Chapter 1 The offer

Aria cole knew exactly how depression felt like.It was quiet,It was polite, wore a calm smile and asked you to choose quickly.

She heard it now as she sat across, from the woman in the tailored gray suit.

You’re saying it’s legal? Aria asked.

Completely. The woman slid the folder across the polished table, the papers inside were thick, official, heavy with words that could change a life.

Marriage contract, Aria didn’t touch it.

Outside, the city was annoyingly normal, people grabbing coffee and honking at traffic completely oblivious to the fact that my entire life was currently cratering.

This isn’t a joke, Aria said, people don’t just marry strangers anymore.

They do,the woman replied calmly, when there is a reason.

Aria finally opened the folder,

One year.

No emotional obligations, separate bedrooms, public appearances required.

Financial compensation listed clearly at the bottom,her breath caught.

It was more money than she had ever seen in her life.

You’ll be provided housing, security, and a monthly allowance, the woman continued.

At the end of twelve months, the marriage will be dissolved quietly. You walk away with everything promised. And him? Aria asked.

The woman’s lips curved into a small, unreadable smile. He gets what he needs.

Aria closed the folder. No,the woman didn’t look surprised,you haven’t heard the name yet. I don’t need to, Aria said, I’m not selling myself.

Of course not. The woman leaned forward slightly, you’re selling your time. Silence stretched between them,aria’s phone buzzed on the table.

Hospital, she didn’t pick it up.

What happens if I say no? Aria asked quietly.The woman tilted her head, then the offer disappears and so does our interest in helping with your current situation.

That sound returned. Desperation, quiet, polite.

Aria stared at the folder again, at the neat lines of text, at the future being offered like a lifeline.

One year, she said.

Yes. No love?, Aria added.The woman nodded, that’s one of his rules. That word caught her attention.

His?

Who is he? Aria asked. The woman finally stood. You’ll meet him tomorrow If you agree.

Aria looked down at her hands,they were steady she didn’t feel brave, she felt tired.

I’ll do it, she said.

The building the next day was all glass and steel, sharp edges and quiet power.

Aria had borrowed a dress. Navy blue, simple, safe. She was escorted to the top floor without a single word spoken.

The doors opened into a private office that smelled faintly of leather and rain.A man stood by the window tall, broad shouldered, still.

He turned when he heard her steps. And for a moment, the room shifted.

Aria’s heart stuttered,she didn’t know why. His face was controlled, handsome in a cold, careful way dark hair, sharp eyes that looked like they missed nothing.

She felt uneasy like she had seen him before, but that was impossible.This is aria cole, the woman said.

The man’s gaze locked onto hers,something flickered there recognition. Gone as quickly as it appeared. Luca Moretti, he said his voice was calm,even. Sit. She did.

The woman placed the contract on the desk and stepped back.Luca didn’t look at it.

You understand this is a business arrangement, he said.

Yes,

You will follow the rules?

Yes.

You will not fall in love?

Aria met his eyes, neither will you. A pause. Then, surprisingly, a slight curve of his lips.

Good. He slid the pen toward her,her fingers brushed it. Her chest tightened for reasons she couldn’t explain, she signed. Luca signed after her.

The sound of the pen hitting paper felt loud, final. The woman collected the documents and left them alone,silence returned. Luca studied her.

You look calm, he said.

I’m not, Aria replied honestly.

That’s acceptable.She frowned, why me? His gaze hardened just a little, because you fit.

That’s not an answer.

It’s the only one you’ll get.

Aria stood, when does this start?

He rose as well.

Tonight, luca said. You’ll move into my house.

Her stomach dropped, tonight? He walked past her toward the door, then paused. Oh, he added without turning. There’s one more rule.

Aria looked up at him.

If you ever think this marriage is real, luca said quietly, it will ruin us both.

The door opened,he left.Aria stood alone in the office, the weight of the contract settling into her bones. Somewhere deep inside her, a warning whispered.

She had just signed something that wasn’t meant to be survived.