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 without its challenges. But it comes with a substantial reward. We need someone willing to take on this role, fulfill the requirements, and benefit from the prize. This is a win-win situation for both of you- you can get your money to pay for that hospital bills, and Mr. Anderson will get what he wants."

Marianne's eyes darted between Felix and Nate as she processed the situation. The weight of her mother's medical bills bore down on her, leaving her torn between her desperation and the unconventional proposition on the table. 

Felix watched her closely, trying to gauge her reaction. "I understand this isn't what you expected, Marianne. But I assure you, it's a straightforward arrangement. We'll be legally married, but our lives will remain separate. There won't be any emotional involvement. It's purely a business transaction."

She clenched her fists, "Pay my mother's hospital bill first and I'll do it. I'll be your 'Bride for Rent'.

Felix nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Agreed. We'll ensure your mother's hospital bills are taken care of immediately. Once the paperwork is complete, we can proceed with the arrangement."

Marianne hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with doubts and fears, but the urgent need to help her mother pushed her to make a difficult decision. "Alright, I'll do it. But remember, this is only business, nothing more."

Felix extended his hand, and they shook on the deal. "Business it is. Our 'marriage' will be discreet, and we'll work out the details with our lawyers. You'll receive the money for your mother's medical expenses, and I'll get what I need."

Marianne looked at Felix, she felt disappointed while looking at him. She doesn't know that he's kind of man, who will do these kind of things-just to get what he wants. 

Later that day, the hospital bill of her mother was settled by Felix's team. She then recieved a call from Nate. 

"We settled your mother's hospital bill. We will see you tomorrow for the arrangements," he said and hung up the call. 

She then went to her mother's room. "Mother," she greeted her with a smile. 

"What happened? Who pay the bills?"

"I did."

Her mother looked at her with confusion, "W-where did you get the money?"

"Mom. I got a job," she smiled. 

"Really?"

"Yes, and I got a loan too. So, I need to repay it, but don't worry. I got a job now and I can pay for it."

Marianne's mother beamed with pride, grateful tears welling up in her eyes. "Oh, my dear. Thank you so much for everything. I felt so guilty letting you do the work. I'm sorry, my daugter."

"Mom, that's not your fault. I will do everything to repay the loan. So, don't worry about it, alright?" Her mother nodded her head and she hugged her mother tightly, feeling a mixture of relief and guilt. She knew she had made a difficult decision, but it was all for the sake of her family's well-being.

The evening came and Marianne received another call, but this time, it's from Felix. 

"Where are you?" he asked, his voice was deep and serious. 

"At home. Why?"

"We're done settling the payment. Just do what you promise me," he reminded her. 

"Yes, I will, but..." she took a deep breath. "Can I stay with my mom until tonight?"

Felix hesitated for a moment but then agreed, understanding the emotional significance of the situation. "Of course, Marianne. Take the time you need with your mother. We'll meet tomorrow to finalize the details of our arrangement. Remember, it's all business, as we agreed."

Marianne's heart was heavy with the weight of the impending arrangement, but for the moment, she was grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with her ailing mother. She thanked Felix and hung up the phone, determined to make the most of this precious time with her family.

As soon as they go to bed, Marianne held her mother close, feeling the warmth of their embrace and the fragility of the moment. Her mother, weak but smiling, whispered, "What happened? Why are you so emotional today, huh?"

Tears welled up in Marianne's eyes as she replied, "I love you, Mom. You mean everything to me, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're well again."

Marianne's mother hugged her tightly, her voice filled with emotion. "And I love you too, my dear. You're the most precious thing in my life, and I'm grateful for your sacrifice. Just promise me one thing."

Marianne nodded, tears streaming down her face. "What, Mom?"

"Promise me that you'll find happiness in your own life, that you won't sacrifice your dreams and happiness for me alone. You deserve love and joy, just as much as I do."

Marianne hugged her mother even tighter, unable to hold back her tears. "I promise, Mom. I'll find happiness, and I'll make sure you're a part of it."

When her mother fell asleep, Marianne got up and went to the balcony. She slightly open the sliding door and went out to get some fresh air. She stared at the sky above and sighed. "What should I do now? What did I do? How can I tell mother about this?