The next morning, I woke up early, my mind still reeling from the events of the previous night. The sounds of celebration echoed through the house. They celebrated in what they saw as my failure, but I paid them no mind. Instead, I focused on finding a way to save my cherished shop.
Information on Mr. Knight was scarce. He was a prominent figure, the CEO of Knight Corporation, a titan in the business world. Would he be willing to help me? Questions swirled in my head.
As I descended the stairs, I saw my aunt and her daughter lying on the couch, inebriated and relishing in their perceived victory. I prepared their breakfast swiftly, then retreated to my room. Once they awoke, I'd have just enough time.
I set my destination in the maps, booked a taxi, and left my house. Slipping into the cab, I turned on the GPS. During the ride, my mind oscillated between hope and doubt. I bit my lip, keeping track of time.
"Madam, we've arrived," the driver announced. I nodded, paid him, and stepped out, taking in the grandeur before me. The Knight Corporation's edifice was a marvel, nestled in the heart of the city. Every inch of the building exuded opulence. Steel letters announced the Knight Corporation over the glass entrance. I stepped inside, heading towards the reception.
Tapping the receptionist's desk, I sought her attention. "What do you want?" she snapped, her gaze appraising my attire dismissively. My clothes might not have been lavish, but they were appropriate for professional settings.
As I stood in the grandeur of the Knight Corporation's lobby, my eyes wandered, taking in the luxurious surroundings. The walls adorned with beautiful paintings held my attention.
A tap on the table diverted my attention. "What are you looking for?" she demanded. "State your purpose or leave," she asserted.
"I need to meet your boss, Mr. Knight; it's very urgent, please," I implored.
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked, her tone dripping with condescension.
"No, I don't," I replied, my voice soft.
"If you don't have an appointment, you can't meet him. He's a very busy man and doesn't entertain visitors without prior arrangements," she informed me curtly, checking her watch.
"Please, it's really urgent; just this once," I pleaded.
A voice from behind chimed in. "What's going on here?"
"I need to meet your boss," I repeated.
"Miss, he's on a business trip," she disclosed. My last glimmer of hope dimmed.
"Wait, Miss, our boss may not be here, but Senior Mr. Knight is. You can meet him," she offered.
"Alright, alright, I won't take much time. Thank you," I expressed my gratitude. She led the way.
The elevator doors parted with a soft ping, revealing the floor. I glanced around; there was only one receptionist and no other employees. Was this the right floor?
"Miss, come inside; Ms. Ava informed me that you wish to meet Mr. Knight," a staff member said. I followed her into a study. The room exuded opulence, every piece of furniture a testament to wealth. I settled into a chair, trying to calm my racing heart.
The man gestured towards the inner room. "Mr. Knight is in there."
"Thank you," I offered a warm smile, and he departed, closing the door.
Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing a man striding towards me. He was in his mid-50s, radiating authority. This was undoubtedly the esteemed Senior Mr. Knight. An air of intensity surrounded him, and I felt a pang of trepidation. A man of his calibre could make anyone kneel before him.
"Hello, sir, I am Anastasia; it's my pleasure to meet you," I introduced, my voice steady despite my nerves. I was determined not to reveal my anxiety to a man of his discernment.
"Continue," he commanded.
"I won't take much of your time, sir," I assured.
"Five more minutes, Ms. Anastasia," he granted.
I delved into my plea, explaining my connection to the Ashley shop and the significance it held for my mother and me. Four minutes remained.
He contemplated; his gaze unwavering. "I can consider your request, Ms. Anastasia, but..." he trailed off.
"What can you offer me?" he inquired. I was uncertain of his meaning.
"You'd have to compensate me with a million dollars," he suggested, stroking his chin.
"I can work for you, sir," I proposed. "I can repay the price of the shop through my service." He regarded me and chuckled.
"You wish to redeem the shop's value, but I don't require your labor. It's my son who oversees everything, not me, Ms. Anastasia," he clarified.
"But sir, he's your son. Surely, he'll heed your counsel," I implored.
"What are you capable of, Ms.?" he probed.
"Anything within my capacity, sir," I asserted.
"Anything within your capacity, Ms. Anastasia. Are you sure?" he pressed. I nodded.
"So, my condition is..." We were interrupted by a knock on the door.
As per Mr. Knight's command, the door swung open, admitting a man who briskly announced, "Sir, your next meeting is imminent."
"In a minute. Close the door," he instructed, and the man complied.
"Now, where were we?" he mused.
"The condition," I reminded him.
"Ah, yes. Ms. Anastasia, the price is marriage," he declared, and my heart sank. Marry? But I was just eighteen, far too young for such a commitment.
"Sir, don't I have another option?" I pleaded. He shook his head.
"You can work for me and manage household affairs, but you must wed my son. You deem me too old, not him," he clarified, amused.
"Not me, my child, my son; you have to marry my son," he corrected.
"Sir, please, I..." He cut me off.
"No, Ms. Anastasia, this is my final decision. Accept it or lose your shop," he declared before leaving for his next meeting. My mind raced, and I was at a loss for words. I had my entire life ahead of me, but I couldn't lose the shop. It held my mother's cherished memories.
"Alright, I accept the marriage," I acquiesced, resigning myself to this twist of fate. If it meant safeguarding my mother's shop, I would do whatever it took.