A month later... Marianne and Felix's daily routine included sleepless nights and shared parenting challenges. Despite their tiredness, their home was filled with the soothing sounds of baby coos and Zoey's laughing. "I could never been happier. I couldn't wish for more, Marianne. This family we had build together? This is perfect. This is what I am dreaming of." When the evening arrived, Felix and Marianne had been thinking about taking a family photo together to post on the wall for display and memories. "Felix, what do you think about having a family photo? Something we can hang in the living room, a snapshot of our life together despite all the challenges?" Marianne said, her eyes bright with joy. Felix grinned warmly, since he had always been supportive of Marianne's ideas. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Let's capture these precious moments." He smiled as he gazed at his wife and two children. "Thank God for giving me these beautiful souls. I couldn't ask for more."
"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
"What kind of job is this, Sir? Is this illegal? Are you a syndicate?" Nate and Felix chuckled on what she just said. "We're not a syndicate." "Then, what job is this?" Felix looked at her, "To be my wife. " Marianne's eyes widened in shock at Felix's unexpected revelation. The weight of his words sank in, and she stammered, "Your wife? What do you mean?" Felix leaned forward, his gaze unwavering, as he clarified, "I'm looking for someone to marry, but not in the traditional sense. This marriage would be on paper, a contract, to fulfill certain obligations and responsibilities. It's not about love or romance." Marianne's mind raced as she tried to comprehend the situation. Her initial hope of winning the prize money was quickly replaced by the gravity of the offer before her. This was not the opportunity she had expected, and she had to make a difficult decision. "I didn't expect this! I thought it was-" Nate interjected, "Marianne, this is a unique arrangement, and it's not w
The following day, Marianne get ready to meet Felix and his team. She wanted to turn her back and run away from them, but how can she? They paid for her mother's hospital bills. Marianne's heart raced as she got ready to meet Felix and his team, the weight of her decision heavy on her shoulders. She knew there was no turning back now, not after they had settled her mother's hospital bills. The sense of gratitude and obligation clashed with the uncertainty of the path she had chosen. As she arrived at the agreed-upon location, she couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and apprehension. This was uncharted territory for her, and she had no idea what to expect. She spotted Felix and Nate waiting for her, wearing their businesslike expressions. "You're late! Did you know how many hours we've been waiting for you?" Marianne's heart sank at Felix's stern words. She hadn't meant to keep them waiting, but the gravity of the situation had weighed on her all morning. She quickly apologize
Felix went home with Nate and her father was there already, waiting for him. "Where have you been?""I went out with Nate. I am having some fun, dad," he answered. "Really? You're having fun instead of running our business. How irresponsible of you!" he raged. Felix's father's stern words struck a chord, and he knew he couldn't reveal the true reason for his absence. "I understand, Dad. I needed a break from the daily grind. But don't worry; I've got everything under control."His father's disapproval was evident, but he decided not to push the matter further. "Fine, just make sure you handle your responsibilities. Our family's reputation is at stake.""Dad, I think you should let me handle the company," Eric, the eldest son of Mr. Anderson said. Eric's unexpected interjection took both Felix and their father by surprise. Felix's father, Mr. Anderson, regarded Eric with a scrutinizing gaze before responding, "You've always been more focused on the company, Eric. But your brother is
It had been days since Marianne didn't hear from Nate and Felix. She thought that they give up on her and finally setting her free. "Finally! I'm free!" she shouted with joy as she strecthed her arms. "What happened? You seemed happy," Ethel narrowed her eyes while looking at her, but Marianne just give her a wide smile. Marianne maintained her broad smile and replied, "I haven't heard from Nate and Felix in days. I thought they'd given up on this whole charade and finally released me from this 'Bride for Rent' nonsense." Ethel's eyes widened in realization, and she chuckled, "You think they've given up? Are you sure that he's just gonna give up after what he had done to save you and your mother?" Marianne's smile wavered as she considered Ethel's words. She hadn't thought about the lengths Felix had gone to help her with her mother's medical bills. She started to feel a pang of guilt for jumping to conclusions too soon. As they were about to go enter the house, a luxurious c
"Welcome to your home, lovebirds," Nate greeted them with a grin. Felix went inside without looking at Marianne, who's now carrying her bags and other stuff. "Here, let me help you," Nate insisted and took the bag from her hands. Marianne raised her head and saw how Nate gently offered her a helping hand. "Thank you," a tight smile formed on the corner of her lips as they continue to went inside the mansion. The mansion was big, indeed. Towering ceilings adorned with exquisite chandeliers greeted them as they stepped into the grand foyer. The air was filled with a faint scent of antique wood and the soft hum of distant conversations. A grand staircase in the center led to the upper floors, adorned with a rich, burgundy carpet that whispered underfoot. "This is incredible!" she stuttered in amazement. Nate chuckled, pleased with her reaction. "Glad you like it, because this will be your home with your husband, Felix." Marianne glanced at Felix who was now on his phone, talkin
The night came, Marianne was still inside their room as she was still waiting for Felix's arrival. The room seemed to grow darker as the night progressed, the dim glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm ambiance. Marianne sat on the edge of the bed, her thoughts swirling with the events of the day. She wondered what kind of family she had married into and what challenges lay ahead. Just as she was about to lose herself in her thoughts, the door creaked open, and Felix stepped inside. The weariness in his eyes was evident, hinting at the weight of responsibilities he carried. "You're not ready, yet? I told you earlier, we're having a family dinner tonight. How come you're still not in dressed?" "Oh, I'm sorry. I must be lost track of time," she admitted, her voice soft. "It's okay, just dressed up. After that, go straight to the garden. I'll be waiting there," he said coldly before he went out. In front of the mirror, Marianne examined herself, trying to choose an outfit that wou