Chapter 5:The Proposal

The black eye catching Bugatti came to a halt in front of the luxurious Circa non pareil, Mark elegantly came down from the car and opened the door for Lillian and she gracefully alighted the car.

As Lillian entered the restaurant,Mark trailed behind her the soft glow of chandeliers illuminated their path, casting an ethereal ambiance around them. Lillian's dress, a flowing gown adorned with intricate lace, accentuated her graceful figure, while Mark's tailored suit exuded sophistication and charm.

The waiter hurriedly informed the manager that Miss Lillian had arrived. The manager, a middle-aged man with a distinguished look, adjusted his suit and straightened his tie, ready to greet the esteemed guests.

The patrons seated at nearby tables couldn't help but steal glances, captivated by Lillian's striking beauty and the air of mystery that surrounded her. Murmurs of curiosity spread through the restaurant, and whispers of speculation filled the air.

The waiter, sensing the significance of the moment, quickly approached the manager, his eyes wide with excitement. "Sir, Miss Lillian has arrived," he whispered urgently.

The manager nodded, his eyes fixed on Lillian's every movement. With a commanding presence, he approached the Lillian, a warm smile gracing his lips. "Welcome, Miss Lillian, and Mr. Mark," he greeted them, extending a hand in a welcoming gesture. "We are honored to have you here tonight."

Lillian returned his smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Thank you, it's a pleasure to be here," she replied graciously.

The manager escorted them toward a secluded private room, away from prying eyes, ensuring their privacy. As they walked, the gentle hum of admiration followed them, a testament to the allure they exuded.

Seated now,Lillian reached for her phone in her bag browsing through some online news.

Mark stood anxiously beside Lillian, his boss. They were waiting outside the elegant restaurant for Lillian's date, Alexander Lawson. Mark had observed Lillian's anticipation all day, and he couldn't help but feel like there was more to it..

Just as they were engrossed in a conversation about the latest business news, Mark's office phone rang. Startled, he quickly excused himself and answered the call. As he listened intently, his face contorted with a mix of surprise and concern. He had no idea how to reveal the unexpected news to his madam.

Lillian, noticing Mark's uneasiness, raised an eyebrow and said to him in a cold tone, "Speak."

Mark took a deep breath, steeling himself for her reaction. "Yes, Ma'am," he began hesitantly. "Well, it seems your date just canceled on us. There's a problem at the Lawson's Corporation, and he won't be able to make it."

Lillian's initial expression of surprise quickly transformed into a smug smile, as if she had anticipated this turn of events. Mark couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and curiosity at her reaction.

"Is that so?" Lillian replied, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Well, isn't that convenient?"

Mark was taken aback. He hadn't expected such a response from his boss. "I... I apologize, Ma'am. I didn't mean to bring you bad news. Should I make other arrangements?"

Lillian waved off his concerns dismissively. "No need, Mark. This cancellation actually suits me just fine. 

Confusion etched across Mark's face. "I'm sorry, Ma'am, but I don't understand. If I may ask, why is this cancellation convenient for you?"

Lillian's smile widened, revealing a glimmer of mischief. "Let's just say, Mark, I’m expecting another person.”

“May I ask who the person is Ma’m.” Mark asked 

“Make a Guess” Lillian said with a smirk on her face.

Mark was in shock, that was not the answer he was expecting he was about asking further when the sudden commotion caused him to turn to the door.

Mark's confusion deepened as he tried to process the sudden entrance of the hefty bodyguard and the arrival of the mysterious, incredibly handsome man. He momentarily forgot about his concerns for Lillian's safety as his attention was captivated by the man's charismatic presence.

The handsome man approached with a confident stride, his piercing gaze fixed on Lillian, not even sparing Mark a glance like he doesn’t exist. Mark couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and intimidation in the man's presence. It was as if an aura of power emanated from him, causing those around him to take notice.

Mark's initial impulse to confront the bodyguards faded as he found himself momentarily speechless. He couldn't deny the allure and magnetism of the man's presence. He decided to withhold his judgment and observe the situation unfold as it seemed to him that that this person might be who his boss has been expecting.

“Miss Lillian” Mark called out Lillian

“Leave us Mark” Lillian said with a smirk on her face her gaze fixed on the Man who entered the room.

“Yes Ma’m” Mark said eyeing the mysterious man before leaving the room.

Suppressing his initial reaction, Mark composed himself and decided to be patient. He would wait for an appropriate moment to ask questions and seek clarification. For now, he would trust that Lillian was in safe hands and that the situation would become clearer over time.

Lillian maintained her composed demeanor, seemingly unfazed by Adrian's anger. She raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes as she answered his question . "Of course, I knew you would be here, Adrian," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I have my sources, you know."

Adrian's jaw clenched as he struggled to contain his emotions. "Why did you leave without a word? Without any explanation?" he demanded, his voice laced with pain and frustration.

Lillian's cunning smile widened, revealing a touch of mischief. "Ah, Adrian, always dwelling on the past," she taunted. "But why should we talk about what happened three years ago? It's irrelevant now. I moved on, and so should you."

Adrian's expression hardened, his voice turning colder. "I won't let you dismiss it so easily, Lillian," he said firmly. "There are things that need to be addressed, and I won't rest until I have answers."

Lillian's smirk grew even more pronounced. "Oh, how noble of you, Adrian," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "But remember, we both have our secrets, don't we? Perhaps it's best if they remain buried, but I do have a proposal for you Mr Adrian." Lillian said all smiles

“What makes you think I’d be interested in whatever you have to offer” Adrian said in a cold voice. 

Lillian seductively walked to the Adrian standing opposite her. She went close enough that all Adrian smelt was her body scent,which drives him insane,Lillian leaned in she held his 

 Adrian's eyes widened in surprise as Lillian's lips brushed against his neck. His heart raced, caught off guard by her sudden boldness.

"What the hell are you doing?" he managed to gasp, his voice laced with both confusion and desire.

Lillian leaned back slightly, her eyes locked onto Adrian's, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Marry me " she purred, her voice dripping with seduction.

Adrian's mind raced, torn between his initial resistance and the undeniable attraction that coursed through his veins. He had always been drawn to Lillian, her magnetic presence and confident demeanor captivating him. But he had been cautious, unsure of her intentions.

Lillian slid her hand gently down Adrian's chest, her touch sending shivers down his spine. "You've always been guarded, Adrian," she whispered, her voice husky. "

He couldn't deny the allure of Lillian's proposition. The weight of his reservations began to fade as her intoxicating scent enveloped him. His hands instinctively found their way to her waist, pulling her closer, their bodies pressed against each other.

Adrian's voice quivered as he spoke, his vulnerability seeping through the cracks of his cold facade. "Why would I marry you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lillian's eyes softened, her fingers gently caressing his cheek.”Because I need you. "

Adrian's heart pounded in his chest as he leaned forward, his lips hesitantly meeting Lillian's. The kiss ignited a fire within him, melting away the walls he had built to protect himself. In that moment, he surrendered to the passion that had simmered beneath the surface for far too long.

As their lips parted, Lillian whispered against his ear, her breath warm and tickling his skin. "I knew you'd be interested," she whispered, a playful hint in her voice.