Aria had a decision to make if she wished not to get swindled into a forced marriage, but which among the six eligible bachelors could she rely on and what if the one person who could help also seeks something in return. She scans the room, her eyes moving swiftly from one face to another, until they lock onto mine with a triumphant smile playing on her lips. A surge of joy rushes through me, as if the universe itself conspired to bring her into this very moment. I can't help but chuckle, a mixture of delight and surprise, as I catch sight of Max, his expression mirroring my own astonishment. Gradually, I composed myself and called off the meeting, realizing that the deal I had been working on had not yet been finalized. I asked my board members to excuse us as I watched my three-billion-dollar vote slip away, jeopardizing my expansion project. I stood up and walked slowly toward her as she continued to apologize. " Why are you here Miss McDonald, you realized you just cost me a fortune. She fumbled to explain herself. "I know we are strangers, but I have a business proposal to offer you. I was disappointed that all this fiasco was just for business. " Umm, you can leave your proposal with Gina, I turned to leave the conference room disappointed. " Marry me, please. "Wait ! what, I thought this was a business proposal. Taking a deep breath, I approached her while she placed a folder on the table, signaling for me to open it. She outlined an entire marriage plan, treating it as a contract that would benefit both parties. She even proposed an open marriage, which irked me, but I couldn't deny the intrigue in her eyes.