As he pulled out my chair so that I could sit down , a smile formed on my face . Tilting his head with a mischievous smile , Aaron began to speak . " If you don't mind my asking , why the smile ? " " I'm just a little surprised you remembered me . " Aaron gave me a sweet yet empathetic look . " Let's just say you made a bit of an impression the first time . I'm sorry I didn't get to see you again after your parents passed . Paul and Grace met a lot to me . " I could feel my eyes betraying me as they began to water up . I hadn't expected him to mention my parents , though I understood why . I was just about to excuse myself when he placed a handkerchief into my hand . After dabbing my eyes , I looked up to see a soft and empathetic pair of green eyes staring at me . I wasn't sure why , but it felt as if he was staring directly into my soul . Wanting to break the connection , I looked around again for Della . Aaron must've noticed . " Are you looking for someone ? " Something about his tone seemed devious . " Yes , my assistant Della . She's never late , I hope nothing has happened to her . I should call- " Before I could finish my sentence , Aaron interjected. " That won't be necessary . I told Vincent to inform her she could stay home for the evening . " Why would he do that ? Sensing my questioning look , he continued . " I wanted to be able to have dinner , just the two of us . If that was alright with you . " So , we were alone !!! " Y - Yes , of course , " After the waiters took our orders , we started having light conversation , catching up on everything that has been going on the past five years . " I met to tell you , congratulations on becoming President of Priceland . " Smiling . " Thank you . Though I don't know if I deserve it . " Aaron's face scrunched but then quickly relaxed . As he cut into his steak , he began to speak . " Why do you feel that way ? " 1/3 Chapter 19 " Well , I've been gone for over five years , and even though I made sure to go to school for engineering and science , I haven't had a chance to put it to good use . Aaron looked at me thoughtfully and then smiled . " Very true , that being said , over these past several years you've stayed in touched with everything regarding Priceland including stocks and sales . " His tone was so matter of fact like he knew for sure what I had been doing . " How did you know that ? " His eyes had a mischievous spark to them as a smile crept onto his lips . " I figured as much when you made that business proposal regarding a merging between MGT and Lockwood. It very detailed and very impressive . " I could feel myself blushing , ugh ! Why was he having this effect on me ! " Thank you . It is true , I made sure to stay current on progression of Priceland and my uncle was nice enough to keep me informed on everything . " " Well , I'd say that sounds like someone who has earned her position . " His words were so resolute , like he'd known I needed to hear that . " Though I must admit , I'm a little surprised you're back in Convington and no longer Mrs. Lockwood . " There it was . The real reason I wanted this meeting . " That's actually what I wanted to speak with you about . I'm sure by now you're aware I'm no longer with Thomas Lockwood . My reasons are personal , I hope you can understand that . However , regarding my proposal , 1 put that together on the strength I was helping my husband , now that we're no longer married I'd like for you to withdraw . " Aaron sat in silence for a few moments , his expression was hard to read . Finally , he smiled and began to speak . " It's a very good proposal Ms. Price . I didn't take you as a person that would make a business decision based on emotions . " Rabena's brows squinched , this wasn't just about so petty divorce , he had no idea what those people did to her . " Mr. Michaels , I can understand your resolve and again , thank you for the compliment regarding that proposal . That being said , Thomas Lockwood doesn't deserve to expand his business off my name . " A smile curled on Aaron's lips ; he could see the firs in her eyes as she spoke . This was getting interesting . 2/3 Chapter 19 " Let's say I take you up on this offer . Exactly what would be in this for me ? " That question caught Rabena off guard . She hadn't taken into consideration he would want something in return . Was her proposal that good ? " U - Uh , I'm sorry Mr. Michaels , I hadn't taken that into consideration . I didn't think my proposal was that lucrative to you . " Aaron pulled his seat so that he could be closer to Rabena's face . " You sell yourself too short Ms. Price , that proposal could have skyrocketed our revenue . It would have given me a clear opening to setup hotels and resorts in the Northern Continent . I'd say that's definitely worth a value . " Rabena sat in shock , had she really created something that lucrative . Taking a sip of wine , she let out a light sigh . " Wow , I'm really flattered Mr. Michaels . So , what would you like in exchange for canceling with Lockwood ? " Aaron took a sip of his wine , that mischievous grin still on his face . " How about your hand in marriage ? " Chapter Comments 3 POST COMMENT NOW SHARE