CHAPTER 2: THE PROPOSAL

"Connel Wilder," he replies,his voice low and smooth like silk gliding over through skin as he gazes directly into her eyes. He resumed eating, seemingly expecting her to figure everything out on her own.

Ariel stared at him in disbelief. "Why do you keep staring?" Connel asked, setting his cutlery down.

I don't know who you are, where I am or why I'm here," Ariel said, frustration creeping into her voice. "You don't expect me to eat food without knowing where it came from,do you?"

Connel's expression turned rude. "It came from the kitchen. If you want answers, keep quiet and eat. We will talk when you are done."

He picked up his cutlery and cConnel's eating. Ariel pushes her chair back and runs out of the dining hall.

"Should we go after her?" Watson asked.

"Leave her," Connel replied, continuing to eat. "She'll be back."

A few minutes later, heavily built guards carried Ariel back into the dining hall and dropped her into her seat.

"No matter how many times you run, you'll always come back to me," Connel said, signaling for the plates to be taken away.

Ariel shook vulnerably. "What do you want?"

"You can't keep me like I'm your assets or one of your paintings," she spat.

Connel's confidence was unnerving. "Maybe not yet."

He locked eyes with Ariel. "Marry me. I'm not asking; I'm telling you."

Ariel's eyes widened in disbelief. "Why?" She whispered.

Connel's smile was cold. "I'm being pressured to get married and I have you."

Ariel cuts him off, her voice firm. "What makes you think I'll marry you?”

"Your family is struggling financially and I can take care of that," Connel said,his voice firm. "They're also strug. gling to keep a roof over their heads. Marry me and I'll ensure they're t; In care of."

Ariel hesitated unsure of her decision. "I'll marry you," she said finally,but only because of my family."

Connel turned to leave,but Ariel stopped him. "How did I get there?"

Connel turned back, a hint of amusement on his face. "You were waitressing at a Wilder party, thrown to celebrate a new project and partnership. You got heavily drunk and ended up in a predicament. I helped you and brought you here, to my house."

Ariel's eyes narrowed. "What kind of predicament? And how did you know about my family?"

Connel's expression turned cold. "That's not necessary, he interrupted, glancing at his watch. "I have somewhere to be."

Watson handed him his suit and Connel left, flanked by two heavily built men in suits. They disappeared into the shadows.

"If you need anything don't hesitate to ask Watson," Connel called back. "He'll guide you."

As he left, Watson turned to Ariel. "I'll get you something to eat, miss Ariel. Please, follow me."

Ariel stood there frozen in disbelief. This has to be a dream right? As she questioned herself. The past few minutes couldn't have actually happened,I didn't just agree to marry a man I knew nothing about. Or did I?

Her mind reeled as she tried to process the events that had just transpired. Connel Wilder, a man she had never met before, had proposed a marriage of convenience to save her family from financial ruin and she had agreed.

Panic set in as she thought about her family. What would she tell her dad? How would she even face them? We had lost our home and I have no idea where they're staying now? She panicked.

A wave of nausea washed over her as he wondered what she had gotten herself into.

"Watson, can you help me find out where my family is and how they're doing? I want to talk to them." She asked, her voice shaking.

"I'll get it done, Miss Ariel," Watson replied, and guided her to her quarters.

Ariel freshening up, She joined Watson in the kitchen. "I'm hungry, Watson."

As Ariel sat in the kitchen with Watson, eating her food, and staring at the grand decorations, her mind began to wander. The warmth of the kitchen,the smell of the freshly cooked meal and the sound of Watson's gentle humming transported her back to a different time.

She was a child again sitting at her family's Small kitchen table. Her grandmother was busy cooking dinner while her father sat across from her, helping with her homework. The kitchen was cozy filled with the smell of cooking oil and the sound of sizzling vegetables.

Ariel's grandmother smiled at her, her eyes tired but warm. "Ariel, darling, how was your day?" She asked, stirring the pot of stew.

Ariel,'s eyes sparkled. "It was good, Mom. We learned about fractions in school today."

Her father chuckled. "Fractions,huh? You're going to be a math whiz, just like your mom."

The memory was bittersweet and Ariel's eyes pricked with tears. She missed the happy times with her family. She missed the warmth and love that filled their small kitchen.

Watson's voice brought her back to the present. "Miss Ariel, would you like some tea as well?" he asked, his eyes kind.

Ariel smiled, feeling a pang of gratitude towards Watson. "Yes please, Watson. That would be lovely.”

He served her, making sure she was comfortable."Why do you still have those clothes on?" Watson asked, pointing on the outfit she had on.

I had nothing to wear so I wore them again,"Ariel explained. As she dug into her food, she asked Watson, "Can you tell me more about Connel? Why is he grumpy and rude? 

Watson looked hesitant before speaking. "I've known Master Connel since he was a child. I've worked with the Wilder family for years. He runs the Wilder empire, as his father is retired."

Ariel's eyes widened. "And this house?"

"It belongs to Master Wilder, inherited from his mom who is now late and..

Ariel interrupted raising an eyebrow. "He lives alone?"

Watson chuckled. "With millions of workers, yes."

Ariel smirked. "I see."

Watson smiled. "I think you'll know everything about Master Wilder soon enough. Give it time."

"I don't know about Wilder, but I already know I like you," Ariel replied, smiling at Watson

Watson chuckled, "You don't know about me."

"I know you don't talk a lot, and the rest I'm sure you'll tell me," Ariel said.

Watson shocked his head. "There's nothing to know about me dear."

"Come let me show you around the house." Watson said offering his arms.

As they strolled through the halls, Ariel couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding her. They stopped in front of the painting again and Ariel's curiosity got the better of her.

"Watson, tell me about this painting," she asked.

"The artist was a family friend, close to late Madam Wilder. She purchased this piece because it held great sentimental value," Watson explained.

Ariel studied the painting, trying to understand why Madam Wilder would be so drawn to it. The more she looked, the more familiar it seemed.

"Watson, I'm sure I've seen this painting before," Ariel said,her brow furrowed.

Watson’s expression turned thoughtful. "Probably in the other rooms. The only ones that exist were purchased by Madam Wilder from the artist."

Ariel's conviction grew. "I've seen it before, but not like this. Not so... luxurious."

Watson's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but he said nothing.

As Ariel finished her tour with Watson, she heard the sound of high heels clicking down the hallway. "Watson stood ,smiling. That must be Zoey. She's here to take your measurements." Ariel followed Watson to the foyer, where Zoey was waiting with a rack of colorful dresses.

“Ariel, meet Zoey, she's in charge of Master Connel's wardrobe and now yours.” He said introducing the ladies 

After trying on several outfits, Zoey declared, These are the only ones that fit you. The rest will be sent over tomorrow."

Ariel protested "I don't need so much clothes. And aren't these a bit too grand for indoor wear?"

Connel appeared, his presence commanding attention. "They may be grand but my wife must always look her best, indoors and outdoors."

He scanned the clothes Zoey had brought, his eyes narrowing. "Zoey, I didn't see the dress you showed me earlier, Why isn't it here?"

Zoey explained, I'll send it over tomorrow, now that I have her appropriate measurement. I'll take my leave now.

Connel selected a stunning red dinner dress and placed it on the bed. "I would like you to wear this for the evening."

"Where are we going?" Ariel's curiosity piqued.

"Dinner, I'm meeting clients, and It's time I start introducing you as my wife," Connel responds with authority.