AURORA'S POV
Apexion Digital Media:2:00PM
I arrived at Apexion company headquarters, my heart racing with anticipation.
I approached the front desk receptionist who greeted me with a warm smile.
"Good afternoon ma'am, welcome to Apexion. How can we help you?" She asked.
"I'm Aurora Willows, and I'm here for a meeting with Mr Liam Flynn." I replied.
The receptionist checked her system. "Let me verify. Ah, yes, you're scheduled for a 2PM meeting. Please take a seat while I inform Mr Liam." She said.
As I took a seat in the lobby,I couldn't help but take in the ambience. The Apexion media lobby was sleek and modern, with polished marble floors and walls adorned with vibrant artworks showcasing the company's diverse media portfolio.
A large LED screen displayed various news clips, entertainment programs and innovative digital content reflecting the company's cutting-edge approach to media.
The seating area was furnished with stylish,minimalist chairs where visitors could relax while waiting.
A floor-to-ceiling glass wall offered a glimpse into the bustling newsroom, where journalist and producers were hard at work, typing away on their computers or engaged in intense discussions.
The reception desk, crafted from gleaming glass and steel, was manned by a poised receptionist who was currently on the phone, informing the CEO about my arrival.
I felt a sense of anticipation as I waited, wondering what the meeting with the CEO would bring.
LIAM'S POV
I sat in my office typing away on my computer when my phone buzzed with an incoming text from an unknown number. " You will be seeing her again soon."
I sat puzzled and wondering who could have send such a cryptic message and what it meant.
Just then, my receptionist call came in"Sir, Miss Aurora Willows Is here for your 2:pm meeting."
"Send her in", I said, my curiosity piqued.
AURORA'S POV
The receptionist ushered me into the CEO's office and I was struck by its sleek and modern design.
The room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The CEO's desk, crafted from polished glass and steel was positioned in front of the windows, allowing him to gaze out at the city while working.
The office was minimalist, yet elegant.
As he turned his chair to face me, I was struck by his chiseled features. His eyes were a deep, piercing blue, fringed with thick eyelashes that added to their allure.
His nose was straight and his jawline, strong and defined. His light brown hair was perfectly styled, framing his face with a touch of sophistication.
He wore a tailored charcoal gray suit that accentuated his broad shoulders, paired with a crisp white shirt that complemented his fair complexion. A silver watch gleamed on his wrist,complimenting the subtle sheen of his cuff links.
His tie was a subtle color of silver-gray, adding a touch of elegance to his outfit.
His shoe was polished to perfection and every aspect of his attire seemed carefully chosen to convey power,confidence and sophistication.
But something about him seemed familiar and I couldn't place my hand on what exactly.
"Good afternoon, Mr Flynn." I said, extending my hand.
LIAM'S POV
As Aurora entered, our eyes met and I was surprised to see the woman from the parking lot. I maintained my composure, intrigued by the coincidence. My gaze swept over her taking in the tailored cream colored suit that perfectly complemented her blond hair. The fitted jacket highlighted her toned shoulders, with the pencil skirt just above her knees, exuding a sense of professionalism.
Her blonde hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, revealing the clean lines of her face and drawing attention to her bright, expressive eyes.
I was struck by how well she carried her self, her confidence and poise radiating from every aspect of her demeanor, making me wonder what lay beneath the surface of this intriguing woman.
"Miss Willows , Good afternoon, I said, shaking her hand. I believe we have met before."
Her eyes widened in recognition "Oh, I'm so sorry about that, I didn't mean to…I was in a bit of a rush and wasn't paying attention. It was completely my fault." She replied and I sensed a hint of genuine remorse in her remark.
"Apology accepted, Miss Willows ." I said with a slight smile.
We sat down, discussing the project her company was interested in and I listened intently, impressed by her expertise.
As we discussed the business deal, my thoughts drifted to the mysterious text I received earlier and the tense conversation with my father the night before.
I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers together as I considered my next move-proposing a marriage contract.
I took a deep breath, deciding to take a chance.
"Miss Willows , I believe we've discussed the business deal sufficiently. However, I have another proposition that might interest you, - one that goes beyond mere business."
My eyes locked onto hers, searching for a glimmer of curiosity or hesitation.
'Would she be open to the idea of a contract marriage, or will she walk away.'
"What proposal?, Mr Flynn" ,she replied
"The terms are simple: marry me, and I'll green light the project you've been working towards. Refuse, and…" I hesitated for a moment before continuing, my voice firm but laced with a hint of apology. "Let's just say the project will be put on indefinite hold. I'm afraid it's not a decision I can leave up to a chance."
The words lingered in the air and her eyes widened in surprise.
AURORA'S POV
"Miss Willows , Good afternoon, Mr Flynn said shaking my hand. I believe we have met before", he said.
My eyes widened in recognition as I remembered the parking lot incident.
"Oh, I'm so sorry about that, I didn't mean to…I was in a bit of a rush and wasn't paying attention. It was completely my fault." I replied deeply in genuine remorse and regret.
"Apology accepted, Miss Willows ." He said with a slight smile softening the tension as we transitioned into discussing the project details.
Mr Liam's words caught me off guard.
"Miss Willows , I believed we have discussed the business deal sufficiently", he said, his voice shifting from professional to personal. "However, I have another proposition that might interest you-one that goes beyond mere business."
My curiosity piqued, I leaned forward slightly "What proposal, Mr Flynn?" I asked, my voice neutral.
His response left me stunned. " The terms are simple-marry me and I'll green light the project you've been working towards," he said, his eyes locked onto mine. I felt a jolt of surprise as he continued, his voice firm yet tinged with a hint of apology. "Refuse, and…. Let's just say the project will be put on indefinite hold.I'm afraid it's not a decision I can leave up to chance."
The room seemed to spun around me as the weight of his words sank in. 'Marry him? Was he serious?' The project, my lifeline, hung precariously in the balance. The audacity of the proposal left me breathless, and for a moment, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. 'A contract marriage?.
My thoughts swirled back to the mysterious call I'd received earlier, the one that had left me with an eerie feeling. Was this some kind of setup? But then reality snapped me back to attention-my company, my employees, my dreams.
The weight of Mr Flynn's ultimatum crushed me. If I refused, my company would sink into bankruptcy, and all my hard work will be for nothing. But marry a stranger? The idea repelled me.
My voice trapped in my throat as I struggled to form a response, my eyes searching for any hint of what lay behind his proposal but his expression was inscrutable.
The silence stretched between us, heavy with anticipation as I hesitated on making a decision that would change everything.