Nora's POV
I slowly opened my eyes and saw myself in a hospital room with machines beeping around me. A young man, Elijah, sat beside my bed, looking relieved.
"Hey, you're awake," Elijah said softly. "I'm so sorry about what happened. "I didn't see you on the road, and didn't mean to hit you." Memories of the betrayal and accident flooded back, but I decided to pretend not to remember anything.
"Where am I?" I asked, trying to sound confused. Elijah explained the situation and just then the doctor walked in "Congratulations Elijah! "Your wife is pregnant," the doctor announced.
My eyes widened in shock. "What? "Pregnant?" Elijah's expression turned from guilt to surprise.
"Uh, yes I uh " the doctor continued, "We'll need to run some tests, but it seems you're about four weeks pregnant.
My mind raced. I was shocked, but I quickly composed myself, deciding to maintain my amnesia act. I didn't want any connection with Michael, and Elijah's kindness gave me an opportunity to start anew.
"What's going on?" I asked, feigning confusion. I don't remember anything.
"Elijah looked concerned. You mean you can't remember anything about yourself, not even your name ?"
Still pretending, I asked " doctor what is wrong with me I couldn't remember anything. Just then, Elijah felt some pity, blaming himself for hitting me.
"Don't worry, we'll figure everything out.
The doctor asked me how I was feeling, checking for any signs of pain or discomfort. I replied that I was fine, still playing along with the act.
Elijah looked stunned, then suddenly excused himself to get me something to eat. "Are you not hungry?" he asked, noticing my empty stomach.
I shook my head, and he nodded, heading out to grab some food. When he returned with lunch, I ate quietly, trying to process the situation. Elijah watched me, concern etched on his face. As I finished eating, Elijah noticed my luggage and realized I had nowhere to go.
"I think I have a solution," he said gently. I need a wife for hire. My parents are coming to visit, and they want me to get married. Would you be willing to pretend to be my wife? Just until she's convinced and leaves".
He explained that he'd take care of me and the baby and I would have a place to stay.
I agreed, seeing this as an opportunity to start anew.I looked at Elijah and saw kindness in his eyes. He had a strong face and a nice smile. His cologne smelled good though I felt unsure, but he seemed gentle. I decided to trust him.
"Okay," I said softly. "I'll do it" I was nervous, wondering what would happen next. After I agreed to pretend to be Elijah's wife he took care of me during my hospital stay.
When the doctor said I could be discharged, Elijah prepared to take me home. He turned to me and said, "Let's make this marriage look real."
We took photos together posing as a happy couple. Elijah smiled and held me close, making sure the pictures captured our pretend love.
After the photos, Elijah handed a ring to me and slipped one onto her finger. "This should convince them," he said, his eyes locked on mine.
Now, we were headed to his house. "You are playing the role of my fiancé. Elijah smiled and took my hand, helping me into the car. He was gentle, kind, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me as we drove to his house. Elijah told me more about himself.
He shared stories about his business and his family and I listened intently, trying to absorb as much as I could.
When we arrived at his mansion, Elijah chuckled and took my hand, leading me inside.
"Welcome home my dear," he said smiling. I played along, smiling back at him.
"Thank you, darling."
We arrived at the house. When I entered his mansion, I was stunned. I saw his framed picture hung on the wall. Elijah was one of the richest CEO's in the city, Elijah Wilson, the first son of the esteemed Wilson family. The opulent decor and sprawling grounds left me breathless.
Just when we entered, his parents greeted him warmly, but their gaze towards me was cold.
"Welcome home son," his mother said, her voice dripping with disapproval." And who is she? " The emphasis on "wife" was palpable. Elijah smiled smoothly.
"She's Ella my Fiancé and the woman I want to marry" he glanced at me and I played along, trying to appear loving. His mother raised an eyebrow.
" But I thought we would discuss Clara. I've been arranging everything for your marriage to her".
Elijah shook his head. "Mother, I've told you before I don't love Clara. We're not compatible."
Just then, Clara appeared a determined look on her face. "Elijah, don't be ridiculous. We've been engaged for months. You promised to marry me ."
"Clara, I think there's been a misunderstanding. I never formally engaged you. "We had dated before, but we broke accepted the situation and stopped being desperate," said Elijah.
Clara's face turned red with anger. "You think you can bring home another woman and expect me to step aside? I've put too much into us.
"Elijah's mother frowned. "Elijah, what's going on? "You can't just bring home someone we don't know "Clara added, "You're making a big mistake. This woman doesn't even know you.
"Elijah held my hand tightly, "She's my wife and I won't let anyone come between us." His mother and Clara looked at each other doubtfully, but Elijah stood firm. He pulled me close. "I mean Ella is my choice."
Ella was probably the new name he gave me, Ella Wilson. I smiled weakly. "I think I need to rest "Elijah nodded. "Okay, let's get you settled."
As we walked away, I felt their disapproval, but Elijah's grip on my hand stayed firm. Elijah showed me to the master bedroom and as I climbed the stairs. I settled into the luxurious room. I couldn't help but wonder what I had gotten myself into.