CEO’S OFFICE
She stood in front of him, hands clasped tightly together.
Her heart was beating too fast.
“Sit,” he said casually.
She did.
The chair felt too big.
The office felt too quiet.
Ryan leaned back in his seat, studying her calmly.
Slowly.
Carefully.
“You were very brave that day,” he said.
“When you were shouting at me.”
She lowered her gaze.
“Why are you so quiet now?”
Aria swallowed.
“I wasn’t brave,” she whispered, her voice trembling, revealing her inner struggle and making her vulnerability more palpable.
“I was ignorant.”
He raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Interesting choice of words.”
She took a deep breath.
“I didn’t know who you were,” she continued.
“And I don’t shout at people on purpose.”
Silence settled between them.
“You said you’d give me an answer today,” he said after a moment.
She nodded.
Her fingers tightened.
“I thought about it all night,” she said.
“My aunt.”
“My job.”
“My future.”
He watched her without interrupting.
“This isn’t something I ever imagined for myself,” she added honestly.
“I’ve never even had a boyfriend.”
That caught his attention.
She looked up at him then, eyes serious.
“But I need this job,” she said quietly.
“And the money… it would help my family.”
Ryan’s expression remained calm and steady, reassuring the audience of his composure and the seriousness of the situation.
“So?” he asked.
She inhaled slowly.
“I’ll do it,” she said.
“For three months.”
The words felt heavy as they left her mouth.
“I’ll act as your girlfriend.”
A brief pause.
Ryan nodded once.
“Good,” he said calmly.
He reached for a file and slid it across the desk.
“There will be rules,” he continued.
“Clear boundaries. You follow them.”
She nodded quickly.
“Yes, sir.”
“You’ll move carefully,” he added.
“No unnecessary attachment.”
Her chest tightened, but she nodded again.
“Yes.”
He stood up, straightening his jacket.
“Then we’re in agreement,” he said.
Aria sat there, heart pounding.
She sat there, heart pounding, feeling the weight of her choice and hoping the audience would connect with her internal struggle.
And there was no turning back now.
He reached for a thin black file and placed it in front of her.
“Sign it,” he said calmly.
“And we’re done here.”
Aria looked down.
The pages were neatly arranged.
Too neat.
She hesitated, then slowly began to read.
Rule after rule.
Clear.
Strict.
No public arguments.
No emotional attachment.
Always available when required.
Her brows slowly pulled together.
Then she reached that part.
You will move in with me for the duration of the agreement.
Her breath caught.
She looked up sharply.
“What?”
Ryan didn’t react.
Not even a blink.
“It’s necessary,” he said.
“For appearances.”
She looked back at the paper, heart pounding with a mix of fear and uncertainty, craving clarity but overwhelmed by doubt.
Move in with him? Her mind raced, questioning if she was making the right choice, feeling torn between fear and curiosity.
Her boss.
A billionaire.
A stranger.
Her mind raced.
*What am I going to tell my aunt?*
The woman who warned her to stay away from rich men.
The woman who would never accept this.
Her hands trembled slightly as she held the file.
“I… I didn’t know this was part of it,” she said softly.
“You’re free to walk away,” Ryan replied calmly.
“But you know the consequences.”
She swallowed hard.
The office suddenly felt smaller.
Tighter.
She thought about her aunt again.
The sacrifices.
The struggles.
Ten times her salary.
Her future.
She closed her eyes briefly.
Then she picked up the pen.
Her hand hovered above the paper for a long second.
Finally—
She signed.
Ryan took the file back without a word.
“Good,” he said, standing up.
“You’ll move in tonight.”
Her head snapped up.
“Tonight?”
He nodded once.
“This is business, Aria Flynn,” he said evenly.
“And business doesn’t wait.”
Her heart sank.
She realised she had just crossed a line she could never undo, and her internal conflict made her feel vulnerable and relatable to the audience.
And now…
She had to figure out how to explain this
to the one person she feared disappointing the most.
