Chapter 148: Lucas's Gaze Was Intense and Unwavering

Lucas’s gaze was intense and unwavering. “I need you to be my girlfriend for six months.” Six months. Girlfriend. Sienna’s expression tightened with immediate disapproval. “Lucas, how can you even suggest something like this right now?”

“Ms. Bennett, I’m doing this for Noah. He’s always longed for a mother. You’re the only person he’s truly connected with in years. If you agree, I believe he can recover fully within six months. After that, you’re free to go,” Lucas stated, his voice low and serious.

Sienna frowned deeply. Half a year pretending to be Lucas’s girlfriend? Playing the role of Noah’s mother?

“Lying to a child is wrong. When I eventually leave, the hurt will be even greater for him.”

“It’s a necessary deception. Can you honestly stand by and watch Noah suffer like this?” Lucas pressed.

The image of Noah’s pained face flashed in her mind. It felt like her heart was being shredded. Why did such an innocent child have to endure so much agony? She desperately wanted this to be the last time he ever experienced such a seizure. The thought of him in that state again was unbearable.

Sebastian noticed her hesitation. “Ms. Bennett, Noah’s condition is highly unusual. A compassionate lie is forgivable. My recent examination revealed his situation is deteriorating. Without intervention, these seizures could cause permanent brain damage. Each episode pushes him dangerously close to… not waking up.” Not waking up. Sienna knew Sebastian wasn’t exaggerating. She had seen the difference. When Noah was merely upset or feigning illness, he remained responsive. Today, he was completely lifeless. Her resolve was crumbling, all for Noah’s sake.

But was it reason enough to spend six months entangled with Lucas? To pretend to be his partner?

“Ms. Bennett, you have my word,” Lucas assured her. “Our arrangement will remain private. I won’t interfere with your life or plans. I will compensate you generously—name anything you desire. I will strictly respect your boundaries.” His tone was earnest and respectful.

Sienna fell into deep thought. Lucas was practically pleading. Noah’s life was at stake. It seemed she had no real alternative. After a heavy silence, she finally spoke. “Fine. I’ll do it. But I don’t want your money. I want a contract.”

“Of course,” Lucas replied, glancing at Dominic.

Dominic immediately produced a laptop and opened a document. “Please state your terms, Ms. Bennett.”

Sienna considered carefully. “First, you must commit every possible resource to curing Noah within these six months. Spare no effort. Second, this relationship is a facade. Neither party interferes in the other’s personal life. Third, absolute confidentiality. No one else can know the truth. Fourth, no inappropriate physical contact. Finally, regardless of Noah’s condition, I leave after six months. Lucas cannot invent any reason to extend this. Violation of any term results in a penalty of one hundred billion dollars.”

One hundred billion. Dollars. Even a family as powerful as the Harringtons had a net worth estimated around one hundred and fifty billion. This penalty would strip away two-thirds of their entire fortune. Every clause, except the first, was designed to build a fortress between her and Lucas. Men usually drafted contracts to protect themselves from women’s claims. Here, Sienna was the one building walls against him.