“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 15

\-Chapter 14: A marriage for revenge.

***\-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.

*“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 7:48pm 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.

*“Ms. Price, Mr. Michaels has just arrived.”*

I stood nervously, telling myself to tighten up. I didn’t want him thinking I was easy to intimidate. Putting on my most controlled yet seductive smile, I smoothed out my dress and awaited my guess.

Aaron was like a male model crafted by gods. He walked into the room wearing an all-black tailor-made Italian suit with a crisp black button up shirt. He allowed the first three buttons to be undone, causing a subtle part of his upper chest as well as his long, beautiful neck to be exposed. For accessories, he wore a gold single chained necklace and a LeCore Te’crute watch. The value of the watch alone was worth thousands of dollars. At that moment, I was so glad I took my sister-in-law’s advice about my attire.

Aaron pulled his chair out and sat down, maintaining his gaze on me the entire time. It almost felt as if he were undressing me with his eyes, the craziest part is that I wanted him too. After both of us sat down, Aaron was the first to speak.

*“I have to say Ms. Price; that’s a hell of dress you’re wearing.”*

Blushing, I began to smile shyly.

*“You don’t look so bad yourself Mr. Michaels. I’m sorry it took so long for me to respond.”*

Aaron took a sip of wine and smiled a mischievous grin.

*“I’d say you’re right on time; besides, I’ve waited over 5 years for you so 10 more days would not have killed me.”*

Waited 5 years, what did he mean by that? Before I could ask, the team of waiters walked into the room prepared to take our orders. After taking a swig of my wine, I decided now was the time to give him my answer.

*“Mr. Michaels, I’ve decided to accept your offer and marry you.”*

Aaron stared at me intensively as if he were pondering whether or not I was serious. Suddenly, he let out a slight chuckle.

*“I’m very glad to hear that Ms. Price. More than I express this evening.”*

The look in his eyes said he was telling the truth. Suddenly, an uneasy feeling began creeping into my thoughts. Why was he so hellbent on marrying me? I had to know.

*“Chairman. Michaels-”* Aaron held up his hand stopping me mid-sentence.

*“Aaron, why don’t you call me Aaron…Rabena.”*

It was something about the way he said my name that made me feel assured. Involuntarily, my lips curled into a smile.

*“I’d like that too…Aaron. So, Aaron, I have to ask; me?”*

Aaron let loud laugh; this question had caught him completely off guard. Still chuckling, Aaron looked at Rabena with a serious expression.

*“I’m not sure you’re ready for that answer. Once you are, I’ll give it to you.”*

Rabena gave Aaron a puzzled and frustrating expression. Why was he being so mysterious. Suddenly, she remembered both her uncle and cousin telling her Aaron wasn’t what he seemed, so she decided not to pry any longer. Instead, she’d quietly hoped they would one day get a point where they could fully trust each other.

Aaron suddenly let out a loud clap jolting Rabena out of her thoughts.

*“Now! How would you like to receive a pre-wedding present?”*

Rabena raised an eyebrow, what could he mean by that? Intrigued, she smiled and leaned forward, speaking just above a whisper.

*“What exactly did you have in mind fiancé?”*

The word fiancé slid of her tongue in a seductive way causing Aaron to become slightly excited. Leaning forward, he gave Rabena his most dazzling smile.

*“How about some revenge on your ex and your family?”*