Déja Vú

A Deal and A Heart.

Ashton

"I will do it."

The most beautiful lady I had ever met walked into my office, wearing a blue mini gown that hugged her curves perfectly. The V-neckline revealed just enough cleavage, paired with gold drop earrings and a delicate necklace. Her hair was straightened flawlessly and held back by a couple of gold pins, not a strand out of place. Nude heels, matching purse, and her make-up was just right. She was... radiant.

"What?" I asked, a little surprised. Part of me hadn't actually expected her to agree.

"I said I will do it," she replied, taking a seat. "But I have some conditions of my own. You said we were negotiating, right?" Her tone was calm but edged with that unmistakable fire I knew well.

"Of course. Please be my guest," I said, leaning back in my chair, intrigued.

"I want Aiko Lifestyle stores in all Carter Hotel malls." She placed her hand firmly on my desk.

I smirked. "Done. And?"

"I would like you to put that in writing, please." She gestured to my pen holder and chuckled lightly.

"Done. Is that all?" I asked, scribbling her terms down quickly.

"No. This relationship should have a time frame," she said hesitantly.

"We haven't even walked down the aisle yet, and you're already talking divorce, Ms. Kohen," I said with a playful smirk.

"Okay... One year," she said, meeting my gaze.

"One year?" I echoed, leaning in.

"Yes, one year. If I cannot win your heart by then, I will consider letting you go," I added, watching her reaction. She paled slightly at my smirk.

"Consider?"

"I'm just joking. By our first wedding anniversary, if I cannot win your heart, I will sign the papers and never bother you again," I said seriously, because I truly meant it.

"Can I ask you a question?" she leaned closer, her eyes sharp and unwavering.

"Sure."

"Are you in on all this? I mean... it's pretty convenient to think you are. We bump into each other at the club, then four days later I get arrested for assault and attempted murder. I come over to meet you to get evidence, and you ask for marriage in return. So... are you in on this?"

I smiled, because the truth—my heart refusing to let her go—was too dangerous to reveal. "First of all, if I actually wanted to have you, I have neither the energy nor time to plot such a grand scheme like getting you arrested."

"So why?" she pressed, genuinely curious.

I didn't really have an answer, but I knew my heart wouldn't let her go. So I told the only half-truth I could manage: "Well... I might run the company, but my father still calls the shots."

"And?" she asked, brow furrowed.

"And he would not hand over the company to me if I don't get married."

"Oh."

"Plus, I have a son, and he has never had a mother figure in his life, so—"

"So what makes you think I am the perfect candidate?" she interrupted, raising her brow.

"I don't know... instinct." I winked. She rolled her eyes.

"How old is he?"

"Four."