CHAPTER 1: AUDREY

My name is Audrey, and I’m from Santa Monica, Florida. Just two days ago, I overheard my husband, Alan, telling his older brother, Jack, that his contract offer had been turned down. Jack expressed sympathy and reassured him that everything would be alright.

My father owns four large companies, and Alan works at one of them, although he has no idea my father is the owner. He believes that I come from a very impoverished family that struggles to afford three meals a day, and I’ve chosen to keep it that way. However, I plan to reveal my true identity to him when the time is right.

That night, after Jack left, Alan came to our bedroom and was quiet all night. I pretended not to notice his distress, but eventually I turned to him and asked softly, "What’s bothering you?"

He scrunched his nose, as if he had been crying, and hid his face with a pillow, saying, "I’m fine." But I knew he wasn’t fine because I had eavesdropped on his conversation with Jack.

I gently touched him and reminded him, "A problem shared is a problem halved."

He looked at me with frustration, as if blaming me for his situation. "Great, I didn’t get the contract I applied for. I hope you’re happy knowing I’m a failure." He turned away and sobbed. I couldn’t bear to see the man I love in pain, so I resolved to help him secure that contract and even become the CEO of the company. I could make a single phone call to get him the contract, but I knew I had to handle it myself to protect my secret.

The next day, I took a taxi to my father’s company. When I got out, I took a deep breath and looked around to ensure no one was watching. I hid my face with a cap and dressed modestly. I entered through the back door and headed straight to his office. When I opened the door, my father, Mr. Williams, looked startled and gasped, "Oh, daughter, you scared me!"

"Sorry about that, Dad," I chuckled, making a playful pout.

He came over and enveloped me in a bear hug. I sat on his desk, and he shook his head lightly. "You should use the chair, child," he said, pointing to it. I flipped my hair and complied. Then he asked, "Audrey, how did you get in here looking like this? Did you really pass through security?"

I rolled my eyes and touched my face. "Come on, Dad, I know my way around. I used the back entrance," I replied with a smile.

"Oh, is that how it is?" he said, stroking his beard. I waved my hands casually and gave him a thumbs-up. He smiled at me and asked, "How did you know I’d be in my office?"

I anticipated that question and had an answer ready. "Dad, it’s Saturday, and you always come here to catch up on work you didn’t finish during the week. You’re always here early when you’re in town." Just as I was about to continue, he interrupted, "Why are you here, daughter?" He looked at me intently, sensing I had a favor to ask. I politely stated my request, "Dad, I need you to give my husband the contract and make him the CEO of the company." As I spoke, I felt a sense of relief.

"Are you sure about this?" my dad asked, and I nodded, "Yes, Dad, I want him to be truly happy." Making Alan happy is my priority.

"Hmm, does he love you as much as you love him?" my dad asked skeptically.

"Yes, he does," I lied, just to secure the contract and the promotion for Alan. Without hesitation, my dad agreed and handed me a file. "Go ahead and sign here. You alone have the authority to give him the contract and make him the CEO. You’re in charge there, even if you choose to play the role of someone less fortunate in the name of love. I haven’t forgotten your true position." I eagerly signed the contract, and my dad stamped it. He looked at me with a fatherly gaze, and I thought to myself, "I know that look." I stood up, ready to leave before anyone noticed me, and my dad gave me another bear hug. "It’s so great to see you, Audrey. Next time, dress like the daughter I once knew and use the front entrance. Besides, your husband doesn’t work here."

"Dad, I can’t risk blowing my cover. We talked about this. If I used the front entrance, how would I explain what a poor girl like me wants in a fancy company? Who would I say I’m looking for?" I said, making a sad face to remind him of my chosen role in pursuit of true love.

My dad replied, "That’s just a role you’ve chosen. You have full access to this building, and with your permit displaying your name and position, no one will question you."

"Dad, I understand, but I can only use that permit after I reveal my true identity to Alan.” I uttered slowly

My dad shook his head sadly and said, “Oh daughter, look at what love has made you do.”

I noticed the sorrow on his face and replied, “Dad! Don’t be like that. Please cheer up for me; I can handle this. Anyway, I need to leave now before someone spots me.” He gave me a smile, even though it didn’t truly reach his heart, then we exchanged goodbyes, and I left my dad's office without being spotted.

On my way home, I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing my dad had granted my request.

Later that evening, as I sat with Alan in the living room, he received an email announcing his promotion to CEO along with the contract. He jumped up, filled with excitement, and I waited for him to share the news with me. But what he did next took me by surprise.