The room turned still like stone.

Samira and her mother sat in front of Lucian, waiting for his answer after explaining their problem. Her mother’s words still floating in the air, but Lucian’s reply broke everything into pieces.

“I can help you,” he said in his deep cold voice. “But I have one condition. Your daughter has to marry me.”

The words hit like thunder. Nobody expected this. Samira’s mother froze. Her father’s friend who came with them stared at Lucian like he didn’t hear properly. Samira herself felt her heartbeat stop for a second. Silence ruled that big room.

Her mother was the first to find her voice. “Sorry, sir… I cannot agree to this,” she said softly but firmly. “She is too small, too young. She still has big dreams. You cannot put this condition.”

Lucian leaned back in his chair, eyes sharp but calm. “No problem,” he said, almost careless. “But I need to speak with your daughter alone. If she agrees for this marriage, will you accept?”

Samira’s mother could not answer. Her eyes went to Samira, searching for her strength. Samira also did not speak. She was confused, shocked, her hands cold.

Lucian turned his gaze directly to Samira. “Shall we talk, little while?”

At first, Samira hesitated. Her legs felt heavy. But her mind reminded her of the loan, the shop, the house problem. She thought about her father’s dream. With a heavy heart, she nodded.

Lucian stood and gestured to the balcony. They walked out together. The morning breeze touched her face. Both stood in silence, only sound of far birds.

Lucian finally spoke, voice steady. “I am Lucian Mark, CEO of A to Z company.”

The name itself hit Samira like a storm. She blinked, stunned. She had heard of that company many times. It was not just a company—it was a giant covering every industry, every corner of the world. No business survived without their shadow.

“You… you are that Lucian?” she whispered, stepping back in fear and shock.

“Yes,” he said, looking at her straight. “Number one billionaire in USA. Third in world.”

Her lips trembled. She didn’t know whether to bow in respect or run away.

“Don’t worry,” he said softer, watching her fear. “I know your worries. But I want to tell you something private.”

She listened, heart beating.

“I have an allergy issue with women,” he said slowly. “Since childhood. Only my biological mother and my grandmother, they could touch me. My mother is no more. Even my stepmother’s touch gives me reaction. So, I never touched any woman till now. But…” He paused, looking into her eyes. “With you, I don’t have allergy. That is why I want to marry you.”

Samira stared at him, words lost.

She whispered, “What are you saying? How do you know this?”

Lucian’s mind flashed back to last night—the soft warmth of her skin, her frightened but innocent eyes, her body pressed against him, the taste of her tears and lips. His blood boiled with memory, but he could not tell her that truth now.

So he lied gently, “In my office room, when you bumped into me. You almost fell. I was the one who held you.”

Samira thought back. Yes… when they entered the room earlier, Lucian had stood up. She too had stood, almost slipped, and he had caught her. That touch… she remembered. She closed her eyes for a second. Maybe it was true.

Lucian continued, voice calm, “Because of that only I ask you to marry me. I don’t have any bad thoughts. I only want you. Now, you also have many problems—house loan, shop money, dreams of acting. I have own a production company. I can help you easily. You can fulfill your father’s wish too.”

Samira’s chest tightened. His words were tempting, heavy. She didn’t have option to say no. But still, she hesitated. His wealth, his power, his cold eyes scared her. And inside, another fear burned—the memory of last night.

I lost myself with an unknown man… How can I cheat him if he is really untouched, virgin?

Her throat dried. She forced words. “I… I need time. I must think about this. And I need to talk to my mother also.”

Lucian nodded. “Okay. Take your time. But remember—you have only four days to settle your father’s loan. Don’t forget.” His voice was soft but dangerous, like a hidden knife.

She swallowed hard. “I know. I will tell my decision tomorrow.”

“I will wait,” he said simply.

They returned inside.

Samira’s mother looked at her, worried. “What happened?” she whispered.

“We will talk later,” Samira said quickly, eyes down.

But her mother’s heart burned. I don’t want to hurt my daughter. She already has a boyfriend. My husband also agreed for their marriage. I must cancel this marriage, she decided inside.

So she spoke bravely. “Sir, I am sorry. My daughter already has a boyfriend. He is a good man. My husband also agreed. They love each other very much. I cannot separate two love birds.”

Samira’s face didn’t change. No soft smile, no shy blush. Only cold hate flickered. Lucian saw that carefully. Something was wrong. He didn’t argue.

“Your daughter asked time,” he said simply. “So let her decide. I am not forcing.”

They agreed and left.

As they walked out, Samira turned once, eyes going back to Lucian. The fragrance of his presence still in the air. Something familiar. Her mind shook, heart raced. That night… She felt nervous.

After they left, Lucian called his secretary. “Find out everything about that girl.”

The man worked fast. Within hours, he brought back full details. Samira’s life, her family, her boyfriend, and the betrayal plan. Lucian read everything. Now he understood her mother’s words, and why Samira’s face showed no love for that man.

Lucian’s lips curved into a rare smile. She will say yes.

Meanwhile, Samira and her mother came out with heavy hearts. Her father’s friend sighed. “Sorry, I didn’t expect this. I thought he would help. But he asked marriage…”

Samira shook her head. “Don’t worry, uncle. We will see. I will call you tonight.”

They parted ways.

Later, in her quiet room, Samira sat alone. She thought about that night, about Lucian today, about the fall when he caught her. That touch… familiar. That fragrance… same.

Could it be him? Was he the one?

She closed her eyes, tears rolling. Compared to Sam, Lucian was better. But his wealth and power frightened her. Age didn’t matter much, she thought. But her virginity… her shame…

Shall I tell him? Or hide it?

The question broke her heart in silence.