The black sedan door shut softly behind them as Mason guided Sarah inside, shielding her from the flashing cameras and shouting reporters. The bodyguards stood like walls outside, keeping the chaos at bay while the car began to pull away from the Chen estate.
Sarah sat beside him, her body still trembling, tears silently slipping down her cheeks. Her hands lay folded on her lap, fingers clenched together tightly. The warmth of the car didn't stop the cold that wrapped around her heart.
She sniffled, then turned her head to glance at the man sitting beside her. "Thank you…" she whispered, voice raw, barely holding together.
Mason didn't look at her right away. He kept his gaze ahead, his expression unreadable, like always. "Don't thank me," he said coolly. "I didn't do it to be a hero."
Sarah gave a small, sad laugh. "Still… you came when no one else did."
Finally, Mason turned his head to look at her. "My offer still stands."
She blinked, confused at first, until the memory of his proposal hit her.
The contract marriage.
Sarah's breath caught in her throat.
He continued in a calm, almost business-like tone. "If you agree, I'll take care of everything. The press. The lies. Your father. All of it. You won't have to lift a finger. Just say yes, and I'll handle the rest."
Sarah stared at him, her mind spinning.
Was this really happening?
Everything she had worked for was gone. Her name was being dragged through the mud, and her family had turned their backs on her. Antonio, the one man she thought would fight for her, already gave up. Everyone did.
Except Mason.
But still… this? A contract marriage with Mason Liu?
She looked down at her trembling hands, the star in her escaping her shaking body. "Why me?" she finally asked, her voice barely audible.
Mason's brows lifted slightly. "What?"
"Why me?" she repeated, lifting her eyes to meet his. "Out of all the women in Wuhan, you chose me. A woman with a ruined name and the entire country against her. You could have anyone. So why me?"
For a moment, silence stretched between them.
Then Mason gave a slow shake of his head. "You don't need to understand my reasons. Just accept the offer."
Sarah bit her lip. She should say no. It was insane. But… what did she have left?
She had no career. No family. No support.
What Mason was offering, it wasn't just safety. It was a second chance. A new life. A shield from the storm she'd been battling alone.
Her heart ached. Everything inside her screamed that this wasn't how life was supposed to go. But at this point, life had already knocked her down so far, she couldn't fall any deeper.
This was a chance to start again. Who knows, maybe her career would be restored again as he promised…
With a shaky breath, she looked at him. "And if I say yes… what happens next?"
Mason didn't blink. "Then you let me take control. We'll get married. Quietly. On paper. It'll look real to the world. I'll clean your name. No one will touch you again. In return, you do as I say, play your role when needed, and keep your head down."
Sarah stared at him, her heart pounding.
He wasn't offering love. He wasn't offering comfort.
He was offering power, protection… and a way out.
And she had nothing left to lose.
Slowly, she nodded. "Okay."
Mason's jaw tensed slightly. "You're sure?"
She met his gaze, her voice steadier this time. "I'm sure."
He gave a small nod, then leaned back in his seat, eyes drifting back to the road. "Good. I'll have the papers sent to you tonight."
Sarah turned to look out the window, her tears slowing, but her thoughts racing.
How did she end up here?
Why was this her life?
Still… as the night deepened and the city lights flickered by, one thing stood out in her mind: Mason Liu chose her.
.
.
.
.
.
.
As the black sedan pulled into the familiar circular driveway, Sarah looked out the window and sighed.
"I'm back here again," she murmured, her voice low. "Thank goodness."
She didn't have the strength to wonder how things ended up this way. Right now, all that mattered was that she had a roof over her head. Somewhere quiet and safe. She could lay low for now, just for a while.
When the car stopped, Mason stepped out first. She didn't wait for anyone to open her door before she pushed it open herself and followed him inside without a word.
The house was just as she remembered, quiet, pristine, and expensive. The atmosphere smelled faintly of citrus and wood polish.
Derek appeared the moment they stepped through the door. He gave a slight bow, concern flashing in his eyes as he took in Sarah's tired appearance. For some odd reason, Derek cared about her. His wife happened to be a big fan of hers, even if he didn't tell her directly. Whatever made his wife happy, made him happy too. And if helping Sarah Chen bounce back was a way of making her happy, then he would do it. Yes, he had told her about Mason bringing Sarah to his house after finding her at the cemetery.
His wife had been so relieved and informed him of her impending visit to Mason's house, just to see her idol in person.
"Miss Sarah," Derek said gently, "you look exhausted. Would you like something warm to eat?"
She nodded weakly. "Just… soup. Maybe tea?"
"Right away," Derek said, disappearing toward the kitchen to inform the maids.
Sarah sank onto the nearest couch, letting her body melt into the plush cushions. She hadn't realized how much her feet hurt until now. Or how cold she felt, even in the warm room.
Mason stood by the large windows, pulling his phone from his pocket.
"You'll stay here until everything is settled," he said without looking at her.
She glanced at him. "I don't exactly have anywhere else to go."
"That's why I brought you."
There was no softness in his voice, but there was no cruelty either. Just simple logic. Still, something in her chest ached.
A few minutes later, Derek returned with a maid carrying a tray of hot soup, freshly baked bread, and steaming chamomile tea.
"Let me know if you need anything else," he said with a small smile before turning to Mason. "Sir, do you want me to call the legal team?"
Mason nodded. "Yes. Tell them to prepare the marriage contract. I want it drafted tonight and printed by morning."
Sarah's spoon clinked against the bowl as she paused mid-bite.
"So soon?" she asked, startled.
Mason looked at her, eyes calm. "You agreed. I don't see any reason to delay."
She stared at the soup for a second, her mind clouded.
"This… this really is happening," she muttered.
"It is," he replied. "Unless you've changed your mind."
Sarah shook her head slowly. "No. I haven't. I already said yes. I just… need a minute to catch up with my own life."
"You'll have time for that later," Mason said simply.
As Derek left to make the call, Sarah leaned back against the couch, sipping her tea. She could barely process it all. But deep inside, a small voice whispered, maybe this was her chance. This time, she wouldn't have to fight alone.