Under His Condition

Elara fixed her blazer and looked at her reflection in the fancy cafe's glass window. She hardly recognized her own reflection. Despite Bella's insistence, she felt even more out of place in the wealth-filled world wearing the polished outfit. Today's focus was not on trying to blend in, but rather on staying alive.

Taking a deep breath, she entered, looking through the crowd for the man Bella had arranged for her to meet.

The café bustled with activity, yet the chatter faded into the backdrop as she pondered her sister, Talia. Elara felt overwhelmed as she faced the financial burden of Talia's urgent medical needs with no savings left and creditors approaching.

As she took a seat in a corner table, her mind turned to Kian, the man she was about to see. Bella had praised him, saying he was charming and successful.

However, Elara couldn't get rid of the persistent sense of fear that came with the situation. This blind date seemed like a risky bet, one that could either save them or worsen their situation.

Her phone vibrated, interrupting her daydream. Bella was the one.

Bella: "He's coming!" Keep in mind, you can handle this!

Elara paused to take a deep breath, telling herself she needed to leave a positive impression. This wasn't just a simple outing, it was about rescuing her sister's life. She brushed her blazer once more, hoping it could also iron out her nervousness.

Shortly after, Kian entered the room, causing Elara to hold her breath. Tall and exuding an aura of confidence, he commanded attention. Walking towards him, she stood up to welcome him, putting on a forced smile.

"Hello, you must be Elara," he greeted, reaching out his hand.

"Good to see you, Kian," she responded, attempting to maintain a steady tone.

The polite greetings transitioned into a relaxed chat once they took their seats. Kian was captivating, delightful, and brought more laughter to her than she anticipated. However, Elara sensed a tension underlying everything - a persistent question.

What was his true purpose for being here?

Following a few beverages and exchanged anecdotes, the discussion changed. Kian positioned himself closely, looking serious.

"I know a little about what you're going through from Bella," he started, paying close attention to her. "I understand that it is difficult."

Elara's heart beat rapidly. "What was her message to you?"

Kian paused, looking into her eyes. "You are simply dealing with some difficulties regarding your sister's health. I want you to understand that you have support in this".

In that instant, Elara experienced a combination of thankfulness and caution. She was grateful for the encouragement but keenly recognized that it was from a person she hardly knew.

She confessed that it had been difficult, her voice shaking slightly. "I'm handling it."

"Bella brought up the possibility of you needing assistance," Kian added, speaking calmly. "I have the ability to provide help - financial assistance for Talia's care."

Elara blinked, taken aback for a brief moment. "Why did you do that on my behalf?"

"He simply replied, "Because I'm able to." "And since I have faith in doing the morally correct thing." However, it would be subject to certain conditions.

She felt nauseous in her stomach. "What are the circumstances?"

He stopped briefly to assess her response. Maybe a convenient marriage. I will provide you with the necessary financial support, and this will also be advantageous for me in a different manner.

Elara pulled back a little, sensing a change in the ground beneath her. "Are you suggesting that you want to marry me just because you got wealth?"

"Despite how it may sound, it's not that cold," he assured, picking up on her anger. "It will be a formal contract, simply a commercial deal."

Elara gazed at him, her thoughts moving quickly. "Do you believe I would consent to that?"

"I believe you have strong feelings for your sister," responded Kian, edging nearer, speaking softly and sincerely. "This might be a method to help her."

His words carried weight as they lingered in the space between them. Elara felt her heart racing and her mind swirling with thoughts. Was she actually able to contemplate this?

Her intense plight made her consider the unthinkable compared to the actual circumstances. However, she also sensed the faint presence of something she was reluctant to admit - the appeal of Kian's suggestion.

At that moment, her phone vibrated once more, connecting her back to the real world. Looking down, she noticed Bella's name blinking on the display.

Bella: "You doing okay?" Don't forget to inquire about his motives!

Elara, with a trembling voice, said, "Pardon me," as she stood up. She had to collect her thoughts. As she stepped out onto the balcony, she experienced the gentle touch of the cool breeze on her face, briefly bringing a feeling of mental clarity.

