Mia stared at the number on the card, her fingers trembling slightly. For a moment she hesitated.
Then she dialed the first number.
The phone rang once, then twice.
Then a mechanical voice followed.
"The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable."
Mia lowered the phone slowly, her heart sinking.
"Of course…" she scoffed under her breath.
Her eyes drifted back to the card again.
There were two numbers written beneath the name.
She swallowed and dialed the second one.
The phone rang.
Once.
Twice.
In another part of the city, Sebastian glanced at the screen of his phone.
An unknown number.
He raised an eyebrow before answering.
"Hello?"
Mia tightened her grip on the phone.
"Is this… Mr P.A?" she asked cautiously.
Sebastian's lips curved into a slow smile.
Across the kitchen, Ethan Blackwood stood by the counter, pouring himself another cup of coffee.
Sebastian glanced at him, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Well," he said casually into the phone, "to what do I owe this late call?"
There was a brief silence on the other end.
"I… I wanted to speak with Mr. E," she said carefully. Mia tightened her grip on the phone.
Sebastian's smile widened slightly.
He tapped the screen lightly, switching the call to speaker, though he didn't make it obvious.
Ethan glanced at him, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly.
"Is that so?" Sebastian replied casually.
"Yes," Mia answered after a pause. "About the offer," she added.
Ethan's hand stopped midway as he lifted the coffee cup.
For a brief moment, the kitchen grew quiet.
Sebastian leaned back against the counter, folding his arms.
"Well," he said lightly, glancing at Ethan, "you're in luck."
Ethan placed the cup down slowly, his expression unreadable.
Sebastian pushed the phone slightly across the marble surface toward him.
"The lady says she wants to discuss your proposal."
Ethan looked at the phone for a moment before speaking.
His voice was calm, cold, and controlled.
"So," he said into the phone, "you finally changed your mind."
On the other end, Mia swallowed.
"Yes," she replied.
Silence lingered between them for a few seconds.
Then Ethan spoke again.
"Come to the office tomorrow morning."
His tone carried no warmth, only authority.
"If you're going to accept the offer, we'll discuss the terms properly."
Sebastian watched the exchange with interest, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
Something about this woman… was far more interesting than he had expected.
Back in the hospital, Brielle had already been stabilized.
The next morning arrived faster than Mia expected.
Sleep had barely touched her eyes. She had rushed out of the hospital as soon as dawn broke.
She stood in front of the mirror for a long moment, adjusting the collar of her shirt.
Her hands trembled slightly, but she forced herself to stay still.
"This is just a discussion," she muttered softly.
But deep down she knew it wasn't that simple.
She picked up her bag and left the apartment.
The towering glass building of Blackwood Conglomerate stood like a silent giant against the morning sky.
Mia stared at it for a moment before stepping inside.
The lobby looked just as intimidating as the first time she had come for the interview.
Polished floors reflected the bright lights above while employees moved around with quiet efficiency.
She approached the reception desk.
"I… have an appointment with the CEO," she said.
The receptionist checked the system briefly before nodding.
"First floor."
Mia swallowed lightly and stepped into the elevator.
The ride upward felt longer than it actually was.
When the doors opened, a familiar figure was already waiting.
Sebastian stood near the glass wall, dressed sharply as usual, his expression relaxed.
"Well," he said with a small smile, "you actually came."
"You told me to." Mia shifted slightly.
"Fair enough," he said with a chuckle.
He gestured toward a large door behind him.
"He's inside," he said.
For a moment Mia hesitated.
Then she pushed the door open.
The office was vast and quiet.
Dark furniture filled the space with the same controlled elegance she had noticed before.
Behind the desk sat Ethan Blackwood.
His eyes lifted slowly as she entered.
For a brief moment neither of them spoke.
Mia felt that familiar pressure under his gaze.
"You said you wanted to discuss the offer," Ethan said calmly.
His voice carried the same cold authority as before.
"Yes," she nodded once.
Ethan leaned back slightly in his chair, eyes sharpened.
"Then let's make something clear first, this is a contract marriage. Nothing more," he said.
Sebastian stepped forward slightly, placing a document on the desk between them.
"The agreement will last for one year," he explained.
"During that time, Miss Mia will appear publicly as Mr. Ethan's wife when necessary."
Mia listened quietly.
Sebastian continued.
"All financial responsibilities stated in the contract will be fulfilled immediately once the agreement is signed."
Mia's fingers tightened slightly at those words, but she kept her face calm.
Ethan watched her carefully.
"You should think carefully before accepting," he said coldly.
"This arrangement is not a game."
Mia lifted her head, her eyes meeting his without hesitation.
"I know," her voice slightly higher than normal.
The room fell silent.
Sebastian glanced between the two of them with quiet interest.
For a brief moment, Ethan studied her expression.
Then he pushed the document slightly toward her.
"If you're still willing," he said.
"Read it."
Mia looked down at the contract.
Her heart pounded heavily in her chest.
For a moment, Brielle's pale face flashed through her mind.
Slowly, she reached for the papers.
She opened the folder carefully. Inside, the contract was meticulous, almost cruel in its precision.
Four major rules were boldly written:
Rule One: Physical contact may occur in public if required by company engagements.
Rule Two: No mention or pursuit of love. Any emotional attachment claimed or forced is null.
Rule Three: Any breach of contract terms will result in a fine of no less than $500,000, payable immediately, or legal action pursued.
Rule Four: Privacy and discretion are mandatory. No outside parties may be informed of the contract.
Her eyes scanned through the papers. She knew she was about to enter the devil's abode.
"Mr E…" she started.
"It's Ethan. Be quick-witted," he said slightly irritated, cutting her off.
"Alright, my bad," she said. "When am I getting the payment?" Mia arched an eyebrow.
Ethan's eyes flicked at her, sharp.
"Are you a gold digger?"
"I don't dig gold," Mia replied quickly, cheeks warming.
"I don't have the strength for it… but if gold is available, I'd pack it."
Sebastian, in the background, almost snorted at her response, but his smile remained composed.
Ethan's eyes flickered for a brief moment, unreadable.
"You should think carefully before accepting," he repeated.
"This arrangement is not a game. Every action has consequences," he added.
Mia nodded, her mind flashing briefly to Brielle, fragile in the hospital. One year. That's all it was.
She picked up the pen slowly, her hand trembling slightly, and signed.
Sebastian leaned back against the wall, silent but observant, as Mia laid down the pen.
Ethan's gaze remained fixed on her, unreadable, commanding.
The contract was sealed.
Mia folded the folder carefully, slipped it back into her bag, and stood.
"I… I'll comply," she said softly.
Sebastian smiled lightly.
"We'll make this work."
Ethan said nothing, only watching as she left.
As she stepped into the elevator, her pulse still
racing, she whispered to herself, a single thought burning in her mind:
"I have just a year to survive."