Chapter 4 THE DECISION

Claire didn't sleep that night. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Damian's office, heard his offer, felt the weight of decision pressing down.

Sixty thousand dollars. Plus medical coverage.

Life-changing money.

But at what cost?

"You're doing that thing again," Clara said.

"What thing?"

"Thinking so loud I can hear it. What happened?"

Because Claire couldn't keep secrets from her sister, she told her everything. The fake relationship. The money. The six-month timeline.

When she finished, Clara was quiet.

"Say something," Claire prompted.

"I'm trying to figure out if this is a fairy tale or a disaster."

"That makes two of us."

Clara chewed her lip. "What does your gut say?"

"My gut is too terrified to say anything useful."

"Okay, but if you remove the terror - what do you want?"

Amara stared at the ceiling crack that looked like Florida. "I want to say yes. Which probably means I should say no, right?"

"Maybe," Clara said slowly, "good decisions feel reckless because they're actually brave. There's a difference."

"When did you become wise?"

"I've been wise. You've been too busy working to notice." Clara squeezed her hand. "Damian Cole could've hired anyone. Models, actresses, socialites. But he chose you. Maybe that means something."

"Or maybe he has terrible judgment."

"Or maybe he saw what I see - someone smart, kind, genuine, and way too hard on herself." Clara's voice turned serious. "You've been taking care of us for years. Maybe it's okay to take a chance on something that could help."

"But what if I mess up?"

"Then you mess up. At least you'll have tried." Clara grinned. "So? Are you going to call him?"

"Monday. He said Monday."

"That's a whole weekend of overthinking."

"I excel at overthinking."

But even as she said it, something shifted inside her. Fear, yes. But also hope.

The feeling that comes right before you jump.

Saturday morning, Claire woke to her mother coughing. Harsh, rattling. It sent her heart into her throat.

She found her mom in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, trying to catch her breath.

"Mom!" Claire rushed over. "Should I call the doctor?"

"I'm fine, honey." But her face was pale, hands shaking. "Just a bad morning."

But it wasn't enough. The medication wasn't enough.

The new treatment her doctor recommended - the one that might actually help long-term - wasn't covered by insurance. At Claire's current rate, it would take three years to afford even the first round.

Three years her mother might not have.

"Mom," Claire said gently, helping her to a chair, "what if I told you I might have a way to pay for the new treatment?"

Her mother's eyes widened. "What? How?"

"I got a job offer. Really good. It's unconventional, but it pays well."

"Unconventional how?"

Claire explained, editing details but keeping core facts: six months, good pay, helping someone with family pressure.

Her mother listened quietly. When Claire finished, she took her daughter's hand.

"Is it legal?"

"Yes."

"Is it safe?"

"I think so. He seems kind. Strange, but kind."

"Then why are you scared?"

Claire's eyes burned. "Because what if I'm not good enough? What if I embarrass him? What if his family sees through me?"

Her mother squeezed her hand. "Claire Rose Blake, listen. You've spent your adult life taking care of this family. You put your dreams on hold for Clara. You work yourself sick for my medications. You never complain, never ask for help, never take anything for yourself."

"Mom.. "

"I'm not finished. If this man chose you, it's because he saw something special. Something real. If his family doesn't appreciate that, that's their failing, not yours." Her mother's eyes were fierce despite her frail appearance. "You deserve good things, baby. You deserve a chance. Take it."

Tears slipped down Claire's cheeks. "What if I fail?"

"Then you fail trying, which is better than never trying." Her mother pulled her into a hug. "I'm proud of you no matter what. You know that, right?"

"I know."

"Good. Now call that man and tell him yes. And Claire?"

"Yeah?"

"Try to have a little fun. You've been so serious for so long. Maybe this is the universe telling you it's okay to enjoy yourself."

Claire waited until Sunday evening to call. Not because she hadn't decided - she had, around 3 AM Saturday. But she needed time to make peace with it.

Jennifer answered on the second ring. "Miss Blake. I was hoping you'd call."

"You were?"

"Damian's been checking his phone all weekend. Quite out of character." Warmth in her voice, almost amusement. "I'm guessing you have an answer?"

"I do. But I need to ask questions first."

"Of course. Go ahead."

Claire pulled out her list. "First: where would I live? I need to be close to my mom and sister."

"Damian owns several properties. We can arrange something in your neighborhood, or you could stay in the penthouse guest suite with car service for family visits. Whatever makes you comfortable."

"Second: what if I need to back out?"

"There's a clause allowing either party to terminate with two weeks' notice, no penalties. You'd keep whatever you've been paid."

"Third..." Claire took a breath. "What exactly does he expect? I need boundaries."

Jennifer's voice softened. "I've worked for Damian for five years. He's never been anything but respectful and professional. This arrangement is exactly what he described: public appearances, family events, occasional photos. Nothing physical, nothing uncomfortable. He's not looking for companionship in that sense. He's looking for a buffer."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure. And Miss Blake? If he ever made you uncomfortable, you could tell me. I wouldn't tolerate that from anyone."

Something in Claire's chest loosened. "Okay. Then tell him I'll do it."

A pause, then Jennifer's voice came back brighter. "Wonderful! Can you come by tomorrow? Ten AM? We'll review the contract, answer questions, and if everything looks good, you could start next week."

"Next week?"

"Damian has a charity gala Saturday. Perfect first appearance - lots of press, very public. It would send a clear message to his family and Caroline."

"A gala. Next Saturday. Where I pretend to date a billionaire." Claire felt lightheaded. "Sure. What could go wrong?"

Jennifer laughed. "You're going to be fine. Better than fine. I have a good feeling about this."

After hanging up, Claire sat in silence, staring at her phone.

She'd done it. I actually did it.

In one week, her entire life was about to change.