The proposal

The morning came far too quickly.

Anastasia barely slept.

Every time she closed her eyes, the same words echoed in her mind.

$500 billion.

Walker Enterprises.

10:00 a.m.

She sat at the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the legal notice resting on the small wooden table.

It hadn't magically disappeared overnight.

Neither had the fear twisting i her stomach.

Windy rubbed against her leg, letting out a soft meow.

Anastasia forced a weak smile and bent down to stroke the little cat's head.

"I wish my biggest problem was deciding what to eat today," she whispered.

Windy purred in response, completely unaware that its owner was one bad decision away from losing everything.

A knock sounded on the door.

"Ann, are you ready?" Kelly called from outside.

"Almost."

Kelly stepped in without waiting for permission.

She was dressed as elegantly as ever, yet the worry on her face was impossible to hide.

"You don't have to do this alone, you know. I can come with you, Ann."

"No, Kelly. I don't know what I'll be facing there, I don't want to drag you into any trouble." Anastasia forced a smile as she held her friend's hand.

"Okay, at least let me take you there."

"Of course, Kelly. You didn't expect me to take the bus, did you?" Anna teased.

"You've always been selfless, Ann. I won't be surprised." Kelly said.

Memories of their high school days flooded in.

Kelly Armstell was from a rich and reputable family, her father was a well-known businessman in Country X.

While the other students wanted to befriend her because of who she was, Anna was different.

It was different with Ann. She treated her like everyone else, helping her with assignments and explaining things she found difficult.

Even if Ann was from a poor background, she never took advantage of their friendship.

Anastasia's father had spent years drowning the family in debt through gambling. Just when he finally decided to change, a hit-and-run accident took his life.

The debts became Anastasia's burden, forcing her to leave school, work multiple jobs, and later rely on a student loan to finish her education.

Present...

Anna let out an exasperated sigh as the car came to a stop.

Finally, the ride was over.

Was it just her, or was the ride very short.

She stepped out of the car. "Thank you Kelly."

"I'll see you later." She added.

"Bye, Ann. Take care, and please call me if anything goes wrong."

Anastasia walked away.

Kelly stared at her until she was out of sight.

"Oh dear."

Just as she was reversing her car, she heard a loud BANG.

"Shit," She exclaimed.

She stepped out of her car to see what actually happened.

"I'm sorry."

"I didn't check."

She had hit the car parked behind her.

The man had his back turned to her. He examined the damage done.

The car was a gift from his mother to celebrate his 30th birthday.

"It's okay." He said calmly.

He finally turned to look at her.

"Um, may I have your card so I can pay for the damages later?"

"No need. I don't think you'd be able to afford it." He deadpanned, after sizing both her and her car.

"What?" Kelly asked feeling humiliated.

Before she could say anything, he turned around to leave.

"Ouff, what an asshole."

She got into her car and drove away.

Meanwhile, Anna stood inside Walker Enterprises. She felt so little in there.

The sophisticated designs and atmosphere left her in awe.

Everything screamed of luxury and high maintenance. The massive skylight crowned the ceiling.

The elevators fascinated her the most. They were made of clear glass. They offered a clear view of the entire building.

She went to the reception desk finally, after gathering enough courage.

"Good morning, I have an appointment with the legal head." She said as she handed the paper she had printed out.

"Okay, you have to wait. I'll confirm."

"You can sit over there." The secretary pointed to one of the chairs around the corner.

Damien was going through some files in his office when the door suddenly opened.

He raised his head up.

"Have you lost your manners Xavier?"

"I'm not in a mood to joke around Dee"

"Some woman just crashed into my car."

Damien shook his head.

"The one you love so much?"

"Yeah, man. The one Mom gave me for my birthday. I can't fix it here, gotta have it shipped." Xavier complained

"So why are you pissed? The car or shipping." Damien asked.

"The fact that I won't be using it for a while."

"Oh yeah. Just got a message, the mysterious blogger is here."

"I'm going to meet her now. You coming?"

"Not interested." He replied.

"She should take the private elevator."

Xavier stopped in his tracks. "What? The one specially made for you?"

"Yes" He replied monotonously.

Xavier walked away. If there was one thing he knew about Damien, it was that he always had a reason for everything he did.

She was directed to the private elevator that only their boss was allowed to use. Many thoughts flew around but Anna was unaware of everything.

Inside the meeting room, she met Xavier who was already seated, with two members of the legal team.

"Miss Anastasia Hayes?"

"Yes" She replied nervously.

"I'm Xavier Hommes, legal counsel for Walker Enterprises."

"You know why you're here. I'll go straight to the point. Were you paid?" He asked.

"No, I wasn't. I received an anonymous mail and I was really in need of a story."

"So, somehow someone sent you an anonymous tip. You didn't verify the information before publishing it."

"You destroyed the reputation of this company and caused the company to lose several contracts."

"I'm so sorry, sir. It was not intentional. I didn't know the severity of my actions." She pleaded.

"Well, Walker Enterprises is ready to settle with the following conditions.

Firstly, an open apology at a press conference.

Secondly, a fine of $500 billion.

If you're ready to settle, then you can sign here." He passed the contract across.

"I don't have such an amount, I can agree with the first condition."

"I'm sorry, but these are the conditions."

The door swung open.

Silence fell over the room.

Damien Walker walked in without sparing anyone a glance.

His hands were in his pockets.

"Sir," one of them said, surprised he had actually come after showing no interest in the meeting earlier on.

"Leave us." Damien announced.

Anna didn't know why but the temperature of the room dropped instantly. That voice sent cold shivers down her spine.

This was the first time she was seeing Damien Walker. He looked intimidating.

After everyone left, he sat in front of her.

"So, it was you."

"I'm so sorry, Mr Walker. I really didn't have any intention of harming your company or you." Tears welled in her eyes

"I was just desperate." She added.

Damien studied her quietly.

His expression revealed nothing.

He leaned back in his chair.

"There is another way to settle this."

"What?"

"Marry me." He said.

She looked at him in utter disbelief.

"Marry me or spend the rest of your life paying for a mistake you'll never be able to afford."

"I... I don't know." She couldn't think properly.

"You already have more debts than you can handle. Add this lawsuit, and you'll spend the rest of your life paying for one mistake."

"How?" Anastasia asked, confused.

"Refuse, and my legal team will proceed with the lawsuit."

"You have today to think about it." He added.

He walked out, leaving Anastasia who sat there frozen in her seat.