The ballroom was a place everyone long to be at except Ethan Rivers.

Ethan Rivers stood at the edge of the ballroom, his eyes scanning the crowd he looks bored and piss off . The champagne flutes clinked, the laughter was forced, and the air was thick with pretence. He hated such events, but his PR team insisted he needed to be seen.

Lia Mason, on the other hand, wasn't scanning the crowd, she was drowning in her own anxiety. The tips of her fingers were stiff as she balanced the tray of champagne glasses. One wrong move and she would be out of a job,she couldn't afford that. Her mom's surgery bill was not going to pay itself. She taught "How would I raise the money"my mum life support ends tomorrow by 8AM No extension.

She tried so hard to pay attention to her job, but only what she could think about was her mom surgery,As she moved through the expensive and designer gowns, a voice growled behind her, "Watch it, waitress,The 8 glasses of champagne she carried was on the ground.

Lia's elbow jolted. And the next thing she knew, a $20,000 suit was drugged in golden liquid.

The room went quiet.

Ethan's dark eyes narrowed at the girl petite, terrified, and now frantic. "You. You did that."

Lia's face burned. "I I'm so sorry, sir. I will pay"

"Pay? Do you think you can pay for this?"

The music stopped. The guests turned. And Lia wanted to vanish.

Ethan's voice cut through the silence, "I want her fired."

Ethan's words hung in the air like a guillotine. Lia's eyes widened as the room seemed to shrink. The music stopped for a moment the laughter stuck in mid-air, and all she could hear was her own heart thumping like a drum.

"I will pay for the dry cleaning," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She knew it was a stupid thing to say the moment the words left her lips. This wasn't about dry cleaning. This was about her entire future.

Ethan's smile was a cold, calculated move. "Twenty thousand dollars, Miss for this...?" He raised an eyebrow, expecting her to fill in the blank.

"Lia Mason,whispered, her cheeks burning with humiliation. "I don't have twenty thousand dollars."

The crowd leaned in, sensing blood. This was better than the charity auction they had watched earlier.

Ethan's gaze raked over her like she was trash. "Then I guess you're out of luck. Security, escort her out." She is fired.

Lia's eyes stung. This was it. She'd lose her job, her scholarship, everything. Her mom's surgery...payment is due tomorrow.

Suddenly, a soft voice piped up from the crowd. "I will for pay it."

Ethan's head snapped toward the voice. Lia followed his gaze to a silver-haired woman in a red gown. "I will cover the cost, Ethan. Let the girl go."

Ethan's jaw ticked. "It's not about the money, Victoria."

The woman, Victoria, smiled sweetly. "Of course it isn't, darling. It's about being reasonable."

The tension broke. The music started again, and the crowd dispersed, bored with the drama. Ethan's eyes never left Lia's face. "You. Be at my office tomorrow. 8 AM. We need to discuss this."

Lia nodded, still dazed. What did he want with her?

As she turned to leave, her heel caught on the hem of her skirt. Ethan's arm shot out, catching her before she fall into the crowd.

For some seconds, they were pressed together. Lia felt the warmth of his chest, the scent of his collet, the power in his grip. Then he let go, she was on fire.

"Tomorrow, Miss Mason," he repeated, his voice low and dangerous.

Lia fled, her heart racing. What just happened?

Ethan watched her go, his eyes narrowing. This wasn't over. Not by a mile.

Lia fled the ballroom, her heels clicking on the marble floor like her heart trying to get out. She didn't stop until she hit the cool night air, gulping in oxygen like it was lifeline. The doorman raised an eyebrow at her paled face. "Taxi, miss?"

She nodded, couldn't talk if she talked she might cry. The gala was a disaster. Her job was gone. Her mom's surgery...ohh I don't want my mum dead she taught to herself I have to find another way.

Her phone buzzed. A text from Emma, her best friend. How's the gala?

Lia typed furiously. Got fired. Meet me at cafe tomorrow,We need to talk.

The taxi arrived, Taxi smell old, Lia gave her address, then dropped her head into her hands. What just happened back there?