Aria returned to her workplace feeling completely drained.
Her body was there, but her mind wasn’t.
She sat down slowly, staring at her desk.
The screen in front of her meant nothing.
Katy noticed immediately.
“Girl, what’s wrong with you?” she asked, pulling her chair closer.
“You don’t look good at all.”
She studied her face.
“Did you get fired?”
Aria forced a small smile.
“I’m fine, girl,” she said lightly.
“I just need some rest.”
Katy didn’t look convinced, but she let it go.
“Okay… but you’re scaring me.”
The hours that followed felt endless.
Time moved painfully slowly.
Aria worked quietly.
Answered emails.
Did what she was told.
But her mind kept drifting.
The contract.
The rules.
*Moving in.*
Every time she thought about her aunt, her chest tightened.
When it was finally time to knock off, Aria didn’t waste a single second.
She packed her things quickly.
She didn’t joke with Katy.
Didn’t stop to chat.
She walked straight out of the building.
Instead of going home…
She headed somewhere else.
Her aunt’s house.
Long minutes later,
Aria arrived at her aunt’s place.
She barely had time to knock.
The door opened immediately.
Her aunt’s eyes scanned her from head to toe, worry settling in fast.
“Baby… what happened?” she asked.
“Did you get fired or something?”
Aria forced a smile.
A brave one.
“No,” she said quickly.
“I didn’t get fired.”
Her aunt wasn’t convinced.
She stepped aside and pulled her in gently.
“Come inside,” she said.
“Sit down and tell me everything.”
Aria walked in, her heart pounding.
The familiar house felt warm.
Safe.
That made it harder.
She sat on the couch, hands folded together.
Her aunt sat opposite her, watching closely.
“You look tired,” her aunt said softly.
“Something is wrong.”
Aria lifted her chin slightly.
She had faced her boss.
She could do this too.
“It’s just work,” she said calmly.
“They gave me… more responsibilities.”
Her aunt frowned.
“So suddenly?”
Aria nodded.
“Yes.”
Silence.
Then her aunt spoke again.
“Why do you look like you’re about to cry, then?”
Aria’s chest tightened.
She laughed lightly.
A fake laugh.
“I’m not,” she said.
“I’m just nervous.”
“Nervous about what?”
Aria took a breath.
“They want me to attend some training,” she said.
“Special training.”
Her aunt tilted her head.
“Training where?”
“At… the CEO’s residence,” Aria replied carefully.
“It’s company policy. For new employees they trust.”
Her aunt’s eyes widened.
“Live there?” she asked immediately.
“With rich people?”
Aria nodded again, slower this time.
“Only for a short while.”
Her aunt stood up at once.
"No," she said firmly.
"Absolutely not."
Aria's heart dropped, a mix of fear and hope swirling inside her, revealing her complex emotional state and inviting empathy.
"Auntie—" she stood up too.
"Please."
Her aunt crossed her arms.
"I warned you about rich people," she said.
"I warned you."
"I know," Aria said quickly.
"I need this job because it's my only way out," she whispered, her voice trembling with desperation and determination.
Her aunt softened just a little.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Because I didn't want to worry you," Aria replied.
Her voice was steady.
Her hands were not.
"It's only temporary," she added.
"And they're paying me more."
That caught her aunt's attention.
"More?" she asked slowly.
"Yes," Aria said, nodding.
"It will help us. A lot."
Her aunt sighed and sat back down.
She looked tired now.
Torn.
"I don't like this," she said quietly.
"I know," Aria replied softly.
"But please trust me."
Her aunt looked at her for a long moment.
Then she reached out and held her hand.
"Be careful," she said.
"Promise me."
Aria smiled again.
Brave.
Convincing.
"I promise."
But inside, her heart trembled, weighed down by her secret and the fear of losing trust.
Because she had just lied
to the one person she loved the most.
And she didn't know how long
she could keep that lie alive.
Her aunt looked at her for a long moment.
Then she softened.
"Spend the night here," she said gently.
