CHAPTER 4: THE PROPOSAL

In the next couple of moments, Ava was seated anxiously outside the Intensive care unit. The unpleasant hospital smell of drugs and antiseptic was everywhere, but she cared less. She just wanted her father to be okay.

A little above twenty four hours ago, Charles Sinclair looked very okay. In fact, he had the look of a proud father at her engagement party. But right now, he's fighting for his life in the ICU.

When the doctor finally stepped out, she bolted to her feet.

“Doctor?"

The man smiled. “Hello, Ms Sinclair."

“My father."

“He's stable now," the doctor replied.

Ava exhaled heavily. It was a relief.

“However," the man continued, “he suffered a great cardiac hit. Cardiac arrest is not a joke. He needs a lot of rest. Nothing should stress him. If not, it could be triggered again."

Ava almost laughed. This was clearly almost impossible to achieve. Charles Sinclair spent decades of his life investing everything into the business. And it was falling apart. Investors kept on pulling away from them. The media would not give them a single second to take a deep breath. It was just not possible to avoid stress.

The doctor gave her a final smile before walking away. She sank back into the chair. Her mother reached out and grabbed her hand warmly.

“My husband is a strong man," she said. “He will be fine."

“He has to be," Ava replied, her eyes focused on the ICU.

But deep down, she understood what was in play. It was a war…and they were losing.

The next morning, matters got even more intense. When she arrived at the office, she was greeted with complete chaos. She could see the fear hanging from every corner of the structure.

Phones kept on ringing non stop. Employees were clustered around computer screens. Ava was too tired to even check the next notification to pop up.

An emergency board meeting started in the next five minutes. The CFO, Marcus Vance, stood before a presentation with a downcast expression on his face.

“We have lost two major investors again," he began. “And right now, four major banks have terminated the lending right we have with them."

No one was speaking. There was great panic in the room. A company that was at the top was crumbling so badly.

The screen displayed data. Red numbers marking losses. Their stock was plummeting at great speed. It was bound to hit rock bottom.

“How long do we have?" One member asked.

The CFO was quiet for a while, as if calculating. Then, he said, "Three weeks at most.”

The statement hit the room badly. Everyone erupted for a moment.

"Impossible!”

"There has to be a way out this.”

"I'm afraid there is not,” the CFO replied. "We have been cornered completely. We are bound to hit rock bottom sooner than later.”

Ava felt physically sick. She thought about her father. It was a difficult situation.

The meeting lasted for another hour. But the results remained the same. Every time it looked like they had a way out, it turned out to be a dead end. The meeting ended without any positive result.

It was very evident that someone was behind everything that was happening. And she knew exactly who it was— Damian Blackwood.

Later in the afternoon, she was alone in her office trying not to go crazy. She hadn't slept. She hadn't eaten yet. Her thoughts were spiralling.

A soft knock interrupted her.

“Come in," she said while rubbing her temples.

Her assistant got in with anxiety written all over her.

“Miss Sinclair?"

“What is it?" She asked.

“There someone here to see you," she replied.

Ava thought about it for a moment. She wasn't expecting anyone.

“I don't have any appointments," Ava said. “And I don't think I'm in the right frame of mind to entertain a random guest. Dismiss whoever it is if it's not important."

Her assistant was nervous. “He said you would want to meet with him.”

Ava looked up curiously. Who would have such boldness?

"And who might that be?” She queried.

Her assistant was hesitant before dropping the name. "Damian Blackwood.”

On hearing that name, Ava was frozen for a second. What was she to do? Invite the enemy into her office? Her pride demanded that she send him away.

“Send him in," she said with a trace of anger.

Seconds later, her assistant was out and Damian was in. He shut the door firmly behind him and gazed at her. The room was suddenly small. There was silence between them.

Finally, Ava got up with both hands pressed on her desk. Anger was boiling inside her.

"Why are you here? What do you want?” She queried him.

"To help you,” he replied instantly.

Ava laughed. It was a completely humourless laughter. “To help me?"

He remained firm. “Your company is dying."

Ava gnashed her teeth. “You caused it!"

Damian was still not moved. “It was an inevitable end for you. I only fueled it."

His response was very smooth and it made Ava's blood boil. “Your arrogance is getting on my nerves.”

He drew closer and stopped, just enough distance to make her feel the weight of height and gaze.

"I can help you,” he said firmly. "I can save Sinclair Holdings. The investors will return. I have the power to stop the attacks and convince the banks to reverse their decisions.”

Ava was mute for a moment. Then, she succumbed to curiosity.

“At what price?"

Damian reached into his pocket. Then, he produced a document and placed it on the table.

"What is this?” Ava queried him repulsively.

"A solution,” he replied firmly.

Ava slowly picked up the document and read the title. Her blood ceased flowing.

…MARRIAGE CONTRACT.

“You have lost your mind," she said in utter shock.

“No, I've not," Damian replied calmly. “I know exactly what I'm doing. Marry me."

Ava wanted to scream. But she held herself. Damian was driving her crazy.

“I decline," she said.

“I will save your father's company."

“I decline."

“I will stop the attacks and protect every employee.”

Ava punched the table. “You think you can destroy my family and claim me as your possession. It's never going to happen. Not even in an alternate universe."

Damian smiled through the corners of his lips. “You are clearly running out of options. Sinclair Holdings is at the verge of collapse."

Ava looked away. She knew it was true. But marrying him was not an option to be considered even for a moment.

“Take twenty four hours to think about it," he said and turned to leave. “If you still decline, Sinclair Holdings falls." He turned the doorknob before dropping the final blow. “Choose wisely, Ava. Your time starts now."

Then, he disappeared just as he appeared.

The office was silent again. Ava was confused. Her family was at stake here. For the first time in her life, she could tell she was completely out of options.

…Damian was the only way out.