A forceful separation

Georgia's POV.

“Sign the papers,” the cold and final voice of a man came.

I stared at the sleek black file in front of me, my hands trembled as I picked up the pen on it.

I had begged for this, I was willing to do anything yet I was still so scared.

This was a deadly decision, one that would ruin my life forever if he ever found out.

“I don't have much time. Sign them!” The stranger's voice came again, this time demanding and louder.

I shuddered as I scribbled on the papers, guilt ripping my insides.

I was happily married to Michael but here I was, signing a contract marriage with a stranger. This wasn't a choice, it was out of desperation.

After my husband got involved in an accident,bills started piling up. Insurance failed us, and my job as a bartender did little to help.

Then I met him–Henry Ford.

The stranger who offered to help me out but not without a price–a marriage of convenience. I'd pretend to be his wife for a year.

My mind flashed back to my unconscious husband who was still in coma. How was I going to stay away from him for that long? That too, in a different city from him?

Like two sides of a coin, our souls were tied together. We've been crazily in love with each other and we lived fine until the accident.

My eyes moistened with tears as I dropped the pen, staring at the signature before the file was taken away from my sight.

Henry walked out the room, his expensive cologne wafting on my nostrils as he strolled out.

The walls of the office felt like they were colliding into me as my heart burned with a mix of emotions–fear, guilt and urgency.

The doctor had said Michael wouldn't make it out of coma if I didn't deposit a sum of three hundred thousand dollars.

I had nowhere to go and I didn't want to lose Michael either.

Not like crying helped it but I cried my lungs out outside the hospital–where I met Henry Ford.

He helped me up, promised to foot the bills but on the condition that I become his wife.

A soft sigh escaped my lips as I curled my hair behind my ears, It was no use crying now.

The deed had been done.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, I dug my fingers into the back of my jeans.

My jaws dropped when I saw the notification, it was a credit alert.

Henry Ford had wired the payment he promised into my account. 

‘Was this real?’ I wondered as I felt relief sneak into my heart, relaxing the tightness I had initially been feeling.

I quickly put a call through to my best friend, Anna. The only woman who supported me when things went south.

I rose up from the chair, pacing towards the window where tall buildings, the bright clouds and moving vehicles were displayed like a movie.

“Anna,” my voice came softly as the call got connected.

“Hey bestie, how are you? And where are you?” Her vibrant voice came, but etched with concern.

“There's no time to answer all of that right now. I got the money for Michael's treatment, I'd send it to you right now.” I informed her.

The next thing that I heard was squeals.

“Oh my God! This is great news! How'd you get it?” She asked.

My heart sank, as I recalled signing the papers to become a stranger's wife.

I felt ashamed, too ashamed to tell her the truth.

“Uh nothing much really. The loan corporation…yeah..they gave it to me.” I lied, breathing a small laugh.

But Anna knew me better than anyone else.

“We both know those guys chased you out of their office after you told them you're a bartender. Tell me the truth.” She demanded.

I bit my lips nervously, my free hand rubbed the back of my neck.

My heart started racing as my mind swirled in a million thoughts.

What would she think of me?

Would she judge me?

Would she be disappointed?

With closed eyes and a closure to my mind, I parted my lips.

“I got into a contract marriage with a stranger, Anna. Please don't tell Michael.” I forced the words out, as panic rippled through my veins.

My brows pulled together in fear as there was sudden silence.

“Anna? Please…please say something. I know it's wrong and–”

“Georgia, I'm not mad at you. I understand the urgency of the situation. I won't tell Michael, it'd be our little secret.” She assured me and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Our little secret…as tempting as it sounded, it still scared me but I pushed down any doubts. Anna would never betray me.

We spent the next few minutes talking about Michael's treatment and how Anna would help me hold up until the contract marriage ended.

This was going to be tough, but I was willing to risk it to see him alive.

********************

Henry's world was flashy, media attracting and luxurious—quite different from the quiet, private world I'm used to. 

My first appearance as Henry's wife was tonight. Prior to the event, he had his assistant get me elegant dresses that I either found too tight or too bogus.

My hair was styled into a tight bun with fringes on the side. The pink sequined dress I was putting on clung tightly to my body, especially at the waist and hips. 

Different flashes of lights came from the multiple cameras taking shots of us, it was tiring.

We soon proceeded into the hall hand in hand, like the perfect couple–except we were total strangers. Henry barely talked to me in the car and I had nothing to say to him either.

As we stepped into the hall, I couldn't help myself from staring around. The yellow painted walls were designed with golden lights that made the hall look dreamy.

Hundreds of people, some clad in expensive tuxedos and others clad in elegant gowns were scattered all over the area.

The atmosphere was a mix of influence, good wine and wealth.

A man clad in a burgundy suit soon spotted us both, his lips spread into a small smile as he walked towards us.

And just before he got to us, I heard Henry whisper.

“Don't say too much, or better still, keep your mouth shut.” 

“Mr Ford, it's so nice to meet you. I almost thought you wouldn't make it,” the man greeted, shaking hands with Henry.

I stared at him like I was lost, but in actual sense, I felt lost. I felt small, like I didn't belong.

“Is she your wife?” The man's voice came, tinged with curiosity.

Henry slipped his hands around my waist, pulling me closer to him with a wide smile.

“Yes, she's my darling,” Henry said, turning to me with eyes that ordered me to smile.

I forced a smile as I stared at the man, wondering where the hell those words came from.

The men laughed it off and soon began talking business. 

I drifted off into thoughts as I wondered how I was going to keep up with this charade if his words irritated me like this. 

The only person whose endearment gave me butterflies was Michael.

I wanted to know how he was doing, if he was fine. But I stopped myself from reaching out. I promised Anna I wouldn't.

But my heart ached. The feeling of separation stung me deep, I missed him.

Feeling overwhelmed by my feelings, I slowly stepped away from Henry.

He turned to me, his gaze questioning my actions.

“I want to use the restroom,” I said, and his brows relaxed.

I took that as the cue to leave.

With a waiter's help, I was led to the restroom.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I looked so different.

It felt like the air outside was choking as I felt safe here, with no one watching.

I was trying so hard to fit in, I was so careful with my act that I couldn't even breathe properly.

A deep breath escaped my lips as I brought out my phone from my purse.

Surprisingly, there was a text from Michael.

A loud gasp came from me as the excitement made me throw my arms in the air for joy!

Michael was awake!

I quickly opened the message but my heart stopped the moment I read it.

My hands trembled as I stared at

the message. My eyes were burning from staring at the phone but I was too shocked to look away.

His text echoed in my mind, each word a stab at my heart; 

“I want a divorce.”