"Let me cook something good for you."
Aria's chest tightened.
She nodded slowly.
"Okay."
Her aunt stood up and headed to the kitchen.
"You look like you haven't eaten properly," she said over her shoulder.
"I'll make your favourite."
Aria sat back on the couch, staring at the ceiling.
The familiar smell of home-warm bread and jasmine filled the house, grounding her in a fleeting moment of peace amidst chaos.
For a moment, everything felt normal.
Safe.
Her aunt moved around the kitchen, humming softly.
Like she always did when she was trying not to worry.
Dinner was warm and comforting.
Aria ate quietly, smiling when she was spoken to.
Laughing when she was expected to.
But her mind was far away.
Afterwards, her aunt prepared the guest room.
Fresh sheets.
A folded blanket.
"Rest," she said softly.
"You need it."
Aria lay in bed, staring into the dark.
Tomorrow she would have to pack.
Tomorrow she would move into his house.
She turned to her side and closed her eyes.
This was the last night
she would sleep here
for a while.
The next morning 🌞
Aria woke up to the soft smell of food.
She sat up slowly and glanced at the clock.
Breakfast time.
When she stepped into the kitchen, the table was already set.
Warm food.
Fresh tea.
She smiled.
Her aunt had always done this.
Every morning, even after Aria moved out.
"Good morning, Auntie," Aria greeted softly.
Her aunt turned from the stove with a warm smile.
"Good morning, baby."
She pulled out a chair.
"Come and eat your breakfast."
Aria sat down obediently.
"You need energy," her aunt continued.
"You don't want to be late for work."
Aria nodded, picking up her spoon.
"I'll pass by your house later," her aunt added casually.
"I'll clean it for you."
Aria paused for a second, then smiled again.
"Thank you, Auntie."
Her aunt watched her carefully.
"You've been quiet lately."
"I'm okay," Aria replied quickly.
"Just adjusting."
Her aunt reached over and squeezed her hand.
"Whatever happens, remember you're not alone."
Aria's chest tightened.
She blinked away the tears, feeling the ache of her secret and the fear of how long she could keep it hidden.
After breakfast, she stood up.
"I should go get ready."
"Don't rush too much," her aunt said.
"Take care of yourself."
Aria nodded.
As she walked back into the room, her smile slowly faded.
This morning felt too gentle.
Because she knew—
Everything was about to change.
🌸Hours later🌸
CARTER GROUP INTERNATIONAL 🏢
Aria sat at her desk, eyes fixed on her computer screen.
Her fingers moved, but her mind wasn't fully there.
She was halfway through a task when a presence suddenly appeared beside her.
She felt it before she saw it.
She sighed inwardly.
*What is wrong with this man?*
*Is he a ghost?*
She rolled her eyes slightly and looked up.
"What's up?" she said flatly.
"I'm busy."
The CEO's secretary stood straight, expression blank.
"The boss asked me to take you to your new house," he said.
"Everything has been prepared."
She blinked.
"You don't need to get your old belongings," he continued.
"And we're leaving now. The car is waiting outside."
Aria stared at him.
She hated that tone.
The ordering.
The assumption.
She stood up slowly.
"Okay," she said calmly.
"I understand."
Then she leaned a little closer.
"But let me make one thing clear," she added, her voice low.
"Mind the way you talk to me."
He paused.
"Understood?" she finished.
For a brief second, he looked surprised.
Then he nodded.
"Understood."
She grabbed her bag and stepped away from her desk.
As they walked through the long, echoing hallway, whispers seemed to ripple from the shadows, heightening the mystery and drawing readers in
Whispers followed.
The sleek black car waiting by the entrance hinted at secrets, sparking curiosity and anticipation among the audience.
The driver opened the door immediately.
Aria hesitated for just a second.
Then she got in.
The door closed softly behind her.
The car pulled away.
Inside the building, Katy returned from the bathroom, drying her hands as she walked toward Aria's desk.
