Chapter Five

The incessant ringing of her alarm yanked Avalynn alert from her deep sleep. She took a speedy look at the wall clock holding tight the wall inverse her bed, 8 a.m!! Fuck.

She had been invited a few days ago for an interview at her dream company, M&M fashion institute. She quickly jumped off her bed and rushed to her bathroom to prepare.

Before leaving for the office, Avalynn double-checked the address.

She tried to remain cool, but her heart continued to beat quickly.

She arrived at the predetermined location, a lavish looking corporation in the core of New York.

"Welcome to M&M Design, what might I do for you?" the receptionist welcomed, smiling pleasantly.

"Hello, I'm Avalynn Otto. I have an interview booked for 9 am," she answered, returning the smile regardless of her nerves.

"OK, simply sit down around there while I call the CEO to tell him you are here," The secretary said with a considerate grin all the rage.

As Avalynn paused, her emotions dashed with energy and tension.

How would she do in the interview? Will she be able to make a positive impression on the CEO?

"Avalynn Otto?" the receptionist questioned pleasantly, jerking her out of her thoughts. Avalynn nodded.

"The CEO is awaiting you. Please follow me."

As she was led along a passageway, Ava felt her tension mounting.

Soon, they approached a huge door at the end of the hall.

The receptionist announced Avalynn's presence.

"Send her in," a thick voice echoed through the office door.

Avalynn's heart hammered as she opened the door to the spacious corner office. Behind a wooden desk sat the CEO, engrossed in the newspaper he held across his face.

"Good morning, sir. I am here for the interview," she said calmly, hoping to mask the storm of emotions roiling inside her. She had to keep her cool. It was the most important interview of her life.

As the boss dropped the newspaper and lifted his gaze, Avalynn's heart skipped a beat in instant recognition.

It was him!

The stranger she mistakenly had a one night stand with a few days ago, WTF!

What was he doing here?

“It's good to see you again,” Jace said, not seeming surprised.

He recognized Avalynn immediately he saw her passport photograph on the file his secretary had brought to his office the previous day and had requested she's invited for an interview.

“You look like you've seen a ghost,” Jace chuckled.

“I...” Avalynn couldn't find the words.

“Hey, take a deep breath.”

“Wait,” She paused a bit. “Are you supposed to be the CEO… of M&M?” Ava questioned.

“Yes.” Jace replied firmly. “Oh, pardon my manners. Allow me to officially introduce myself. My name is Jace Malvis. The only son and heir to the Malvis group. I know you're Avalynn. You have a very pretty name, I must say.” He added, swaying the CEO’s chair he was sitting on.

Avalynn's head whirled as she remembered their short meeting at the club. She glanced aside, embarrassed. Jace seemed to recognize her right away, indicating that he remembered more than she did.

Jace broke the silence by clearing his throat uneasily. "I'm sorry about the other night. When I saw you in the club, I was not thinking clearly. You caught me at a difficult time."

Ava lifted her eyebrows, expecting more.

"When I'm tense, I tend to make reckless decisions. I was wrong." He stopped, looking at her thoughtfully. "To be honest, I went to the club because I was upset about losing a big deal that day. I took out my anger on you unjustly. I am sincerely sorry.”

Avalynn eyed him closely, still absorbing the truth. "I appreciate that you accept responsibility for your actions. Though the way you addressed me still stings to remember."

Jace nodded solemnly. "You have every right to feel this way. If you'd allow it, I would want us to make amends. Why don't we start over with a clean slate? Avalynn, tell me about yourself."

She relaxed somewhat at his genuineness, but she kept her guard up. "There isn't much to say. I work hard to support my family. This job might be a lifeline."

"I understand.” Jace nodded, pausing a bit. “You are certainly competent. I have gone through your portfolio.” Jace leaned forward closely.

“Thank you so much,” Avalynn said, letting out a sigh of relief.

Jace took a deep breath as he kept his eyes glued on Avalynn for a while, observing her. Should he go ahead with the plan, or should he not? He thought within himself.

After he saw Avalynn’s picture on her file the previous day, Jace had asked his secretary to run a quick background check on her, so he got almost all her information, including the fact that her father was down with a serious illness.

He thought of Avalynn as vulnerable; he could take advantage of that by offering her money and proposing a contract marriage to her for just a year.

He blinked twice as he turned his gaze to her. He wasn't about going ahead with the plan.

“Uhmm, Miss Avalynn, I have seen how much you want this job but what if there was another choice than becoming an employee?” Jace leaned forward, adjusting his tie. “One that would benefit you more?”

“I don't understand,” Avalynn said, feeling adrift. What was he saying?

Jace smirked; he was expecting that.

He resolved within himself to propose it to her. The worst that would happen was that she'd reject him, and he'd move on to the next available girl.

"I am willing to invest in you on your terms, Ava, and in return, I want something from you." He said.

"And what could that be?,” Avalynn asked, puzzled.

“Marry me.” He paused to get her reaction; she looked confused as hell!

“It’s a one-year marriage contract with you as my wife in name only. After a year, we will divorce and go our separate ways.”

There was a moment of silence, Jace's proposal took Avalynn totally by surprise. What does he mean by marrying him?

“I’m lost. Marry you? You don't even know me,” Ava said in total confusion.

“Yeah, more reason I chose you for the job. It's purely business; we are going to have rules.” Jace said, trying not to sound as desperate as he felt.

"Just business, huh?" Ava asked, a skeptical tone in her voice.

"Yeah, sure thing," he said, his voice casual. "The deal includes a lump-sum payment of ten million dollars upon completion of the marriage contract." Jace raised his gaze and his eyes met hers. "Take some time to think it over, and let me know what you decide."

Avalynn let out a gasp. It was more money than she ever imagined. Ten-million dollars??

Her mind was racing with different thoughts, and her body felt stiff.

The idea of marrying a complete stranger was horrifying, but the temptation of financial security was hard to resist.

She may also avoid her biggest nightmare at that moment-the arranged marriage her stepmother was planning to force her into.

Avalynn had the impression that she had no clear way ahead and was being pulled in two different directions.

She was about to make a choice that may alter her life forever and had no clue what to do

All she knew was that she needed time to think, and fast!