A Perfect Revenge for the Worst Family
Part 6: The Deal
The rain continued to fall, a rhythmic sound against the cobblestone streets. Naruto stood still, his sharp blue eyes locked onto Ariana's as if searching for something—some trick, some deception.
"How do you know my name?" His voice was deep, detached.
Ariana merely smiled, the type of smile that did not reach her eyes. "Like I said, I make it my business to know things."
Naruto's gaze remained cold, unreadable. He didn't trust her. Not yet. But Ariana was used to that—trust was never necessary, only usefulness.
She took a step closer, undeterred by his silence. "I'll make this simple. I need a husband. Not for love. Not for companionship. Just for a deal."
Naruto didn't move, didn't react. He simply stared at her, the weight of his presence pressing down on the moment like a heavy storm.
Ariana exhaled softly. "You don't seem like a man who cares about much. That's exactly why you're perfect for this."
Naruto tilted his head slightly, but his face remained void of emotion. "And what do I get out of it?"
Ariana smirked. There it is.
The first sign of interest.
"Freedom," she answered, her voice smooth. "You look like a man who doesn't belong anywhere. I can give you a place to exist without expectations. You don't have to pretend to be something you're not. You don't have to care about anything. Just stand by my side, and in return—" she paused, tilting her head, "—you'll never have to answer to anyone again."
Naruto watched her in silence.
Ariana was patient. She could tell he was thinking—not hesitating, but calculating.
Then, after a long pause, he finally spoke.
"When do we start?"
Ariana's smirk deepened.
"Right now."
And just like that, a deal was made.
A deal between two people who felt nothing.
A contract between two people who had nothing to lose.
And neither of them knew that everything was about to change.