Joy Roberts pressed a hand to her forehead as her mother's voice rose yet again.
"Joy, I swear, if we don't find a way to save this company, we'll be out on the streets!" Florence Roberts paced their modest living room, wringing her hands. "All these bills, the salaries, the taxes, it's all too much. I don't know what your father would say if he were here!"
"Mom, please," Joy said softly, trying to calm her. "I know it's stressful, but panicking won't help. We've already done everything we can."
"Everything we can?" Florence laughed bitterly. "Joy, everything we can hasn't been enough! The banks won't give us another loan, suppliers are threatening, and Richard still hasn't found a proper job."
Joy forced a small smile. "I applied for a loan at Owen Investments last week. I'm just… waiting for their response."
Her mother froze mid-step. "You did what?"
Joy lowered her gaze, pressing her lips together. "It's done. I can't control how fast they respond, but I'm trying, Mom. We'll get through this."
Florence sagged into the armchair, muttering. "I hope you're right, Joy. I truly hope you're right."
Joy grabbed a plate and began arranging a small stack of pancakes. She needed something to eat, anything to calm her nerves. As she poured syrup over the top one, her phone rang and she picked.
"Miss Roberts?" a calm, professional voice said. "This is Cameron Sullivan from Owen Investments. Mr. Owen would like to see you in his office for a meeting. Are you available?"
Joy's heart skipped a beat. "I… yes, of course. I can come right away."
"Excellent. We'll expect you shortly," Cameron said before hanging up.
Joy set the pancakes aside, her stomach twisting nervously. She took a deep breath and tried to steady herself. She prayed in her heart that they approved her loan.
By the time Joy arrived at Owen Investments, the lobby alone made her palms sweat. She adjusted her blouse and smoothed her skirt, attempting to appear composed. She had always been timid, careful not to draw attention, but something about this office, tall glass walls, polished floors, and the quiet authority of the assistants, made her feel out of place.
George, Liam's assistant, led her to the office. She knocked lightly and stepped inside.
Liam Owen and Cameron Sullivan both looked up from the large mahogany desk. Liam's expression was calm, almost neutral, but his presence filled the room like gravity itself. Joy swallowed.
"Miss Roberts," Cameron said with a polite nod as he offered her a seat. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
Why was he thanking her? She should literally be the one thanking them for agreeing to see her.
"Of course," She murmured as she sat down. "Thank you for agreeing to see me."
For a long moment, no one spoke. The silence stretched, and Joy shifted slightly, trying not to let her nervousness show. Liam's eyes were on her, but he said nothing. Cameron cleared his throat.
Finally, Liam leaned back slightly and said, "Since this was your idea, Cameron, why shouldn't you be the one to tell her?"
Joy tilted her head, confused. Tell her what? She glanced between the two men, unsure whether she was imagining some kind of joke.
Cameron's lips twitched into a small, almost nervous smile. "Well," he started, "it's a bit awkward, I'll admit. But I think it's best if I explain."
Joy took a shallow breath, heart hammering.
"You see, Miss Roberts," Cameron began carefully, "Mr. Owen has a… unique proposition for you. One that could benefit both you and your family greatly."
Joy blinked. "I'm sorry?"
Liam leaned slightly forward, eyes darkening with mild amusement, but his expression remained calm. "I suggest you listen, Miss Roberts," he said softly. "Cameron is very good at explaining things."
Cameron straightened, cleared his throat, and launched into the explanation. "Your family is experiencing financial difficulties. Mr. Owen has a requirement, a marriage. The arrangement would satisfy his father's expectations and, in return, secure your family's financial future. Not just temporary relief, this could stabilize and even expand your business. You wouldn't have to worry about bankruptcy ever again."
Joy froze mid-breath. Marriage? For money? Her stomach churned. She forced herself to sit upright. I cannot… I cannot marry for money. That's… wrong.
Liam reclined in his chair, his hands clasped loosely, watching her silently. His prideful posture suggested disinterest, though the faintest flicker of satisfaction crossed his eyes at Cameron's words.
Joy's gaze dropped to her folded hands. He's… he's a man. A real man. Tall, powerful, commanding. I can't let myself think that he could ever… She chastised herself immediately. Stop it. He's far out of your league. Forget it, Joy. This isn't about… anything like that. It's about survival.
Cameron continued, his voice steady, "We believe this arrangement is mutually beneficial. You gain security for your family and long-term prospects for your family's business. Mr. Owen fulfills his father's expectation. Everyone benefits."
Joy's thoughts raced. Marriage is a commitment. I can't just sell myself like this. It feels wrong.
Sensing her hesitation, Liam's voice cut through the tension. "Of course, you don't have to force yourself. I can find someone else if you prefer."
Her eyes widened. Find someone else? The idea that this opportunity might vanish instantly sent a shiver down her spine. She leaned forward slightly, voice barely audible. "No, I… I'll do it."
Cameron nodded encouragingly. "Good. That's very wise."
Joy swallowed and asked quietly, "But are we really going to succeed? I'm nowhere near his level. I'm not sophisticated enough. I don't… belong in that world."
Liam's lips curved ever so slightly. "Can't love make that happen?" he asked lightly. "Many incompatible people end up together in the name of love."
Joy looked at him, slightly bewildered. Though he said it so easily, there was a subtle disbelief behind his eyes, a certainty that love alone would not bridge worlds like theirs.
Cameron and Liam exchanged a quiet glance, the smallest smiles tugging at their lips, a silent acknowledgment of their success.
Joy shivered slightly, and Cameron reached over to lightly touch her shoulder. "It's alright," he whispered reassuringly. "You've made the right choice. Just trust us for now."
Joy nodded, her breath still uneven.
Cameron cleared his throat. "The marriage contract isn't ready yet, but you'll have it before the end of the day. Please, don't change your mind."
Liam's scoff was soft but deliberate. "If you do, Miss Roberts, it will be your loss."
Joy's hands tightened in her lap. This is real. This is happening.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind inside her. But as she glanced at Liam again, a strange flutter of anticipation, and something else she didn't dare name, settled in her chest.