The Unwanted Bride by the Winslows

Sham marriage

"I want you to pretend to be my fiancée and spend the next two years with me. I’ll cover all your living expenses and pay you 100 grand a month," Theodore said, his tone serious, almost stern. His striking blue eyes gleamed, making him look like the biggest villain from any movie.

Aoife had never heard such an ridiculous request before. She couldn't help but wonder if something was wrong with the foods she ate that morning or if the boss’s handsomeness was causing her to hallucinate.

"Boss, are you serious? Me? Your fiancée?" Aoife wasn’t one to be blindly confident. Though she knew her worth as a mercenary, she also realized the vast difference between herself and this wealthy, handsome man in front of her.

Theodore was a self-made businessman, owning several high-valued tech companies and holding two master's degrees from Harvard. He was smart and wielding significant power. His decision in this interview determined whether Aoife, currently unemployed, could pay next month’s rent. If her job is not to be a bodyguard, Aoife might never have seen Theodore outside of a TV screen.

"You should get some help. “ Aoife replied. " I had a comrade, after a severe head injury, mistook his male fellow soldier as his wife. This sounds just crazy. You'll regret asking me to do this."

Theodore laughed again. Often, smart people enjoyed the conversation of those who weren’t as shrewd because their straightforwardness could be hilarious.

"I'm not making this decision impulsively. You can read this contract. Each term is clear, with no hidden clauses. Sign it, and no matter what happened, you’ll receive $2.4 million after two years." Theodore explained.

For Aoife, this money is enough to live comfortably for a long time. But her years of experience as a mercenary told her not to accept something that seemed like bait. She remained silent.

Theodore changed tactics. He squinted slightly and began to talk about his past. "Actually, my surname isn’t Montgomery. It’s Winslow."

Aoife was shocked AGAIN. She knew the Winslow name well. The gun that had been her companion for over a decade was developed and manufactured by Winslow Arms. It was her best friend, her most trusted partner.

"You’re not the heir to Winslow Family, are you?" Aoife asked, swallowing hard, feeling the distance between herself and Theodore grow even wider. Her previously relaxed posture stiffened, and she straightened her back.

"I built my business on my own. Not rely on my family at all. That is why you know me as Mr. Montgomery. " Theodore sighed, looking a bit frustrated. "Now, the head of the family is bedridden, highly relying on machines and supplement to keep alive, but he still worries about many things."

"For his own life?" Aoife answered quickly.

Theodore slightly shake his head, patiently explaining, "No, he’s a man with ambition. Like a lion king of a pride, always thinking about the family. When he was strong, he maintained his position by driving away younger challengers. But now, he worries whether the weak descendants he protected can withstand other predators."

"So, he wants to bring back the young lion he once drove away, like you?" Aoife said.

Theodore looked approvingly at Aoife, pleased that she had reached the conclusion he wanted. "Yes, I don’t need to beg for his approval. But if I go back alone, he’ll struggle to his last breath to arrange a marriage for me, unless I bring back a fiancée. That sounds suffocating, but it’s typical people from the throne."

Aoife started to understand. Wealthy people often found clever ways to avoid undesirable futures. Theodore’s solution of hiring a fake wife to avoid a potential conflict made sense.

"So, he’s very controlling and will force his decisions on you if given the chance?" Aoife asked.

Theodore nodded, "Exactly. If he realizes he’s been deceived, he’ll explode with rage. I can’t just claim to have a fiancée; I need a wife to show to the family."

"I get it now. You’re a considering family member, and you chose me because I’m used to dealing with conflicts," Aoife concluded. "I may not know much or act well, but I’m tough, reliable, and can handle pressure. Even if interrogated, I won’t reveal anything of the contract."

Glancing over the contract, Aoife picked up a pen then sign her name.

Theodore found Aoife's serious demeanor is cute, even if he don’t understand much about her conclution. However for her, this understanding would ease much of the mental stress she might face.

Why Theodore chooses Aoife? It is simple. She was a rugged, ordinary woman who would disrupt the polished surface of his elite family. He needed her to contaminate his surname, and to trample on the arrogance of the old aristocrats in his family.