THE RENTED BRIDE

I woke up that morning with butterflies fluttering in my stomach, a mix of nerves and excitement coursing through my veins. I dressed carefully, choosing a vibrant red dress that hugged my figure perfectly, the fabric soft and flowing, making me feel both confident and comfortable. I paired it with my favorite black ankle boots, giving me a little extra height and a dash of attitude.As I looked in the mirror, my eyes sparkled with anticipation, and a wide grin spread across my face. My hair was styled in loose waves, framing my face beautifully, and I added a touch of makeup to highlight my features. With each passing minute, my excitement grew, and I could hardly contain my energy. Hannah arrived at my door, dressed in a cool, chic outfit, a mischievous grin on her face. "Ready to rock this audition, girl?" she asked, her voice full of energy. I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm so nervous," I admitted, "but also so excited." Hannah squeezed my shoulder, her eyes full of

The rain was coming down in sheets that day. I remember the drive felt endless, the wipers on full blast, struggling to keep the windshield clear. I'd been away for a while, with Michael tormenting me throughout the day , I was finally heading home. I was expecting a warm welcome, maybe a home-cooked meal, a sense of normalcy. But when I turned the corner onto our street, my heart just stopped. There they were, my family, standing in the downpour. Everything we owned was piled on the curb – furniture, clothes, all soaked and ruined. The eviction notice was still taped to the front door. My dad was huddled under a flimsy umbrella, his face etched with a mix of exhaustion and despair. My younger siblings were clinging to each other, shivering and silent. I highlighted from the Uber and just ran. I didn't even care about the rain soaking through my clothes. I ran to them, and the moment I reached them, Dad just looked at me, his eyes red-rimmed. "We lost the house, Leah," he choked

My phone rang, and I answered, knowing my grandma's voice would be on the other end. "Michael, dear, come over for lunch today. Leah is here visiting, and I'd love for you to join us," she said, her tone cheerful. I felt a surge of anxiety. What was Leah doing at my grandma's? Had she decided to drop by without telling me? And what if she let something slip about our fake marriage? I tried to play it cool, but my mind was racing with questions. "Okay, Grandma, I'll be right over," I said, trying to sound casual. I wondered what Leah's game plan was and how I should play along. I headed out, my heart racing with anticipation, different thoughts were running through my head. “Did she decide to blow our cover because of what I drew on her face this morning?” I knew I wouldn’t be able to get everything in my trust fund if she does this. I hurriedly left the office, one would think I was heading out to run for the Olympics I pulled up to my grandma's house and stepped out of

Michael walked into the room, Serena by his side. "Leah, this is Serena, my ex," he said, his voice matter-of-fact.I turned to face them, trying to process the information. "Hi," I said… “I’m Leah, his wife “ extending my hand.Serena smiled back, her eyes sparkling. "Uhm..you don’t have to pretend though.. he told me it’s a fake marriage.. I’m Serena by the way ," she replied, shaking my hand, and kissing Michael afterwards, the kiss he seemed to be enjoying.Serena stood tall, her dark skin glowing in the light. Her long, luscious hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating her striking features. Her physique was toned and athletic, showcasing her confidence and self-care. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes added to her radiant beauty, making her a stunning presence in the room.As I looked at Michael and Serena together, I couldn't help but notice the way he was looking at her. It was different from the way he usually looked at women. He seemed...

My mind wandered back to the days when Ethan and I were inseparable. We were the definition of love - passionate, all-consuming, and reckless. Three years flew by in a blur of laughter, tears, and adventures. He was my rock, my confidant, my forever home. I thought our love was unbreakable, but life had other plans. As I looked at Ethan now, memories flooded my senses. I remembered the way he used to make me laugh, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and the way his touch set my soul on fire. It was like no time had passed, and yet, everything was different. I couldn't help but wonder what could have been if we had stayed together. Would we have worked through our issues and built a life together? Or would we have continued to drift apart? The what-ifs still lingered in my mind, but I knew I had to let go of the past, and right now I’m in love with Michael, someone who wouldn’t even think of loving me back in this lifetime. Seeing Ethan again brought up a mi