Lisa leaned back on her bed, letting out a quiet sigh. Half of Derek's debt had already been cleared by her, and he kept thanking her like he'd never stop. Today was Wednesday, and he had one last day left to make the rest of the payment. He said he was still trying to buy more time. Lisa could only hope it would be enough to cover the rest.
The situation felt lighter than when Derek had first come to her. She'd even spoken to Emily, but things weren't settled between them yet. Emily had left the house for Derek and demanded space. Lisa hadn't tried to argue; Derek was her brother, but she couldn't force Emily to make decisions. It was entirely up to her whether she wanted to stay or forgive.
At the back of her mind, Lisa harbored quiet hope that Emily might forgive Derek. It felt selfish to hope, but she had seen brief glimpses of him showing something different since he met her.
Lisa picked up her phone and checked for messages from Leonard or Jennifer. Nothing. Leonard hadn't reached out since sending the document. Maybe her role in this had already ended. Or maybe they simply didn't need her anymore.
She rose and opened her wardrobe, selecting her outfit for Paradise Club. A short dress, delicate straps, ruffles at the hem. As she folded it into her bag alongside her black heels, her phone lit up. Jennifer's name flashed on the screen. Her timing was always perfect.
"Jennifer, how's it going?"
"We need to talk, Lisa. Are you free today?" Lisa could hear the hesitation in her voice.
"I have to go to work. But I'm free up until noon," Lisa said, dropping her bag on the bed.
After the call, Lisa lowered the phone and stared at the dark screen. Jennifer hadn't said much, but her voice gave her away. Careful. Almost strained. That wasn't how Jennifer usually sounded. Normally she spoke with confidence, every word clipped and certain, like someone who already knew the answer before asking the question.
Today was different.
Lisa set the phone on her bag and sat back on the edge of her bed. She thought about the hesitation in Jennifer's voice, the pauses that didn't belong there. What exactly had gone wrong? Wasn't everything supposed to be handled already? The first arrangement had been clear, even if Lisa hadn't liked it. Why did it suddenly sound like there was more coming?
She rubbed a hand across her face. Maybe she was overthinking it. Maybe Jennifer was just tired. But something in her gut told her that wasn't it.
Whatever this meeting was about, it wouldn't be simple.
****
The café Jennifer chose was polished and quiet, the perfect place for quick conversations. Lisa spotted her immediately, elegant as ever, seated near the window. But what stole Lisa's breath was the man beside her: Leonard Kingston. What was he doing here?
Lisa masked her surprise with a small smile.
Jennifer rose with a practiced smile. "Lisa, thank you for coming."
Lisa's gaze cut briefly to Leonard. He didn't move or smile. He only watched her approach, his composure as sharp as glass.
Lisa sat in one of the empty chairs right opposite Leonard. He gave her a small nod and was about to say something, but Jennifer beat him to it.
Jennifer folded her hands. "We called you here to discuss something important."
Lisa's suspicion spiked. "What is it? Do I need to show up now?"
"Yes, but things have changed," Leonard said, his voice low, his eyes locked on her.
Jennifer leaned in slightly. "The arrangement won't involve my family anymore. It will be strictly between you and Leonard."
Lisa frowned. "What does that even mean? Did the engagement get called off or not?"
"It has been called off," Jennifer admitted, her tone clipped, "but that's not the end of it."
Leonard cut in. "Things have taken a new turn. This time it has to be real—you'll marry me. A contract marriage."
Lisa blinked, the words almost absurd. Then she laughed, sharp and short. "Marry you? You can't be serious."
Jennifer tried to smooth it over, her voice softer. "It's not as bad as it sounds. We're asking you to consider it---"
"This isn't a joke," Leonard interrupted, steady as ever. "I'm offering a new contract—be my wife. For one year."
Lisa gave a bitter laugh. "I thought your family wanted someone who fit their idea of perfect. Now suddenly I'm the answer?"
Jennifer's composure cracked for a second. "Lisa, please. Just hear him out."
"Don't. Do you hear how insane this sounds? I won't do it." Lisa turned to Leonard. "You think I'll just agree because you're throwing money at me?"
"I think you'll do what you must," Leonard said.
The words weren't cruel, but they struck like a threat. Calm, unshakable.
Lisa's chest tightened, anger rising. "You don't know me."
"I don't have to," he replied.
Jennifer reached across the table, her tone quick but urgent. "Lisa, we aren't trying to corner you. This can help you as much as it helps him."
"Help me how?" Lisa shot back. "Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like I'm the one being used."
Leonard leaned back. "I have no idea what problems you have, but they can get solved if you agree to this."
Lisa grabbed her bag and pushed back her chair. "I'm done here."
Jennifer rose too, desperation slipping through her polished tone. "Please, don't decide so quickly. Just… think about it."
"I already did," Lisa said flatly. "My answer hasn't changed."
Leonard's calm voice followed her. "I'll be here when you change your mind."
Lisa shot him a cold look before turning on her heel.
Outside, the bright sun only sharpened her irritation. Her thoughts ran circles. Derek's mistakes, Jennifer's strained voice, Leonard's audacity. A contract marriage? Ridiculous. She'd already sacrificed enough for her brother.
She flagged down a cab, jaw tight. No matter what they offered, she wasn't going to be dragged into their games. Derek's problems had dragged her into someone else's world, and now Leonard Kingston had the audacity to propose a contract marriage? She shook her head, letting the motion release some of her tension. No. Not happening.
By the time she arrived at Paradise Club, her chest still tight, she tried to push the thoughts away. Lisa stepped inside, keeping her expression neutral, though her mind raced. She steadied herself and headed for the changing room.
No one would drag her into a deal she didn't choose.