THE DECEPTION CONTRACT MARRIAGE

Avira sat at the dining table, filling out the paper for the job she got from her friends at the dancing club. Maria looked at her daughter with concern and shook her head, worried about the girl in front of her. Maria spoke quietly, staring with all the love she had at her only daughter. "Avira—please don't do this!” she said. "At least we can still manage the little bit of money from what I make at work but… Sure, I'll speak to my boss about getting more hours or even a raise ." Maria said softly to her daughter. Avira smiled and continued filling out the paper. "I'll only work once a week because of my school, Mom." "And l assure you I'll wear a face mask so no one will recognize me. Mom" "My friend told me that they pay strippers very well, and you know l can dance really well." "Allow me to work too, so that I can help you to pay bills,"Avira said and continued writing. Maria's eyes filled with tears. "You're still a virgin, Avira. You're a good girl. I don't want you to do this." Avira got up and hugged her mother. "Please don't worry, Mom. I'll be fine." She said through her flood of tears, and hugged her mom again. "I'm doing this for us, Mom. To pay bills and help you start a small business. I'll be careful, I promise." Avira said, smiling. Maria sat down and wiped away her tears. "I just don't want you to get hurt, Avira. You're my only child." "I told you everything about your father." "Avira, please, be very careful,"Maria advised her. Avira filled out the form and handed it to her mother, taking a look at it. "Please don't worry, Mom. I'll be fine. "She said and hugged her mom again. But Avira had made up her mind. She went to the dancing club with her friends, who had told her about the good money they made dancing from the club. When they got to the bar, Avira quickly changed her dress and wore a face mask and a stage name, "Lily," to protect her identity. She danced very well with all her strength, Avira was good at it, and the men loved her dancing. They threw bundles of dollars at her feet, cheering and whistling. One man in particular caught her eye. He was tall, dark, and handsome, with piercing brown eyes. He threw more money than anyone else, and Avira was very happy. After some hours of dancing…. Avira quickly gathered her money and rushed into the dressing room, eager to change out of her costume and face mask. "Wow, plenty of dollars," she whispered to herself, feeling excited. After she changed her dress, Avira's friends congratulated her. "You were amazing, Lily!" they said. She smiled and waved them goodbye. As she walked out of the private bar, Avira tried to hail a cab, but none seemed to be available. Just as she was starting to worry, a sleek black car pulled up beside her. "Hello, Angel,"an unfamiliar voice said. "Need a lift?" a deep voice called out from the driver's side window. Avira hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should accept a ride from a stranger. But something about the man's kind eyes put her at ease. "Thanks, I'm going downtown," she said, getting into the car. As they drove away from the bar, Avira couldn't help but notice the luxurious interior of the car. "You're not from around here, are you?" she asked the driver. "No, I'm just visiting," he replied with a smile. "My name is Ethan Pierce, by the way." "I'm Lily," Avira said, using her stage name. Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Lily, huh? Well, it's nice to meet you, Lily." As they are approaching Avira's destination, Ethan asks if she'd like to grab a cup of coffee with him. Avira agreed, and they pulled up to a cozy café downtown. Over coffee, Ethan revealed that he was a business executive. "I've seen you dancing, Lily," he said. "You have talent and you are pretty too. I'd like to offer you a good job in my company,"he announced. Avira's eyes widened in surprise. "A job?" she asked. "Yes. I'll give you a good job. " Ethan nodded his head. Avira was taken aback. She didn't know what to say. "They both left the coffee bar, and walked back to the car. "Who are you, lf l may ask ?" Avira asked, looking straight into Ethan Pierce's eyes. "I'm someone who can help you, Lily," Ethan said. "I can give you a better life, one where you don't have to dance for money." Avira laughed. "No one can help me, Ethan. I'm on my own." As they drove, Ethan revealed a shocking truth. "By the way, I'm the heir of Liam Ryder, the owner of Liam's private bar and dancing club." Avira's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean you're the owner of the private bar and dancing club?" she asked, her voice trembling. Ethan nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yes, I am. I saw you dancing earlier, Lily. You're an incredible dancer, and your beauty left me breathless. You're a beautiful creature of God."he repeated. Avira felt a flush rise to her cheeks as Ethan continued, "I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on you,Lily." Despite his charming words, Avira remained hesitant. "I don't have an interest in the job," she said firmly. Ethan looked at her with concern. "Please, can you tell me why?" Avira shook her head. "Just stop here, please." Ethan stepped on the brake, and the car came to a halt. "What happened? "Did I say something to annoy you?" he asked softly. Avira took a deep breath before speaking. "It's a long story." Ethan's expression turned serious. "I understand your concerns, Lily. But l love you. Immediately I set my eyes on you, Lily.l fell in love with you,"he said. Avira hesitated, unsure if she wanted to hear more. But something about Ethan's sincerity put her at ease. "Okay, why did you want to give me a job or help me," she said finally. Ethan took a deep breath before continuing. "I love you, and you are a great dancer." Avira listened intently, her heart racing with curiosity. "I know it sounds wrong, but I feel like I've found something real about you, Lily," Ethan said, his eyes locked on hers. "I want to be with you, to take care of you." "Will you at least consider my proposal?" Avira was speechless. Thinking about what Ethan said. No one had ever looked at her like that before, with such intensity and desire. "I...I don't know," she stammered. Ethan nodded understandingly. "I know it's a lot to take in." "But please, Lily, don't say no just yet. "Meet me tomorrow, and we can discuss this further." "Just a job," he said with pleading eyes. Avira looked at him, while nodding her head. But something about Ethan's words resonated with her. She nodded finally. "Okay, I'll meet you tomorrow." Ethan smiled, "Thank you, Lily. I'll pick you up at 7 pm." Avira got out of the car, she couldn't stop thinking about what Ethan offered. "Or is he looking for something else?" she murmured to herself.