The Billionaire's Proposal (Edited Version) || COMPLETED

       I looked from the files on my desk to the spreadsheet on my computer. I made sure all the numbers matched before saving the document. I was so engrossed in my task that I did not notice the figure standing in front of me until they cleared their throat.

       "Benjamin?" My eyebrows were knitted together confused as to why the youngest McKeller son was standing in front of me and how he had gotten into the office without me noticing.

       "Is my brother around?" He asked awkwardly.

"No, he has a meeting with the chairman of Steel Industries. He won't be back for another hour," I informed.

Benjamin bobbed his head up and down understandingly. He then let out a low sigh.

"I guess I should talk to you as well." Benjamin ran a hand through his light brown hair. "My mother sent me to apologize for what I did during Adrian's birthday party. It was a really douche move of me. I should have known better than to let such news out in front of everybody. I do hope you accept my sincerest apologies."

His voice was monotoned and his speech sounded very much rehearsed. I gave him an 'are you serious' expression.

"That did not sound sincere in the least," I admitted. "But I will accept your apology."

"Your forgiveness doesn't seem sincere either," Benjamin scoffed. "I don't know why my mother even made me do this. I mean, was I really in the wrong for telling them what an asshole my brother is? It was time the world found out he is not perfect like everyone thinks he is."

"What do you have against your brother?" I asked.

"What do I have against him?" Benjamin asked loudly. "The second he is left heartbroken by Lilith everyone goes and coddles him like a baby. But when I lose the love of my life, I am overlooked."

"What?" I could not believe my ears.

Benjamin had a girlfriend? And he lost her?

The McKeller family was a complete Pandora box. Full of mysteries and woes.

Benjamin looked up at me with widened eyes. It was as if he had said too much. The vulnerability he had in his eyes vanished. He put on his usual cold stone mask.

"Nothing. Just forget I said anything." Benjamin said. "If my mother asks, do tell her I apologized for what I did."

Benjamin spared me one last glance before turning on his heel and making his way toward the closed door.

I chewed my inner cheek as I decided what to do. I knew I could not just let him leave. The poor boy was broken and he had no one to talk to. Having multiple siblings, he probably felt like no one listened to him. I could not count the number of times I was in his shoes when I lived at the orphanage.

"Benjamin wait!" I called out as I got up and walked over to him. Benjamin stared up at me shocked as I placed a hand in his shoulder. "I know I am not officially your family and that we barely even know each other, but if you need someone to talk to, I am here. You don't have to keep it all bottled up or wash the pain away with liquor."

Benjamin's eyes looked up and met mine. There was a hint of hesitance, but after a while his eyes grew glossy with tears. It did not take long for him to break down in front of me. He buried his face into my shoulder as the tears fell.

"It's okay. Just let it all out," I said as I patted his back.

       We stayed like for what felt like hours, but in reality it had only been a few minutes. Benjamin had finally settled down and was seated on the couch inside the office.