enne

" I ex

ke me repeat myself," he said

w desperate are you? Can't you see I'm

xed his gaze on me, remai

think of this? Wait, are you joking?" I ask

both benefit from this arrangement, and most importantly, you need this.

riage?" I asked, trying

call it, then yes," he said,

you instead?" I

ready. Have a lovely day," he said, pausing as he turned towar

alked out of th

arely knew beyond his name. I believed in the sanctity of marriage, not rushed decisions. My plan w

working here for free for two years was unthinkable. I will blame myself if I dare do tha

me. Marriage? Who does he think he is to order me around? Trying to control my life with this whole marri

love and respect, I glanced at my sister lying on the bed, frail a

from the business card. It rang twice

Alexander?" My voice sh

His response came,

..." I said and

've always had issues asking for help, especially with things like this; that's why I worked tirelessly. "S

rom the bed, it rang loudly. It was his nu

ake. Do you think I want anything to do with you? We are both adults. You better end t

t I quickly realized he had

threaten everyone with

I could hear the co

al. Do you remember, or do you want me to sue you for

oice trailed

ements about trying to kill me are in

him," I thought as

asked imp

e to the marriage

good

ll your part of t

is?" he

hospital bill

wife," he said, laughing

e me cringe. But, I don't have

I opened the message immediately, and to my surprise, it contained photos of Alexander and me i

he scene look like an accident. This alone was enough to send me

re or video. It was a text which said, "As long as you

is all a setup? With the marriage offer, I couldn't think the opposite. Did he really have t

**

any the next morning. As us

nder," I said loudly, and she looked

direct me to him," I

g when I spotted Alexander and headed straight for

the door, I began

as I realized my mistake, my