## Chapter 1: The Matriarch's Demand

The polished mahogany of Ethan's office desk felt cold beneath his fingertips. He stared at the email on his screen, the subject line screaming in bold red letters: "Urgent Family Matter - Grandma's Request." His stomach twisted into a tight knot. He knew what this was about, the unspoken pressure that had been building for months. His grandmother, the formidable matriarch of the family, was fading fast. Her health had been declining steadily, and with each passing day, the unspoken question hung heavy in the air: Where's Ethan's girlfriend? 

Ethan wasn't a bad guy, not really. He was successful, driven, and had a heart of gold, buried beneath layers of ambition and a crippling fear of commitment. He just hadn't found the right girl... or so he told himself. His family, however, didn't buy it. His mother had been subtly hinting, his aunts had been outright asking, and his grandmother, well, she wasn't one to mince words. 

The email was short and to the point. "Ethan, your grandmother wants to meet you and your girlfriend before it's too late. Please make arrangements to visit her as soon as possible." It was signed simply, "The Family." Ethan rubbed his temples, the familiar ache of a mounting headache blossoming behind his eyes. He couldn't avoid this any longer. He had to bring a girlfriend home. 

He wasn't a man who liked to be cornered. He was used to being in control, but this situation had him completely outmaneuvered. He needed a solution, and fast. He was a man of action, and he always found a way. He'd just need to be a bit more creative this time. His gaze drifted to the sleek chrome and leather of his phone, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. He knew just where to start. 

Etha

n's fingers danced across the touchscreen, navigating to a website he'd bookmarked months ago. He'd stumbled upon it during one of his late-night internet rabbit holes, a site that offered a unique service: "Professional Companionship." It wasn't something he'd ever considered before, but now, in the face of familial pressure and a ticking clock, it seemed like the perfect solution. 

He scrolled through profiles, a mix of curious amusement and desperation bubbling in his gut. There were actresses, models, even a few aspiring singers, all promising to be the perfect arm candy. He dismissed them all, their smiles too saccharine, their bios too self-promotional. He needed someone who could blend in, someone who wouldn't draw attention, someone who could convincingly play the role of his long-term girlfriend. 

Then, he saw her. Ava. Her profile picture was simple, a candid shot of her laughing with a group of friends. Her smile was genuine, warm, and full of life. Her bio was equally understated, mentioning her love for photography, her passion for travel, and her desire to learn new things. Ethan felt a strange sense of relief wash over him. This was it. This was the girl he needed. 

He sent a message, a brief introduction and a request for a consultation. He didn't mention the family emergency or the impending doom of his grandmother's condition. He just said he was looking for someone to attend a family event. He waited. He couldn't afford to waste time. His grandmother's time was running out, and he had to act fast. His phone buzzed. It was Ava. "I'm available for a consultation tomorrow afternoon. Does that work for you?" Ethan exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He typed back, "Perfect." He felt a flicker of guilt, a pang of conscience, but it was quickly eclipsed by a wave of relief. He had a plan. He could pull this off. He just needed to play his cards right.