Ethan's face lingered in her mind - cold, handsome, ruthless. Why did he want to see her tomorrow?

The taxi stopped at her place, Her small old, crooked house, paint falling off.mom was asleep on the couch, TV still on,but on a low volume,Lia kissed her forehead."i will make sure I fix this Mum" She whispered.

She changed into Pajamas sat there staring at nothing, her mind racing. Who was that woman, Victoria? Why did she look at me that way And why did Ethan look like he wanted to own her?seems she knows something....lia's taught.

Lia's phone lit up . A notification from the hospital "Test done pay tomorrow".

Tomorrow

Lia's heart sank. No job, no money...

A knock at the door made her jump. Who was that? At this hour?11pm

She checked the small hole on her door she saw a man, suited man stood outside, expression unreadable.

"Miss Lia Mason?" he asked, his voice low.

Lia nodded, heart racing.

"Message from Mr. Rivers. He'll cover your mother's surgery costs. Be at his office tomorrow. 8 AM sharp."

The man handed her a card. Rivers Towers. Penthouse.

Lia's eyes widened. What game was Ethan playing?

She slammed the door shut, her mind racing, fear and anger too tired of been broke her mum surgery,life support due by 8AM Tomorrow. Tomorrow was shaping up to be hell.

Her phone buzzed again.Unknown number. Just a line message.Dont sign anything he his hiding a child.lia dropped the phone what child?who sent this text....why is everything so complicated this night?

Ethan leaned back in his chair, eyes on the file in front of him. Lia Mason. Med student. Mom's surgery needed. Perfect for this.

His phone buzzed. A text from Victoria. Don't play with fire, Ethan.

He smiled coldly. Oh, but I will.

Lia paced her small home, the card in her hand like a ticking bomb. Rivers Towers. Penthouse, the text. What did Ethan want? Her mind sense scenarios all bad. Would he make her work for him? Pay off the debt like some dark fairytale?

Her mom stirred on the couch. "Lia, sweetie...what's wrong?"

Lia forced a smile. "Nothing, Mum. Just...work went weird. Get rest, okay?"

Her mom nodded, eyes gradually shut. Lia's gut twisted. She would fix this. Tomorrow.

At 7 AM, Lia stood outside Rivers Towers, her heart in her throat. The building loomed like a steel giant. She pressed the penthouse button. The elevator open. A suited assistant greeted her. "Mr. Rivers is waiting, Miss Mason."

Lia followed him into a glass-walled office. Ethan sat behind a desk, eyes on her like he owned her. "Close the door, Thompson."

The door clicked shut. Lia's pulse raced.

"So, Miss Mason." Ethan's leaned back. "You need money. I need...a favor."

A favor from him? Lia's instincts screamed warning. "What kind of favor?"

Ethan's smile was ice. "Marry me."

Lia blinked. Marry him?

"Not for love," he added, "For business. One year. You'll get...everything. Your mom's surgery, paid. A million dollars."

Lia's head spun. Why? What was the catch?

Ethan leaned forward. "My grandfather's will. I marry, stay married one year...I inherit a billion. You get...freedom. Money."

Lia's thoughts swirled. A contract wife?

Lia's laugh was incredulous. "You can't be serious." Marry a stranger? For money? The words sounded insane aloud.

Ethan's face was a mix of calm but his eyes burned with something lia' couldn't place."Dead serious. One year, Lia. You'll be Mrs. Rivers. Live in this tower, play the part. I will handle the rest."

Lia's mind raced. A million dollars. Mum's surgery. Her future... "What's the catch?" She asked again her words barley above a whisper.

Ethan's eyes glinted. "No touching. No love. No backing out. If you divorce me before a year, you get nothing. And..." He paused his gaze pinned her to the spot.

Lia's heart skipped. "And?"

"If you screw this up, I will ruin you. No med school. No job. You'll be done."

