Chapter 2 Instant Fiancé

Grant

I held this stranger's trembling body close, "Are you okay?"

A weak tap on my shoulder was the only response.

I exhaled sharply. Right-my turn to play my part. Raising my voice just enough, "Babe, it's going to be fine."

A soft chuckle escaped her-small, but there.

That must have felt awkward but relief settled over me.

For a second, I had thought she'd truly shattered, the way she had collapsed into my arms. The rawness of it, the way she had sunk into me-it had all been too real. Too convincing.

And it shouldn't have mattered. This was a performance.

But damn, she made it hard to remember that.

She lifted her head, her gaze meeting mine-red-rimmed, lashes clumped with tears, cheeks blotchy. Another tear fell. Without thinking, I wiped it away.

"Don't leave me too," she whispered, voice breaking like glass.

Something twisted deep in my chest. The words hit harder than they should have.

This wasn't real. She wasn't real. But the way she looked at me-it felt real.

"I won't," I said, steady but quiet. She searched my face, uncertain. "I won't leave you alone," I repeated, firmer this time.

She nodded, her fingers tightening around mine like I was the last thread keeping her from unraveling.

A sharp throat-clearing shattered the moment.

My head snapped up.

Isabelle stood there-arms crossed, eyes sharp and piercing.

Behind her, her parents' faces twisted with disgust.

Her mother's voice was cold and cutting. "Ms. Pembroke, you invited us here for this?"

Aria's hands slipped from mine as she turned-too sharply, too stiffly.

Shock flickered in her expression.

She must have just realized where she was. I had made sure Mark hired someone without telling them much about my family.

My mother-uncharacteristically silent-glanced between me and the furious family. "I... I didn't think this would happen," she said stiffly. "He's just a fool."

Isabelle's family stormed out, their exit a whirlwind of outrage.

My mother barely managed a weak, "Janet, we'll fix this. I'll call you."

I turned to my father. His expression was blank. Watching. Waiting.

Classic. He always let my mother throw the first punches, then stepped in when he felt like it.

The woman in my arms-Aria-tapped my hand, drawing my attention.

She gestured toward the couch, where Isabelle and I had sat just minutes ago. I guided her there, our hands still locked.

"What is this, Grant?" My mother's voice cracked like a whip.

I barely opened my mouth before she cut me off, her glare flicking to Aria. "And you-who do you think you are?"

Aria flinched but didn't pull away. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

I squeezed her hand. "It's exactly what you saw. I told you-I have a girlfriend."

"You humiliated me!" my mother snapped.

"For that, I'm sorry," I said evenly, though I wasn't.

"And how do you plan to fix this?"

"There's nothing to fix."

Her hands clenched into fists, and she turned to my father, desperation seeping into her voice.

"Honey, tell this ingrate that I've been fixing his life since the day he was born! And now, he suddenly thinks he knows better?"

The word hit me like a punch to the ribs. Ingrate. Her favorite dagger is still sharp as ever.

"Let's hear what he has to say," my father interjected.

My mother muttered something bitter under her breath but fell silent, arms crossed.

I took a breath, forcing myself to look at my father. But before I could speak, a warm hand closed over mine.

I turned back-Aria. She nodded, silently reassuring me. Then, gently, she pulled my hand onto her lap, holding it tight.

Like she was pressing air back into my lungs, letting me breathe again.

Before I could speak, she did. "I'm sorry for causing so much trouble," she said, her voice trembling but strong.

"My name is Aria. My parents chose it because it carries power in many languages. They were travelers, and every meaning of my name-melody, strength, life-I will bring into Grant's world."

She glanced at my parents, her grip tightening around my hand. "Please don't ask me to stay away from him. He's all I have now."

I turned to her, stunned. The raw honesty in her words pulled me deeper into something I hadn't planned for.

My mother's sharp voice cut through. "So this is it? You're throwing your life away for her? Isabelle's family could have given you everything. And you sit here, listening to some girl rambling about her past?"

"Don't speak about her like that," I said, firmer than I'd intended.

My mother started to argue, but my father's voice sliced through. "That's enough." His tone was cold, unreadable.

Then, he turned to me. "What family is she from?"

Aria answered before I could. "Bennett," she said quietly. "I have no family left. My parents are gone. I'm an only child."

My father's expression remained impassive. "No offense, young lady," he said smoothly, "but, Grant, what could an orphan possibly offer you?"

"Dad!" I snapped.

"It's okay," Aria whispered, though she held onto me tightly.

"No, it's not," I shot back. "My marriage isn't a business deal."

My mother let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, but it is. The most important part of marriage is securing the right alliances. And you-" Her voice turned venomous.

"You're always heading straight for disaster. Just like a damn bastard."

Something inside me snapped.

I straightened, my voice calm but cold. "You've predicted my downfall for years, Mom. Yet here I am, still standing. And I won't let you dictate my life anymore."

Her face went pale. She turned to my father. "Did you hear him?"

My father leaned back, unmoved. "He's made his choice."

"Son," he continued, measured but firm, "you're just dating. Let's give it time."

"No," I said, my voice steady. "I already know. I love Aria."

My mother scoffed. "This is your problem. You think because you built a company, you're a man now? Who do you think made your success possible? Me. You owe me."

"Sierra," my father interrupted, exasperated. "You raised both boys the same way, and look where the other one is. Let it go."

She bristled. "Hunter is different. He just needs time."

Before I could respond, footsteps echoed from the staircase.

Hunter strolled into the room, looking completely unfazed. "Mom, I'm heading out. I'm going to see Rachel," he announced, barely sparing us a glance.

Then, with a smirk, he added, "And haven't you finally finished negotiating this marriage? and who is that?"

My father's glare darkened. "And that's the one headed for disaster."

My mother bristled. "He just needs support! You never give him what he needs."

Hunter only chuckled, clearly uninterested in the family drama.

"You coddle him," my father said bluntly. "Leave that one and mind the one playing games and make sure he gets married before he ruins himself. He needs to get married to fully transition into his new position as the heir of Pembroke"

And then Aria stood abruptly, her expression unreadable and for a second, I thought she was tired of my family and wanted to run but instead...

"I'll marry him," she announced, her voice unwavering.

She wasn't trembling or shaking, she looked determined "Right now. Instantly if I have to"

The room froze. My heart stopped, she is doing too much now.

I reached for her arm. "Aria-"

She stepped just out of reach, her eyes bright with something unreadable and I instantly knew she was up to something.

My mother smirked. "Oh? Will you really?"

Aria's slow, confident smile said it all. "Yes."

The room spun. My heartbeat flew up

This wasn't part of the plan.

But Aria-my paid actress-had just rewritten the script.