The Proposal

The morning sun streamed through the windows of Alex's office, casting long shadows across the polished marble floor. He sat behind his expansive desk, absentmindedly flipping through a contract. For the first time in years, his focus wasn't on work. His mind was elsewhere—on Ellie.

It had been a week since he'd been discharged from the hospital, and Alex couldn't shake the memory of her face, the way her green eyes had shimmered with unspoken emotion. She had stirred something deep within him, something he thought he'd buried long ago.

But his thoughts weren't just about the past. Ellie wasn't just his childhood best friend anymore; she was someone he wanted back in his life. And as much as he hated to admit it, she might also be the answer to his most pressing problem—his father's will.

The clock on the wall ticked steadily, a reminder that time was running out. His father's stipulation was clear: if Alex didn't marry within the next three weeks, he would forfeit his inheritance and control of Hayes Global would be transferred to a board of trustees. It wasn't about the money—Alex had more than enough of that. It was about legacy, about preserving what his father had built.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," Alex called.

The door opened, and Natalie, his ever-efficient assistant, stepped inside. "Mr. Hayes, Nurse Ellie Grace is here to see you," she announced, a hint of curiosity in her tone.

Alex straightened in his chair, his pulse quickening. "Send her in."

Moments later, Ellie walked into the room, her auburn hair loose around her shoulders and her expression hesitant. She wore a simple blouse and jeans, a stark contrast to the power suits and polished looks of everyone else who frequented his office.

"Ellie," Alex said, rising to greet her. "Thank you for coming."

She glanced around the opulent office, clearly out of her element. "Your assistant said it was urgent."

"It is," Alex said, motioning for her to sit. She hesitated for a moment before taking the seat across from him.

"I won't waste your time," he began, his tone serious. "I need your help."

Ellie raised an eyebrow. "Help? From me?"

Alex leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Yes. You see, my father's will has a... condition. If I'm not married by the end of the month, I'll lose control of Hayes Global."

Ellie's eyes widened. "Married? Are you serious?"

"Completely," Alex said, his expression unreadable. "I know it sounds absurd, but this company means everything to me. It's not just about the business—it's about preserving my father's legacy."

Ellie crossed her arms, her skepticism evident. "And where do I fit into this?"

Alex hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I want you to marry me."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Ellie laughed—a sharp, incredulous sound. "You can't be serious."

"I am," Alex said firmly. "It would be a marriage of convenience. A temporary arrangement. You'd be helping me keep the company, and in return, I'd ensure you're financially secure for life."

Ellie shook her head, standing up. "Alex, this is insane. You can't just ask someone to marry you like it's a business transaction."

"This isn't just 'someone,' Ellie," Alex said, his voice softening. "It's you. We have history. We trust each other."

Ellie's jaw tightened. "We had history, Alex. A long time ago. And trust? You don't even remember me until last week."

Alex stood as well, his tall frame towering over her. "That's not true. I might not have remembered at first, but now... now I can't stop thinking about you."

Ellie's breath hitched, but she quickly shook her head. "This isn't about us. This is about your company."

"You're right," Alex admitted. "But it's also about a second chance. For both of us."

Ellie stared at him, torn between disbelief and the faint stirrings of something she couldn't name. "Alex, you don't need me for this. You could marry anyone."

"But I don't want to marry just anyone," Alex said, his voice steady. "I want to marry someone I trust. Someone who understands me. Someone who won't complicate things."

Ellie's heart raced as she processed his words. She had spent years building a quiet, stable life, far away from the chaos of Alex's world. But now, he was offering her a way to make her financial struggles disappear—and a chance to step back into his orbit.

"You'd have everything you need," Alex continued, sensing her hesitation. "A home, financial security, the freedom to do whatever you want. And when the arrangement is over, we can go our separate ways."

Ellie looked away, her thoughts swirling. It was a tempting offer, but it wasn't just about money. It was about stepping into a world she wasn't sure she belonged to—and about opening old wounds she had spent years trying to heal.

"What if it doesn't work?" she asked quietly.

"It will," Alex said with certainty. "Because we'll make it work. Together."

Ellie met his gaze, searching for any hint of deceit, but all she saw was sincerity. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Okay," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do it."

Alex's shoulders relaxed, and a rare smile crossed his face. "Thank you, Ellie. You won't regret this."

Ellie forced a small smile, but as she left his office, her mind raced with doubts. She had agreed to the arrangement, but deep down, she knew this was only the beginning. The past had a way of catching up with people, and she wasn't sure if either of them was ready for what was to come.