Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Mistress by Contract, Not by Choice

She didn't even have the energy to respond to his question-her mind was filled with one thought only: he really shouldn't be here, not tonight. It was their wedding night for god's sake, and yet he came to her... leaving Fiona alone like that felt too cruel.

She pushed him off with all her strength, breath coming out in sharp bursts as she snapped, "Seriously? Don't you feel guilty to Fiona? If you don't love her, then don't marry her. But you did, and now you ditch her on your wedding night? That's just low!"

Lucian didn't force her. He just stood there quietly, watching her closely like he was trying to read her mind-figure out what exactly was going through that little head of hers.

"So, are you jealous or just feeling bad for her?" he asked, calm as ever.

"Jealous? Who am I to be jealous? I'm just the bonus prize thrown in with your investment in FortuneRise Inc.. What right would I have to be jealous of your wife? I just... I feel sorry for Fiona. She's always had everything-spoiled like a real princess. This will break her heart."

He smirked, lips curling with that familiar sarcasm. "And aren't you a pampered princess too? Still ended up being my secret lover, didn't you?"

Ariella's eyes dimmed. That word-lover-hit like a slap. He wasn't wrong. That's exactly what she was. She just didn't want to admit it.

"I did this because I had no other choice. I had to save my dad... But Fiona doesn't owe you anything. Treating her like this-it's not right. She's..."

Her voice faltered. She couldn't even finish.

Something about her words irritated Lucian more than he expected. To hide the mood swing, he frowned and cut her off.

"You've always been obedient these past two years. So why are you pushing back tonight, and twice? Is this about me not marrying you? Still mad over that?"

"No!" she snapped, shaking her head hard. She already looked pathetic as it was, no way she'd let him see the hope she'd once had.

"If you weren't aiming for the Sterling name, why send someone to crash my wedding?"

"I didn't!"

"You want me to spell it out for you, huh? Show you proof? Do you really need me to?"He paused, gaze sharpening.

"Let's just say - if the right people saw the evidence, FortuneRise Inc. might start reconsidering their investment."

He didn't break eye contact, his stare cold and sharp.

And just from the flicker in her gaze, he knew it-it really had been her. A scheming, restless little thing.

"...Fine. I did it. It was me. Please, just don't mess with FortuneRise Inc.'s investment."

"Well, at least you admitted it. Since you messed up, you gotta pay the price," he said slowly, like he was already thinking of how to make her pay.

"What do you want then? You said if I admitted it, you'd keep your hands off the FortuneRise Inc. investment!"

"Chill, I won't touch FortuneRise Inc.," he said, all casual.

"I just want you to have my baby." He said it like it was no biggie, like asking someone to pass the salt.

Ariella just stared at him, totally thrown. She repeated it, not sure she even heard him right.

"You said... you want me to have your baby?"

"Yeah."

"But our deal only has three months left. Babies aren't exactly express delivery. Or are you planning to keep this thing going even after that?" Ariella knew there was no point pushing him, so she kept her voice calm, trying to stay logical.

"Time's not the issue. You have the baby, maybe I can make you the second Mrs. Sterling. Not as high up as Fiona, of course, but mother of my kid, you'll still get respect in the Sterling family. Endless pocket money, fancy status."

Ariella looked at him like she didn't even know who he was anymore. The way he made it sound, like she was just in it for money or status, was seriously insulting.

Forget being any kind of Sterling-wife, mistress, whatever. She didn't even want to be in the same room with him.

She scoffed, the anger bubbling up as she forced a smile. "Should I be thanking you for such a 'generous' offer?"

That smile, the one he thought was her true self. He was convinced she'd been scheming from day one, eager to stick around for the perks.

"What do you think, babe? Women would kill for a spot in the Sterling family. I'm giving you the chance to live the dream. Of course you should thank me," he said, smirking.

"Too bad, Lucian. I don't want to live in your dream." Her voice was scornful now.

"I crashed the wedding because I didn't want my friend marrying a hypocrite. As for me, I'd rather marry a beggar, or stay single for life, than tie myself to you." There was no mistaking the disgust in her tone.

The look on her face said it all-pure rejection. Lucian couldn't believe it.

Was she really that repelled by him? Or maybe it wasn't hate...it was just him not being able to figure her out. That was what hooked him. Maybe she was playing the long game-aiming for the top spot.

"So, having a baby's off the table?" he said flatly.

"Absolutely."

"Fine then," he replied coolly.

"But you broke our deal today. That comes with a price-I'm adding another six months to our agreement." His voice made it clear-no discussions, no negotiations.