Love For Sale

-Adrianna-

I had no choice, but that didn't mean I enjoyed what I was about to do. With a large folder beneath my arm, I raised my hand to ring the doorbell, yet hesitated, unable to believe I was truly doing this. However, it was either losing face or losing everything I cared about.

With a determined push, I rang the doorbell, gazing at the imposing doors leading into the shining mansion. How far he has come, I mused internally, just before a staff member opened the door—an older woman. She gazed at me with a curious look, contemplating how I had been able to pass the gate without ringing the intercom.

"I'm here to see Xander," I informed her.

She continued to gaze at me.

"Your employer," I said, my voice carrying a hint of attitude.

"I'm fully aware of who he is," she said, yet didn't seem inclined to step aside, which confused me.

"Can I talk to him?"

"May I know what this is about?" she asked, and I felt a bit annoyed that she stood like a barrier between me and my mission.

"No, you may not. I'm speaking only to Xander."

"Then I can't let you inside. Have a good day," she said.

"No, wait!" I pleaded, placing my hand on the door that was about to close. The woman opened it slightly, and I struggled to swallow.

"It's very important that I speak to him."

"Who can I let him know it is?" she inquired.

"Just tell him...tell him Nick's sister is here to see him," I replied, yet I was unsure if mentioning my brother was going to work in my favor.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as if she tried to remember who I was, but we had never crossed paths before. Slowly, she began closing the door, telling me to wait. I sighed deeply, feeling my heart racing in my chest. There was very little reason to hope that Xander would help me, but he was my best option. So I waited, and I waited, and I waited...

Suddenly, the door opened once more, and clad in casual attire, he appeared before me, yet I couldn't help but disapprove of how he presented himself. He saw the frown on my face and chuckled, crossing his arms.

"Well, if it isn't the princess," he taunted.

I straightened myself. "I need to speak to you."

"Yes, I was informed. What can I do for you, princess?" he mocked once more.

"Stop calling me that. You know I hate it," I snapped.

"It's why I do it," he teased, a smile on his lips.

I wanted to spin on my heel and flip him off in the process, but instead, I swallowed my pride, holding out the envelope for him.

"What's this?" he inquired.

"A proposition," I said.

He looked a bit confused, yet reached for the envelope and pulled out a large stack of papers. Xander took his time scanning the information before he began laughing, shaking his head.

"This is a joke, right?" he inquired, turning to me.

"No," I replied, feeling a little self-conscious.

"It must be."

"It's not," I said.

"Really? Marriage? To me?" he inquired, and the incredulous expression on his face made the mortification even worse.