"Girl, you won't believe—" she stopped.
The chair was empty.
Aria's computer was off.
Her bag was gone.
Katy frowned.
"Aria?" she called softly.
No answer.
She looked around, confused.
"Where did she go?"
.
.
.
Mansion🏰
Aria stepped out of the car.
Her mouth slowly fell open.
For a moment, she genuinely wondered if she was dreaming, her eyes wide as she took in the enormous, beautiful house that felt unreal.
The house in front of her was enormous.
Beautiful.
Too perfect to be real.
Tall gates stood behind her.
Wide glass windows reflected the sky.
The compound looked endless.
Before she could even take a proper step forward, three maids rushed toward her.
One gently took her handbag.
Another reached for her purse.
The third gestured politely toward the entrance.
"Good afternoon, madam," they said.
"Please, this way."
Aria stood frozen.
Madam?
Her eyes darted around the luxurious surroundings, making the audience feel connected to her confusion and awe.
The marble floors shined.
The air smelled expensive.
Nothing looked lived in.
James walked beside her calmly.
"This is one of Mr Carter's houses," he said.
"You'll be staying here."
She stopped walking.
"Here?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied.
She hesitated, then asked quietly,
"With him?"
James nodded.
"Yes. You'll be staying here with Mr Carter. Alone."
Her heart skipped.
"Alone?" she repeated, disbelief clear in her voice.
"Yes," he said again, unbothered.
She swallowed.
James continued, his tone firm but controlled.
"There are a few things you should be aware of," he said.
"Mr Carter is very particular."
She looked at him.
"About what?"
"About cleanliness," he replied.
"Personal cleanliness."
She blinked.
"How you present yourself," he added.
"How you eat. How you carry yourself."
Her brows slowly drew together.
"You should always be clean," he said.
"Neat. Proper."
Aria stopped walking completely now.
She turned to face him.
"Are you telling me," she asked slowly,
"that I'm dirty?"
James paused briefly.
"No," he said.
"I'm telling you what Mr Carter expects from the people around him."
Her jaw tightened.
"Well," she replied coolly,
"I take care of myself just fine."
James nodded once.
"Then there will be no issue."
The maids resumed walking ahead.
Aria followed, her heart racing.
This wasn't just about pretending to be his girlfriend.
She realised this house had unspoken rules, silent expectations that made her stomach tighten with uncertainty about what lay ahead.
Unspoken ones.
And she was starting to realise—
Living here wouldn't be easy at all, hinting at future challenges and engaging the audience's curiosity about her journey.
Time passed…⏳
Aria wandered through the house slowly, room after room, hallway after hallway.
Everything was beautiful, expensive, and painfully quiet.
She ate the food the maids prepared for her, though she barely tasted it.
She sat.
She stood.
She lay down.
She walked again.
"This place is boring… jeez," she muttered to herself.
She flopped onto one of the couches and picked up her phone, scrolling endlessly.
Social media felt dull.
Messages felt pointless.
Minutes dragged like hours.
She sighed and tossed the phone beside her.
"What am I supposed to do here alone?" she murmured.
"I mean… the boss isn't even here yet. What time does he come home anyway?"
No one answered.
The silence felt heavy.
Needing air, she stood up and walked outside.
The garden was massive, perfectly trimmed, almost too perfect.
Flowers bloomed neatly, not a leaf out of place.
She sat on a bench beneath a tree, resting her elbows on her knees.
For a moment, she allowed herself to breathe.
This was her life now.
Living in a billionaire's mansion.
Pretending.
Waiting.
🏰Main Carter Mansion🏰
Ryan sat on the couch, his posture straight, his expression calm but tired.
He loosened his tie slightly and glanced at his mother.
"Mom," he said coolly,
"I need to go back to my house. I need rest."
His mother waved her hand dismissively.
"Just wait a little longer," she said.
"Kim will be here any minute—"
Before she could finish, the door opened.
Kim walked in, dragging a suitcase behind her, the wheels squeaking softly, while a maid followed closely, carrying a tray of drinks.