Lia's felt like she has been slapped.Lia's breath caught. Ruthless. He was ruthless.But...Mum.she taught of her mum smile,her laugh,her hope.lia's "I would do anything for my mum surgery she taught "

The silence stretched. Her mom's face flashed in her mind - sick, hopeful. The hospital bill...

"Okay," Lia whispered. "One year."

Ethan's eyes flashed with something triumph, satisfaction "Good. We will sign the contract. Today."

Lia nodded, feeling trapped. This was crazy.

Ethan stood, towering over her. "Thompson, bring the papers."

The assistant entered with a sleek folder. Lia signed with shaking hands. Ethan signed with a flourish. The deal was sealed.

As they left the office, Ethan's hand brushed against hers. Lia jerked away, her heart racing like she had touched fire.

Ethan's eyes narrowed, you are mine now.

Lia turned to him, her voice shaking. "What now?"

Ethan's smile . "Now, you pack. You will move in tonight."

Lia's jaw dropped. "Tonight?"

Ethan's voice was ice. "I said tonight."

Lia turned to leave, but his next words stopped her. "And, Lia?"

"Yes?" she whispered, her heart pounding.

"Don't try to run. You will regret it."

Lia's heart pounded as she walked out. She hailed a taxi, Contract wife. One year. What have I gotten myself into?

The taxi dropped her home. Lia entered

her home Lia started packing, What was she getting into? The text don't sign anything keeps making her feel like l this is more than a contract"

As she zipped her suitcase, her phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number.

I'll pick you up at 10 PM. Be ready.

Lia's heart skipped. Ethan.

She looked around her tiny home,

At 10 PM, Lia stood outside her building, suitcase in hand. A black car pulled up. The window rolled down. Ethan's eyes met hers

"Get in," he said, his voice low, sending a shiver down her spine,Lia hesitated then got in the car.... she got in.

He hold her hand in the car which send a shiver down her spine....she taught "what next"

As the car drove off, Lia felt a shiver. This was it. One year. Contract wife.

Ethan's voice broke the silence. "Welcome to your new life, Lia."

Lia's heart pounded. What have i gotten gotten myself into?

TITLE:THE STAIN: CONTRACT WIFE FOR THE COLD BILLIONAIRE.

Lia stepped into the penthouse, her eyes widening. glass walls, marble floors, and a view of the city that stole her breath.

Ethan entered behind her, his presence like a shadow. "This is your home now."

Lia's suitcase felt heavy in her hand. "Where do I...?"

"Thompson will show you." Ethan turned to leave.

"Wait," Lia blurted. "What about...us? The contract?"

Ethan's eyes were cold. "I will email you the terms. You'll find everything in order."

Lia's chest tightened. "And...my mom's surgery?"

Ethan's jaw ticked. "Paid. Tomorrow."

Lia nodded, feeling a mix of relief and dread.

Thompson appeared. "This way, Miss Mason."

Lia followed him to a bedroom, hers- apparently. Lavender walls, king bed, en-suite. She felt like a doll in a doll house.

Thompson handed her a phone. "Mr. Rivers' number. Call if needed."

Lia's fingers brushed his as she took the phone. Ethan's words echoed: You're mine now.

As Thompson left, Lia collapsed onto the bed. What was she doing?

Her phone buzzed. A text from Ethan.

Dinner. 8 PM. Be ready.

Lia's heart skipped. Dinner? With him?

She looked around the room, spotting a closet full of designer clothes. Her size. How...?

A knock. Thompson. "Miss, Mr. Rivers requests you wear the red dress tonight."

Lia's eyes widened. The red dress was... wow.

At 8 PM, Lia entered the dining room. Ethan stood by the window, his eyes on her like she was prey.

"You're...stunning," he said, his voice low.

Lia's cheeks heated. "Thanks."

Dinner was...torture. Polite words, cold food, heavy air. Ethan barely looked at her.

As they finished, he stood. "We leave tomorrow. Paris."

Lia's "Paris?"

Ethan's smile was cold. "Business. You will play the part."

Lia nodded, her heart racing. What was she getting into?

Ethan turned to leave. "Goodnight, Lia."

