Chapter 2 The Crazy Proposal Scheme

• Two Months Later
• Tristan Duncan reclined in his plush office chair, his feet propped up on the mahogany desk. The view from his top-floor office at HubInc was nothing short of spectacular, but today, it offered little solace. His uncle Bruce's ultimatum echoed in his mind: marry within six months or forfeit the family fortune.
• "I still have to marry Felicia Montgomery because I can’t find a reputable replacement?" Tristan muttered to himself, shuddering at the thought. Felicia was wealthy, beautiful, and as irritating as a persistent mosquito. Her laugh alone was enough to drive him to madness.
• Just then, the door to his office swung open, and Alicia Miles entered the room with her usual air of composed efficiency. Tristan's breath caught in his throat. He had seen Alicia yesterday, of course, but today, something was different. Perhaps it was the way the morning light filtered through the blinds, casting a soft glow on her smooth, ebony skin. Or maybe it was the confident grace with which she moved, her tailored suit accentuating her tall, athletic frame.
• Alicia was strikingly beautiful, with high cheekbones and a strong jawline softened by full lips that rarely smiled but hinted at a hidden warmth. Her eyes, a deep, soulful brown, seemed to look right through him, assessing, analyzing, and—he couldn't help but hope—finding someone worth considering.
• Tristan himself was a striking figure. A muscular man with a sun-kissed tan that highlighted his boyish good looks, he exuded confidence and charm. His chiseled jawline and piercing green eyes complemented his tousled dark brown hair, adding a touch of rugged appeal. Even in his tailored suit, his athletic build was evident, suggesting a commitment to fitness that matched his sharp business acumen. With an easy smile and a charismatic presence, Tristan had a way of commanding attention and respect in any room.
• "Mr. Duncan, you have a meeting with the board in fifteen minutes," Alicia said crisply, setting a stack of papers on his desk.
• "Thanks, Alicia. And please, call me Tristan. We're not in a Dickens novel," he replied, flashing his trademark grin. Alicia rolled her eyes, a small smirk playing on her lips.
• "Sure thing, Mr. Duncan," she replied, making her way to the door.
• As she turned to leave, Tristan's gaze lingered on her, captivated by the way her natural curls were pulled back into a sleek, professional bun, highlighting the elegance of her long neck. An idea sparked in his mind—a mischievous, audacious idea. He needed a way out of marrying Felicia, and Alicia... Alicia was perfect.
• "Wait, Alicia. I need to ask you something."
• She paused, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, Mr. Duncan?"
• "Are you in a relationship?" Tristian asked.
• "Uhm, why...would you need to know that?" Alicia asked with a raised eyebrow.
• "It's just...what would you say to a little...arrangement? Say, a marriage of convenience?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
• Alicia blinked, her professional facade momentarily slipping. "Excuse me?"
• "I need to get married to keep my inheritance, and you, well, you could use a little excitement, right? It’s a win-win. You get a raise, and I get to avoid creepy porcelain doll stories."
• Alicia stared at him, incredulous. "Porcelain doll stories? I feel that there's a backstory and that you are serious about this right?"
• "Absolutely. Think about it. It's not like I'm asking you to fall in love with me, I mean, that would be a bonus just so you know. Just a temporary, mutually beneficial arrangement," Tristan said, leaning back with a smug smile trying not to sound too excited.
• Alicia's mind raced. This could be the perfect cover for her mission. But the thought of being tied to Tristan, even temporarily, was daunting. "I'll...let me think about it. I'll let you know tomorrow," she replied, quickly exiting the room before he could say more.
• As she walked down the hall, Alicia couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of her situation. A fake marriage to her billionaire boss? She'd have to be insane to agree. Yet, the mission loomed large in her mind.
• 'I guess I'm a little crazy. Let me talk to General,' thought to herself.
• In her office
• Alicia sat on the edge of her chair, her phone clutched in her hand. She needed to discuss Tristan’s proposal with General Matthews. If she was going to go along with this fake marriage, she needed his approval. She dialed his number, and after a few rings, his gruff voice came through the line.
• "Matthews here."
• "General, it's Agent Miles," she began, her voice steady despite her nerves. "I need to discuss a potential opportunity that could aid in our mission."
• "Go ahead, Agent," General Matthews said, his tone indicating he was all business.
• "Tristan Duncan has proposed a marriage of convenience," Alicia explained. "He needs to marry to secure his inheritance, and he suggested I pose as his fiancée. This could give me deeper access to HubInc's inner workings and expedite our investigation."
• There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Alicia could almost hear the gears turning in Matthews' mind.
• "A marriage of convenience, you say?" he finally replied. "And you believe this will help the mission?"
• "Yes, sir. It would provide me with a legitimate reason to be close to him and his operations without other people suspecting anything especially if his family has anything to do with the discrepencies that I found last month. I believe it would significantly enhance my ability to gather the necessary evidence."
• Another pause. Alicia held her breath.
• "Very well," General Matthews said at last. "You have my permission. But remember, Agent Miles, keep your emotions in check. This is still a mission, and you cannot afford another personal entanglement like before."
