Chapter 3
1289 Words
Maria wrestled with how to face Mr. Adrain after their unfinished conversation from the previous night. Fear etched her features as she pondered the situation. Marrying him could solve half of her problems, she realized. After dropping Ethan off at school, she arrived at the restaurant. Small gossips floated around the kitchen, but she ignored them, focusing on her work.
Andrew walked in, signaling for Maria to join him. She moved slowly towards him, her steps heavy with apprehension. Her heart pounded as she approached, knowing why he might be calling her. Standing before him, she kept her head bowed, her eyes fixed on the floor, unable to meet his intense gaze. Her cheeks flushed with a mix of fear and shame, every muscle in her face tense with anxiety.
“About what you heard regarding Mr. Adrain, keep it to yourself. I don't want to hear it from anyone,” Andrew said firmly.
“Yes, sir,” Maria stammered, nodding in agreement, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Mr. Adrain is waiting for you outside. He wants to discuss something important that might help you,” Andrew added. Maria stood still, her mind racing with possibilities.
“And remember, he has zero tolerance for impatience,” he warned as Maria walked over to her locker. She removed her apron and hair net, her hands trembling slightly, then headed out of the building.
She saw Mr. Adrian in his expensive, limited-edition car. "Probably my first time entering such a car," she whispered to herself as the window rolled down. His gaze met hers, intense and unreadable. Her feet felt heavy as she walked toward the car. She opened the door and sat in the front seat, her heart pounding. The car started, and they drove off in silence until they arrived.
They arrived at a house that dwarfed any mansion Maria had ever seen. The building's grandeur left her speechless, its opulent design making her wonder about the materials used.
“So, you agreed to marry me?” Adrain asked, pouring himself a glass of wine, has a took a seat
Maria cleared her throat. “Yes,” she answered firmly. “I'm ready. I'll go through with it. What do I need to do?”
Adrain smirked. “I did some real digging on you. It appears you have nothing. How are you even surviving?” he asked mockingly. “Resorting to a loan shark—that's rock bottom.”
“Did you bring me here to insult me?” Maria shot back, her eyes narrowing as she tried to defend herself.
Adrain took a sip of his wine, unfazed. “I know how desperate you are for money. That’s why you’re perfect for this job. First, we need to draft the marriage license. How much do you need?” "There isn't much time left," I thought. To save my mother's life, the doctor said we must act quickly. He concluded.
Maria’s voice was steady, her resolve clear. “Enough to take care of my son until he’s grown,” she replied sharply.
Adrain stared at her for a minute before nodding. “Okay, I’ll give you much more. Here’s the advance payment,” he said, pushing a briefcase toward her. “It’s fifty million. We need to convince the hospital you’re truly family, not just someone I hired. And if anything goes wrong, you’ll refund the money in full.”
Maria clutched the briefcase, overwhelmed. She never imagined holding such a staggering amount of money.
“And if you ever think of running away or backing out, remember your innocent boy’s life,” Adrain threatened.
Maria nodded, determination and fear mingling in her eyes.
Maria's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and pain. “I’m one person who doesn’t go back on my words,” she replied, her voice steady.
Adrain's arrogant smile only deepened. “I can see that. The other day at the hospital, you told me about your morals and how you wouldn’t stoop low for money. But it seems you're about to sell your soul for it.”
Maria took a deep breath, holding his gaze. “You don’t know what it’s like to struggle every day to provide for your child. You talk about morals and pride, but when your son’s future is at stake, you find strength you never knew you had. If that means making sacrifices, then so be it. You may see it as selling out, but I see it as fighting for my son’s life. So, mock me all you want. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him.”
"Whatever, keep the lecture to yourself," Adrian snapped. His eyes flicked to her thin frame, and he gave a short smile. “You need to eat more,” he commented.
Maria looked at him, confused and embarrassed.
“You're so skinny. Are you sure you'll be able to handle the surgery?” he added with a mocking laugh. Maria adjusted her gown, pulling it down to cover her leg properly.
“Once the surgery is over, we’ll sign the divorce papers,” he said, his voice flat and detached. His eyes were cold, avoiding hers. “We have nothing in common. I live my life, you live yours, until then.”
*******
At the photo studio, Maria's hair was styled into soft waves that framed her face, the gentle curls bouncing lightly with each step. The makeup artist's brush swept over her cheeks, adding a hint of blush that complemented her natural glow. Her eyes, accentuated with a touch of nude eyeshadow, sparkled with a quiet strength as she glanced at her reflection, a mixture of resilience and sadness flickering in her gaze.
“Here comes the bride,” a young lady announced as Maria emerged in a flawless white gown, her hair perfectly styled. She looked stunning, and Adrain couldn't believe how beautiful she appeared.
They stood inches apart, Maria nervously avoiding eye contact. While the photographer adjusted the lighting, she turned to Adrain and asked.
"Did the hospital tell you to bring these pictures too?" Maria asked, confused.
Adrain nodded. "Submitting pictures as proof is necessary. If we marry out of the blue, they'll suspect us. I need to show that I didn't buy an organ but married you out of love," he explained. "We'll make these photos look like they were taken a year ago and claim we got married secretly."
"How will you make the pictures look old?" Maria asked, still confused.
"Don't worry about that. Just take the pictures and get ready for tomorrow," Adrain replied, his eyes fixed on a distant point. "We have an interview with the hospital, so act well. If they notice anything off, our plan is ruined.”
"Alright, place your hand lightly on hers," the cameraman instructed, breaking their conversation. He snapped a shot, but the tension on Maria's face remained.
"Now, place your hands on her waist and come closer," the cameraman directed again. Adrain, visibly tense, hesitated before complying.
"Oh wow, the groom is so shy," the cameraman remarked with a sweet smile.
"It's getting really warm here. Can we speed this up?" Adrain asked, his patience wearing thin.
The photographer brushed off Adrain's request, determined to capture one last shot of them kissing. Maria and Adrain exchanged shocked glances, both uneasy with the idea.
"Can't we skip this part?" Adrain proposed, but the photographer insisted that the authenticity of the moment required a kiss. Reluctantly, Adrain edged closer to Maria, who felt a surge of nervous energy coursing through her.
"Am I really going to kiss this man?" Maria whispered softly, her voice barely audible over the hum of the studio lights.
- Writer
