Love's Resilience

A COMPLICATED PROPOSAL

The morning sun peeked through the heavy curtains of my penthouse bedroom, rousing me from a restless sleep. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and sat there for a moment, gathering my thoughts. Today was the day I would start putting my plan into action. I had to approach Allison with a proposal that, to any outsider, would seem insane.

After a quick shower and a cup of black coffee, I felt ready to face the day. I dressed in a tailored suit, the armor I wore into every business battle. This was no different. I was about to make the most crucial pitch of my life, and I needed to be at my best.

Before heading to the café where Allison worked, I needed more information. I reached for my phone and called my private investigator, James Morgan. James was one of the best in the business, and I trusted him implicitly.

"James, it's Aaron," I said when he answered. "I need you to find out everything you can about a woman named Allison Black. She works at a café in midtown and lives in a rough neighborhood. I need details, history, the works. And I need it fast."

"Understood, Mr. Knight. I'll get on it right away," James replied without missing a beat.

With that taken care of, I made another call, this time to my best friend and right-hand man, Christian.

"Christian, I need you to meet me at the café where Allison works," I said. "There's something I need you to see for yourself."

Christian sounded puzzled. "Alright, Aaron. I'll be there in thirty minutes."

With both calls made, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door. The drive to the café felt longer than usual, my mind racing with thoughts and plans. I needed Christian to observe Allison, to see if she could handle the pressure and the role I was about to ask her to play.

When I arrived at the café, I spotted Christian already seated at a corner table. I joined him, and we ordered coffee while we waited for Allison's shift to start.

"So, what's this all about?" Christian asked, curiosity etched on his face.

"I need you to meet someone and give me your honest opinion," I replied, glancing around to make sure Allison hadn't arrived yet. "Her name is Allison Black. I met her under some...unusual circumstances, and I think she might be the solution to our problem."

Christian raised an eyebrow. "The marriage ultimatum?"

I nodded. "Exactly. But I need to be sure. I want you to observe her, and see how she handles herself. I need someone strong, resilient, and trustworthy."

As we waited, I filled Christian in on the details of my encounter with Allison. He listened intently, his expression serious.

A few minutes later, Allison walked in, her face lighting up with a forced smile as she greeted her co-workers. She hadn't noticed us yet. I watched her closely, taking in every detail of her tired eyes, the way she moved with a certain grace despite her evident exhaustion.

Christian leaned in, speaking quietly. "She seems strong, but she's been through a lot. Are you sure about this?"

"I don't know yet," I admitted. "That's why I need your opinion."

We watched as Allison interacted with customers, her demeanor professional and courteous despite the evident strain. When she finally noticed us, her eyes widened in surprise.

"Aaron," she said, approaching our table. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to check on you," I said, offering her a reassuring smile. "And I wanted you to meet Christian. He's my best friend and business partner."