• "Understood, General," Alicia replied, relief washing over her. "I won't let you down."
• "See that you don't," General Matthews said. "Good luck, Agent Miles and inform your partner Agent Thompson as well with the new changes."
• "Thank you, sir and I will sir," Alicia said, ending the call. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenge ahead.
• As Alicia pondered Tristan's proposal and her conversation with General Matthews, she knew she needed to discuss this with Shane ASAP. His insight and unwavering support had always been invaluable to her.
• Later that afternoon, Alicia found Shane in the executive break room, making his usual complicated coffee concoction. Shane Thompson, the Deputy Director of HR at HubInc, was not only her partner in espionage but also the most hilarious person she knew. Tall and lean, with sandy blond hair always slightly tousled, his blue eyes sparkled with mischief. Shane’s easygoing nature and infectious laughter always made even the most serious situations lighter.
• "Hey, Shane," she called, walking in with her arms fold across her chest. "Got a minute?"
• Shane looked up, a grin spreading across his face. "For you, always. Want a double shot of espresso with a dash of sarcasm?"
• Alicia laughed, shaking her head. "No thanks, I need my wits about me for this conversation."
• Shane raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That sounds ominous. What's up?"
• Alicia took a seat across from him, her expression turning serious. "I need to run something by you. Tristan Duncan has proposed a marriage of convenience to me."
• Shane almost choked on his coffee. "Excuse me? Did I hear that right? Mr. Billionaire Boss wants to marry you? But I thought-"
• "You thought what? I would marry you, again? No, we are just friends. And Yes," Alicia replied and handed him a napkin to wipe his mouth, rolling her eyes. "Apparently, he needs to get married to secure his inheritance. He thinks a fake marriage with me would solve his problem and in reality help me."
• Shane leaned back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "A mistake that you seem to not let go of. I told you-"
• Alicia placed her red nail against Shane's lips and shook her head, "What we had was fun and nearly cost us both of our jobs and personal lives. It was fun while it lasted but it was years ago. Why do you think so much has changed since I left the force. I just need you as my friend and nothing more." She removed her finger and tucked her crossed arms so that Shane couldn't grab them.
• "Come on Kid. I didn't ...I truly lost you huh?...enough of these sad memories. Back to the mission at hand. What do you think about fake marrying this guy and heavy on the fake," Shane said and took a gulp of his warm coffee.
• Alicia sighed. "I think it could be the perfect cover for our mission. But it's also risky. I spoke with General Matthews, and he gave his approval."
• Shane nodded, his playful demeanor shifting to one of serious consideration. "Well, you know I'm always here for you. But are you sure you're okay with this? I mean, pretending to be married to Tristan Duncan? That sounds like a shitshow sitcom waiting to happen."
• Alicia chuckled. "Trust me, it already feels like one. But I believe it’s the best move for the mission."
• Shane grinned again, the twinkle returning to his eyes. "Alright, then. Just imagine the look on Tristan's face when he realizes you’re not just a secretary but a kickass martial artist and who moonlights as a secret agent spy and among other things. He’s in for one hell of a ride."
• Alicia smirked. "He has no idea what he's getting into and he won't if we can help it. I still have some loose ends that I have to tie up. I just don't need this broadcasted everywhere."
• Shane leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Oh you know it's going to be. It's like written in the checklists of marrying a billionaire. Everyone must know and see who is taking the most eligible bachelor off of the market. Just remember, if he gives you any trouble, you know where to find me. I’ll come running with my coffee and my dad jokes."
• Alicia laughed, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friend. "Thanks, Shane. You always know how to lighten the mood."
• "Hey, it's my job. That, and keeping you out of trouble," Shane replied, giving her a wink.
• As they sat there, bantering and plotting, Alicia felt a renewed sense of determination. With Shane by her side and the mission at the forefront of her mind, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
• The Next Day
• Back in her office, Alicia felt a mixture of anxiety and determination. She had to stay focused on her mission.
• Just before lunch, she walked into Tristan’s office. He looked up, surprise flickering across his face as he saw her.
• "Alicia, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.
• "I’ve considered your proposal," she began, meeting his gaze. "And I accept. But we need to set some ground rules."
• Tristan’s eyes lit up with a mix of triumph and genuine excitement. "Ground rules? I'm all ears."
• "First, this is strictly business. We keep our personal lives separate. Second, no one can know this is a sham, not even your closest friends or family we have to look the part to make this real. I don't have time for jealous exes "trying" to break us apart. And third, we need to agree on a timeline and exit strategy."
• Tristan nodded, a serious look on his face. "Agreed to everything especially about making this real. And thank you, Alicia. You have no idea how much this means to me. You won't regret it. "
• Alicia nodded, feeling a strange sense of camaraderie with Tristan. "We both get something out of this. Let's make it work...together okay."
• As she left his office, Alicia couldn't help but feel a sense of impending adventure. The fake marriage to Tristan Duncan was going to be one of the most challenging missions of her career—and, perhaps, the most transformative.