Author's pov,

Three days later...

It's a sunny day with a very pleasant atmosphere outside, but inside Eshana's cabin, the situation is tense.

"This is your last chance, Karan. I'm not going to repeat myself. I don't care how you're going to get me the deal. I just know one thing: you're going to get me the deal. I know SHE is behind this, and I can't let her win," Eshana hung up the phone without waiting for his stuttering reply.

Armaan glanced at her sideways and sighed, lost in thought. He had been in his boss's cabin for half an hour. Eshana had asked him to present the presentation he had been working on for the past four days. After showing and explaining everything about his idea, Eshana appreciated his work. She liked his idea and presentation, but then she left him confused by asking him to stay, mentioning that she had something very important to discuss with him. Just as she was about to tell him, an employee who had been sent to Kapoor Co. the previous week called her, informing her that the Kapoors were rejecting the offer. This caused her to lose control momentarily, though she managed to maintain her calm demeanor for some reason.

After hanging up the phone, she calmed herself.

"Armaan, come over here and sit. I need to talk to you right now," she said in a tone that clearly conveyed her anger, upset that Karan couldn't secure a simple deal which was crucial not just for profit but for her self-respect.

"Stupid people can't even get me an easy deal. I don't know why I kept him in the company," she murmured to herself.

I don't know what she wants to tell me. It seems important, but now her mood isn't good. I hope I don't have to face her anger early in the morning. Although her anger is...

Eshana looked at Armaan and interrupted his thoughts.

Author's pov,

"Where are you lost? Come here."

"Yes, ma'am," Armaan replied.

"Sit."

Armaan sat on the chair facing her but avoided looking directly into her eyes.

"Armaan, I'll come straight to the point. I don't like beating around the bush, so I'll tell you what I've decided. It would be better if you agree with me," Eshana said.

Armaan glanced at her, giving her the impression he wanted to say something, but she dismissed the thought when he nodded.

"Armaan, will you marry me?" Eshana asked directly, while idly playing with an extremely expensive pen.

She was confident and firm in her decision to marry her own secretary.

"But, I mean, how can I... I mean... I'm..." Armaan fumbled with his words.

He was a timid fellow, and saying he was shocked would be an understatement. He was speechless, unsure how to respond to the unexpected proposal from the lioness in front of him.

"Yes or no?" she asked directly, staring into his eyes, which startled him.

He looked down, shocked and speechless.

"Yes or no, Armaan? Answer me quickly. I don't have time to waste," she yelled at him.

It was as if she expected a casual answer from him.

"I can't marry you, ma'am," he said, looking at the floor.

She smirked.

"Then get ready with your resignation letter," she replied.

He looked at her in shock.

"But ma'am, I need this job," Armaan pleaded.

"You know I don't take 'no' for an answer. Besides, it's a contract marriage for six months. It's not like I'm asking for a lifelong commitment. The contract papers are ready. If you want to keep your job, accept it and sign the papers," she said firmly.

Armaan thought deeply.

"I need some time to think," he replied.

"Fine. I'll give you two hours. Be back in my cabin at 11 a.m. sharp. Choose carefully. Otherwise, I know how to make you agree, and my way won't be pleasant," she warned.

He nodded.

"You can leave," she said, opening her laptop to resume work.

He left the cabin, took out his phone, and went somewhere.

~~~~

Almost nearing 11 am, Armaan knocked on Eshana's cabin door.

"Come in," she responded.

He entered after receiving permission.

Eshana glanced at her watch and remarked, "As usual, you're early. I hope you've made a wise decision."

"I am ready, ma'am," he replied.

"Good," Eshana smirked.

She retrieved a file and handed him some papers.

"Please have a seat, Mr. Roy, and review these," she instructed.

Armaan took the papers and began reading.

Marriage Contract:

The groom entering into this agreement under the circumstances related to the contract marriage is requested to read and agree to the following conditions by signing each term or part.

1. The divorce papers will be signed on the first day of the wedding, but the divorce will be effective after six months.
  
2. The groom will receive 50 million upon completion of the contract.
  
3. They are not allowed to disclose the contract marriage to anyone and must pretend to be a normal couple.
  
4. Physical relations are allowed if both parties are comfortable.
  
5. No affairs or hookups during the six months.
  
6. No interference in each other's personal lives.
  
7. No development of feelings, attachment, or emotions (i.e., "LOVE").
  
8. The groom cannot withdraw from the contract before the designated time.
  
9. The groom will receive half of the property transferred to the bride's name after three months.
  
10. It's a court marriage. If you agree to these conditions, please sign below.

"Any doubts or questions?" Eshana asked.

"Yes, ma'am, just two questions. What property does it refer to, and about physical relationships?" Armaan asked.

"Regarding the property, I'll explain later. And I'll be honest with you—I like you, and in my view, it's about fulfilling physical needs since I believe love doesn't exist in this world. I hope that won't be an issue for you," Eshana replied.

Armaan's lips twitched, as if he were about to smirk, but his expression quickly turned serious. Lost in deep thought again, he only snapped back to reality when he heard Eshana call her PA.

"Kanisha, please bring two black coffees to my cabin," she instructed.

"Sure, ma'am," Kanisha replied promptly.

Eshana had noticed that Armaan liked his coffee black, made from freshly roasted cocoa beans, just like hers. It surprised her because she normally didn't pay much attention to people, but she always seemed to do the unexpected when it came to Armaan.

"I'm not that kind of guy, ma'am. I don't do hookups, and besides, you're my boss," Armaan replied.

"We'll address those matters later. Right now, this marriage is crucial for me. Do you have any objections to the conditions?" Eshana asked.

"No, ma'am," Armaan replied.

He took the pen, signed the papers, and handed them back to her.

Armaan stood up from his seat.

"After one month, we will be married. So, we have this month to establish our relationship publicly. Get ready for it," Eshana stood up from her cozy chair and walked over to Armaan, who stood there with a blank expression.

"And my dear hot husband, you should look the hottest at our wedding, so take care of yourself," Eshana teased, kissing his cheek and causing his ears to turn red.

"You can leave now, and remember, no one should know about the contract," she instructed firmly.

Armaan nodded silently and left the room quickly.

----

So the real plot has began. Hope you are liking the story. Their journey is starting, let's see where it takes them. Hope you will enjoy it. Next chapter will be there first date, I am excited as well nervous about it. Please do vote and comment.

Also, as the holidays are almost over and my college is going to start. I have decided to upload the chapter on Wednesday and Sunday, every week, also whenever I will be free I will give another update too. As I do review books on insta thebookiebits account, so I have to balance everything , as mental rest is also needed.  BTW, Thank u so much, for reading my book.