I was drowning in hospital bills when a man in a suit offered me a deal: pretend to be his fiancée, and he’d save my father’s life. I had no choice but to say yes. Then I met his brother…
The day started like any other, but by noon, my world collapsed. My phone rang with news that my father needed immediate surgery, and the cost was more than I could afford. I had no savings, no family to help, just a café job barely covering rent.
Desperate, I asked my manager for an advance. It wasn’t enough. Then, a stranger caught my attention in the café. He watched me intently, his presence unsettling. He wasn’t my usual customer, but someone new. Older. Sharper. In a suit.
Later that night, he approached me. His name was Steven, and he offered a deal: pretend to be his fiancée for a few weeks, and in return, he’d pay for my father’s surgery. The choice was simple, but the consequences complicated.
I agreed. Soon, I was dressed in designer clothes, playing a role I wasn’t ready for. At Steven’s father’s birthday party, I saw him—my regular customer, Oliver. He recognized me immediately, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of my lie.
Days passed, and Steven paid for my father’s surgery, but something was missing. When Steven suggested we continue the charade, I couldn’t. I admitted to him I was in love with his brother.
Steven didn’t argue. He left, and the next night, Oliver appeared, offering me help without conditions. He knew the truth. He’d always noticed me, even before the lie.
He didn’t need to say more. I knew then that I wasn’t alone. Oliver and I would face the road ahead together, and for the first time in a long while, I felt hope.