Ava walked hurriedly down the street, unaware of the black Mercedes-Benz G-Class parked a few meters away. Inside, a pair of eyes followed her every move.
But they weren't Zayden's.
Lucas Grante had never stopped loving her. Watching her, he felt the old ache in his chest. He had tried moving on, but Ava had been his first love.
Family pressure had ended them, but it hadn't erased his feelings. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, determined to protect what was his, even if she didn't know it yet.
Later at home, Ava sat on her couch, rubbing her forehead. She kept thinking about the meeting at the café and Zayden's polite tone. She knew it was just for show, but it lingered in her mind.
Her phone vibrated. She picked it up, her eyebrows raised. A new message popped up, and she opened it, curious.
It was a text from an unknown number.
"I'd like to see you at my office tomorrow. Are you available?
Zayden Wattsen."
She paused, thinking. Their mothers had obviously shared their numbers.
Why is he asking? Has he decided to offer me a job? She hesitated as she thought, but she had to go.
So reluctantly she sent a reply: "Yes I am. I'd be there."
The next morning, Ava woke before her alarm. She stood before the mirror, choosing her outfit carefully. Today was not casual. It was corporate, a first impression.
She wore a cream blouse tucked into a high-waisted skirt that showed her curves. Her hourglass shape looked elegant. She added low heels, and styled her hair.
"Time to face Zayden Wattsen." She muttered to herself, exhaling softly.
Ava arrived at Zayden Wattsen Group and stepped into the lobby observing the modern, high-tech space.
She saw the receptionist behind a desk, typing on a laptop, so she approached her.
"I have an appointment with Mr. Zayden Wattsen," she said.
The receptionist smiled politely and picked up the phone. After a moment, she nodded.
"He's expecting you. Mr. Zayden's office is 312 on the third floor. You can proceed."
Ava stepped into the elevator and watched the doors close. On the third floor, they opened. She walked down the office corridor, past several rooms, until she reached the last one, room 312, just as the receptionist had said.
She let out a slow breath, before knocking.
"Come in," a voice said from inside. So she stepped in.
Zayden sat behind a large desk, his face, cold and unreadable. The friendly café-side warmth was gone.
"Ms. Morre, have a seat," he said.
Ava sat down quietly. She noticed the slight tension in his shoulders, and how he glanced at her once before focusing on the tablet on his desk.
"My mother convinced me to give you a try. I'm offering you a position as the PR officer," he said flatly.
Ava blinked, feeling surprised yet relieved. "Thank you, Mr. Wattsen. I really appreciate the opportunity. When do I start?"
"Right now." He said, as he leaned back slightly.
He pressed the call button on his desk. "Claire, show Ms. Morre to her office and get her set up."
Zayden added, "You will be a PR officer, not a manager. I promote based on work, not family ties. If you want higher, you earn it. Understand?"
"Yes sir," Ava said, with excitement bubbling inside.
This is what I wanted. A chance to prove myself, not mere favours.
A moment later, a soft knock came at the door. "Ms. Morre your office is ready," Claire said, stepping in and gesturing for Ava to follow.
Ava gave a slight bow to Zayden. "Thank you, sir," she said before following Claire out.
The next few hours flew by. Ava focused on press releases, marketing campaigns, and social media plans. She reviewed statements of investors and prepared briefings for the launch of the company's latest smart devices.
Each task reminded her of Zayden's words: "I promote based on work, not family ties. If you want higher, you earn it..."
By mid-afternoon, a video call request from Zayden appeared on her laptop.
She straightened her blouse and accepted the call.
Zayden came into view, looking formal. Another man joined in the call, adjusting his suit.
"Mr. Thompson Ojeagha, founder of The Ojeagha Global and my partner. This is Ms. Morre, my PR officer." Zayden said introducing her.
Ava studied him, recalling what she had coincidentally read briefly last week. He was adopted by a prominent British family as a toddler, raised in London with the best opportunities, and only last year met his birth family, discovering the Ojeagha lineage.
Now, at thirty-two, he had founded The Ojeagha Global, taking their surname to honour his roots.
