CHAPTER 1- THE PROPOSAL

"What about our sleeping arrangements?" she asked, glad she had refused to sit, when he had first offered her a chair in his office. After hearing his proposal she didn't think a single bone in her body could stand being so close to him right now. She wasn't sure whether it be out of excitement at the thought of having his large hands caress her or the shock from the proposal, she let herself believe the latter.

'Did her love her?' she wondered. After all, he had just proposed that they Marry but unfortunately this was one of convenience, specifically for the convenience of Wes Knight. Wes was a 28 year old Irish male with blue eyes and wavy black hair, with a lean built and broad shoulders he was the kind of guy that never had an issue with the opposite sex.

Wes and Victoria had met in high school and although both individuals ran in different circles, they managed to maintain their friendship after a lunch spill incident in the High School cafeteria. Neither had the lunch split on them, however the culprit was Victoria and the Victim Ricky, Wes' best friend. There was no hard feelings, just an awkward exchange of apologies and reassurances before they both went their separate ways. Wes, who was taken by the chocolate brown hair and hazel eyes of the ebony beauty he had met that day, would make the effort to acknowledge Victoria every chance he got, hoping to get his chance to ask her out but nothing developed further than a platonic relationship.

"Separate rooms of course, unless family is coming over. You don't have to worry Rose, I am not asking you to have a sexual relationship with me, I am merely asking us to wed because..."

"Yes, yes!" She cut him off. Not wanting to let him continue, of course he didn't love her, there wasn't such a thing. This was merely a marriage of convenience.

"You need your parents to stop pestering you so you could focus on your career" She finished off.

She hadn't want to let him finish his sentence earlier, she had to do so for him to stop herself from breaking down in front of him as her mind focused solely on spitting the out words, one by one for him to hear.

"What about Nora?" She asked. Concerned as to how this decision would affect her child.

"She's not my concern. Do what you want with her, spoil her if you'd like, I just need your name and mine together on a marriage certificate."

It wasn't that she was being forced into this, it was the damned romantic in her that remained stubborn secretly hoping she would someday find her Ying.

His jaw clenched as he tried to stop the thoughts threatening to erupt from his throat. This was taking longer than he had expected, he stuck to just answering her questions in hope that she would get the clue and just shut up, so he could get out of the dratted room.

He loved her. This he knew, but he was so ashamed of himself, he had resorted to bribing Victoria just to get her to marry him. She was too good for him.

He leaned back in his sit trying to radiate the calmness he did not feel in hopes it'll help take away the anxiety she filled his office with. His eyes raked over the ebony beauty in front of him. She was pacing to and fro in front of him slightly biting her bottom lip and in deep thought. Her brown curly hair resting on her shoulders bounced with every step she took.

"Yes, that's right" he replied lazily, realizing he had been staring at her too long and was still yet to say something.

An ache, a slight tug at her heart as she heard his words of confirmation.

What could she say? She was a jobless 27 year old mother aching to soar the world with every entrepreneurial idea she had in her. This was her chance, sure it wasn't the route she had planned, the latter option included her getting a job and working her ass off to make enough money for her and her family. This would get her there too of course, just much faster than she had originally planned.

"And divorce?" She asked, wondering how long would they have to put up this facade.

"3 years is all I need Rose" he answered. Annoyed that she had even considered divorce. Who was he kidding... She didn't love him.

Rose on the other hand, from the opposite side of the room had her own thoughts running, there he goes again with that damn nickname. She wasn't a Rose, she didn't consider herself beautiful. She had no idea which part of her was Rosy enough to warrant her the name but she wouldn't waste her breathe stating this, as it was futile. Wes was a stubborn man and there was nothing much she could do about this. She just wished he would stop though, to her it felt like a constant reminder that she was no beauty. She was just Victoria Alexandria Thorn.

"Alright" she finally stated as she sat down in front of him. "When is our wedding?"

Now so close she noticed the little smile he bit back as soon as he heard her words. No doubt happy about the outcome of this whole situation, Wes Knight always got his way.

As instantly did she sit, did he get up and walk towards his office doors. No doubt to get away from her.

She prided herself in her ability to control her emotions. Her face not betraying her hurt at the obvious display of disgust he had for her. He wasn't even willing to be in the same room as her longer than necessary.

"Tonight" that was all he said as turned around and left.

Panic filled her as she heard his words. Not a single soul was to know of their arrangement, to the world they were the epitome of love. She didn't know how to get her family and friends to believe this when it was all so rushed.

She felt her stress levels rising but accepted it. She needed to and found comfort in doing so. It told her that she was in control and that she would eventually have the matter resolved. Nothing was going by her undetected.

She stood up and walked out. She had a wedding to prepare for after all.