"I'm ready," she whispered to herself. She took a deep breath and dialed the number she got.
"Xavier," a smooth, cold voice answered fast.
"This is… Liora."
"We expected your call. Meridian Building, penthouse. One hour. Hurry. Time is very important, Miss Hayes." The line went dead.
Fear hit Liora hard. This was really happening. This crazy plan. But for her mother… her mother was worth every single risk. She called a taxi. The city lights blurred past as she went fast, going to a place she did not know.
What am I doing? The question hit her again and again. This rich and clean part of the city felt strange. It made her life feel inferior handling three jobs in a small apartment.
The Meridian Building was huge. She got out of the taxi. It felt like stepping off the edge of the world.
Inside, a receptionist with perfect nails looked up. "Miss Hayes? Mr. Xavier and Mr. Darian are waiting."
The elevator moved up slowly then it opened to a huge penthouse. Liora's mouth went dry. It was big, modern, and so empty it scared her. Darian stood near a big mahogany desk. He looked serious and his eyes did not move from her. Xavier on the other hand leaned on the wall, looking calm, but his eyes were sharp, like a predator.
"We expected you, Miss Hayes," Xavier said. His voice was soft but strong, making her skin crawl.
Darian picked up a leather folder. His nails were perfect"This is simple, Miss Hayes. This is the contract." He opened it.
"One: you will be in a fake marriage with me for 2 years.
Two: The pregnancy must be within the span of 6 months.
Three: the child will be mine after birth. Four: When it ends, you get…this," he said, naming a rich suburb, "…and a big house there."
Liora's head spun. "A… child?!"
Darian looked straight at her"Yes, Miss Hayes. This is the main point. Now, sign here"
The pen felt heavy in her hand. Her mother. That thought stopped every fear. Her hand shook, but she signed. The dark ink felt like she was giving her soul.
Darian nodded, his face cold.
"Good!" Xavier said. "We start everything now. Miss Hayes,go pack your bags you move to the estate today."
Today?!
After signing, they guided her outside, the cool air hitting her like a sudden reminder of reality. Her hands were shaking. Her mind felt loud and empty at the same time.
She reached for her phone immediately. She needed Maya. She needed her best friend's voice, something familiar, something safe. But even holding the phone made her chest tighten. Her throat felt too tight, like panic was trying to climb out of it.
She dialed.
The ringing felt endless.
Then
"Liora? What's wrong?! I haven't heard from you in weeks." Maya's voice came fast, full of worry.
Liora opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She could only breathe in small, shaky gasps. Her throat was dry, like every word she wanted to say got stuck halfway. She pressed a hand against her chest, trying to steady her breath, trying not to cry here, outside, in front of strangers.
"Liora? Hello? Are you there?" Maya sounded even more anxious now.
Liora closed her eyes. She wanted to speak. She wanted to say everything. But the words refused to come. Her silence stretched too long, too heavy.
She ended the call.
No explanation. No goodbye.
She lowered the phone slowly, her fingers numb.
A taxi passed by, and she lifted her hand weakly. It stopped, and she got in. She didn't say much…just her address in a voice that barely sounded like her own.
As the car drove off, she stared out the window, trying to hold herself together long enough to get home.