Lia watched him go, feeling...trapped.

Her phone buzzed again.

Don't leave the penthouse alone. Security's watching.

Lia's eyes widened. What was Ethan hiding?

So, Lia stood there, feeling trapped, her eyes fixed on the door Ethan had just walked out of. The silence was deafening, punctuated only by the soft hum of the city outside.

She turned to explore the penthouse, her heels clicking on the marble floor. Every room seemed to lead to another, each one more luxurious than the last. She felt like a tiny cog in a massive machine, one that was slowly grinding her down.

As she wandered, her eyes landed on a photo on a side table. Ethan, younger, smiling, with a woman who looked like...Lia's heart skipped a beat. Who was that?

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, breaking the spell. A text from Ethan.

Don't snoop. You will find out what you need to know.

Lia's eyes narrowed. What was he hiding?

She heard footsteps outside the room. Thompson entered, a discreet smile on his face. "Miss, would you like a nightcap?"

Lia hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, please."

As Thompson poured her a glass of wine, she asked, "Who is the woman in the photo?"

Thompson's expression didn't change, but his eyes flickered. "That was Mr. Rivers' sister, Ava. She...passed away."

Lia's heart twisted. " I am sorry."

Thompson's voice was soft. "It was a long time ago, Miss."

The wine arrived, and Lia took a sip, her mind racing. What secrets was Ethan hiding?

As she finished the wine, Thompson appeared again. "Miss, it's late. You should rest. Tomorrow's a big day."

Lia nodded, feeling the weight of the day crashing down on her.

As she lay in bed, her mind spinning, she heard a faint noise. The door creaked open. Ethan slipped in, his eyes locked on hers.

"Lia," he whispered. "Sleep tight."

Lia's heart pounded as he leaned in, his breath on her ear. "Tomorrow, we start our game."

She tried to process what was happening, but her mind was a jumble of emotions. What game? What did he mean?

Ethan straightened up, his eyes glinting in the dark. "Sleep tight, Lia."

The door shut, and Lia was left alone, her heart still racing. What was going on? What had she gotten herself into?

She tossed and turned, her mind racing with questions. Who was Ethan really? What was his game?

The next morning, Lia woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing. A text from Ethan.

Be ready in 30 minutes. We are leaving for Paris.

Lia's eyes widened. Paris?

She jumped out of bed, What was she supposed to wear? What was she supposed to do?

Thompson appeared with a cup of coffee. "Good morning, Miss. Mr. Rivers is waiting."

Lia took a deep breath,steeling herself "okay let do this"

Lia was at the private jet in 30 minutes, wearing one of those designer dresses from the closet. Heels, sunglasses, the whole "Mrs. Rivers" package.

Ethan was already onboard, laptop open, tie loose. He didn't look up when she sat across from him.

"Rules for Paris," he said,

"1. You smile.

2. You hold my arm at events.

3. You don't ask questions about Ava."

Lia's throat tightened. "You knew I saw the photo?"

Ethan finally looked up. Eyes cold, but something flickered. "I know everything that happens in my penthouse, Lia."

The jet took off. Lia stared out the window,This wasn't just a contract anymore. He was watching her. Controlling her.

Her phone buzzed. Unknown number again:

He didn't tell you everything. Ask him about the will.

Lia glanced at Ethan. He was back to typing, jaw tight.

What was he hiding? And who was texting

Paris skyline appeared below them. Ethan closed his laptop. "We land in 20 sec". Act like we are married Lia."

Lia forced a smile. Inside, she was screaming.

The jet doors opened to Paris lights. A black car waited. Ethan took Lia's hand like it was his job. His grip was firm. Too firm.

The gala was insane. Crystal, designer suits, women in gowns that cost more than Lia's mom's hospital bills. Cameras flashed the second Ethan stepped in.

"Mr. Rivers! Mrs. Rivers!" reporters shouted.

Lia plastered on a smile. Ethan's arm slid around her waist, pulling her closer.

Then she saw her. A woman in red silk, staring straight at Lia. Cold smile. Familiar eyes.

