"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."
"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
There's a moment of silence between the two of them. Marianne was on the sofa when Felix clears his throat and speak, "I wanted to say sorry for what happened back there," she looked at him with a fake smile. "It's fine, I understand. I just did my job as your hired bride," there's a piece of madness on her voice. "That's great that you still keep that in mind," she narrowed her eyes while looking at him. "We're just doing business, nothing more, nothing less. You're just my employee and I am your boss." "I know," she said sparingly. The following morning, Marianne started her day cooking breakfast for Felix. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen. When Felix came out from his room, he went straight towards the door and was ready to leave when Marianne called him. "Do you want some breakfast? I made some just for you-" He turned to face her, "This isn't stated in the contract, Marianne. You don't need to do this. I'll eat my own breakfast and you should too. D
Mr. Anderson turn his back on Marianne. "You..." "Yes, Father?" "You'll come too." "Alright." Marianne followed her father, Mr. Anderson, down the dimly lit corridor of their large Victorian estate. The air was heavy with tension, and the only sound that echoed through the hallway was the soft shuffle of their footsteps on the ornate carpet. As they reached the end of the corridor, Mr. Anderson paused and turned to face Marianne. "You're not good for my son, Marianne. How much?" her eyes widened when she heard that coming from him. "What do you mean, Mr. Anderson?" "How much do you need to stay away from him?" Marianne's gaze hardened, and she squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "I can't believe you're asking me to walk away from someone I love. Money can't buy happiness, Mr. Anderson." Mr. Anderson's expression remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed a hint of desperation. "This is about the family legacy, Marianne. Our reputation, our standing in society—it's a