The Unexpected Proposal
Adeline walks through the front door, exhausted from the intense meeting at Romanio Enterprises. She takes a deep breath, composing herself as she hangs up her coat.
The house is calm, but as she enters the living room, her parents, Nina and Andrio, are seated, waiting expectantly.
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
Adeline, honey, you’re home! How was your day at work? Come, sit with us.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*taking a seat beside her mother, managing a small smile*
Adeline Martino (FL)
It was… challenging. I had a big meeting with Romanio Enterprises today. Mr. Carter and I met with their CEO, Alaric Romanio.
Andrio Martino (FL Father)
*surprised* Oh, so you actually met Alaric Romanio himself? That’s… quite the coincidence.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*confused* Coincidence? Why do you say that?
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
Well… Adeline, your father and I were waiting to tell you until you got home, but it’s actually about Alaric. There’s something we need to share.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*frowning, now fully attentive* What is it?
Andrio Martino (FL Father)
You know how we went to that school reunion last night? We ran into some old friends of ours—Alaric’s parents, Alisa and Nikolai Romanio.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*surprised* You knew Mr. Romanio's parents?
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
Yes, we were all very close back in the day. It was a happy reunion for us. And while we were talking, well… they brought up the idea of a marriage proposal.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*stunned* A marriage proposal? For…?
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
For Natalya and Alaric. Alaric’s parents were quite taken with Natalya, and they think the match would be perfect.
Adeline sits back, her mind racing. Suddenly, Alaric’s behavior during the meeting starts to make sense.
She recalls his cold demeanor, the way he’d scrutinized her responses, and the cutting questions he’d thrown her way.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*whispers* So… Mr. Romanio knew, then? That I was Natalya’s sister?
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
*concerned* Why do you say that, darling? Did something happen in the meeting?
Adeline Martino (FL)
Nothing happened Mom *smiles a little*
Andrio Martino (FL Father)
Adeline, tell me did he treat you poorly?
Adeline Martino (FL)
Not exactly. He was just… intimidating. He scrutinized every detail of the presentation, asking questions I wasn’t fully prepared for.
Adeline Martino (FL)
I felt like he was testing my confidence and competence in a way that went beyond business.
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
Oh, sweetheart, I’m sure he just wanted to see what you were capable of. You know the Romanios are high-profile people.
Andrio Martino (FL Father)
They expect excellence, but that doesn’t mean he has any negative opinion of you.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*nodding* Maybe. I was just surprised by how intense he was. But, now I wonder if he knew about the proposal and wanted to see if I… if I’d meet his standards too.
Andrio Martino (FL Father)
*smiling gently* That’s one way to look at it. And I think you did your best, right?
Adeline Martino (FL)
Yes, I did my best, though I have to admit it was challenging. Still, I think he respected that I didn’t back down, even though I wasn’t fully prepared for his level.
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
That’s our girl. Don’t let his intensity get to you. Besides, this proposal is for Natalya, not you.
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
Alaric’s parents are the ones who want to see this marriage happen, not necessarily Alaric himself.
Adeline Martino (FL)
That’s true. Mr. Romanio probably has his own reservations. He doesn’t seem like the type who’d just agree to anything without thinking it through.
Andrio Martino (FL Father)
That’s exactly what Alisa and Nikolai said. They mentioned that Alaric can be cold and distant at times, but they believe he’s a good match for Natalya.
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
Well... Natalya seems very happy with the idea.
Adeline Martino (FL)
*looking down* I’m glad she’s happy. If this is what she wants, then I’ll support her.
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
And we appreciate that, darling. You’ve always been so understanding, and that’s one of the reasons we’re so proud of you.
Adeline Martino (FL)
Mom, Dad, there’s something else you should know. My company is actually doing a business deal with Romanio Enterprises.
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
*surprised* Oh, that’s unexpected!
Andrio Martino (FL Father)
It sounds like fate is pulling you into each other’s lives, whether for business or family.
Adeline Martino (FL)
Maybe so. Either way, I’ll have to be on top of my game. I can’t let him intimidate me, or it could hurt our deal.
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
And you won’t, honey. You’re strong, and you know your work well. Just do your best, and don’t let anything—or anyone—make you doubt yourself.
Adeline Martino (FL)
Thanks, Mom, Dad. I’ll do my best to keep focused. I want this deal to succeed, not just for myself but for our company.
Andrio Martino (FL Father)
Good luck dear *encouragingly*
Adeline Martino (FL)
*nods* Where is Natalya? I want to congratulate her personally.
Nina Martino (FL Mother)
Oh! She went to meet Alaric. She is going to have dinner with Alaric today.
Adeline Martino (FL)
O... amm okay then I will talk to her afterwards.
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