2. Offer

“Long time, Elle.”

‘Indeed, it’s been a long time,' Brielle thought, recalling the day Niklaus had confessed his feelings to her years back. Since then, she had avoided him at all costs, choosing to run away whenever he was nearby. After that day, it was the first time they were facing each other and talking calmly.

“How are you, Elle?”

Brielle shivered when she heard his gentle and concerning words. The underlying love in his tone was impossible to overlook. She raised her eyes and met his gaze, which was filled with so much emotion and passion it stunned her.

‘He still loves me,’ she concluded. ‘But why? Even after I rejected him, why does he still love me?’

She had assumed his feelings would wither over time. Perhaps, he’d even find love in someone else. However, the man remained fixed on her, and his feelings now seemed to have grown stronger. From his stance, Brielle sensed that Niklaus was just short of marching to her and pulling her into his embrace.

“I'm good. How…”

“Lies. You are anything but that. You cried.” Niklaus observed. The streaks of red in her eyes were hard evidence.

“I…” Brielle wasn’t surprised to hear him. Although she wasn’t teary anymore, her eyes still stung. Also, the occasional sniffling gave her away.

“Was it for Paul?” Niklaus took a step towards her, forcing her to retreat.

The unrestrained anger in his tone was something she was used to. Niklaus had shown his disgust towards Paul blatantly on numerous occasions in the past, especially after she started dating him.

At first, she had assumed his dislike to have stemmed from jealousy. But now, she understood she was the foolish one. Niklaus had long seen through Paul’s false face. Only she had remained in the dark all along.

“Don't you know why I cried?” she whispered, avoiding his gaze immediately. Brielle didn’t know why she felt small and vulnerable in his presence. It was as if the man could see through her clearly, making her feel exposed and confused.

Niklaus knew who had made her cry. He also knew why she had cried. After all, it was he who had orchestrated today's events. He had been waiting for the day Brielle would see Paul’s truth and leave him for good.

Yet, it killed him from within to see her so crestfallen and broken, and it was all for someone else.

For a moment, he thought of slapping himself for putting her through such agony. But when he thought of his goal and the kind of people Brielle and he were dealing with, he stopped himself and released his clenched fists.

‘I promise, Elle, this is the last time you'll be sad. Your happy days will start from today,’ he vowed solemnly, giving her a look she couldn’t fathom.

Brielle gulped when she sensed the change in his temperament. Although she wanted to leave right away, she stopped herself when she thought of her mission.

“Niklaus, I came here with a purpose. Can you…”

“Let's sit down first. Shall we?” he interrupted, already walking away from her and moving towards the couch.

Brielle bit her lip and hesitated for a moment. She preferred the chairs by the desk. At least, there would be something to keep them apart. The couch looked too comfortable and close to her liking. Yet, she didn’t dare to defy him, not when she was seeking his help.

Clenching and unclenching her fists a few times, she followed him and took a seat on the couch away from him. 

Niklaus ignored her small attempt to maintain some distance between them. Taking the seat in the middle, he sat down and crossed his legs. 

“Would you like to have something before we start?”

Brielle shook her head. She wasn’t in the mood to eat or drink. There were other pressing matters to attend to.

“Very well. What do you have to tell me, Elle?” 

‘Finally,’ Brielle thought, sighing to herself in relief. “I came here to ask you a favour.”

That was all she could say before she went silent.

“Go ahead,” Niklaus encouraged when he saw her hesitate.

“You already know what Paul’s intentions are.”

Niklaus nodded, not hiding the truth from her. Since he sent her the message, it wasn’t strange that she deduced it.

“And I think you know what my uncle’s family is plotting as well.” This time, Brielle was purely guessing regarding his knowledge of the matter. But when she saw him nod again, she dithered for a second before continuing, “Then, I have an offer for you.”

“I’m all ears.” Niklaus’s brows shot up as he stared at her with interest.

“After my parents' deaths, I inherited their shares, and I’m now the largest shareholder of the company. I had previously intended to sign a power of attorney after marrying Paul so that he could handle the company on my behalf. Now that’s not gonna happen.”

“What do you want me to do, Elle?” Niklaus had an inkling as to what the lady was trying to convey. However, he didn’t show any expression, maintaining an unreadable face.

“I’m a fashion designer, Niklaus. My business acumen is as impressive as my singing skills.”

Niklaus's stoic face cracked, and he smiled, a distant memory flashing in his mind. He remembered once chancing upon Brielle singing. Her tone deaf singing had made his ears bleed. But he had also fallen deeper for the carefree and jovial her.

“But you…” Brielle ignored his smile and continued. “You are brilliant when it comes to managing a company.”

Niklaus narrowed his eyes and gave her a cryptic stare before saying, “Are you telling me that you want me to handle your company?”

“Yes.”

“And what would I get in return?”

Brielle bit her lip and looked at him silently before saying, “The shares I own.”

"Not enough."

"I'm not done yet."

Niklaus tilted his head as he tapped his fingers on his thigh.

Brielle let out a breath before saying, "In addition, you'll also get me." 

“Excuse me?” Niklaus’s brows shot up in obvious surprise.

Brielle didn’t falter under his questioning gaze. Instead, she steeled her heart and looked at him in determination. “You heard it right, Niklaus. You’ll manage my company on my behalf, and I’ll marry you in return.”