Emma

Standing at the edge of Marina Park, my heart warms as I take in the bustling scene before me. The child's fair event José thoughtfully put together is in full swing.

Laughter and the sweet aroma of cotton candy fill the air. Colorful balloons float gracefully in the breeze, and the cheerful music in the distance sets the perfect backdrop for a day filled with laughter and joy.

Exactly what the children need after the trauma that had invaded their lives.

"You look like a proud mama bear standing here by yourself." Asher's voice comes from beside me, and I can't help but smile as I turn to him. He's got his camera around his neck and a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"You came." I let out a deep breath. "I wasn't sure you'd actually show up."

"Extra salty." He hands me a bag of popcorn with a small smile. "Just the way you like it."

"Is it another apology bribe?" I ask, noticing the slight nervousness in his eyes.

"We need to talk about David's idea." He sighs, looking down.

"Right." I munch on the popcorn. "His crazy idea where he suggested I married you."

"Yeah." He turns to me, a spark passing between us when our eyes lock. "As a business arrangement that could benefit us both."

"Asher..." I swallow, feeling my cheeks heat as his gaze lingers on me.

"It would be a strictly business–"

"No way," I cut him off, my heart pounding in my chest. Until a short time ago, I had convinced myself that I'd never see him again. I can't even process the idea of marrying him. Business arrangement or not.

"You would get a one-million-dollar deposit on your personal account straight away, plus a prenup where you would never have to worry about money again." He swallows hard, his eyes searching mine.

"Do you really think that I'd sell myself—"

"No." He shakes his head. "But I think you're a smart and compassionate woman."

"You're out of your mind if you think I'll ever say yes to this." I scoff.

"I know your father cut you off...." he whispers, making me gasp. "You could at least hear what I have to say."

"I don't need your money." I raise my chin, my heart racing as I hold his gaze.

"Not you, no..." He turns to the children, his arms crossing over his chest.

"How dare you..." I start, but before I can say anything else, José spots us in the crowd and walks in our direction. His eyes narrow slightly as he looks at Asher, but he quickly hides any negative emotions, putting on a friendly façade.

"Hey there, Asher! So glad you could make it," José says, shaking Asher's hand rather forcefully. "Since you're here, why don't you join in on the fun with the kids? We're playing a game of silly charades, and I bet you'll have a blast."

"Sure thing." Asher nods, his eyes meeting mine right before José leads them to the activity area where a group of children is gathered, giggling and waiting eagerly.

"Alright, here's how it works," José explains, a wicked glint in his eyes. "You have to act out the words or phrases written on these cards without speaking, and the kids have to guess what you're trying to convey."

"All right." Asher stretches his neck, waggling his eyebrows at the kids.

"Here you go." José hands Asher a card.

Taking a deep breath, as if trying to focus, Asher waddles like a penguin, flapping his arms and exaggerating his movements to make the kids laugh.

In a second, the children erupt into laughter, cheering and shouting out their guesses.

As the game goes on, I can see the tension between José and Asher starting to melt away a bit as they come up with more challenging charades to keep the kids entertained.

At some point, Asher's gaze finds mine in the distance. There's a teasing challenge flickering in his eyes, and I can't deny the way it sends a flutter of anticipation through my heart.

*****

About an hour later, I spot Asher sitting alone on a bench, absorbed in studying the photos he took. A part of me initially considers ignoring him and walking away, but curiosity gets the better of me.

"Got something on your cheek." I settle beside Asher, my fingers instinctively reaching to brush away a streak of paint. Big mistake. Awareness of him prickles across my skin, making my heartbeat increase when his gaze drops to my mouth.

"The kids decided I needed some face painting too..." He adjusts himself on his seat, so he's fully facing me. There goes that hint of amusement in his eyes that always makes me flush.

I still force myself to hold his gaze, though.

"I'd be lying if I said I'm not curious to hear your proposition," I say, my heart racing at the thought of securing much-needed financial support to help more women. Even before the fire, our struggles were relentless as the demand for our help increased. Now, we're living day by day, teetering on uncertainty.

"In my defense," Asher says. "I was initially against the idea. But it's a tough battle when you're up against an entire team of experts."

Nodding, I let out a deep breath. "Max never mentioned anything about having to step away from the company."

"He said he called you to apologize about how he handled things." He searches my eyes, and I swear to God it's hard to focus when he's looking at me as if no time has passed between us.

