Bride for Rent

"Mother, are you okay?" Marianne asked her mother, who's now in the hospital bed, lying so weakly. Her mother glanced at her and gives her a smile. 

"I am okay. Whenever I see, I've been feeling well," her mother placed her palms on her face as she gently caressed it. 

Marianne's eyes filled with tears as she watched her mother's feeble but loving gesture. She took her mother's hands into her own and held them gently.

"Mom, I'm here for you. We're going to get through this together," Marianne whispered with determination, her voice quivering with emotion.

Her mother's eyes glistened with gratitude, and she nodded slowly. "I know, my dear. You've always been my strength."

"Don't worry, Mom. I will pay all the hospital bills and we can leave this place," with tears streaming down her cheeks, Marianne leaned in to hug her frail mother gently. They shared a tender moment, a silent promise passing between them.

As Marianne withdrew from the embrace, her mother spoke softly, "You are such a loving daughter, Marianne. But I don't want you to bear this burden alone. You have your whole life ahead of you."

Marianne wiped away her tears and offered a determined smile. "We'll find a way, Mom. I won't let you down."

Marianne was walking along the road as she was sighing deeply. She didn't know what to do, and she also didn't want to ask for his father's help. They left him because of another woman, her father had another family as of now and Marianne felt sad for her mother. 

As she continued down the path, her phone rang. "Hello?"

"Where are you?" 

"Why?"

"I got some job for you. They're hiring and I think you should go. There's a huge prize," Ethel, her best friend since college said over the phone. 

"What kind of job?" she asked. 

"I don't know it yet, but... It's the famous Felix Nathaniel Anderson! He and his teams is conducting an auditioned now. If you want to go, I'll send you the address."

Marianne's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Felix Nathaniel Anderson, a name that was known to everyone in the city. She had heard about his wealth and influence, but she had never imagined herself being part of anything related to him.

"Felix Anderson? Are you sure about this, Ethel?" Marianne questioned, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Absolutely! It's a golden opportunity, Marianne. You've got the talent, and this could be your big break. Plus, I've heard there's a huge prize involved," Ethel replied, her excitement evident in her voice. 

Marianne didn't even hesitate as she heard about the prize involve. "Okay, Ethel. Send me the address. I'll go and check it out. Maybe this is the break we've been waiting for," Marianne said, determination in her voice. 

Ethel was elated. "That's the spirit, Marianne! I'll text you the details right away. Go there and give it your all. Who knows, you might just win that prize and help your mother get the treatment she needs."

Marianne hung up the phone, her mind racing with thoughts of the audition and the uncertain future that lay ahead. 

"I need to do this! This is for MOM! I'll do this for mom!"

On the other hand, Felix and his team were getting the tables and venue ready. He looked around and saw a lot of people lining up outside the secret venue they set-up. 

"Are you sure about this, Felix? Are you going to risk your life just to get married to someone you didn't know?" Nate, his friend asked him. 

Felix gazed at the crowd gathering outside, a mixture of determination and doubt on his face. He turned to Nate and replied, "I have to, Nate. My family won't let up on this. They believe that marriage is the key to getting what I want. It's the only way I can secure my inheritance and continue running the family business."

Nate frowned but understood the gravity of the situation. "I get it, Felix. But is this the right way to go about it? Marrying someone you barely know?"

Felix sighed, feeling the weight of his predicament. "I don't know, Nate. It's a desperate move, I'll admit."

As the doors opened, people started filing in, each hopeful in their own way. Marianne was among them, nervously clutching her resume and credentials, unaware of the true nature of the audition she was about to enter.

Felix watched the candidates as they entered, wondering if he would find the person he needed among them. The room was soon filled with eager applicants, all hoping for a chance to change their lives in some way.

Nate patted Felix on the back, offering some encouragement. "Well, good luck, my friend. I hope you find what you're looking for. Just remember, this is a big step, and there's no turning back."

Felix nodded, his mind filled with a mixture of anxiety and determination. 

"Hello. My name is Kyla, and I'm here for the audition."

"Can you cook?"

"No."

"Can you clean?"

"Of course not! Is this job suitable for maids?" Kyla asked them. "Because if this is for maids. I can't do this."

"Okay. Leave," Felix said with a cold voice and Kyla went out. 

"Next!"

As Marianne heard the word "Next," her heart raced, and she stepped forward, feeling a rush of nervousness and anticipation. She handed her resume to one of the assistants, who quickly scanned it and ushered her to the interview area where Felix was sitting.

Felix looked up as Marianne approached. Her presence caught his attention, and he couldn't help but notice the anxiety in her eyes. Marianne stood before him, her palms slightly clammy, and her voice trembling as she introduced herself.

"My name is Marianne," she began, "and I'm here for the audition."

Felix studied her for a moment, his gaze assessing her appearance and demeanor. She didn't fit the typical profile of someone vying for an audition like this, and her nervousness was apparent.

Felix exchanged a glance with Nate, feeling a bit taken aback by Marianne's warm demeanor. "Can you cook?" he asked, following the pattern he had set with the previous candidates.

Marianne hesitated for a moment before answering, "Well, I'm not a professional chef, but I can prepare simple meals."

Felix raised an eyebrow but continued, "Can you clean?"

Marianne nodded, her determination shining through. "Yes, I can clean. I'm a quick learner, and I'm willing to do what it takes to excel in this job."

Felix and Nate exchanged another glance, their unspoken communication hinting at the fact that Marianne was different from the other candidates. Felix couldn't help but sense a genuine willingness in her to take on the role.

"Alright, Marianne," Felix said with a hint of curiosity, "tell us a bit more about yourself and why you're interested in this job."

She took a deep breath and looked at them. "To tell you honestly, I am here because of the prize money. I'm just here for it. That's why I came."

Felix and Nate exchanged a meaningful look at Marianne's candid response. It was a stark departure from the usual answers they had been receiving. Felix leaned back in his chair, studying Marianne for a moment before speaking.

"Thank you for your honesty, Marianne," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "The prize money is a significant part of this opportunity, and we appreciate your straightforwardness."

Nate chimed in, "But we want to make it clear that this job is not a typical one. It comes with unique responsibilities and challenges. Are you sure you're up for it?"

Marianne glanced at them, "But, may I know what kind of job?"

Felix smirked, "To be my wife."