Page 23 of A Win-Win Situation
Before she can snap back at me, my uncle speaks, giving me a sharp look. "We don't expect you to give an immediate answer. Take the time you need to think it over. I promise we'll do our best to make this as painless as possible for you."
Leora seems to be echoing my feelings of unhappiness with this situation. I can see her emotions playing out on her face, and it's clear that she's struggling to process everything. I shift uncomfortably in my seat.
How did all of this get so complicated?Why couldn’t we just skip the formalities and bend the rules this time?
But my uncle doesn't back down. He speaks earnestly to Leora, explaining the gravity of the situation and the trust he’s placed in her. "Leora, I have given you all of this information because I believe in you. I saw something in you when we spoke, and I truly meant every word I said to you. I trust you to keep this between us, whatever decision you make."
Leora's gaze snaps back to me, and she lifts her small hand, pointing her finger at me again, a gesture I’m starting to dislike. "What about him?" she asks, her voice tinged with frustration. "He doesn't want to marry me."
My uncle's response is direct and unsympathetic. "He has no choice in the matter. He needs a wife, making this your choiceand your choice only," he states firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.
The tension in the room intensifies, and I grit my teeth, knowing deep down that my uncle is right. I have responsibilities and obligations to my family, and it seems like fate has tied me to this unexpected and unwanted situation.
To this woman.
Leora doesn’t answer; she just looks around, stunned, before taking a breath, leaning back and staring at the ceiling as if in a trance.
I catch my uncle’s eyes, and he looks as confused as I am.
What’s wrong with her?
She mumbles something, and all I can hear is the word "God."I assume she’s praying for God to make something fall on my head.
"Dear, if you decide to take on this role, not only will you be rewarded with a well-paying job that will significantly advance your career, but you'll also receive compensation that extends beyond six figures. Additionally, you’ll of course recieve coverage for your room and board, as well as a provided car if you want. It’s a win-win situation." He says the last part with a smirk. I don’t know if I want to slam my head into the wall or sink through the chair.
Leora stiffens at the mention of money.
"For how long?" she asks. My uncle looks to me for answers, which is his way of reaching out a hand in this insufferable situation.
"A year should be enough," I offer. "That should give us ample time to persuade the stakeholders before and after the vote."
"Leora, does one year sound feasible to you?"
Leora takes a deep breath, processing everything that has just been revealed to her. She looks at me and then back at myuncle, a mixture of emotions playing across her face. After a few moments of silence, she speaks up.
"I appreciate the offer, but I won’t marry someone I barely know for a job," she says, her voice firm.
My uncle's expression darkens, disappointment etched on his face. "Leora, I understand this may seem sudden and overwhelming, but please take some time to think about it."
"I'm sorry, but I have to decline," Leora replies, standing up from her chair. "Thank you for the job offer, but I don't think this is the right fit for me."
My uncle looks like he's about to protest, but I cut him off. "Uncle, I agree with Leora. This is too much pressure to put on her. We can't force someone to marry me for the sake of a hotel." I mean, of course, it's unfair tome. But by shifting the focus to her, might make my uncle feel a hint of guilt.
He regards me with a mixture of surprise and desperation. "Lucas, this is not just about the hotel. It's about our family legacy; we can't just let it fall apart."
All this talk about family legacy doesn’t sit right with me. It’s too much, too desperate. Something else is off.
Both Leora and I tense up, and she instinctively grasps the back of the chair.
"What do you mean, Ammo?"
He doesn't try to hide his emotions. I’ve never seen him look this beaten down.
"We will lose the hotels. They will vote us out."
My whole body feels as though it's been hit by an arctic blast and I don’t know how to catch my breath.
"They can’t do that. It’s your hotel!" I force out.
