Ariana couldn't sleep at all that night.
She sat on Maya's couch, hugging her knees to her chest, her hands pressed hard against her face. Lucian's words just kept playing in her head. Every single thing he said felt heavy, like a stone pressing down on her chest.
You don't have time.
You are desperate.
I am offering you a solution.
She really wanted to hate him for pointing it out. She wanted to argue, to throw her pride in his face.
But pride couldn't pay for surgeries. Pride couldn't save Ethan.
She glanced at the messy pile of bills lying there. A few were overdue by weeks. Others had 'urgent' written sloppily across the front.
Her throat felt tight; she could barely breathe.
"If this is how it's gotta be to save him, then maybe I never had a choice at all."
Maya came in holding a pair of hot tea mugs, her messy hair under a scarf. Beside Ariana she dropped down, silent, yet staring with a soft, steady gaze.
"You've been thinking too much," Maya said softly.
Ariana stared at her hands. "I don't know what to do."
"Just tell me what's bothering you."
Ariana thought for a moment, choosing her words slowly. "He feels like someone I could get totally lost in his world if I'm not careful. Being near him feels like stepping into a place I just don't understand."
Maya kept silent, just listening.
"And the contract changes everything," Ariana whispered. Pretending to be his girlfriend. Six whole months. I keep worrying about who I'll be when it's all over."
Maya stretched toward her, grabbing her palm. Her touch was warm and steady.
"Aria," she said gently, "I don't have all the answers. But I know you. You don't make selfish choices. If you're even thinking about this, it's because Ethan needs you. So choose the way that gives him a chance to live. Whatever you decide, I'm right here."
Ariana's eyes stung. She rested on Maya's shoulder, finding comfort in her calm.
"I think…" Ariana swallowed hard. "I think I should take it."
Maya simply nodded. "Then you won't go through it alone."
Ariana shut her eyes. At last, after hours, she allowed a breath.
Before the sun came up, Ariana went home. She quietly told her mother that she may land a great deal with a charity company, enough money to pay for all of Ethan's treatment once the job was done. She didn't mention Lucian or the fake relationship, only the part she thinks her mother needed to hear.
Her mother's shoulders relaxed instantly. She held Ariana's hands, whispering a tearful, grateful prayer.
Ariana let her believe the easy version of the truth.
The next morning, she went back to Novare Systems.
Lucian was standing by the huge window when she walked in. The light cut sharply across his face. He didn't look surprised or relieved, he was too controlled for that.
"You came back," he said.
"I made a decision," Ariana replied. "I will take your offer."
Lucian picked up a folder from his desk. "Good. We'll finish up the paperwork now."
He opened the contract, his movements quick and precise. Then he pushed the terms sheet her way.
"Party A is me," he said. "You are Party B". If you agree to the terms, you sign."
Ariana gave a quick nod, her pulse pounded loud in her ears.
"Rule one," Lucian started. "We will act like we are dating for six months. This means acting like a couple whenever needed, in public or private." He looked at her quickly before going on.
"Rule two. No feelings allowed. We both understand this is not a real relationship. It's a business deal."
Ariana's fingers tightened.
"Rule three. Neither of us can date or look for a real relationship with anyone else during this time."
He flipped to the next page.
"Rule four. When necessary, we must attend all gatherings, events, or family functions together and act like a real couple."
Ariana's throat closed up, yet she stayed quiet.
"Rule five. We have to respect each other's privacy. Don't touch personal things. Don't get involved in personal problems."
He moved to the next section.
"Rule six. To make this believable, we will live in the same house for six months. Separate bedrooms. We must appear together when needed."
Lucian paused before reading the last rule.
"There's also a secrecy rule. You cannot tell anyone about this deal. Not your family. Not people you work with. Not anyone, ever."
Ariana let out a quiet breath. "I already told my friend, Maya."
"I figured," he replied, his tone flat. "She is the only one who gets a pass. No one else."
He turned the page to the money section.
"At the end of the six months, you will receive a payment of Five million dollars."
The world went silent. The number was massive.
"And about Ethan," Lucian went on, "I will pay for all medical costs starting today. That includes his travel, procedures, where he stays, and anything else he needs."
Ariana swallowed hard, unable to speak. "Why… Why are you offering so much?"
"Because your life changes completely for six months," he said simply. "I don't expect that to be cheap."
Her fingers trembled slightly as she scribbled her name. Lucian wrote his right after. The quiet click of the pen felt like the end of her old life.
"It is done," he confirmed.
Things moved unbelievably fast after that.
Within hours, Ariana got a call from the hospital. Every single bill was paid. A special medical jet was arranged. A spot was secured at a top children's hospital overseas. Her mother would go with Ethan.
Ariana stayed at the hospital that day, gripping Ethan's hand tight as he flipped through channels. She brushed his hair now and then, quiet but close. The screen flickered with colors, filling the room softly. Time passed slow, without rush or noise.
"You're not crying again, are you?" Ethan mumbled, poking her arm.
"I'm not," she said softly, but tears still filled her eyes.
"You should rest more."
"You worry too much," she said, kissing his cheek.
He giggled weakly. "Promise you'll visit when I get better."
"I promise," she replied, her voice thick. "You have to get better."
She strolled beside him right to the entrance, gripping his palm till a nurse softly told her it was time.
Then she stood there staring as the jet flew up into the sky until it was just a tiny dot and then vanished.
For the first time in months, hope felt real.
She wiped her face and stood up straight.
Six months with Lucian Knight. That was her path now.