Chapter 5: The consideration

Across Montclair, Adrian Valdez stood beside the windows of his temporary office, looking down at the busy streets, his agents had returned from the land inspection, bringing the documents he had requested.

The property was suitable for the company's proposed development, although several details still required his attention, that was why he had come to Montclair.

Business.

Nothing more.

Yet his thoughts kept returning to the woman at the restaurant.

"Sir?"

Adrian turned.

One of his agents stood near the desk, holding a folder.

"The preliminary report is ready. We can arrange another inspection tomorrow if you wish."

"Leave it on the desk."

The agent placed the folder down but didn't immediately leave.

"Is there anything else you need?"

"No."

The man hesitated, "You've been spending quite a bit of time at that restaurant. Should we make arrangements for your meals elsewhere?"

Adrian looked at him. "Is there a problem with the restaurant?"

"No, sir. I only thought—"

"Then there's no problem."

"Understood."

The agent bowed his head slightly and left.

Adrian returned his attention to the window, he had noticed the woman's unusual behavior from the moment she approached his table.

She had tried to appear professional, but something had changed in her expression when he mentioned the Spanish dish, then she had asked him whether someone was dying, It was a strange question, stranger still was her sudden request for him to become her groom.

Most people would have hesitated before making such a proposal to someone they had just met, Isabella had not, she had looked him directly in the eyes and asked for what she wanted.        

  He found that interesting, perhaps even admirable, but he wasn't foolish enough to agree to something without understanding the circumstances.

Adrian walked back to his desk and picked up the business card she had given him.

Isabella Montoya.

He read the name again, then he took out his phone.

"Find out who Isabella Montoya is,"

he instructed one of his agents when the call connected.

"Yes, sir."

"And keep the inquiry discreet."

"Understood."

Adrian ended the call and placed the phone on the desk, he wasn't interested in becoming involved in a stranger's problems. At least, that was what he told himself.

*****

The following morning, Isabella arrived at the restaurant earlier than usual, she had barely slept, every time she closed her eyes, she remembered Victor's threat.

She had spent most of the night considering her options, but none seemed promising.

Daniel's mistakes had placed them in this situation, yet she couldn't simply abandon him, whatever he had done, he was still her family, and Grace depended on her.

Isabella tied her apron and began checking the day's preparations, she was halfway through reviewing the supplies when Hannah approached her.

"Any news from your mysterious groom?"

Isabella shook her head, "Not yet."

"Perhaps he has changed his mind."

"Perhaps."

Hannah stared at her. "You're surprisingly calm about that possibility."

"I'm not calm. I'm trying not to panic."

"Well, I suggest you prepare yourself. If that man disappears, we'll need another plan."

Before Isabella could respond, her phone began ringing.  An unknown number. She looked at Hannah.

"Could that be him?"

"Answer it and find out."

Isabella took a breath before accepting the call.

"Hello?"

"It's me."

She recognized his voice immediately. The same calm, measured tone she remembered from the previous day. Adrian.

"Good morning," she said, straightening instinctively.

"Good morning." There was a brief silence, then he spoke again.

"We need to discuss the terms of your proposal."

Isabella glanced at Hannah, who was already watching her expectantly.

"Of course. When would you like to meet?"

"Are you available this afternoon?"

"Yes."

"Send me the location." Isabella hesitated.

"You're agreeing to discuss the arrangement?"

"That is what I said."

She pressed her lips together, he was certainly not a man who wasted words.

"All right. I'll send you the details."

"Good."

The call ended, Isabella stared at her phone for a moment, then she slowly lowered it, Hannah rushed toward her.

"Well?"

"He wants to meet this afternoon."

Hannah's eyes widened, "And?"

"And what?" "Did he say why he agreed?"

"No."

"Did he ask anything about you?"

"No."

Hannah threw her hands into the air.

"Wonderful. You're about to negotiate a marriage with a man who knows nothing about you, and you know nothing about him."

Isabella gave her a tired look, "Would you prefer that I marry Victor?"

Hannah fell silent. "No," she admitted.

"Absolutely not."

"Then help me prepare."  

sighed. "Fine. But if this man turns out to be another problem, I'm blaming you"

Isabella managed a small smile.

"Fair enough."

For the first time that morning, she felt a little hopeful, perhaps Adrian would help her. Perhaps she could save her family's legacy without surrendering her freedom. But she knew better than to celebrate too soon.

****

That afternoon, Isabella arrived at the agreed meeting place, Adrian was already there. He sat at a table near the window, dressed in a dark suit. His posture was composed, and his expression was as unreadable as she remembered. She approached him cautiously.

"Good afternoon."

Adrian looked up, "You're on time."

"So are you."

He gestured toward the empty chair opposite him.

"Please, sit."

Isabella sat down, placing her handbag beside her, for several seconds, neither spoke. Finally, Adrian broke the silence.

"Why me?"

The question caught her off guard.

"What?"

"Why did you ask me to become your groom?"

Isabella looked down at her hands, she had expected him to ask about the wedding, the arrangements, or perhaps the reason she needed a groom so urgently. She hadn't expected him to begin with that question.

"Because I need help," she answered carefully.

"That much is obvious." She raised her eyes to his.

"There's a man who wants to marry me, and I don't want to marry him."

"Then refuse him."

"I did."

"And?"

"He doesn't accept no for an answer."

Adrian studied her face, "Who is he?"

"Victor Blackwell."

Something in Isabella's voice made it clear that the name carried weight,  Adrian didn't interrupt, She continued, choosing her words carefully.

"He's powerful in Montclair. My family owes him a debt, and he's using it to pressure me into marrying him. If I refuse, I could lose everything my parents left behind."

"Everything?"

"My family's properties. The restaurant. Our business." She paused.

"And possibly my freedom."

Adrian's expression remained calm, but his attention sharpened.

"Why didn't you tell me this yesterday?"

"Because you were a stranger, and I didn't know whether you would agree to help me."

"And now you expect me to marry you?"

"I'm asking you to consider it."

"On what terms?"

Isabella took a breath.

"It would be an arrangement. I wouldn't interfere in your private affairs, and I wouldn't expect you to interfere in mine beyond what we agreed, we would establish the conditions before anything happened."

Adrian leaned back slightly. "And what would I receive in return?"

Isabella hesitated. "Whatever we agree is reasonable."

"That isn't an answer."

"I know."

She looked directly at him.

"But I won't pretend I can offer you something I don't have. I'm not wealthy enough to pay you, and I won't make promises I cannot keep."

For the first time, Adrian seemed genuinely interested in what she was saying, she wasn't trying to impress him, she was simply telling him the truth.