The Headturner

The Proposal

Chapter Thirty-Four   - The Proposal

"What? Why?" Anne stuttered.

"I have a proposal for you." David paused for Anne to speak but when she didn't, he laughed. "Are you scared of me?"

"More like intimidated."

"Why?"

"Well, for one, you are my boss and you have the power to fire me."

"True, and...?" He coaxed.

"And you are a giant with anger issues. Of course I am scared of you."

He shrugged.

"Maybe it's better that way. Anyways, I have a proposition for you and I want you to be open-minded. Don't dismiss it before you've heard me out."

"Okay."

"As you know, my brothers are well-settled and have their own families now. As for me, I am a spinster. My grandfather... my wealthy grandfather... left us his money in his will. My brothers don't have a problem, but unfortunately I do."

Anne nodded and gestured him to continue.

"He has left a condition in the will. For me to get my share, I will have to get settled as well."

Anne raised her eyebrow as she began to understand where he was getting at.

"So?"

"So, I need to get married before the end of this year. I'm asking you if you would marry me."

"Why me?"

"For one, I know you need the money. You would not have put up with me if you didn't. I will give you half my share."

"And the other reason?" Anne said, trying not to act offended.

"What other reason?"

"Why not other girls?"

"I trust you not to mess up the arrangement. I probably should tell you this, I won't touch you in that way."

Anne was embarrassed but decided to play along.

"How can I trust you on that?"

"Because you're not my type."

She felt herself fuming in anger. David must have felt it too because he added promptly, "Because I'm gay, not because you are undesirable."

"Is this a joke?" Anne looked around.

"No, I would like to summarize my proposition. I am asking you if you would marry me for half of my share of my grandfather's will."

Anne contemplated for a split second but ended up chastising herself for even considering the outrageous proposition at all.

"I have a boyfriend."

"So do I." David was trying to contain his smile.

"I won't be marrying anyone for money, whatever amount it might be."

"$5 million to be exact."

Her eyes widened in surprise.

"You could be a millionaire." He added.

"Thank you for such a generous offer." She gulped. "But I decline."

David sighed.

"So, you've passed."

"Pardon me?"

"It was a test. Frankly, I'm a bit disappointed that you believed me to be gay so easily."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, it was all a lie. I was testing your integrity and loyalty. You have already shown me how patient and resilient you are."

"Why were you testing me?" Her patience was wearing off.

"I want you to look after the Seattle division. I will mentor you myself and when I think you are ready, I will leave you to it."

"But I can't leave my mother here."

"Did you even read your contract before signing it? Rookie mistake. It says that Smith & Co. can transfer you to other locations as deemed necessary. And, I deem it necessary. Besides, with the relocation allowance, I think you can even take your mother to Seattle."

"But it is all so sudden."

"No, it's not. I knew the moment I met you that you were not cut out to be my assistant, well merely my assistant. You have potential and I would like to reap it. It's not like I am telling you to move tomorrow. I am telling you months in advance. For two months, I will teach you the tricks of the trade here and for the next six months, in Seattle. I hope you would be ready by then to be the head of the division."

"I don't know what to say."

"Just say thank you." He sipped on his wine and smiled.

A/N: The quote above is not related to the story exactly but I saw this in "The Equalizer" and loved it.