❥ SARAH ❥

"What?" I exclaimed, my mind struggling to process what I just heard.

A fake bride?

"You heard me," she sighed, sinking back into her seat. "I need you to pretend to be a fake bride for my little brother."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This had to be some kind of joke. It was definitely not what I had signed up for when I took this job.

"Is this a joke?" I asked, desperately hoping for a different answer.

"Do you think I'm joking?" she replied, handing me a tablet. "I need you to be his bride for at least three months." My eyes fell on the picture displayed on the screen.

Wait... Isn't this...?

"That's your brother," I said, needing confirmation.

"Yes, why?" she raised an eyebrow. "Do you know him?"

I didn't actually know him, but Sam had once shown me a picture of him on Instagram. He was the type of guy that parents would warn their daughters to stay away from. With his dark hair, tanned skin, mesmerizing green eyes, and a perfectly sculpted body, he seemed too good to be true.

A sudden memory flashed in my mind of Sam showing me a picture of him emerging from the ocean, the sunlight dancing on his glistening muscles, making him look like a Greek god.

"Hey," she snapped her fingers, pulling me out of my reverie.

"Oh, sorry, I was lost in thought," I said, trying to regain focus, but her smirk told me she knew exactly where my mind had wandered.

"Okay then, what's your answer? Yes or no," she asked, her tone filled with anticipation.

"Umm... I think I'll have to pass," I replied, fully aware that my response didn't sit well with her.

"Are you sure?" she pressed, seeking reassurance.

"Yes, I'm sure. Look, I'm just a girlfriend for rent, and it pays well, so I'm content," I revealed, realizing that I didn't even know who this person was.

I handed her back the tablet. "So please tell your men to open the door. I need to be somewhere important," I said, glaring at her.

She didn't say anything, but pressed a button I hadn't noticed before, and suddenly the door swung open. I was about to step out when she spoke again.

"Two hundred thousand," she stated, causing my legs to freeze in place.

"What did you say?" I almost stammered, thinking I must have misheard.

"Two hundred thousand dollars if you agree," she smirked, retrieving a card from her bag.

"Here's my card. I'm leaving town in two days, and I expect a favorable response from you," she said, handing me the card. I glanced at it briefly before taking it from her hand and leaving the car.

.

.

.

"Fuck me! Two hundred what?!" Sam nearly dropped her food as I shared the details of what had happened to me a few hours ago.

Her dark eyes remained wide, clearly still in shock from the amount.

Believe me, I was in the same state of disbelief.

"I know, right? It's insane." I stood up from the couch and made my way to the kitchen. Sam and I managed to rent an apartment together, which was a much better situation since we were still hustling to make ends meet.

"It's not just insane, Sarah, it's easy money. This could be a game-changer," her footsteps behind me indicated that she had followed me into the kitchen.

"It still sounds suspicious, though. Why would they hire me? Have you seen that guy? He could have any girl he wants in an instant," I shared my curiosity with her. A smirk played on her face, causing me to roll my eyes.

Ever since I had told her who the guy was, she had gone crazy and almost made the landlord question us.

"Sarah, that's exactly why they hired you. You're a badass, and you don't take shit from anyone, especially hot guys," she smirked, knowing she was right.

Sure, guys could look like they stepped right out of a Thor movie, but one wrong move and it was game over. I didn't need to beg or act like a fool just to please some fuckboy who wouldn't commit to me.

And trust me, there were plenty of them out there.

"There's some truth to your words," I bit my lip, contemplating it.

"Of course, I'm right. And besides, you need the money for James. Remember, the medical expenses have increased," sadness tinged her words, causing a frown to appear on my face.

She was right. Even though I had told the woman that the job paid well, the truth was that James' hospital bills had gone up, and it had become increasingly difficult for me to keep up with the payments. This might just be a way out.

"I'll think about it some more," I smiled at her, making my way back to the living room.

"That's good enough for me," she exclaimed, hopping up and playfully hitting my shoulder.

I laughed, gazing at my fiery-haired friend. She always wanted the best for me, even though she was struggling herself.

Her mom had passed away from breast cancer, leaving her to fend for herself. One of the reasons we connected so well was because of our absent fathers. While mine had run away, leaving behind a trail of debts, hers had left her and her mother for another woman—who happened to be loaded with cash.

But she fought through it all and decided to survive alongside me.

"How's Adam doing by the way?" Adam was Sam's boyfriend. He was a sweetheart but incredibly shy and calm, while Sam was loud and outgoing. When he had asked her out, he had stuttered so much that Sam had to kiss him in front of the entire college and said yes.

I had initially thought she did it just so he wouldn't feel bad, but she claimed he was too cute to let go. And in her own words, " he might look innocent but he's sure a wild beast in the bedroom."

I couldn't look at him without thinking of that statement for two weeks straight.

It was that bad.

"He's doing fine, just feeling lonely since he traveled," she sighed, her face clearly displaying her longing for him. Adam had decided to visit his parents in his hometown since he had been busy with work. Sam had been restless ever since he left, but I could hear them chatting at night.

