CHAPTER 8 [Proposal]

"Will you be fine alone?" Carter asked worriedly as he put on his shoes. They were supposed to go to the hospital together to visit their mom but carter insisted her to relax and rest. She got an off day for that, she should avail it while he had to go in his job.

"Yes I will. Now go!" She lightly pushed him outside with a slight smile. He waved at her as he ran towards his friend's car that was waiting for him.

She heaved out a long sigh, completely exhausted. She closed the door and came inside. Falling on the sofa she closed her eyes. She was positive she will get some good news from Mr. Harrison. Her stomach grumbled, making her realize she hadn't eaten anything since morning. Starving is not a good idea.

'When mom would come home she would love to see me healthy,' having that thought she went in the kitchen to eat something. She made herself some bacon, spaghetti meatballs and glass of juice. She was eating her food silently when a sudden though hit her. She can do some freelancing when she is free after office that would get her some extra income. She gobbled up her food and ran upstairs to get her laptop. She turned the TV on to keep her company as she turned on her laptop to sign up as a freelancer.

It was late in the evening when she stretched her aching back. She was famished but didn't have the energy to go to the kitchen to prepare something for herself. Without even realizing she slept on the couch being tired from working all afternoon.

*Tring~*Tring~*

'Who is ringing the bell?" She pressed her face in the cushions harder to drown out the annoying buzz. After a minute her eyes shot open as she registered the fact that someone was ringing the bell. She stood up straight making her dizzy. Steadying herself she moved towards the door to open the door. She opened the door while yawning.

"You are late and I'm sorry I slept. You go fresh up I'll just get the dinner ready." She said without opening her eyes while yawning she turned around to go inside. Although she was in no mood to prepare dinner tonight but she promised Carter that she will so he can rest.

"I don't think I will stay for dinner Ms. Davis but if you insist…" He trailed off, quirking his brow in amazement with a smirk plastered on his devilish face.

All the sleep forgotten as she faced the door again with a horrified look. She couldn't believe her eyes. She thought she must be hallucinating. But why would she hallucinate him, not even in her dreams.

'Travis Harrison is here. He is here at my doorstep. He is standing there. He is smirking. He is looking at me. ME!' She quickly looked down to realize that she is wearing her duck pajamas while her hair is a wild mess. She made a pathetic attempt to smooth them down.

'But why is he here? And at this time?' She quickly ran towards the door again to shut it. She was afraid of him.

"Suh-Sir what are you doing here?" She asked.

Travis was shocked due to her reaction. She smacked the door on his face making him take a step back due to the force. After regaining his posture he moved forward to talk with her through the door barrier between them.

"Miss Evelyn I am here to talk with you." When he heard no response he added, "it is important….about your mom."

Evelyn's eyes rounded. What did he want to talk about her mom?

"What…What did you want to talk about my mom." She asked hesitantly, still from behind the door.

"I am so sorry to hear about your mother's condition….I heard she need to undergo a very risky surgery." He said as he leaned his shoulder on the wall looking at the silhouette of the girl behind the barrier.

"Yes….but how does it explain your arrival?" She asked, confused, holding the lock of the door ….she really didn't trust him.

"Well…. Dad told me you are in need for money for that and I am willing to pay you." He replied looking at the tense posture of the shadow.

"I don't need your money. I will manage." She snapped. Her mind going in a whirlwind.

"No, No Miss Davis you are thinking it all wrong…. I won't ask to have sex with you or any kind of intimate favor." He explained himself. "But I have a deal. Can I come in to explain it to you?"

"My brother is not home and I am alone. I can't allow a stranger inside." She said as she moved back from the door.

"I come in peace Evelyn. I promise I won't touch you or do anything funny but this is important." Sincerity and desperation laced in his voice. The thing that confused her even further was his distress.

"But I can't invite you inside. It is unethical." She said in a quiet voice.

"It's okay. You can come outside. We can sit in the terrace and talk…if you are willing to listen to me." He said. Muttering a soft 'yes' she ran upstairs. Travis heard soft patting on the wooden floor as he heard her run away. 5 minutes later the door opened and she walked outside, now clad in a long fluffy robe over her PJs. Her hair in a messy bun on her head but she looked graceful overall.

They took a seat on the seats in the patio. She covered herself fully as she seated herself in front of him.

"First of all I am very sorry for coming at this hour. I just got off from office." He stated while joining his hands as he rested his elbows on the chair ends.

"Mr. Travis it would very convenient if you just get to the point." She said as she matched his posture crossing her arms. His goody two shoes behavior was making her suspect his intentions.

"Okay this might be a little absurd but can you marry me?" He looked straight in her eyes. Baffled,she stood up from her seat making the chair topple over.

"WHAT?" She screamed. She was sure her whole neighborhood would have heard her.

"I know this is….quite shocking but please hear me out."

"There should be some kind of good explanation for this MR. Harrison." She reluctantly sat down.

"Miss Evelyn, I have worked really hard for this company. Since young, my only aim was to become its CEO which I truly deserve. But my father thinks that my reputation won't be good for the company so he is handing down the business to my older brother who is not even in this field." He frustratedly explained his situation.

"Ok and how does this connect with the…. marriage?" She asked. Her face turned red due to anger.

"Well you see… Dad changed the will. According to that if I spend a full successful year of marriage I'll inherit the business. And you are the perfect candidate for being my wife." He replied with a toothy grin, looking at her with sincere eyes.

"How am I 'the perfect candidate'?"

"Well first my father adores you. You are the type of girl he wants me to be with and second of all we both hate each other so we wouldn't poke our noses in each other's business."

"And how would it benefit me?" She inquired with a frown settled on her brows.

"I will take care of your mother's expenses….all of it. I would make sure she receive the treatment from the best doctors." He smiled. He knew she was considering the situation and might say yes as he is offering a lot of money.

"Why don't you ask one of your girls or … Tessa?"

"It would be hard to get rid of them. They won't agree for a divorce and I am not in to serious relationships." He carelessly shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't think it's a good idea sir. I am afraid-."

"Please don't say No!" He begged. "Think about it, it's a nice catch. You want money for your mother and I want a wife. It's a win-win situation. You can answer me tomorrow. And don't worry everything will be legalized with a 'written contract'." He said as he stood up leaving her dazed. "See you tomorrow Miss Davis." He quirked and got up from his seat. Tugging at his coat to smooth it down he moved towards his waiting car. The driver opened the door for him as he comfortably settled inside. Giving a slow wave to her he rolled up his window and then *WHOOSH* he was gone. The bemused girl silently stood up and went inside her house. It really was a nice catch but can she accept it?

'People take a lot of decisions in desperation and sometimes they even have to break their own rules.'