Ethan tensed. "Ignore her."

"Who is she?" Lia whispered back.

"His ex-fiance," Thompson's voice came from behind. "Claire Dubois."

Claire walked right up to them, eyes locked on Lia. She raised her champagne glass. "So... you're the new replacement, huh?"

The air went ice cold. Ethan's jaw clenched. Lia's heart dropped.

Claire leaned in, voice low enough for only Lia to hear: "Ask him why Ava really died. Then ask him why you're next."

Lia froze. Ethan pulled her away before she could respond.

"Don't listen to her," he said, but his hand shook on Lia's back.

Lia looked up at him. For the first time, she saw fear in Ethan Rivers' eyes.

The doors closed behind them with a soft click that felt like a gunshot.

Lia's heart was pounding so hard she was sure Ethan could hear it. He did not move. Did not speak. Just stood there with his back to her, shoulders rigid under that tailored black suit like he was holding the entire building up.

The gala music drifted out to them laughter and champagne glasses clinking. It sounded like another world. A world where Lia was not married to a man she barely knew. A world where his dead sister name was not hanging in the air between them.

"Who was driving, could it be Ethan?" she asked. Her voice came out barely above a whisper. She hated how small she sounded.For a long second, nothing. Only the wind pulling at her dress and .

Then he turned.

For three seconds, Ethan Rivers looked completely broken. No billionaire armor. No cold CEO glare. Just a man drowning in memory. His eyes were not dark anymore. They were hollow.

"Me," he said. One word. Cold as the Paris air hitting her skin.

Lia stumbled back a step like he had slapped her. "You? You killed your own sister?" The words tasted bitter even as she said them. She did not want to believe it. But Claire's warning with the fear in his eyes,something ugly.

"No." He dragged a hand through his hair and the gesture was so human it hurt. "I was driving. Ava was next to me. We hit black ice on the bridge out of Lyon. The car spun. I walked away with three broken ribs. She didn't."

The silence that followed hit harder than Claire's champagne toast threat.

Lia's mind raced. The contract she had signed at 2am with tears in her eyes. The cameras in his penthouse. The way he tracked her movements like she was something fragile that might shatter.

"You brought me here because" Her voice cracked.

"Because you look like her." Ethan cut her off, but his voice was not cruel. It was exhausted. "Same height. Same stubborn chin. Same way you argue with me when I tell you to do something stupid."

Lia's blood went cold. The dress she wore tonight. The red one he picked. The way he had stared at her before the gala like he was seeing a ghost. "I'm not a replacement," she whispered.

"I know that," he snapped. His jaw ticked. Then, softer, like he was admitting it to himself: "I'm trying to know that."

He took a step toward her. Lia should have moved back. She did not.

Ethan lifted a hand like he wanted to touch her face, then dropped it. "Every time you frown at me, I see her. Every time you refuse to back down, I see her. And it kills me, Lia. Because you are not her. You are louder. Braver. You signed that contract knowing it could ruin you."

Lia's throat tightened. "Do not do that. Don't make this about me being 'special' to fix your guilt."

"I am not"

"You are." She took a step forward, close enough to his jacket, ,"You picked me off the street because I looked like your dead sister. That is not business, Ethan. That is grief."

His eyes flashed. "And what are you doing here, Lia? Taking my money to pay your mother's hospital bills is that not grief?" The hit landed. Lia flinched.

she muttered.

"Truth hurts," he said, but his voice softened. He reached out and adjusted the jacket on her shoulders. His fingers brushed her collarbone and Lia's breath caught. His touch was careful. Like she was made of glass. Like she was Ava.

"Lia," he murmured.

She looked up. Moonlight hit his face and for a second he did not look ruthless. He looked young. Tired. Lonely.

"Do not," she whispered, but she did not pull away.

His thumb grazed her jaw. One touch. Barely there. "You ask too many questions."

"You have too many secrets," she whispered back.

For a second she thought he had kiss her. The air between them went heavy, electric. Ethan leaned in half an inch and Lia's heart stopped.