Mr. Thompson smiled politely. "Ms. Morre, pleased to meet you. Mr. Wattsen, your team prepared the proposal for collaboration?"
"Yes. I want to hear your thoughts." Zayden replied.
Mr. Thompson leaned closer to the camera.
"We are interested, but there is a condition. I only enter major projects with men who are married. Family experience ensures better management, accountability, and understanding of responsibility. Single men may be brilliant, but they sometimes fail in large-scale project oversight."
Zayden frowned. "I see. That is unusual, but noted."
Mr. Thompson continued, "I need a decision soon. We can wait a week, but not longer."
Zayden nodded. "Understood. Give me some time to consider. I'll get back to you by tomorrow."
"Very well then." Mr. Thompson said, and the call ended.
Zayden leaned back in his chair, his mind filled with thoughts.
I can't afford to lose Mr. Thompson. His collaboration and investment are too important. Everything has to go smoothly.
He tapped the call button built into his desk. The call was meant to connect to Ms. Morre.
A soft beep signaled the incoming call, and Ava's voice came through clearly.
"Ms. Morre?" Zayden asked.
"Yes, sir," Ava replied.
What is the reason for this impromptu call? Did I do something wrong? she wondered.
"Come to my office in ten minutes. We need to discuss something privately," he said.
Ava nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Understood, sir."
Privately? Weird.
Ava walked into Zayden's office as the door closed behind her.
Zayden gestured for her to sit.
"Yes, sir." Ava said, as she took a seat.
"The Ojeagha Global Project is important. They require a family man. I need someone I can trust, someone close and professional," he began, as he folded his hands on the desk.
Ava blinked, waiting.
What does that have to do with me?
"I have an idea. It's unusual, but it may work. I'm proposing a contract agreement, a marriage of convenience," he said, keeping his gaze fixed on her.
Ava's mouth went dry. "Marriage? For business?"
"Yes. Only a year," he replied.
Ava stared at him, too stunned to speak.
"During the collaboration, you'll live in my apartment with a separate room. There are no physical or sexual expectations. You may date anyone, as long as it remains private. The arrangement is strictly professional. At the end of the year, we will divorce, and you'll receive one million dollars," he added.
Her eyes widened.
This man must be crazy!
"One year, separate room, no expectations," Ava muttered slowly, as if in attempt to understand.
"Correct. You'll receive a monthly allowance of ten thousand US dollars for the year; you are free to live your life as you wish. Neither of us is allowed to fall in love. All terms are legal and formal," Zayden said firmly.
Ava's mind went blank for a moment.
"And this satisfies Mr. Thompson's condition?" She asked, curious.
"Yes. They need a family man, this arrangement gives that appearance. You are competent and professional, so you are fit for this. Besides, I need someone close, not a stranger," Zayden told her.
Ava leaned back. "Are you serious about this? There's no catch?"
He didn't answer her question.
"One year, in separate rooms. No expectations, and a million dollars at the end," he said seriously, without a smile on his face.
She took a deep breath. "What happens if I agree? Wouldn't it affect my work in the company?"
"You'll be paid, and also keep your role as PR officer. This arrangement won't affect your work, performance comes first. Understand?"
"I… I understand," Ava said slowly, trying to take it all in.
Zayden studied her. "Think carefully. Once we finalize the contract, there's no turning back."
One year living together. No feelings allowed, and a million dollars.
This could secure my future and help me prove myself in the company, she thought.
"And you'll start immediately. Your duties as a PR officer comes first, the arrangement is secondary," he added.
"Yes sir, I understand," Ava said, and nodded.
Zayden nodded once. "Good. I will have the contract drafted tonight, and we'll finalize tomorrow. Are you ready to proceed?"
Ava hesitated. "Can I have a day to decide?"
His eyes bore into her.
"Remember, this is business. Rules are rules. No mistakes, no surprises. Mr. Thompson waits, and so do I." He said. His voice, final.
Ava bit her lips nervously. She had agreed to consider it, but the weight of the decision pressed down on her. One choice could change everything, her career, her life, and her heart.
To be continued…