I heard a lot more than just their conversations, which is why my earbuds came in handy.

"Don't worry, he'll be back soon," I squeezed her cheeks playfully to lighten the mood.

"He better," she tried to speak, but I could hear her mumbling, "because I need sex and I need it fast."

Okay, I really wish I didn't hear that.

"And I'm out," I quickly removed myself from her and headed to my room.

......

"Hey, big sis," it was almost midnight when I saw his call. I was busy scrolling through Pinterest.

"Hey, lil Jamie," I teased him, fully aware that he hated that nickname.

"I'm not little anymore," I could practically sense him rolling his eyes as he said that.

"Fine, fine. How are you doing?" I asked.

"Good," his tone changed, indicating that something was wrong.

"James, what's wrong?" My voice grew slightly harsh, a hint of concern creeping in.

"The pain... It came back," his voice trembled, almost causing me to break down.

"But...the doctor said the medication would help," I stood up from the bed, feeling unsettled.

"It did, but it's finished and we haven't..." he paused. I knew he wanted to discuss the mounting medical bills, but he hated bringing it up. He always felt guilty about his condition and hated that I spent my money on him.

"When did the pain start?" The phone was silent for a while before he finally replied.

"Two weeks ago," he sounded scared.

Two weeks?!

"Why didn't you tell me?" My eyes started to well up with tears, my voice almost stuttering as I tried to hold myself together.

"I didn't want to trouble you," he broke down. His voice shifted to a crying tone.

"Stop saying that shit! I've told you, always tell me everything, James," I sat on my bed, wiping away the tears that I didn't even realize had fallen. "You're all I have, and I don't want to lose you. So you better start telling me about things like this."

"But the money-"

"I'll find a way. I'll figure this out, and you'll be okay. Do you understand me?" I interrupted him abruptly. "Understood. I'll fix this, and you'll be okay. Do you understand me?"

"Okay."

"Good. Now go to bed, it's already late," I instructed him. He said his goodbyes, and I ended the call.

"Fuck!" I threw my phone angrily onto the bed, frustration mounting with each passing moment.

Things were spiraling out of control. Just a few hours ago, debt collectors had called, threatening to seize my belongings. I couldn't bring myself to tell Sam about it. And now, James's pain had returned, adding more financial strain.

I rummaged through my bag, desperately searching for the card I had stashed away. Finally, I found it.

ALEXANDRIA KNIGHT

The woman's name glared back at me in bold letters.

I dialed the number, my heart racing, hoping it wasn't too late for her to answer.

"Who's this?" Her voice on the other end brought a wave of relief.

"Um, hi, it's me...you know, the lady from the van," I hesitated, fighting the urge to add "that you kidnapped." But since she was my potential client, I had to keep things professional.

"Ah, yes," I heard some commotion in the background. "So, what's your answer?"

All the thoughts and worries flooded my mind, but without thinking, I blurted out, "Yes, I'll do it."

"Good answer. Send me your location after this call, and I'll send my men to pick you up tomorrow."

"Oh, so soon?"

"Of course. I have more pressing matters to attend to, and you need to meet the groom, after all," I couldn't help but roll my eyes, knowing she held a smug smirk on her face.

"Alright, I will, and thank you, ma'am."

"Oh, please, call me Alex. You're welcome," she responded, and with that, she ended the call, leaving me to wonder if I had made the right choice.

....

"Holy shit, this place is huge," I muttered to myself as I took in the grandeur of the surroundings. Alex had sent her men to pick me up early, which didn't quite work out for me, but I managed to make it here.

She had mentioned staying in a hotel, but I had no idea it was 'The Hotel'—the kind of place that required a sugar daddy, wealthy parents, or marrying a billionaire to gain access. And since I didn't see a ring on her finger, I could only guess it was one of the other two options.

I felt completely out of place, noticing how the interior walls seemed to glimmer like gold, with chandeliers adorning the halls, creating an even more extravagant atmosphere.

"Follow me," one of Alex's men gestured towards a door. I quickly brushed my hair back, pursed my lips together, and adjusted the tight black gown that Sam insisted I wear—more like forced me to wear.

They opened the door, revealing another stunning interior. The room felt chilly, a stark contrast to the outside, making me silently curse Sam for making me wear this daring dress.

"Hey, love, over here," Alex waved her hand, guiding me towards her. I pressed my hands against my hips, mustering a smile as I walked towards her.

"I see you dressed to impress," Alex quickly examined my outfit, a mischievous grin spreading across her face, which left me perplexed.

"Thank yo—"

She didn't let me finish. "Time is money, honey. Let's go meet my asshole of a brother," she winked at me before striding towards an elevator that was conveniently located in the room.

This is insane!

I hurriedly followed behind her, stepping into the elevator after she did. She plugged her phone into her ears, engrossed in her conversation, the sound of her keyboard becoming slightly audible.

As the elevator ascended, she spoke in a singing tone, the words that made this whole crazy situation feel all too real.

"Hey, Chris, your bride is here."