Ten
TEN
LEORA
A deline's face contorts with disbelief. "I'm sorry, back up, they did what ?" she asks, her voice high-pitched and incredulous. I chuckle nervously, feeling the weight of the situation.
"They offered me a job and a marriage proposal," I repeat, my voice trailing off at the end. "And I think I might say yes."
Adeline's eyes widen in shock, and Sophie's jaw drops in shock.
"What?!" they both exclaim in unison.
"Are you insane?" Adeline adds, her tone bordering on hysterical. I can't blame her for her reaction, I'm still processing the proposal myself. But the job offer is too good to pass up, and the idea of a fake marriage doesn't seem so insane anymore. Besides, after hearing that they might lose the hotel I can’t possibly say no now—I’ll look like an asshole. The look on sweet Antoine’s face broke my heart, and I’ll get a chance to try out marriage before I do it for real. A test run of sorts. Guys always talk about testing a car before they buy it, why can’t I do it for marriage?
Who knows, maybe I’ll hate it and never want to get married again. I’ll become one of those aunts who travel the world, drink a lot, and have the best stories for her nieces and nephews.
I let out a sigh. "I know it sounds crazy, but think about it. I lost my job, and the ones I’ve applied for haven’t responded. However, now I know Agnes might be the reason for that. I can’t believe she would sabotage everything for me. This is my opportunity to get my life back while saving their business. I can’t say no to that."
"Leora, if you say no, they’ll find another bride. Don’t put that much pressure on yourself," Adeline says reassuringly, and she has a point. They’ll probably find another woman, but then I’ll still be unemployed.
"This is also my chance to start fresh in a new country, with no cheating ex-boyfriend around, and a job that will give me something ." I try to reason with them, hoping they'll see my point of view. I don’t know why, but I need them to support my decision. I need them to be on my side because if they don’t agree, I can’t do it.
I might be weak for it, but I need them to say yes.
"But Leora, marrying someone for a job is insane!" Adeline exclaims, shaking her head.
"Addie, you’re usually the superstitious type. Don’t you think this is a sign after all that has happened?"
"I’m not superstitious."
"When we were younger, you didn’t allow me to step over you because that meant you would stop growing, and every time a shoe is upside down you have to flip it around."
Adeline crosses her arms over her chest, looking offended, with her brows furrowed and lips pressed into a tight line. "I’m not superstitious enough to let you marry a stranger. And a shoe upside down brings evil and bad luck, that’s different."
Sophie, who has been quiet up until now, speaks up. "Girls, back to the subject. I see where you're coming from, Leora. It's not ideal, but it could be a good opportunity for you. You just have to think it through and make sure it's what you really want."
Adeline turns to her in surprise. "I’m sorry, have you two been taking the same crazy pills? She wants to marry a stranger . Not only that, but a guy that has been nothing but an ass to her!"
I roll my eyes at Adeline's comment and turn to Sophie. "Thank you for being the voice of reason here," I say with a grateful smile.
Sophie ignores Adeline and returns my smile before she continues with, "I mean, it's not like you're being forced into anything. You have a choice in the matter. You’ll both have to sign a contract and have your own conditions, but what’s the worst that could happen?"
Sophie's comment prompts Adeline to chime in, her tone sharp with disbelief.
"Are you serious, Sophie? How can you even entertain the idea of Leora marrying someone for a job?"
Sophie raises her eyebrows. "I'm not saying it's a perfect solution, but let's be practical here. Leora needs a job, and this is a good opportunity. And who knows, maybe they'll even fall in love."
Fall in love . With Lucas ? Unlikely.
That man seems to walk around with a stick up his ass and I’m not going to be the one who pulls it out.
Adeline scoffs. "Oh please, stop romanticizing everything. This is a business arrangement, nothing more and Leora shouldn't have to compromise her values just to get ahead."
Oh.
Sophie rolls her eyes. "Adeline, stop being so bitter. You’re supposed to be the romantic one, and not everyone has the luxury of turning down job offers left and right. This is a great job. She would have to work for at least three years back home before she would be offered a job at this level."
"I write fiction , which isn’t this. Accepting a job offer is one thing, but marrying someone for a job is another," Adeline retorts.
"Guys, please . . ." I try to interject, but they don’t seem to hear me anymore. It’s starting to piss me off that they’re talking about me like I’m not sitting right next to them.
"And what happens when the job ends, after the one year mark? She'll be stuck in a fake marriage with a stranger!"
Sophie rolls her eyes again. "It's not like she's signing her life away. If it doesn't work out, they can just get divorced."
Adeline shakes her head in disbelief. "I can't believe you're being so cavalier about marriage. It's a serious commitment."
"I know it's a serious commitment," Sophie retorts, "but she has an out if she wants one."