"But he skillfully dodged most of my questions." I shift in my seat, wishing he didn't have so much power over my body.

"David was suggesting a marriage of convenience between you and me." His words linger between us, both of us locked in a wide-eyed stare.

"Well..." I clear my throat. "I got that part. I just don't understand why you'd need a wife."

"The accident left Max in a bad state," Asher says, weariness marring his face. "I was there during his last doctor's appointment. The car crash wreaked havoc on his memory and left him battling daily headaches."

"I had no idea..."

He nods, sadness touching his features. "That's why I'm here," he admits with a sigh. "I need to step in, but becoming CEO isn't straightforward, and being married is among the unconventional prerequisites."

I let out a rueful chuckle, unable to contain my incredulity. "That sounds..."

"Outdated? Ridiculous? Discriminatory?" he finishes my thoughts with a wry smile.

"I was going to say insane, but yeah," I say, my lips curving into a reluctant grin. "What happens if you don't become CEO?"

His expression darkens slightly, a shadow passing over his eyes. "Well, then Henry ascends from interim to permanent, and frankly, we're not entirely convinced that his intentions are in the right place."

A sense of disbelief surges through me. "Wow, Henry is..."

"Exactly." He sighs, raising an eyebrow knowingly. "I have zero desire to be part of this charade, but watching Max struggling like this is gut-wrenching."

"This is insane," I mutter, finally grasping the magnitude of it all.

He nods in agreement, his unwavering gaze fixed on me. "My thoughts exactly."

"How long would we have to be married?" I ask, feeling my face warm as I entertain the idea.

"Max's team thinks two years at least," he says, his throat working on a swallow as he holds my gaze.

"And would we need to, you know, live together?" My voice drops to a whisper.

He quirks the corner of his mouth, his eyes twinkling with a touch of playfulness. "Would that be so horrible?"

"Honestly, I never expected you to return." I roll my eyes, despite the fluttering sensation in my chest. "Forgive me if the idea of sharing a roof with you feels a bit surreal."

He chuckles softly, a sound that sends a swarm of butterflies fluttering within me. "Honestly, the idea of coming back wasn't on my radar either," he admits.

"Right."

"Are you seeing someone?" He lowers his voice, curiosity tinting his words.

I lock eyes with him, willing my heart to stop beating so fast. "Wouldn't it be weird if I were, given that we're discussing getting married to each other?"

He leans in slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I remember you mentioning wanting to be married before thirty..."

"Plans change." I shrug. "What about you? Are you in a relationship?"

"Nah," he says, a bit of wistfulness in his voice. "The last time I ventured into a relationship, I ended with a broken heart."

"Maybe things would've been different if you hadn't chosen to leave..." I avert my gaze, resentment seeping into my words.

"Seems the woman I cared for wasn't ready to commit..." he sighs, making me close my eyes for a second. If only things were that simple.

I bring my eyes back to him, my emotions battling within me. "You could have stayed."

He returns my look, a mixture of regret and longing in his expression. "Back then, running felt like the only solution," he admits, his gaze unwavering. "I thought it was the best way to protect myself from the pain."

"But what about the pain you left behind?" I whisper, even though I know I've caused as much pain to him as he's caused to me.

He exhales slowly, his face revealing the pain he holds. "Trust me, leaving was just as painful as staying."

"So, you're here now because of Max's accident?" I force a smile on my lips, not ready to reopen old wounds and revisit the pain I've tried so hard to let go of over the years.

He nods, a bittersweet smile gracing his lips. "Max and everything else I walked away from, apparently."

His confession tugs at my heart, knowing he's talking about us, too. "Things have changed," I murmur, almost to myself.

He leans in, his eyes probing mine. "Have they, really?"

Sucking in a deep breath, I stand up. "I should go help José. Thanks for coming."

"Have dinner with me tomorrow." He stands up too, his head shaking as if to clear his thoughts. "We're both adults here, Emma. We can discuss this without letting the past interfere."

"We're talking about getting married, Asher."

"Think about the kids..." His eyes widen.

"Asher..." I rub my forehead, torn between my heart and mind.

"Please."

"I still have the same number." I let out a quick breath, wondering if I'm losing my sanity. "Text me the time and place." I turn around and walk away without giving him time to say anything.

_____

A/N: So, dinner, huh? ;)

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Celeste