However, without a chance to relax, Bella came near with a blend of enthusiasm and worry showing on her face. I saw the two of you having a conversation. "What is going on?"

Elara gazed at her friend, feeling a surge of both anger and pain inside her. Bella, you didn't disclose everything to me. How do you know Kian?

Bella's expression reflected regret. I first saw him a month ago after a blind date with his friend. His friend told me some things about him, so I decided to bring you in and I believed he might be able to assist.

"Did you inform him about my circumstances?" Do you believe I would easily receive assistance from a person I hardly recognize?" Anger surged in Elara as she felt a strong protective instinct towards her sister.

"I believed that it was the correct action to take!" "He's a nice person, Elara!" Bella stood up for herself. "I thought he could assist you-"

"Can you assist me?" Elara spoke up, her voice getting louder. "Do you intend to assist me by entering a convenient marriage with him? Bella, that is not assistance! Wow, what a fantastic agreement for business!"

"Kindly, pay attention!" Bella insisted, moving nearer. "I believed he would be the one to grasp your circumstances. You are aware of the significance Talia holds in your life. This is a chance."

"A chance to sacrifice all my beliefs in exchange for what?" You are not allowed to make choices on my behalf!" Elara responded swiftly, her heart beating quickly.

"I understand you're in pain, but consider it! He is ready to assist!" Bella begged. "I know your pride will prevent you from seeking help, which is why I had to intervene. I believed I was acting in your best interest".

Elara let out a sigh, feeling the pressure of her friend's intentions weighing heavily on her. "Bella, you involved him without even asking me first. You should have consulted with me beforehand".

Bella's gaze softened as she recognized that she had crossed a line. "I apologize, Elara. I simply desired to be of assistance. You have been shouldering this weight by yourself for an extended period of time".

There was a moment of silence as they stood, with tension weighing heavily in the air. Elara's heart felt compassion, understanding that Bella's motives came from a place of concern, yet she couldn't shake the thoughts of what Bella did.

"I require some time for contemplation," Elara eventually mentioned, her voice becoming quieter. She was about to go back inside, but Bella halted her.

Bella reassured, "No matter what choice you make, remember that I am always here to support you," with a blend of concern and empathy evident in her eyes.

Elara gave a nod, feeling thankful yet torn. Upon returning to the café, Kian's eyes locked with hers. His face showed a blend of interest and worry, and she understood that her decision would change her life significantly.

And as time went on during the night, the gravity of her choice became even more apparent. Is she willing to set aside her pride for her sister's welfare?

The discussion shifted back to more casual subjects, but Elara's thoughts were still engulfed in a storm of feelings.

Kian moved nearer and whispered something funny, but she hardly noticed it. She was preoccupied with the various possibilities and potential repercussions of the proposition presented to her.

As the night came to a close, Kian grabbed the check, his hand slightly touching hers. He whispered that she had a difficult choice to make as he gazed into her eyes.

Elara found herself in a state of conflict, her heart beating fast with both fear and a mysterious pull towards the man standing before her. "Yes, I do," she answered in a voice barely heard.

Kian's gentle smile was accompanied by a subtle depth in his eyes. Regardless of your decision, it's important for you to know that you have backing.

That evening, Elara left the café with a heavy heart, fully aware that the path ahead was filled with uncertainties. As she strolled through the city, amidst the blinking neon lights, she couldn't shake the feeling of standing at a pivotal moment, with each option leading to a different outcome.

Upon arriving at her apartment, she experienced the usual feeling of concern for Talia gripping her tightly. She needed to come up with a quick solution.

While she slumped on her sofa, gazing emptily at the wall, she understood that the next day would only bring more inquiries than solutions. Was it possible for her to genuinely think about Kian's proposal? The idea bothered her, yet she couldn't afford to waste time.

And suddenly, a last notification buzzed on her phone, bringing her back from her reverie.

Kian: "I will give you some time. Just be aware that the offer is still available. Give me a call once you are prepared".

Upon that moment, Elara sensed the burden of the world resting heavily on her shoulders. She found herself at a dilemma, realizing that regardless of the path she chose, her life would be forever changed.