"Guys, please stop. I appreciate your concern, but ultimately it's my decision to make."
Adeline stands up and walks a few steps before she faces me again. "The only thing we know about this guy is that he has an office at this hotel, that he parties and likes to turn down beautiful girls at clubs before putting blondes on his lap. Is that what you want, Leora?" she snaps. I feel a sting of hurt at Adeline’s words, but I try not to let it show.
"Would it make you feel better if I told you that I’ve looked him up?" I respond defensively. "He actually seems like a good guy. I'll show you." I quickly pull out my phone and show them what I spent the day doing. After our meeting, I went back to our room and started researching like my life depended on it—I guess it sort of does.
"His full name is Lucas Christian Ayoub. He’s thirty-four years old and has a younger brother named Liam, who’s also very handsome," I add before continuing. "Their parents passed away in a horrible car accident when they were kids. According to the article I read, Lucas had been in the car with them but he didn’t suffer any major injuries. Then they were adopted by their uncle." I have to admit that it broke me when I read about his parents, and in a way—not that I’m excusing his rude behavior—it made me understand him a little bit more.
"That's awful. Poor kids," Sophie murmurs in a compassionate tone, her hand gently pressed against her heart. As I glance at Adeline, I notice her eyes widening with empathy, a soft frown forming on her face in response to the heartbreaking news.
I pause, allowing the information to settle, then share, "He later got his MBA from Cambridge University, and his uncle has been training him to take over ever since. "
But that wasn't all I found out.
"Okay, so he has a degree. Good," Adeline comments.
"Lucas is also heavily involved in multiple children's charities, something that really caught my attention. He started his own charitable organization to help orphaned children—allowing him to provide assistance to kids who are facing the same challenges he once did." It's a full-circle moment and it’s incredible. So incredible, it’s hard to believe that Lucas, 'Mr. Ice Block,' has a heart.
I look up from my phone to see Adeline and Sophie studying the screen intently.
Adeline's face relaxes a bit.
"I know it sounds insane, but I have a good feeling about this. And there's one more thing," I add. "He’s half Lebanese. I thought you'd appreciate that."
Adeline softens more at this revelation. "Well, I guessed that when I heard his last name."
I smile at her, relieved that I finally found a positive angle to the situation. "So, what do you think? Do you think I should go for it?"
Adeline opens her mouth to speak, but before she can say anything, Sophie stops her. "No more arguing, Addie.”
They share a look and Adeline takes a step down, telling me that she’s only worried about me but that she will support any decision I make. She also adds that she will cut off Lucas’s balls if he tries anything, which I agree to let her do. With that, we all settle into our seats on the balcony, the tension in the air slowly dissipating. Sophie pops open a bottle of the champagne we love from the hotel, and we cheer for new opportunities.
As soon as the clock strikes five p.m., I get dressed in a pair of jeans-shorts, a white t-shirt, and my sneakers before I head down to meet Lucas.
As I descend the last flight of stairs, I see him standing by the elevator, waiting for me, I think . He’s wearing a pair of slacks with his white shirt tucked into them. His blazer is folded neatly over the crook of his elbow, making him appear like the businessman he is.
The elevator door opens and a family of five steps out. From a distance, it looks like Lucas’ shoulders relax.
Is he nervous?
As I approach him, he looks up, his eyes widening just a fraction. I can't help but notice how handsome he looks with his dark hair neatly styled and his sharp jawline perfectly outlined. His eyes are a deep brown, almost the color of melted dark chocolate, and they seem to be studying me intently. He doesn’t smile, instead he looks me up and down. A smile now and then would brighten up his features. But no, he has to look all serious and judgy. I look down at my outfit and feel the heat of a blush creeping up my neck, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze.
"Good evening, Leora," he says in a deep voice that makes goosebumps appear across my whole body.
"Good evening, Lucas," I answer in the same formal tone.
"Shall we?" He raises his arm towards the exit. I fall into step beside him, feeling my nerves start to fray.
Are we doing this?
Is this happening?
Should it be happening?
We walk in silence; the only sound is our feet hitting the ground. I try to gather my thoughts, but my mind is a jumbled mess. We reach the café and he leads me to a cozy table at the end of the outdoor seating area. He pulls my chair out for me, ensuring I’m comfortable before he takes his seat across from me.
John would never.
"Mr. Ayoub, welcome!" The young waitress looks surprised to see him but she hides it well under a sweet smile. "Can I get you started with anything to drink?"
We both place our orders—Lucas opting for a black coffee, even though it’s in the evening, and I opt for a cappuccino. As our drinks arrive, we settle in for a conversation that will change my life forever
"What are your conditions?" he says after he takes a sip from his cup. Straight to the point, I see.
I square my shoulders, taking a deep breath before launching into the weighty conversation ahead.