Then footsteps. Heavy. Fast.

"Mr. Rivers. We have a problem."

They jerked apart like teenagers caught by a parent. Thompson stood in the doorway, face pale under the balcony lights. His tie was loosened. That never happened.

Ethan's mask slammed back on instantly. "What."

Thompson glanced at Lia, then held out his phone. Screen glowing. "The will. It is been leaked online. but... someone posted the marriage clause."

Ethan's whole body went rigid. "How? That document was sealed."

"Someone inside Rivers Corp," Thompson said quietly. "Headline's trending: BILLIONAIRE'S SECRET MARRIAGE CLAUSE. WIFE MUST REMAIN 'FAITHFUL' OR LOSE EVERYTHING.There are photos of you two dancing. Of her wearing your jacket."

Lia's stomach dropped. The jacket slipped off one shoulder.

"Claire," Ethan said. Not a question.

"Claire," Thompson confirmed.

Cameras flashed through the balcony doors. Shouts started. "Mr. Rivers! Mrs. Rivers! Is it true about the clause? Is the marriage real?"

Reporters. Dozens of them. They had found the side entrance.

Ethan breath was hard, the first time Lia had ever heard him. He grabbed her wrist, grip firm but not painful. "We need to leave. Now. Service elevator."

"Wait-" Lia yanked her hand back. Her heart was beating too fast. "You said it was business. Just business. But you look at me like I'm Ava. So what am I to you, Ethan? A wife on paper or a ghost you are trying to keep alive?"

The question hung there. Ugly and honest.

Ethan stared at her. The city lights reflected in his eyes and for once he did not hide.

"Right now?" he said, voice low enough only she could hear. "You are the only thing keeping me from losing everything. Again. I do not care why I brought you here anymore. I care that you're still here."

Lia's breath caught. That was not in the contract. That was not business.

Before she could answer, another flash. Closer this time. Someone had pushed onto the balcony.

Ethan did not hesitate. He stepped in front of her, blocking the cameras with his body. His arm came around her waist and pulled her flush against his chest. Protective. Possessive.

"Smile, Mrs. Rivers," he whispered in her ear, but it was for the cameras. "They are watching.

His lips brushed her temple as he said it. Not a kiss.

Lia's knees went weak. The jacket. His arms. The way he said "Mrs Rivers" like he meant it.

Thompson was already moving them toward the doors. Ethan kept one arm around her as they pushed through the crowd. Flashes blinded her. Questions screamed her name.

"Mrs. Rivers! Did you know about Ava?"

"Is the marriage a lie?"

"Mr. Rivers, did you kill your sister?"

Lia buried her face in Ethan's chest. He smelled like safety and danger all at once. His hand came up to the back of her head, shielding her.

In the elevator, the doors slid shut and cut off the noise. Silence. Just the two of them, breathing hard.

Ethan let go immediately.

Lia hugged his jacket tighter. "So what now? We run?"

Ethan hit the button for the underground garage. His eyes met hers in the mirrored walls.

"No," he said. A slow, dangerous smile touched his lips. The CEO was back. "We fight. But Lia..."

He paused. The elevator dinged.

The doors opened to chaos.

Security shouted. Tires screeched on wet pavement. Another wall of cameras flashed like lightning. . His hand stayed locked around Lia's wrist as he pulled her through the underground garage.

"Into the car," he ordered, voice low and sharp.

Thompson had the Bentley running, door open. Lia slid in, heart hammering. Ethan followed, slamming the door behind them. The tinted windows went up and suddenly the world went quiet. Just the hum of the engine and their breathing.

"Drive," Ethan said.

The car peeled out. Lia gripped the leather seat. She could still hear the reporters yelling her name.

For a long minute, neither of them spoke. The city blurred past outside. Paris at night looked like broken glass - beautiful and dangerous.

Lia finally exhaled. "You said 'we fight'. What does that mean?"

Ethan loosened his tie with one hand. The other stayed close to hers on the seat. Not touching. But close enough she could feel the heat. "It means Claire leaked the will because she wants Rivers Corp. She will do anything to get it. Including painting you as the villain."

