Chapter 3-The Critical Decision

Tammie's Point of View

Tammie entered the room, her heart pounding as she found the faces of the board members and James. The room was surcharged with tension, and urgency in the situation demanded value for every second.

"I want to thank you all for coming, on such short notice," Tammie tried to keep a calm head. "I know that this is a critical general moment for our company."

James nodded, showing his wrinkles of worry. "We've got the creditor's demands. They want repayment within 24 hours or they'll take legal action."

The board members looked around at each other nervously. Tammie felt her anxiety shoot up. "What are our options?"

James stepped onto the stage. "We can try to bargain for more time, but it may not fly. The other option we have is to find the funds—quickly."

Tammie didn't know what to do. She thought of the contract Collins offered. This money could solve her immediate financial crisis, but more than that, accepting his proposal meant agreeing to his offer—an arranged marriage.

Someone knocked at the door. A young executive entered with a phone. "Ms. Daniels, it's Collins Blackwood on the line."

But her heart missed a beat and then set off galloping. "Thank you," she said, as she took the phone. "Hello, Collins."

"Hi, Tammie," began in a calm voice. "I just found out about the situation. I have the terms of our deal to discuss with you, assuming you are ready."

She took a deep breath. "I'm in a meeting. Can we speak in person?"

"Sure, I can come to your office. I'll be there shortly."

Tammie hung up and felt a peculiar mix of relief and an ever-growing sense of foreboding. She glanced at the boardroom. "They sent Collins down here. I've gotta get with him regarding the proposal. In the meantime, we'll hammer out what we've got for making a deal with the creditor.

The board members nodded, and the meeting started with an air of urgency. Tammie's mind was divided between the financial crisis and the discussion that was about to happen with Collins. At this moment, time seemed to go as though run by a ticking clock.

When he entered, Collins was dressed to the nines, and the air of efficiency and assurance surrounded him. He greeted everyone with pleasure and turned to Tammie only then. "Shall we discuss the details?

Tammie guided him to a private office, where they would be only. "I must decide soon. That is the thing - this creditor's deadline breathing on my neck."

Collins nodded. "I can see that. Alright here is my deal - huge loan I give you to handle all that you need, but." he made the 'for-one/small-print-fine-print' finger gesture. «We still have to go through with the marriage deal. I get a hundred percent nuptials, your

Tammie eyed over the papers. The terms were clear, but the implications were heavy. "This takes care of the immediate financial issues, but means a commitment to marriage, are you sure about this?"

"I am," responded Collins firmly. "This is not just about business. My father's wish was for us to find stability and possibly more through this union.   I am offering you an escape from this mess and an opportunity for us to  head in one direction."

Tammie felt a twinge of unease. "What if I can't do this? What if the marriage doesn't work out?"

Collins's face softened slightly. "If it doesn't work we can take care of it. But for now, we have the possibility of fixing the short-term issue. Your father's company is important, as is your future."

Suddenly Tammie's head was filled with a hundred possible scenarios. She was considering her father's health the future of his company or even the fact that she could no longer be able to carry on with her life. The choice was very bleak, but she knew that she had to make it quickly.

She kept silent as she looked at Collins; her heart was heavy with what she was about to decide. "Okay. I'll agree to the deal. We must get the money and save the company. Anyway, we need to deliberate on the issue, don't we?"

Collins nodded, alighting a little ease in his eyes. 'We will make do. Let's just work on how to end the crisis of the company after we have finalized the details. '

Tammie signed the contract renewal with a mixture of feelings: resignation and hope. She would now move in an entirely different direction than she had originally planned, but she had decided it all for her father's company and her future.

As Collins walked out of the office, Tammie re-entered the boardroom. She briefed the members briefly on the new plan, and they soon sprang back into action, working to implement the financial rescue.

The next few hours blurred past. Now the future of the company depended on quick and effective negotiations. Tammie felt the pressure of responsibility, though a glint of hope existed.

As she drew the meeting to a close and began to get ready to move on to the next stage, her eyes flickered towards the hour. Late, but not by a long shot over. The crisis was being managed; she realized her personal and emotional challenges were just beginning.

Tammie knew that the days ahead would be filled with uncertainty and adjustment. She had made a decision and hoped it would lead to a better future. As soon as she walked in, her phone buzzed with a text from Collins: 'I'll see you soon to talk about what's next.'

 Together, we'll make this work.

Tammy breathed heavily and braced herself for the challenges ahead. The path was set, and the steps were just starting.