Chapter 2 NO OTHER WAY

Ava sat on the edge of her bed, her laptop open in front of her, the screen filled with spreadsheets and overdue notices. She rubbed her temples, trying to will away the pounding headache that had been her constant companion since the previous night. The image of her parents tied up and terrified haunted her, and the men's threats echoed in her ears.

One week. That was all the time they'd given her to come up with an astronomical amount of money which was far more than she could ever hope to earn on her meager accountant's salary.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. It was her best friend, Layla.

"How's it going? Have you figured out anything yet?"

Ava sighed, typing back a quick response. "No. It's bad, Layla. Really bad. Nothing is coming forth anywhere."

Within seconds, Layla was calling. Ava picked up, grateful for the sound of her friend's voice.

"Ava, talk to me," Layla said, her usual confident tone replaced with concern.

Ava let out a shaky breath. "They showed up at my apartment last night. They tied up my parents, Layla. I've never been so scared in my life."

"What?!" Layla's voice was sharp. "Ava, that's insane. Did you call the police?"

"I can't," Ava said quickly. "You know how these things work. If I go to the police, they'll make things worse. They want their money, and they're not going to wait."

"How much is it?" Layla asked hesitantly.

Ava hesitated, then told her the number.

Layla let out a low whistle. "Ava, that's... that's a lot. I don't even think my parents could cover something like that without squeezing their foreheads in sweat"

"I know," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've tried everything. I've been calling in favors, asking everyone I know for help, but it's no use. I'm out of options and the interests keep piling up."

There was a pause at the other end of the line. "What about... what about him?"

"Who?" she responded mindlessly, clueless of what she was talking about, until her brain suddenly clicked.

Ava's stomach twisted. "Damien Cross?"

"Yes," Layla said carefully. "I mean, you said he offered to pay you any amount in exchange for the contract marriage. It's insane, but it's not like you're committed to him forever, right?"

Ava stood and began pacing the room. "Layla, I can't just, he's manipulative, cold, and-"

"And he's your only option," Layla interrupted gently. "I know you hate the idea, Ava, but your parents are in danger. You'd be protecting them by partnering with him."

The words hit Ava like a punch to the gut. Layla was right, as much as she hated to admit it. Damien was her only way out. But the thought of tying herself to him, even temporarily, made her feel trapped.

"Think about it," Layla said softly. "I'll support you no matter what, but you don't have much time."

"I'll think about it," Ava murmured, though she already knew what she had to do.

***

Ava spent the next few hours making calls, visiting banks, and trying every avenue she could think of. She even went to the office of a wealthy former client, begging for a loan, but she was turned away at every turn. The debt was simply too large for anyone to jump in.

By the time she returned home, her body ached from exhaustion, and her heart felt heavier than ever. Her father was sitting in his armchair, staring blankly at the television, while her mother quietly folded laundry at the dining table.

"How was your day, sweetheart?" her mother asked, forcing a smile.

"It was... fine," Ava lied, unable to meet her mother's eyes.

"Don't lie to me, Ava," her father said quietly. "I know you're trying to fix this, but it's not your responsibility."

"Yes, it is," Ava said firmly, her voice breaking. "I can't just stand by and do nothing. I won't."

Her father opened his mouth to argue, but Ava shook her head. "I have to go out for a bit," she said, grabbing her coat.

"Where are you going?" her mother asked, worry etched on her face.

"I'm just... taking care of something," Ava replied, forcing herself to sound calm. "I'll be back soon."

***

Damien Cross's office was in the heart of the city, a sleek, modern building that screamed wealth and power. Ava had been here once before, for an unrelated work meeting, but she had never expected to return under these circumstances.

She took the elevator to the top floor, her nerves mounting with each passing second. When the doors opened, she was greeted by a stylish receptionist who eyed her curiously.

"Do you have an appointment?" the woman asked.

"No, but I need to speak with Mr. Cross," Ava said, her voice steadier than she felt.

The receptionist raised an eyebrow but made a quick call. After a brief exchange, she nodded. "Mr. Cross will see you now."

Ava walked down the hall, her heart pounding in her chest. When she reached the double doors to Damien's office, she hesitated for a moment before pushing them open.

Damien was seated at his massive desk, his dark eyes fixed on her as she entered. He looked as polished as ever, his tailored suit impeccable, his expression unreadable.

"Miss Hart," he said smoothly. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Ava clenched her fists at her sides, refusing to let him intimidate her. "I've thought about your offer," she said, her voice firm. "And I'm willing to agree to it."

Damien's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. "I see. And what changed your mind?"

"It doesn't matter," Ava said sharply. "I'll do it. But I have conditions."

Damien leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "By all means, let's hear them."

Ava took a deep breath. "This stays strictly professional. No emotional games, no manipulation. You clear my father's debt, and I fulfill whatever... role you need me to play. After the contract ends, we part ways."

Damien regarded her for a long moment, his eyes flickering with something she couldn't read. "Agreed," he said finally. "But you'll find, Miss Hart, that my world doesn't operate on simple rules. Be prepared for complications."

"I can handle it," Ava said, though she wasn't sure if she was trying to convince him or herself.

Damien stood, extending his hand. "Then we have a deal."

Ava hesitated before shaking his hand, her stomach churning. As his fingers closed around hers, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just made a deal with the devil.