A Lie To Save Herself

“Ahh!” Anaya winced at the excruciating headache that hit her as soon as she opened her eyes. 

Groaning, she patted the bed to search for her phone only for her to pause with trepidation. Something was very, very wrong. Jolting up, Anaya looked around the strange room with fear. 

“What on earth am I doing here?” She whispered under her breath.

To make things worse, Anaya couldn’t recall how she ended up here. She patted her body and sighed with relief when she realised she was still dressed.

“What happened?” She asked out loud to no one in particular as she tried to search her memories.

The last thing she remembered was drinking about three bottles of whiskey to drown the pain of being cheated on and discarded by her boyfriend of five years. After that, everything was hazy.

Anaya heard the door being opened and she looked around for anything she could use as a weapon. Instead, she saw a young lady dressed in black and gold uniform stepping into the room.

“Oh, you’re finally awake. How's the hangover treating you?” She asked with a warm smile.

“F-Fine.” Anaya answered in a daze despite the raging headache. “I-I am sorry but I don’t remember how I got here…”

“Oh.” The lady’s eyes lightened with realization. “A gentleman brought you here. I recall his name as Mr. Fitzgerald.”

“A-A strange man brought me here?” Anaya’s eyes widened.

“Yes, but don’t worry. He simply tucked you in and even paid me to keep an eye on you.” 

“He did?” Now, she raised her eyebrows with confusion.

What a gentleman indeed.

“Yes, ma’am. Would you like to have breakfast here or will you come down to the restaurant?” The hotel attendant asked with a polite smile.

“I-I just need a moment to recollect myself.” Anaya responded.

Her head was spinning from the hangover and she was struggling to get a grip on her surroundings.

“Sure. Ring number 0 for any assistance.” She said before turning to leave.

Anaya sighed under her breath and laid back on the bed. Staring up at the ceiling, her memories of last night played back. It was still blurry but she could remember a face now. Dark hair, gray eyes and chiselled features. 

He had saved her from that pervert. Yes, she could remember him now!

It was fascinating how he had not only helped her out but ensured she was safe throughout the night. Other men would have tried to take advantage of her vulnerable state. Anaya decided she needed to give him a call to thank him properly. 

Suddenly, her phone rang and she searched the bed to locate her purse. Taking it out, a scowl appeared on her face when she saw the caller.

It was her uncle, her mother’s elder brother, and he never called her except he wanted to remind her of one thing–her mother’s trust fund.

Being the only child of her mother, her mother had put a clause that Anaya could only claim the fund when she got married. Her uncle had been pestering her to get married to Thomas as soon as possible and she knew it was because he had his eyes on the wealth her mother left behind.

Knowing he was going to keep calling until she answered, Anaya picked the call in order to get the conversation done and over with.

“Uncle.” Anaya said with a sultry voice.

“My dear niece, how are you doing this morning?”

“I am fine. What do I owe the pleasure of hearing your voice first thing in the morning?” Anaya kept her tone polite but she was annoyed already.

‘I saw the news of your said boyfriend proposing to someone else. You didn’t inform me you had broken up with Thomas.’ Her uncle mentioned.

“Yes.” Her voice was tight now. “It happened all too fast.” 

‘Well, I never liked him to begin with. It’s a good thing. I can finally introduce you to the man I picked for you.’

“Picked for me? What do you mean by that, Uncle Charles?” Anaya got up from the bed, getting agitated already.

‘Yes, Anaya. Have you forgotten your father’s request already? I had promised to find you a suitable husband and I am merely fulfilling my promise.’

Anaya scoffed at the flimsy excuse he was making. Her father’s request was nearly ten years ago and it was something said over a drunk family night. He only wanted to pick someone for her in order to secure her mother’s trust fund. 

There’s no way she was going to let that happen. And if anything, she needed the trust fund now more than ever. She had used most of her resources to help Thomas and her company was in dire need of funds.

“Too bad, Uncle. I already have a fiance.” Anaya lied in order to avoid getting married to a wastrel.

‘A fiance? But you just broke up with Thomas.’ Her uncle was startled.

“As I said, it all happened very fast. Rest assured, we will pay you a visit very soon.” With that, she hung up and threw her phone to the bed.

“Ughhh!!!” She yelled with frustration. “How on earth am I supposed to find a fiance in just a matter of a few days?”

She knew her uncle wouldn’t get off her back until he confirmed she was telling the truth. In desperation, Anaya grabbed her phone and got the number of a matchmaking agency online. She had to find her husband-to-be. And fast!