ACCEPTING THE OFFER

MIA'S POV

I had not walked far from Logan’s building when my phone vibrated in my pocket. My fingers trembled as I pulled it out. The message on the screen stopped me cold.

“Mia, you need to act fast. Your mother might not survive beyond two or three more days without the next chemotherapy session.”

The words blurred. Tears I had held back during the fight with Nyra broke free, streaming down my cheeks. My chest tightened until each breath burned. I leaned against a nearby wall, the rough brick biting into my palm.

“Think, Mia,” I whispered. “What are you going to do to save her?”

Everything was collapsing. Mom critical in the hospital. No more help from Logan. My own future suspended. I wiped my face roughly and forced my legs to move again.

Before I could spiral further, another call came through. This time from my younger brother, Gerry. I answered quickly, dread already pooling in my stomach.

“Gerry? Are you okay?” Background noise, shouting, doors slamming, told me the answer.

“It is not okay, Mia.” His voice cracked despite his effort to sound steady. “The landlord is throwing my things out. I have not paid rent for two months.”

I closed my eyes. Logan had promised to send money for Gerry’s college expenses. Another lie. “I thought Logan sent something last month.”

“He stopped two months ago.” Gerry sighed. “I did not want to worry you.”

The news hit like another slap. My little brother, always trying to protect me even while his world fell apart. My knees weakened. Black spots danced in my vision. Just as I started to sway, warm hands caught me from behind.

I turned to find Sophie’s concerned face. She must have followed me. Without a word, she pulled me into a tight hug. I buried my face in her shoulder and sobbed. All the pain, the humiliation from Logan’s apartment, the weight of my family’s needs crashed over me.

“What am I supposed to do?” I choked out. “Mom needs treatment now. Gerry is losing his room. I cannot finish school. Everything is gone.”

Sophie rubbed my back gently. “You are not alone, Mia. We will figure this out.”

But I already knew the only path left. I pulled away, wiped my eyes, and dialed the number I had sworn never to use again.

Ryan answered on the second ring. “Mia?”

“Are you still offering what you mentioned earlier?” I asked, voice steady despite the storm inside me.

“Of course.” He sounded relieved. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I am in.” The words left my mouth before doubt could pull them back. “But this is business only. Nothing more. I do not like you, Ryan. You are the campus playboy who breaks hearts for sport.”

A brief silence followed. “Understood. Can we handle the details today?”

“Yes.” I glanced at Sophie, who gave me an encouraging nod. She had gently pushed me toward this last night, knowing how desperate things had become.

“Meet me at my house in thirty minutes.” He ended the call.

I drew a deep breath. “I need to go to Ryan’s place. I will see you later.”

Sophie took my belongings from Logan’s, “Be careful. Call if you need me.”

Fifteen minutes later, not thirty, but fifteen, a taxi dropped me in front of a massive black gate. It swung open before I could announce myself. The gateman nodded politely. “Mr. Hayes is expecting you, miss.”

I stepped inside. The villa stretched tall and elegant, with manicured gardens blooming in front. Luxury radiated from every detail, far beyond anything Logan had. I squared my shoulders and walked to the double doors.

They opened before I reached them. Ryan stood there, taller than I remembered, his hair messy and dark circles under his eyes. The scandal had clearly taken a toll.

“Welcome, Mia.” He stepped aside.

I entered the spacious living room. Marble floors, modern art on the walls, everything screaming wealth. A man in a sharp black suit waited at a large table.

“Mia, this is Rogan Flames, my lawyer,” Ryan said.

We shook hands. I sat down, heart pounding. Mr. Flames placed a folder in front of me. “Three-month contract. Extendable by two months if needed.”

I scanned the pages quickly. Payment terms. Public appearances. Image rehabilitation. My stomach twisted. Signing this meant becoming Ryan Hayes’s fake girlfriend. The man known for endless flings and tabloid scandals. But Mom’s face in that hospital bed flashed through my mind. Gerry’s trembling voice. I had no choice.

Before I could reach for the pen, Ryan cleared his throat. “Before you sign, there are a few important rules.”

I looked up sharply. “Rules?”

He nodded, expression serious. “First, no romantic feelings. This stays strictly professional. Second, we do not discuss money or the arrangement with anyone. Third, you attend every public event I require. And fourth…” He paused. “You move into this house immediately. Couples who live separately do not look convincing.”

The last rule hit like cold water. “Move in? Absolutely not. I am staying with Sophie.”

Ryan leaned forward. “It has to be believable, Mia. Paparazzi watch everything. Logan will be watching too.”

My fists clenched under the table. The thought of living under the same roof as Ryan Hayes made my skin crawl. Yet the image of my mother’s monitors beeping, counting down days, pushed harder. I glanced at the lawyer, then back at Ryan.

“Fine,” I said through gritted teeth. “But if you try anything, this ends instantly.”

“Understood.” Ryan’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “You will not regret this.”

I took the pen and signed on every required line. The ink felt heavy on the page. Mr. Flames collected the documents with a satisfied nod.

Ryan smiled. “You will not regret this, Mia.”

My phone buzzed. A notification showed an incoming transfer. The amount made my eyes widen. Half the agreed sum already sat in my account. Enough to cover Mom’s immediate chemotherapy and Gerry’s rent with plenty left.

“That is the first half,” the lawyer explained. “The rest comes after tomorrow’s event.”

“What is happening tomorrow?” I asked, still staring at the screen.

“I am introducing you to my teammates as my girlfriend,” Ryan said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “Logan and Nyra will be there. Be ready.”

The name sent a fresh wave of anger and determination through me. I slipped the phone back into my pocket and met Ryan’s gaze. This was business. A transaction to save my family. Nothing more.