The Beginning Of The Lie.

Emily’s POV

This was the point where I’d say I had no choice. The only way out now was to become someone I wasn’t. After thinking through everything that had happened, I could only find reasons to agree with Sammy. It might sound crazy, but in a way, he was right.

I never really acknowledged all that he had done for me—the effort he put in to make sure I finished high school, the little presents on Christmas, and those late nights he stayed up just to make sure I ate. We’d come a long way together. It had always been us against the world.

If this was what I had to do to pay him back or show that I was grateful, then so be it.

I looked at myself in the mirror, all dressed up. I was a little surprised by how well the outfit suited me. The dress wasn’t too loose, and the small bump Sammy created could easily fool anyone.

What shocked me the most was how prepared Sammy was. After I agreed to go along with his plan, he was so happy—he even lifted me off my feet and almost dropped me because he was still in pain.

Then, without wasting time, he placed a call to the number on the news report—the one offering a $1 million reward for the missing woman.

After the call, he disappeared for a while and returned with new clothes and a tummy wrap. He helped me put it on, carefully adjusting the bump so it looked real enough to pass for a pregnant belly. Everything had been planned out.

He had done his research and found out the billionaire’s wife had a history of running off without notice. This wasn’t her first disappearance.

Sammy’s plan was simple: once he got the money, I’d vanish too—just like the real Mrs. Edwards. That way, no one would ask questions. People, including her husband, would just assume she had returned to her usual hide-and-seek lifestyle.

It all sounded clever... but terrifying. My mind was full of questions.

What if the billionaire was abusive? Controlling? Cold? Because honestly, what kind of man would make his pregnant wife run away when she needed the most care?

I couldn’t help but feel bad for her. She must have been so miserable in the marriage.

I hoped she found peace, wherever she was. If I were in an abusive marriage, I’d choose peace too. Family or no family.

I sighed. So, all I had to do was look the part. How hard could that be?

Be a loving wife. Place my hand on my belly. Eat more than usual. Complain about being tired all the time. I could do that. I guess all those theatre arts classes I took in high school were finally about to pay off.

I was still thinking through how I’d play my role when Sammy suddenly burst into the room.

“We need to go now.” I didn’t argue. I followed him quickly. I already knew what that meant.

We arrived at the location he had been told to meet at. The moment I stepped out of the car, my nerves kicked in hard. My hands were shaking, my palms clammy with sweat. I was breathing too fast.

The air felt heavier, like it had thickened around me. Everything in me wanted to run—but I couldn’t move.

Sammy paced restlessly, smoking a cigarette like he hadn’t just dragged me into a million-dollar lie. The silence between us was thick and uncomfortable.

Then, a sleek black SUV pulled up in front of us. My breath caught in my throat.

This wasn’t just any car—it looked expensive. The kind that didn’t drive but glided. The kind that whispered money without saying a word.

Sammy immediately flicked the cigarette away and stepped on it.

The door opened, and a man stepped out—dressed like someone straight out of a luxury magazine. Polished black shoes. A tailored suit that screamed wealth. Hair slicked back like he’d just left a private salon. In his hand was a shiny black briefcase.

“You must be James?” he asked, his voice smooth and professional.

I was taken aback. James? Sammy had changed his name. Perfect.

“Ye... yes, that’s me. And you are?” Sammy stuttered, clearly nervous.

I didn’t blame him. Peter was studying him closely. The bruises on Sammy’s face made it worse. I tensed, afraid Peter might ask about them.

Another wave of panic surged through me.

“Peter,” he finally replied with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Then he turned to me. “And where did you find Mr. Morgan?”

Mr. Morgan? Was she not married?

His gaze landed on me like a spotlight—sharp and unblinking.

I froze.

“She was stranded and needed a place to stay,” Sammy jumped in quickly. “But when I found out she was pregnant, I let her stay longer. The streets aren’t safe these days. So, when I saw the news this morning, I did the right thing—I called you immediately.”

If anyone had told me Sammy was this good at lying, I wouldn’t have believed them.

Peter looked at me again. I couldn’t read his expression. There was a long, heavy silence. He was clearly trying to figure something out. Maybe he didn’t believe us. Maybe he was waiting for me to speak.

Or maybe... he already knew. My mind was spinning.

Then finally, Peter spoke. “Okay, Mr. James. Thank you for your hospitality. As promised...”

My chest loosened slightly. Relief washed over me. He handed the briefcase to Sammy. Sammy didn’t even try to hide his excitement. He opened it immediately. My eyes widened, but I tried not to make it obvious.

Stacks of crisp, clean dollar notes stared back at us.

Sammy grinned—the kind of grin that said I told you it would work.

But I didn’t let myself get excited. This was only stage one. I still didn’t know what kind of man this billionaire was. Or what I was walking into.

Peter turned to me. “Mr. Morgan, shall we?”

I stood there, clueless—until I realized he was referring to me. That name wasn’t mine.

“Oh... Ehm… sure,” I finally replied.

Peter turned and walked to the SUV.

I looked at Sammy one last time. He nodded and whispered, “Stick to the plan.”

I nodded back.

Peter opened the car door for me and closed it once I got in. Then he walked around and got into the front passenger seat.

I looked out the tinted window. Sammy was still smiling and waving.

And just like that, my life was traded for a briefcase full of money.

Not just any money—life-changing money. Enough to change everything.

But at what cost?