A DEAL WITH THE ENEMY

SEINNA'S POV

I sat beside my mum's hospital bed, watching the machines beep steadily while the latest stack of bills burned a hole in my bag.

The company scandal had wiped out everything and now, investors had vanished overnight and the debt kept piling higher.

My mum's heart was failing faster now, and the doctors kept repeating the same thing, surgery soon or we would lose her. I had sold what little personal property that I could but nothing worked.

My phone lit up with an unknown number and I stepped into the hallway to answer.

"Miss Calloway, this is Damien. I need you in my office in thirty minutes. It's about saving your family. Don't be late."

He hung up even before I could ask questions. I kissed my mum's forehead, told the nurse I'd be back soon, and drove across town with my stomach in knots.

The office building was all glass and steel, the kind that screamed old money. Damien met me in the lobby and led me straight to a conference room without small talk.

"Sienna, the Aries family has offered a merger," he said, sliding a thick folder across the polished table. "It will clear every debt, fund your mother's full treatment, and keep the company alive but there's one condition."

I opened the folder and froze at the first page. It was a marriage contract with my name next to Lucian Aries.

"You've got to be kidding me," I said, my voice sharp and steady. "Our families have been tearing each other apart for decades. Now they want me to marry their heir?"

Damien didn't flinch. "It's not a real marriage. It's just one year of public appearances and joint business decisions. After twelve months, you walk away with everything settled. Sign today and the first payments hit the accounts tonight."

I stared at the paper until the words blurred. My mum's pale face in that bed kept flashing in my mind, Asher trying to hold the company together alone and the empty bank statements.

"What do they have to gain?" I have been in the business world far to long to think a thing is done for free.

"It's a win-win situation for both sides. They need more trust from their investors."

“And being married to me solves that?”

“I believe,” Damien replied.

The door behind me opened. I turned and there he was, Lucian Aries. He was tall with broad shoulders. He was wearing a black suit. His dark hair was neat, his jaw sharp, and those gray eyes looked at me like he was already calculating my worth.

"Miss Calloway," he said, in a low tone. He didn't even smile. "Let's not waste time. Please, sit."

I stood on my feet. "I prefer to stand while I'm being sold off."

He raised an eyebrow slightly and that was the only reaction I got from him. He took the chair at the head of the table and motioned for Damien to leave us. Damien hesitated, before he then stepped out.

Lucian leaned back. "The board and investors want proof of unity and a marriage provides that. One year, then we will dissolve it cleanly."

I crossed my arms. "And in that year I just smile for the cameras and pretend I don't hate everything about this?"

"Exactly. We share the mansion so the staff can confirm we're living together. We attend events together. We make decisions on the merged companies together but behind closed doors, we will stay out of each other's lives. No touching and no feelings.”

I laughed once, short and bitter. "You really think you can control every part of this, don't you? Walk in here, lay down the rules, and expect me to nod like a good little wife."

He studied me for a long moment. "Most people don't speak to me the way you just did. I find it... interesting."

"Interesting?" I stepped closer to the table. "My mother is fighting for her life in a hospital bed right now. My family's legacy is about to disappear because of a scandal we didn't cause and you're sitting there talking about interesting. This is my life you're playing with, Lucian."

"I know exactly what's at stake. My grandfather made this condition non-negotiable. I need the merger as much as you do. The Aries name carries weight, but recent market shifts have made alliances necessary. This marriage buys us time and trust."

I picked up the pen. My hand shook. "One year and not a single day more. The moment the contract ends, I never want to see you again."

"Agreed." He slid his own copy over. "But understand this, Sienna. While we're married, you represent my family. Any mistakes reflect on both of us. I won't tolerate public embarrassment or reckless behavior."

I signed with a hard scratch of the pen. "And I won't tolerate being treated like an employee. I have ideas for the company, good ones. If you shut me out, this whole thing crumbles."

He signed after me, his handwriting bold and precise. "We'll see how well your ideas hold up in actual meetings. Most people who challenge me learn quickly that it's a mistake."

I stood up straight. "I'm not most people."

Lucian rose too, and for a second we were close enough that I had to tilt my head to meet his eyes. He smelled like expensive cologne and quiet power.

"No," he said quietly. "You're not. That might make this year more tolerable than I expected."

Damien came back in with more documents. "The engagement announcement goes out tomorrow morning. Miss Calloway, a car will pick you up in the afternoon to move your things to the mansion. Lucian has already arranged the best cardiac team for your mother and surgery is scheduled for the day after tomorrow."

I nodded, feeling a bit relieved. "Thank you for that part, at least."

Lucian walked me to the door. "One more thing. My ex, Vivienne, may cause noise when this hits the press, ignore it. She's not part of this deal."

I looked back at him. "As long as she stays out of my way, I don't care who you used to sleep with."

His mouth twitched like he almost smiled. "Good. See you at home, wife."

The word hit me like a slap but I walked out without answering.