Five months had passed since that memorable family outing, and the Anderson household was brimming with anticipation as Marianne's due date approached. The journey of Marianne's pregnancy had been a mix of joy, excitement, and challenges, making each day a testament to their unwavering love and support for each other. On the morning of the day that would forever change their lives, Felix and Marianne stood in the soft glow of the sunrise, the city gradually awakening outside their window. Marianne, her radiant glow juxtaposed against the delicate hues of dawn, took careful steps while Felix walked by her side. "How are you feeling?" Felix inquired, his eyes filled with concern and love. Marianne offered a tired but genuine smile. "I don't know, Felix. It's a mix of everything. But I can't wait to meet our little one." The journey had indeed been challenging for Marianne. The sleepless nights, the physical changes, and the emotional roller coaster were all part of the intricate tap
In the hospital room, the air was filled with a gentle warmth as Marianne cradled their newborn son. Felix, still beaming with pride, leaned down to place another tender kiss on her forehead. The soft melody of their baby's first cries echoed in the room, a sweet symphony of new beginnings. Just as the new parents were settling into the quiet joy of their family, the door softly creaked open. Zoey, Felix and Marianne's eldest daughter, burst into the room, her eyes wide with excitement. She had just turned six, and her anticipation to meet her baby brother had been palpable. "Mommy! Daddy! Where's my baby brother?" Zoey exclaimed, bouncing on her toes with uncontainable enthusiasm. Felix, with a warm smile, gestured towards Marianne, who was still nestled in the hospital bed. "Zoey, meet your little brother." Zoey's eyes widened with awe as she approached, her gaze fixated on the tiny bundle in Marianne's arms. "He's so tiny! Can I hold him?" Marianne nodded, her heart swelling w
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