Aiden was shocked and surprised at Katherine’s outrageous demands. He had to take a moment to digest the absurdity of her condition because he had never expected such from Katherine. Aiden felt she was being too direct and forward, and the whole idea of marriage was baffling!

However, at that moment, Aiden had a recollection. He remembered on few occasions where Katherine’s greetings were ‘extraordinarily nice’ and now that he thought about it again, those greetings were a bit flirty. And the way she smiled whenever he waved at her as she entered into the office was more than just a friendly—boss—to—employee smile. It held so much more.

And now she was blatantly asking him to marry her before she would render help. It was like she had been waiting for this opportunity to come by for a long time and the moment it showcased itself, she immediately grabbed the bull by both it’s horns. Aiden then realized that his boss Katherine most likely had a crush on him. He knew it sounded very uncanny and impossible as what would a rich and beautiful lawyer like her find attractive in a poor man like him?

But all the dots connected. Katherine may like Aiden in a romantic way.

“I know you’re shocked Aiden but that is my condition. If you’re okay with it, then you can come over to my office right now and we’ll discuss further. I’ll leave the decision to you.” Katherine said and with that, she ended the call.

Aiden couldn’t understand why such a lady like Katherine would choose him. However, he was already outside flagging down a cab down to Andersons Law Firm within the twinkle of an eye.

-:-

On the top floor of Andersons Law Firm, Aiden stared at the door and the golden engrave plastered on it; Katherine Anderson— Chief Executive Officer & Head Lawyer.

Aiden took in a huge depth, suppressing his nervousness and knocked on the door. He heard her reply from inside that he could come in.

Aiden opened the door and was met with the beautiful and calming ambience of Katherine's office, what was even more beautiful was her delightful self sitting behind her office desk. Aiden noted that she looked even prettier than the last time he had seen her. Her blonde hair fell in wavy locks reaching the small of her back and she had piercing blue eyes to compliment them, her pretty lips doused in pink lip–gloss.

Katherine smiled on seeing Aiden, “Take a seat, Aiden.” She gestured to the visitors’ seat and lazily leaned back in her chair. “Please, make yourself comfortable and let’s discuss our marriage.” She added with a smile and Aiden was a bit fazed by the fact that the discussion was the first one the agenda? Why did she always have to be so direct? No small talk, no pleasantries? Just straight up marriage talk. Nevertheless, Aiden nodded, seating down.

Even though she was rich and beautiful, he was going to say no to the marriage. Regardless of how much he hated what Riley and her family was doing to him, he wouldn’t divorce her. They were going to be the pillar behind his survival especially now that he had lost his job. And even if he wasn’t married to Riley, he would’ve still rejected Katherine’s offer. He only came to her office in an attempt to plead for his old job back.

But Aiden was about to get more than he bargained for…

Katherine got up from her chair and walked over to the door then locked it, Aiden stared at her with furrowed brows and he wondered what the motive behind that was.

Afterwards, she strutted over to her in–office bar and picked out a bottle of what appeared to be a highly expensive champagne. She also picked out two glasses and poured the wine into the glasses.

Aiden watched her do this and once again wondered if there was a need for all of this. And a part of him was becoming slightly afraid and uncomfortable. You can never know with these rich people and whatever they were scheming.

Katherine then walked over to where Aiden sat with the two glasses in her hand and she offered him one, “A drink?” Aiden was about to refuse but he felt that it would be rude if he declined so he accepted anyways.

“Thank you.” Aiden took a sip off the wine and set it on the table beside him. Katherine also took a sip off her drink as she sat close to Aiden—too close to Aiden, not even minding that he smelled and was dirty looking. Aiden swallowed a gulp nervously and scooted away from her as the proximity made him even more uncomfortable.

“Aiden, I’m glad you honored my invitation.” She began, a broad smile lighting up her already beautiful face.“So, I’ll be transferring a five hundred thousand dollars to you. To pay for your daughter’s medical bills and debts and also get you started off in life. You don’t need to get back to being an ordinary security officer. All you have to do is marry me.” Katherine offered and all the hairs on Aiden's body stood erect, his eyes widening too as he heard what Katherine had said. Such a huge amount of money rolling causally off her lips. Half a million dollars?