that thought in my mind, I drifted off to sleep.