Lia turned to him. "And what about Ava? You said she died in a crash. You were driving. But Claire said ask who was driving. Like there is more."

Ethan's jaw ticked. He stared out the window. "There is."

The word hung between them. Heavy.

Lia reached out before she could stop herself. Her fingers brushed his face. "Ethan. Look at me."

He did not, Not at first.

Then slowly, he turned. His eyes were dark again. But not empty. Angry. At himself. At the world.

"The police report says I was driving," he said finally. "That is true. But Ava grabbed the wheel. We were fighting. She found out I was cutting ties with Claire's family. The Rivers and Moreau families had a deal. Marriage, merger, power. Ava said I was throwing it away for some girl. She reached for me.

Lia's breath hitched. "So it was not just an accident."

"No," Ethan whispered. "It was my fault. And Claire knows it."

The car hit a bump. Lia slid closer to him. His jacket was still around her shoulders. Without thinking, she tucked it tighter around herself and leaned into his side, just for a second. Just to breathe.

Ethan went still.

"Do not" he said. But his voice was not cold. It was rough.

"Do not what?" Lia whispered. "Want comfort? From the man I married?"

"You're not my wife, Lia. Not really."

"Then stop looking at me like I am." The words came out sharper than she meant.

Ethan's hand moved. Fast. He caught her chin and turned her face up to his. Not rough. Not cruel. But firm. His thumb pressed against her bottom lip.

"You want to know what you are to me?" he murmured. His eyes dropped to her mouth. "You are the only person in two years who is looked at me and did not see signs or grief. You see me. And it terrifies me."

Lia's heart stopped. The car felt too small. The air too thick.

He cut her off. Not with a kiss. With his forehead pressed to hers. One hand still on her chin. , finally wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.

"I don't know how to do this," he admitted against her skin. "I don't know how to want someone without losing them."

Lia closed her eyes. His cologne. His heartbeat against her chest. The way his hand trembled, just slightly, like he was barely holding back.

"Then do not lose me," she whispered.

For a second she thought he would kiss her. His lips moved a breath away from hers. She could feel it. The pull. The hunger. The two years of silence breaking apart.

Her fingers curled into his suit jacket.

Then his phone buzzed. Violent. Loud in the quiet car.

Ethan jerked back like he had been burned. The mask slid back on instantly. He released her and pulled the phone out. Read the screen. His face went hard.

"What?" Lia asked, voice shaky.

He did not answer. He just showed her the screen.

A photo of Her. From tonight. Dancing with him. FAKE WIFE. GOLD DIGGER. SHE KILLED AVA.

Below it: 2.4 million views.

"Claire posted it 30 seconds ago," Ethan said. "She is not waiting for the will. She is coming for you."

Lia stared at the image. Her stomach twisted. "She will ruin me."

"No," Ethan said. He put the phone away and turned to her fully. But his hand stayed on her waist. "She would not. Because starting now, we play by my rules."

The car slowed,A private gate opened ahead. Lights of his Paris penthouse above them.

Ethan cupped her face with both hands. Forced her to meet his eyes.

"Listen to me, Lia. I brought you here because of Ava. I am keeping you here because of you. If Claire wants a war, she will get one. But you are not fighting alone. Not anymore."

His thumb brushed her cheekbone.

"Do you understand?" he asked.

Lia nodded. She could not speak. Could not think. All she could feel was his hands and the way he said "you're not fighting alone" like a vow.

The car stopped. Doors opened. Security surrounded them.

Ethan dropped his hands, but not before his fingers lingered at her jaw.

She looked up.

"No more questions about Ava tonight. Tonight, you sleep. Tomorrow, we destroy her."

Lia stood on shaky legs. The jacket slipped off her shoulders. Ethan caught it before it hit the ground. He draped it over her again, slower this time. His knuckles brushed her neck and stayed there a second too long.

"Good girl," he murmured. So low only she heard.

Lia's knees almost buckled.