Archer
Always Be Mine
As I stand in front of the expansive windows of my office, I dial my lawyer, Jordan Madison. He’s been with me through every major acquisition, lawsuit, and business deal. He’s smart, ruthless when necessary, and always thinking three steps ahead. Exactly what I need, except not this time.
“Jordan,” I say as he answers on the first ring. “We need to talk about a proposal.”
“Archer,” he replies, his voice sharp and focused. “You have a new deal coming. What’s on your mind?”
I take a deep breath, the gravity of what I’m about to say settling in. “Tahani and I are getting married… Well, I haven’t asked her yet, but I’m about to, and I know you’re going to ask about a prenup, but I’m not doing it.”
There’s a long pause on the other end before he speaks again, more cautious now. “You called me to tell me that you’re going to get married without a prenup. You’re serious? You want to marry without a prenup?”
“Dead serious,” I say, my voice firm, leaving no room for debate. “I don’t foresee us ever getting separated, but even if we do, she can have anything I own, Jordan. Everything I have.”
He sighs, and I can already tell he’s running through the legal ramifications in his mind. “Archer, I understand you love her, and I’m happy for you. But you’ve built an empire. A prenup isn’t about lack of trust—it’s about protecting your assets. It’s a standard precaution. You don’t want to risk everything if things don’t work out.”
“I’m not doing it,” I insist. “She’s not a threat to my assets. As a matter of fact, I believe her to be a benefit to my assets. Her latest creation has is slated to make hundreds of millions. Besides, I trust her completely, and I’m not treating her like she’s out to take what’s mine.”
Jordan’s tone sharpens, a sign that he’s about to push back. “I get that, but this isn’t just about trust. It’s about safeguarding what you’ve worked for. We’re talking about properties, businesses, investments—all of which could be in jeopardy if something goes wrong. I’m not saying you will split up, but without a prenup, you’re exposing yourself to legal vulnerabilities.”
I step away from the window, pacing across my office. “I understand the risks, but this is non-negotiable. She’s going to be my wife, and if she wants half of everything I own, she can have it.”
Another pause. I can practically hear Jordan’s gears turning, trying to figure out a compromise. “Alright,” he says slowly, “if you’re that set on it, I can respect your decision. But let’s at least make sure you’re protecting your businesses and your long-term assets. We can set up a trust for certain holdings—things that will remain untouched, no matter what happens. It’ll protect you, your business partners, and even Tahani in the long run. You don’t have to call it a prenup, but you still need to protect yourself.”
I stop pacing and consider his words. “A trust?”
“Exactly. You can keep your personal assets separate, while still giving Tahani full access to everything else. She’ll be taken care of, but your empire will stay secure, especially if there’s ever an issue down the line. That’s a reasonable compromise.”
I hesitate, staring out at the skyline. “And that would protect the business?”
“Yes,” Jordan says firmly. “It would cover everything important while leaving your personal finances open for you and her to share. It’s not a prenup, but it’s a way to protect your empire without making it seem like you don’t trust her.”
I think about it for a moment. It’s not what I originally had in mind, but I trust Jordan’s advice. “Alright,” I say, my voice softening. “Set it up. But understand this—if she ever wants anything I own, it’s hers. No questions asked.”
Jordan sighs again, but I can tell he’s relieved I’ve agreed to some form of protection. “Got it, Archer. I’ll start drafting the trust and make sure everything is airtight. You’re doing the right thing, and this way, you’re protecting her too.”
I lean against my desk, glancing at the black velvet box in front of me. The engagement ring I will give Tahani in just a few hours. “Thanks, Jordan. I appreciate you looking out for me.”
“One more thing,” he adds, his tone softening. “I’m happy for you, man. You’ve finally found someone you’re willing to risk it all for. That says something.”
A small smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. “Yeah, it does. Talk soon.”
As I hang up the phone with Jordan, a sense of calm washes over me. The legal side is handled. Now, I can focus on the part that really matters. Before I can take a breath, my phone buzzes again. This time, it’s my mother.
“Mom,” I answer, leaning back in my chair, half-expecting another lecture about my work habits.
“Archer! I was just talking to your sister about how we never hear from you anymore. You’re always working, always traveling, always in some meeting. When was the last time you took a real break?” she scolds, her voice full of the usual motherly concern.
I rub my forehead, suppressing a groan. “I know, Mom. I’ve been busy.”
“Busy is no excuse,” she snaps, her tone sharp. “You need balance. You can't just work yourself into an early grave. Where’s your personal life? Your time for yourself? For family?”
I chuckle, already anticipating the familiar lecture. But today, I’ve got a surprise for her. “Actually, I’ve been making some time for myself lately.”
There’s a pause. I can almost picture her furrowing her brow, not sure if she heard me right. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve met someone.”
Dead silence.
“...Mom?”
“WHAT?” she screeches, the sound nearly making me pull the phone from my ear. “You? My workaholic son has met someone. Who? When? How?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Her name is Tahani. She works at Iconic, and we’ve been seeing each other for a while now. I want you to meet her soon.”
There’s another long, stunned pause. I know she’s pacing, trying to process this bombshell. “Archer… I don’t know what to say. You’ve never introduced me to anyone before.”
“I know, Mom,” I say, my voice softening. “That’s because she’s different. I love her.”
Her breath catches audibly on the other end. “You love her?”
“Yes, I do. And that’s not all... I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
The silence that follows is heavy with shock, and I can hear her trying to collect herself. “You... you’re going to propose? Archer, this is huge! I don’t even know what to say! I need to tell your sister!” Her voice is shaking with excitement and disbelief. “Oh my God, Archer! This is... wow. When are you going to do it?”
“Soon. I wanted to talk to you before I asked her,” I admit, smiling as I imagine the look on her face right now.
“You better not make us wait too long to meet her,” she says, her voice trembling with emotion. “I need to meet this woman who has stolen my son’s heart. And soon, Archer. Don’t make me chase you for it.”
“Of course, Mom,” I promise, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “You’ll meet her soon, I promise.”
“I can’t believe this,” she mutters, her excitement bubbling over. “My boy, finally settling down! I need to go call your sister! We’re talking more about this soon. Don’t think you’re getting off easy.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I reply with a laugh. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
After I hang up, I sit for a moment, staring at my phone. I’ve never told my mother about anyone before. But with Tahani, it feels like the most natural thing in the world. Like the pieces of my life are finally coming together, slotting into place.
The next step is clear. I’m ready to take things to the next level. It’s not just about business anymore. It’s about love, about building a future, and about making sure Tahani knows exactly where she stands in my life.
I rise from my chair, walking to the windows of my office. The city stretches out below me, but my mind is filled with thoughts of her. I’ll protect her, cherish her, and make sure that no one can ever come between us. I’ll secure her place at Iconic, shield her from anyone who might try to harm her, and build the life we deserve together.
The ring is already waiting, sitting in my desk drawer. The plan is in motion. Tahani is mine, and soon, she’ll know it for sure.
Because I don’t just want her—I need her. Forever.