Mia's POV
It had been a week since the accident. Since my collision with Ryan's car. It felt like a lifetime.
The stress of it all had nearly shattered me. My nerves were still on edge, my thoughts constantly swirling around the Saint family's secrets—Eric's odd health, Ryan's cold demeanor, and now the aftermath of that crash. But somehow, against all odds, Eric had finally stabilized. His fever had subsided, and he seemed more energetic, even playful again.
It was as if the mysterious sickness that had plagued him had never existed.
Still, the feeling that something wasn't right lingered in my gut. Eric wasn't just fine—he was recovering far too quickly, and that made my instincts itch. There was something more, something I couldn't yet name, but I wasn't going to stop until I found out.
But before I could take another step forward in unraveling the Saint family's web of lies, a different kind of storm was brewing—one I hadn't expected.
---
Ryan's POV
My grandfather, Desmond Saint, had never been an easy man to please.
At eighty-five, he had built an empire that spanned continents. His power was unmatched, his influence unparalleled, and his expectations? Unyielding.
Today, his patience had run out.
"Ryan," he snapped, his tone clipped as I stood before him in his expansive, dark-wood office. "This charade cannot continue. You will marry."
I stiffened, eyes narrowing. "Grandfather, we've discussed this."
"No. You have discussed it. I've been patient long enough." He leaned forward, sharp eyes boring into mine. "The company needs a proper heir. You need an heir. And she—" he gestured with a cold hand, "—won't wait forever."
I clenched my jaw. "I'm not marrying anyone just to satisfy your whims."
"You'll marry, or I'll find someone for you. And you'll be expected to fulfill your duties, just as your father did before you." Desmond's voice dropped lower, becoming more threatening. "This family doesn't have time for your little rebellions, Ryan. The Saints have always upheld our values. Tradition. Duty. And now, you're the last of us. Don't make me resort to other means."
I gritted my teeth, fingers curling into fists.
The last thing I wanted was to go down the road my grandfather was suggesting. But I also knew better than to defy him outright. His reach was far and wide.
A solution. I needed one. And fast.
---
Mia's POV
I didn't expect the knock on my office door. Not today. Not after everything.
"Dr. Walls," the voice of Mr. Jackson, Ryan's driver, called out. He was standing there, looking all too professional in his dark suit, though his eyes held an unsettling glint.
"Can I help you?" I asked, my heart skipping a beat. Something was off.
"I'm here on behalf of Mr. Ryan Saint," he said, voice steady. "He requests your presence immediately."
My breath caught. "Ryan? What does he—"
Before I could finish, Mr. Jackson raised a hand. "Please, Dr. Walls. It's urgent."
---
Ryan's POV
I wasn't sure what I expected from Mia when she walked into the suite I had booked for the meeting. But it wasn't this.
She stood there, face pale, lips pressed into a thin line of confusion. Her eyes darted around the room, but she didn't speak.
I didn't waste time. "We need to talk."
She folded her arms. "What now? Another lecture?"
"Not quite." I motioned for her to sit. "We need to finalize our arrangement."
Her brow furrowed. "Arrangement?"
I leaned forward, hands clasped in front of me. "Yes. I've thought about it. And I'm offering you a solution."
Her lips parted, but she remained silent, waiting for me to continue.
"I need a wife. You need a way out of your recent… mishap," I said bluntly. "Let's make it simple."
Her eyes flashed, but she didn't speak right away. Instead, she crossed her arms tighter. "What are you asking, Ryan?"
I didn't beat around the bush. "A marriage contract."
Mia's jaw dropped.
"Don't worry," I added coldly. "It's a marriage in name only. No emotions. No attachment. Just an agreement to protect both of our interests."
Her gaze flickered with suspicion. "And what do you gain from this?"
I smirked. "A clean reputation. The power to fulfill my grandfather's wishes. And the peace of mind knowing that I'm not trapped in a situation I didn't choose."
She hesitated. "And you think I'll agree to this?"
I shrugged. "You have no choice. The alternative is you pay for the damages to my car. The full amount, Mia. Which, I'm sure you don't have."
She looked like she wanted to argue, but the reality of her situation seemed to hit her all at once.
"So this is it?" she said, voice tight with anger and frustration. "You're offering me a marriage to save your own skin?"
I leaned back, watching her closely. "It's not about saving my skin. It's about keeping things clean and simple."
She stared at me for a long moment, her chest rising and falling with the weight of her thoughts.
Finally, she spoke, her voice small but firm.
"Fine. But we keep this strictly professional. No strings attached."
I nodded. "That's the point, Mia. Professional."
I watched her face as she processed it all. This wasn't ideal for either of us, but it was the only option that worked.
For now.