Chapter 20 -Rabena's POV : It had been one week since my dinner with Aaron . When I got back home , everyone wanted to know how it went , I only had the heart to tell them the meeting went interesting . Considering I received a whole marriage proposal , I'd say that was understatement . I wasn't sure what was going on and why he wanted to marry me . I was grateful he at least gave me some time to think about it . " I understand this is more than you planned . Why don't I give you some time to think about it . My meeting with your ex - husband is on May 3rd . That's 10 days from now , if you don't have an answer by then , I'll have to take it as a no . " So here I was , just three days away from the most important decision of my life . I decided it was time to talk with my family . " WHAT !! He proposed to you !! " Damon exclaimed loudly . Shock completely overtook his face . Uncle Pete let out a light chuckle . " He's certainly a charismatic young man . " Damon looked over at Pete . " Charismatic or not , this is like marital blackmail ! Ruby just got out of a marriage for guilt . " Sean placed his hand on Damon's shoulder . " I get your reservation especially with everything that's transpired with the Lockwoods , but this is different . " Hearing those words shocked even me . Exactly how was this any different ? It would be yet another marriage designed on arrangements and not love . As if he could hear my thoughts , Sean looked over at me . " I promise Ruby , it's not exactly what you think . Aaron isn't anything like Lockwood . " " I'm not suggesting he is , but how is this any different ? " Before he could answer , Uncle Pete stepped in . " I think it's best he answered that question . In the meantime , what would you like to do Ruby ? " The question to that answer was more complexed than I'd hoped , but now was not the time to stall . I had a decision to make . I took a swig of my water , closed my eyes tight , and when I opened them again I was a woman of clarity . " I'm going to accept his offer . " Damon looked at me in a panic . 1/2 Chapter 20 " RUBY ! Are you serious ! " Smiling I began to explain . " I am Damon . Look , I don't fully understand why Aaron has made this proposal , but this is definitely something I can benefit from . Besides , the Prices and the Michaels have been connected for years through both business and personal . If I had stayed here , I would have probably ended up marrying him anyway . " Damon nodded as if to say he understood . Sean and Pete however had both a smile of happiness and caution on their faces . They obviously knew something about Aaron that Rabena was not aware of . " I think that's a wise decision . On your behalf Ruby , I'd like to speak with Aaron as your father . " Rabena looked at her uncle , eyes filled with love and appreciation . She was sad her parents would not be here to see this day , but she was happy to have Uncle Pete as their stead . After wrapping things up with her family , Rabena excused herself and headed to her room . The time was now 7:48 pm that Friday evening . It was time she called Aaron and gave him her answer . I spoke briefly with him on the phone and asked him out to dinner , this time I would be the one in control . I had my assistant book us a reservation and this intimate Brazilian steakhouse . I didn't shutdown the entire restaurant , but I got us an amazing VIP section . As I sat at the table waiting for my date , I could feel my nerves starting the build . Suddenly my heart felt like it was floating on a puffy pillow . Why was I so nervous ? Afterall , this was nothing more than a business transaction , only this time I would be the one setting the terms . Suddenly , there was knock on the door . The main hostess walked into the VIP room breaking me from my train of thought . Chapter Comments 3 POST COMMENT NOW < SHARE