The Deal Begins

The photo taken in the hallway spread across Westbridge High within minutes.

By the time first period was starting, it was already everywhere.

Group chats exploded with messages. Screens lit up nonstop. Students couldn't stop talking about it.

«"Lila and Julian are actually together??"

"I saw the picture. He was holding her hand!"

"She must be lucky."

"Lucky? She's just using him."

"Julian Carrington doesn't do relationships. Something is off."»

Jealousy spread faster than truth.

Some girls who once ignored Lila now stared at her with anger.

Others whispered insults as she passed.

A few were already planning how to make her life miserable.

Lila felt it all.

Every stare.

Every whisper.

Every phone camera pointed at her.

She kept her head down and walked faster.

---

Hospital

After school, Lila went straight to the hospital.

Her heart was heavy the entire ride there.

When she pushed open the door, her mother looked up immediately and smiled warmly.

"Lila, my baby," she said softly.

Lila's expression softened instantly.

"Mom…"

She walked quickly to her bedside and held her hand.

"How are you feeling today?"

"Better," her mother replied.

Lila hesitated for a moment.

Then she forced a smile.

"Mom, I have good news."

Her mother's eyes brightened.

"What is it, my daughter?"

"We're going to transfer you to a better hospital."

Her mother paused.

"…Why?"

"And the treatment will be completely free."

Confusion crossed her mother's face.

"Lila… why would anyone do that for us?"

Lila's fingers tightened slightly.

Because the truth was complicated.

Too complicated.

So she lied.

"It's a friend from school," she said softly. "He has a kind heart. He just wants to help."

Her mother studied her carefully.

But Lila avoided her gaze.

Guilt settled heavily in her chest.

She hated lying.

But she hated worrying her mother even more.

---

Lila's Home

The next morning, a luxury car stopped in front of Lila's apartment building.

It didn't belong there.

Everyone noticed.

Neighbors came out immediately, curious and shocked.

A tall boy stepped out of the car.

Julian Carrington.

Black shirt, two buttons undone, revealing a faint tattoo on his collarbone. His hair perfectly styled, his presence calm but overwhelming.

People froze.

Whispers started instantly.

«"Is that… Julian Carrington?"

"No way he's here."

"Who is he looking for?"

"He's even more handsome in real life…"»

Julian smirked slightly.

He liked the attention.

He always did.

Then he walked toward Lila's apartment door.

Knock.

Inside, Lila had been startled by the noise outside.

When she opened the door, she froze.

Of course it was him.

Creating chaos again.

"Will I have to stay outside forever?" Julian asked casually.

Lila blinked.

"Oh—sorry. Come in."

He stepped inside without hesitation.

The apartment was neat… but very small.

Julian looked around slowly.

Displeased.

"I'll go pack my things," Lila said quickly.

"No need," he replied immediately.

Lila frowned. "Why?"

"Because my girlfriend cannot be wearing cheap clothes around."

She scoffed.

"You are so arrogant."

"I know."

Lila rolled her eyes.

"What if someone needs to help me pack? I can't just leave everything here."

"Don't worry," Julian said. "My guards will handle it."

Lila sighed.

"Whatever."

She paused at the door and looked around her home one last time.

"What are you staring at?" Julian asked.

"At my home."

He glanced around the small space.

"This tiny thing?"

"Hey!" she snapped.

Julian shrugged. "Fine. Look all you want."

---

The Move

After some time, Lila changed and came out with her bag.

They stepped outside together.

The neighbors were still there.

Watching.

Whispering.

Taking pictures.

«"She's so lucky."

"How did she get him?"

"I'm jealous…"»

Lila's face burned with embarrassment.

But Julian acted like it was normal.

Like he belonged in the center of attention.

Like everything revolved around him.

---

The Mansion

When they arrived, Lila stepped out of the car slowly.

Then she looked up.

And froze.

A mansion.

Huge.

Beautiful.

Nothing she had ever seen before.

"This… is a house?" she whispered.

Julian walked ahead. "Obviously."

Lila followed him inside, still in shock.

The living room alone made her dizzy.

Crystal lights.

Wide space.

Elegant furniture.

A staircase that looked like something from a dream.

She stood frozen like she had forgotten how to move.

"You're going to live here," Julian said.

Lila swallowed.

"I feel like I'm going to faint."

"Try not to," he replied.

---

Unknown Place

Far away, in another part of the world…

A Young lady sat in front of multiple glowing computer screens.

She watched everything.

Every movement.

Every signal.

A slow, dangerous smile appeared on her lips.

Her phone rang.

"Ma'am, your flight to Sirra Loane is ready."

She exhaled slowly.

"Perfect."

She stood up.

"I'm coming back."

---

The Mansion – Later

Julian was showing Lila around the house when his phone suddenly rang.

His expression changed instantly.

Cold.

Distant.

He turned away.

"I'll take this," he said.

Lila nodded and continued exploring the mansion alone, still amazed by everything.

But as she wandered down the hallway, she stopped.

Julian's voice echoed faintly from another room.

She didn't mean to listen.

But she heard it clearly.

"I don't care what you want… I'm not marrying her."

Silence.

Then the call ended.

Lila froze.

Her heart slowed.

"…Marrying?"

She whispered the word under her breath.

Who was "her"?

And why did Julian sound like someone was forcing him?

For the first time since this fake relationship began…

Lila felt something deeper than confusion.

Something dangerous.

Something real.

And she had a feeling—

this was only the beginning.

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