Aarav Knight hated unfinished thoughts.
Yet, as his car moved through the empty streets, one face refused to leave his mind.
Elena.
Her calm voice.
Her honest eyes.
The way she looked at him—not with fear, not with greed—but concern.
It annoyed him.
People usually looked at Aarav Knight like he was a prize or a threat. Never like a man who could break.
He tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
You're losing control, he told himself.
And Aarav Knight never lost control.
Back at the Penthouse
The penthouse was silent. Too silent.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, expensive furniture, city lights—everything screamed luxury. Yet it felt colder than the rain outside.
Aarav tossed his coat aside and sat on the couch.
His phone buzzed again.
Ryan.
Aarav answered this time.
"You disappeared," Ryan said casually. "Media is asking questions."
"I don't care."
Ryan chuckled. "You should. The board wants stability. An engaged CEO looks reliable."
"I won't marry for business."
Ryan paused. "Still scared of betrayal?"
That word hit hard.
Aarav ended the call without another word.
He leaned back, eyes closed.
Then—without warning—his mind returned to the café.
Moonlight Pages.
And the woman who worked there like she didn't belong to the world's cruelty.
Elena's Side
Elena locked the café door and leaned against it.
Her heart was still racing.
"Fake girlfriend?" she whispered to herself. "Who even asks that?"
She looked at the card again.
Aarav Knight. CEO.
She had heard the name. Everyone had.
Cold businessman. Ruthless. Untouchable.
Yet the man she saw tonight looked… tired. Lost.
She shook her head.
"This is crazy," she muttered.
Still, she slipped the card into her pocket instead of throwing it away.
The Next Morning
Aarav arrived at Knight Empire early.
Employees straightened instantly when they saw him. Fear followed him like a shadow.
"Good morning, sir."
He nodded once and walked into his office.
Glass walls. Sharp lines. Control.
His assistant, Maya, entered. "Sir, about the engagement rumors—"
"I'm handling it," Aarav said.
Maya hesitated. "Media wants a public appearance. With… someone."
Aarav's jaw tightened.
"I know."
Maya left.
Aarav stood by the window.
I don't need anyone, he thought.
Then why did Elena's voice echo in his head?
You don't have to fight everything alone.
He scoffed.
Weak thought.
Still… useful.
A Decision
By evening, Aarav was back in his car.
Without thinking, he drove to Riverside.
To the café.
The bell chimed again.
Elena looked up—and froze.
"You," she said.
"Me," Aarav replied.
Her arms crossed instantly. "We're closed."
"I'll be quick."
She hesitated, then gestured to a chair. "Five minutes."
He sat, calm but serious.
"I don't force people," Aarav said. "You can say no."
"I already did."
"Think again," he replied. "This deal benefits you too."
Elena raised an eyebrow. "How?"
"I'll pay your student loans. Rent. Medical insurance. No physical relationship. No lies between us except one."
She stared at him. "You make fake love sound like a business plan."
"It is."
"And if I fall for you?" she asked suddenly.
Aarav didn't answer immediately.
Then, honestly, he said, "Then I'll walk away."
That honesty surprised her.
"And what if you fall?" she asked.
Aarav met her eyes.
"That won't happen."
But something in his chest felt… uncertain.
The Rules
Elena sighed. "If I say yes, there are rules."
Aarav nodded. "I like rules."
"No control over my life."
"Agreed."
"No emotional manipulation."
"I don't manipulate emotions."
She smiled faintly. "That's a lie."
Aarav didn't deny it.
"And," she added softly, "the moment this hurts me—I leave."
He nodded slowly. "Fair."
Silence stretched between them.
Finally, Elena spoke.
"One week," she said. "Trial."
Aarav's eyes narrowed. "You're serious?"
"One week," she repeated. "Then I decide."
Aarav stood and extended his hand.
She looked at it.
Then shook it.
The touch was brief.
But something shifted.
End Scene
As Aarav walked out, his phone buzzed.
Ryan: Media event tomorrow night. Bring your girlfriend.
Aarav stopped.
He turned back.
"Elena," he said.
She looked up.
"Tomorrow night," he said. "Your first lie."
She swallowed. "Guess I should buy a dress."
Aarav allowed himself a rare, small smile.
"I'll take care of it."
As he left, Elena whispered to herself:
"I hope I don't regret this."
Across the street, Aarav sat in his car, staring ahead.
For the first time in years, he felt something unfamiliar.
Not love.
Not fear.
Possibility.