Her heels clicked loudly against the floor.
“Ryan!” she squealed.
Before anyone could react, she rushed toward him and wrapped her arms tightly around him, pressing herself against him.
She kissed his cheek happily.
“My bestie!” she beamed.
Ryan stiffened.
He forced a small, strained smile—trying to hide his discomfort, which made the audience feel the weight of his emotional conflict.
The smell hit him immediately.
Strong perfume mixed with sweat.
His jaw tightened.
He hated being touched.
Hated being touched like this.
Especially with hands that weren’t clean.
Slowly, carefully, he removed her arms from around him.
“Kim,” he said calmly,
“You’re here.”
She laughed, completely oblivious.
“Of course I am! I missed you so much!” she said, reaching for him again.
He subtly stepped back.
His mother smiled warmly, clearly pleased.
“Go freshen up,” she told Kim.
“You must be tired from the trip.”
Kim nodded enthusiastically.
“Yes! I’ll be quick.”
As she followed the maid upstairs, Ryan wiped his cheek discreetly with a tissue.
His expression darkened.
He stood up.
“Mom,” he said firmly,
“I’m leaving now.”
His mother frowned slightly.
“Ryan—”
“I need my space,” he cut in.
“I’ll see you later.”
Without waiting for a response, he picked up his keys and walked out.
He needed quiet.
He needed control.
And more than anything—
He needed to go home.
He got into his car and drove off.
The road was quiet, streetlights passing by one after another as he drove in silence.
Half an hour later, he pulled into the gates of his house.
It was late.
Too late for noise.
Too late for nonsense.
He stepped out of the car, loosened his tie, and entered the house, already expecting silence.
Instead—
Loud music blasted through the living room.
His steps halted.
A sharp, annoying sound of a microphone screeching, followed by an off-key voice singing with way too much confidence.
A **girl**.
Doing karaoke.
His jaw clenched.
“What the hell…?” he muttered.
The TV volume was ridiculously loud, with colourful lyrics flashing across the screen.
And there she was.
Aria.
Standing barefoot on the rug, holding a microphone, hair slightly messy, eyes glued to the screen as she sang her heart out, completely unaware of his presence, her smile bright and carefree.
She was smiling.
Laughing.
Spinning around like she owned the place.
His irritation rose instantly.
He stood there for a few seconds, arms crossed, watching her scream the lyrics like she was at a concert instead of *his* house.
She missed a note.
Laughed at herself.
Kept going.
He exhaled sharply.
“Turn. It. Off.”
His voice was low.
Cold.
Cutting.
Aria froze mid-song.
The music kept playing, but she slowly turned around.
Her smile vanished.
Her eyes widened slightly when she saw him standing there, tall and intimidating, face unreadable.
“Oh—” she said softly.
“You’re back.”
He walked closer, each step calm but heavy.
“Is this a club?” he asked flatly.
“Or my house?”
She swallowed, quickly lowering the microphone.
“I didn’t know what else to do,” she said, trying to sound casual.
“It was too quiet.”
“That’s the point,” he replied.
He reached for the remote and turned the TV off.
The sudden silence was loud.
She shifted uncomfortably.
“I didn’t hear you come in,” she said.
“I can see that.”
She crossed her arms slightly, lifting her chin.
“You didn’t tell me there were rules about singing.”
His eyes narrowed just a little.
“There are rules about noise,” he said.
“And respect.”
She opened her mouth to argue—then stopped.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then she took a breath.
“I’ll keep it down,” she said.
“But don’t expect me to sit in silence all day.”
He studied her.
Bold.
Too bold.
“Go to your room,” he said.
She frowned.
“My room?”
“Yes.”
She hesitated, then nodded.
“Fine.”
She walked past him, shoulders stiff, pretending she wasn’t nervous.
He watched her disappear down the hallway.
Annoyed.
Surprised.
And for the first time since entering—
His house didn’t feel empty anymore.