It's been two days after her second attempted kidnapping by Mr Everest Bernard.
Arielle didn't bother reporting him, Mr Everest was a respected man, a VIP among VIPs and held great power even more than her family.
Arielle was back in her studio – painting an illustrative narrow and dark path in an eerie forest – despite the trauma the place now held.
Regardless of the fact that she was almost kidnapped there, her studio was in fact her safe space, where she freely expresses herself in her art.
After the almost kidnapping, Arielle hadn't seen Xylan again. She always kept her eyes out for him, but their paths never crossed again and it left her feeling a bit lost but she tried not to dwell on it.
Arielle wished she could see him at least just one more time so she could say thank you.
After Xylan was gone that day, she realized how rude she was to her saviour and thought she should at least say thank you and compensate him.
As if the universe read her thoughts, the glass sliding door of her studio slide open and Xylan walked in.
He was in a perfectly fitted navy blue suit with subtle sheen, it accentuated his broad shoulders and lean physique. His perfectly tailored trousers stopped just above his black leather shoes which are polished to a high shine.
A classic, minimalist watch adorned his wrist. His jet black hair styled back neatly, stopping at the nape of his neck. He exuded an aura of confidence and class, one Arielle hadnt seen before.
"It is you!" Arielle shouted before she could stop herself. A mix of curiosity and excitement washed over her.
"Xylan, was it?" she stood up from her canvas and strode hurriedly over to him closing their distance within minutes.
"I have been looking everywhere for you, Mr. Xylan." she reached out to shake his hand, "i didnt get to thank you last time. It was rather rude of me and I assure you I'm not usually like that."
As their hands touched for a handshake, Arielle felt a volt of electricity go through her. She found herself staring into his deep blue eyes which seem very beautiful and bright under the afternoon sun. They pulled her closer to him and a feeling of longing engulfed her.
"It's alright. May we sit? I have something important to discuss with you." Xylan said, his voice deep and commanding, it snapped Arielle back to their conversation.
"Yes, of course." he quickly snatched her hand back, "follow me."
She led him to her office for more privacy. He sat opposite her, legs crossed on the long sofa in the small common place in her office. She figured it wasnt business related, seating behind her desk would be less welcoming.
"Do you want some tea or coffee? Anything you need? I really want to show my appreciation so you may ask for anything."
"No i dont want coffee or tea but something else. Since you've said you'll offer me anything I want then i wouldnt beat around the bush." he spoke and sat like he owned the office, his blue eyes held her gaze as if there wasnt any other place worth looking at.
Not being able to maintain his intense gaze, Arielle averted her eyes to the briefcase he brought along with him.
"Be free and speak your mind Mr Xylan." she awkwardly encouraged.
Her mind drifted off to when they met again, the eerie feeling she felt still lingered as she wondered how he conveniently showed up to her rescue twice. Last time was even stranger because the place was deserted at night. She didnt notice anyone there but he suddenly showed up. Also, what was he doing at the area when all the few shops in the street were closed by then.
Those questions have been plaguing her for the past two days and she finally has the chance to ask him.
Xylan placed his briefcase on the glass table before them and brought out a document, placed it on the table and slid it her, "I want you to marry me." he responded.
His voice was calm, devoid of any emotion which made it hard for Arielle to tell what he was thinking.
An awkward silence hung in the air as they both stared at each other, Xylan nonchalantly while Arielle was flabbergasted.
A blushed crept up her cheeks as she realized he just proposed to her but not with a ring but with a document.
"What?" her voice came out more as a whisper.
She took the document and read it contents and behold, it was a contract for their marriage, stating the rules and conditions for their union.
"What is this?!" she asked but this time louder.
"A marriage agreement." he stated matter-of-factly.
"I'm aware of that but why?" she was sounding more exasperated now, this was the second time she was proposed marriage to and both by strangers.
"Why did you suddenly show up when I was in danger?"
"Was it planned? Is this all Mr Everest scheme?"
"Why did you propose to me?"
She asked from one question to another.
"I need a wife, urgently without going through the entire dating stage and engagement." he tore his gaze from her and glanced at his watch before bringing it back to her, "you need protection but dont have the means to do so. I am happy to do so I figured you would be suitable for this proposal. We both get what we need, a win-win situation."
Arielle realized he dodged the other questions she asked and became more sceptical. He seemed sophisticated and refined, an image that can't be fabricated just by putting on an expensive suit or wearing a Rolex watch but she was still on edge.
"What makes you think I need your protection? I own this studio, I can hire a bodyguard to protect me."
Arielle tried to sound confident and disinterested in his proposal but not completely shutting him down.
"You're broke. If you could hire one, you would have already but you're still here, sitting unguarded." Xylan answered, blunt with his words.
"Before offering you this deal, I did a background check on you so I know for a fact no one will protect you other than me. You'll always be in danger."
He was right but it doesn't make his words hurt less.
Arielle isn't the favoured daughter of her family, she lived in her elder sister's shadow all her life. For some reason, she couldn't do anything right to get her parents to praise her. She never felt the love of her family and was even surprised when they gave her capital for her business despite being vehemently against it from the beginning, but that's where their support ended. She had thought they would be better off without her, but her father wouldn't let her cut ties with them as it would ruin their perfect family image.
Getting married could help her break free from her family.
It was a tempting offer especially since it's not from Mr Everest.
"I would truly appreciate it if you accepted this offer, you may also include any conditions to the contract."
"You know about my background so why still insist on me?" Arielle asked, genuinely very curious. Many women would love to get married to him right away if that's what he wants. He certainly got the looks for it, so why insist on a poor woman from a terrible background whose life is in danger?
"Because you'll make an excellent partner. Your good looks would be good for my reputation, and I don't care about your background and having both of us would benefit from makes you more ideal than others." he answered almost immediately.
Arielle took a minute to ponder.
"Give me two days to think about it. I'll reply to your proposal then."
"Very well. Keep that copy of the contract and add to it if you decide to accept." with that, he stood up and left without another word.