The Proposal (1)

ARIA

Xavier Harrington’s office is basically a shrine to power. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the city he’s busy conquering, and every piece of furniture is dark leather and steel. There’s not a single photo or personal touch, nothing to show that a real person works here. It’s all so perfectly put together, it feels like a machine.

He’s standing with his back to us, talking quietly into his phone, eyes on the city like he owns the whole thing.

He’s tall, broad-shouldered, and his suit fits like it was made just for him—expensive, sharp, and as ruthless as he is.

When he finally turns around, my breath catches. It’s not because he’s good-looking, though he definitely is, in a sharp, intimidating way. It’s those eyes. They’re ice blue and so cold that when he looks at me, I feel like he’s sizing me up for a coffin.

His eyes barely pause on me before shifting to Victoria. He ends his call with a quick, “Meeting later. Pierce priority.” No goodbye, just a click as he puts the phone down.

“Victoria. I expected this meeting four hours ago.” His words cut through the silence, cold and sharp.

She doesn’t even blink. “A family emergency. My husband had a cardiac episode last night. He’s stable now.”

“I see.” Now Xavier looks at me, like I’m just another item on his to-do list. “And this is?”

“My stepdaughter, Aria Taylor. Robert’s daughter,” Victoria says, since I can’t seem to get a word out.

Something flickers across his face, then it’s gone and he’s back to being unreadable. “I expected Vivian.”

“There’s been a change of plans,” Victoria says, steady as ever while dropping that bomb. “Vivian is... indisposed. Permanently. Aria will be taking her place in our arrangement.”

The room feels even colder.

Xavier’s eyes sharpen, finally really looking at me, like he’s trying to figure out what I’m made of.

“Indisposed,” he repeats, mouth twisting in a humorless smile. “That’s one way to put it.”

Victoria’s cool slips for a second. “My daughter made choices that make her... unavailable for the arrangement we discussed. Aria is Robert’s daughter and my stepdaughter. The contract covers this substitution.”

He moves from behind his desk with that smooth, dangerous kind of grace that reminds me of a big cat. Up close, he’s even more intimidating—over six feet of pure authority, his suit showing off every hard line.

Those pale blue eyes study me, all business.

“Miss Taylor,” he says to me for the first time. “Did you know about this arrangement before today?”

I try to breathe, but the shapewear is making it impossible. “No. I found out last night.”

His jaw tightens. He turns to Victoria. “You expect me to accept this switch without any warning?”

She’s steady. “The merger benefits are the same. Taylor Architecture’s assets, my family’s social connections—”

He cuts her off. “Your family’s social connections aren’t what they used to be. Don’t insult me, Victoria. I know exactly how bad things are for you. The Pierces haven’t really had money in ages. You’re running on your name.”

He goes back to his desk and presses a button on the phone. “Michael, join us.”

A few moments later, the door opens and a man in his mid-thirties walks in. He’s dressed perfectly, but there’s actually some warmth in his eyes—something Xavier is missing.

He’s carrying a tablet and doesn’t even look surprised by all the tension.

“Michael Chen, my chief of staff,” Xavier says. “Looks like we have a situation. Victoria brought Robert Taylor’s daughter instead of Vivian for our arrangement.”

Michael glances at me, and there’s a flash of sympathy before he puts his professional face back on. “I see. And the original contract terms?”

“Supposedly unchanged,” Xavier says. “I’d like your assessment.”

Michael looks at Victoria. “Mrs. Pierce-Taylor, can you explain what happened to your daughter? The timing is… interesting.”

Victoria’s smile goes tight. “Vivian eloped last night. With a model she met through work. She’s not picking up her phone.”

“Convenient,” Xavier says, turning back to the window. “And Robert Taylor? His medical emergency just happens to line up with his stepdaughter disappearing?”

“My father’s condition isn’t some convenience,” I say, anger finally pushing past my nerves. “He’s in the hospital with heart problems that your financial pressure made worse.”

Xavier turns, raising an eyebrow. “Financial pressure he agreed to, Miss Taylor. No one forced your father to sign those loan agreements.”

“No one explained the predatory terms, either,” I fire back, ignoring the warning glare Victoria gives me.

Something like amusement touches Xavier’s mouth. “Predatory. Interesting word, coming from someone offering herself as a replacement bride.”

“I’m not offering myself,” I say, my cheeks burning. “I’m trying to save my father’s company—and his health.”

“Noble.” He doesn’t sound impressed or dismissive, just… neutral. “Michael, your assessment?”

Michael looks between us. “The contract language allows for substitution of ‘a daughter of Victoria Pierce and stepdaughter of Robert Taylor.’ Legally, Miss Taylor qualifies.”

“And the financial implications?”

“Unchanged. The merger would go ahead as planned. Taylor Architecture would be absorbed into Harrington Consolidated’s development division, debts restructured as agreed.”

Xavier nods, then turns back to the window, silent. The only sound is Victoria’s nails tapping nervously against her clutch.

He finally speaks, still facing away. “Miss Taylor. What exactly do you know about this arrangement?”

I swallow, wishing I had better answers. “I know my father’s company is deep in debt to yours. There’s a marriage contract that would merge our families’ assets. My father’s health depends on lowering his stress.”

“And you understand what would be expected of you?”

“I…” I hesitate, realizing how little I actually know. “I’d be your wife, at least on paper. I’d handle the social stuff. I’d be… presentable. I’d live in your home, take your name.”

He turns, unreadable. “Social obligations. Yes. That means business functions, charity galas, board meetings when needed. Presenting a united front to the public and business world. Living in my home. Taking my name.”

Each requirement lands like a punch, boxing me in.

“I understand,” I say, though my voice is barely a whisper.

“I don’t think you do.” He steps closer, his presence overwhelming. “This isn’t a business deal you can clock out from at five. This is twenty-four-seven. Your time, your image, your body—Harrington property.”

I flinch. “My body?”

Victoria jumps in, smooth as ever. “The contract includes standard clauses about public appearance and representing the Harrington name. Nothing inappropriate.”

Xavier doesn’t look away from me. “Nothing inappropriate,” he echoes. “Just the complete surrender of your independence.”

The way he says it makes me wonder if he’s warning me more than anything else.

“I need to see the contract,” I say, making my voice as steady as I can. “All of it. Before I agree to anything.”

Victoria makes a noise of protest, but Xavier nods to Michael, who hands me a thick document from his briefcase.

“The full agreement,” Michael says. “Take your time.”

“We don’t have time,” Victoria objects. “Xavier, surely we can move forward with the understanding that—”

“No,” Xavier cuts her off. “If Miss Taylor is replacing Vivian, she does so with full knowledge of what she’s agreeing to.” He checks his watch. “I have a call with Tokyo in thirty minutes. That should give you enough time to review the highlights, Miss Taylor.”

He nods to Michael, who leads me to a conference table in the corner of the huge office. Victoria starts to follow, but Xavier’s voice stops her.

“Victoria. A word. In private.”

It’s not a suggestion.