The Fake Wife

Chapter 4: Am I Free?

Julia's POV:

Anthony immediately presented the money stacked on the table, contained in a briefcase. It was piled high, exceeding 50 million. The sheer amount was astonishing. This kind of money could change anyone's life, whoever was lucky enough to get their hands on it, and I was one of those people. Because I had no other choice, no one to borrow from, and no one to rely on from my father, who only works in construction. His money isn't even enough for the daily household expenses. For my mother's life, to prolong it, I'll resort to the sudden decision of becoming Anthony Perez's fake wife to extend the life of my dying mother. Despite this, I might also help Anthony escape his father, who wants to control his life and future.

"We have a deal and the contract to sign, Ms. Julia Marquez," Anthony said, serious and very professional. His determination was evident on his face. Even with his seriousness, his undeniable handsomeness couldn't be ignored. He then presented the papers and documents we needed to sign. I immediately signed everything without reading each page because the small letters strained my eyes and gave me a headache. Once I finished signing everything that needed to be signed, Anthony signed the papers as well. He seemed to have his lawyer with him, dressed sharply and looking very professional.

"So, deal. We've already signed the contract and everything in the presence of my lawyer, Attorney Gabriel Reyes. I'll take care of the wedding and your mother. You don't have anything to worry about, Julia. Let me do this for your mother. All you have to do is prepare for our wedding as soon as possible, so everything goes smoothly," Anthony said, his face very serious and his voice authoritative. The Anthony I was facing now was very different.

"Okay, deal," I immediately replied and stood up to shake his hand.

"Can I see my mother before her operation?" I asked him, looking into his mysterious eyes.

"Sure, but make it quick because your mother needs to be operated on soon. We need to save her life, Julia," he said to me, and we immediately turned away as he and his lawyer left. I was left alone at the table, with the huge amount of money spread out. I just stared at it, observing it. So much money, in exchange for a person's freedom. Is this how rich people are? They buy the freedom that's free for someone like me, who's poor in life. Their lives are sad. But on the other hand, I'm now going to be imprisoned in Anthony Perez's hands in exchange for my mother's life. What will happen to me? Will I still be able to study if I become Anthony's wife? Will I still be able to fulfill all my plans in life? Will my life still be peaceful? Many questions in my mind have no answers. I only feel doubt now, but on the other hand, the only certainty is that I'll save the life of my beloved mother.

Tears slowly streamed down my face. I'm filled with sadness and fear because of the sudden events in my life. God, if this is just a dream, I want to wake up. Lord.

Narrator:

Finally, Anthony's plan to have a fake wife, who can help him become completely free from his father who wants to control his life and future again, has happened. Will he finally be free? Is Julia really the solution to his problem?

Julia's POV:

As soon as I got home from the hospital after visiting my mother, I immediately lay down on my bed. I feel the sadness of our whole house. Bibo is already asleep in their room. I only hear deafening silence throughout the house. I remembered Mama. I remembered the four of us, Dad, Bibo, and me, sharing simple meals. I can't help but cry whenever I remember the happy memories with Mama. I also remember when I would come home from work or school, she would always ask how I was, if I had eaten. I hope Mama gets better. Always Fight, Mama, for Bibo and me for us.

I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. I suddenly had a dream. A playground. I was with a little boy playing in a playground. It was too blurry, only happy giggles and a woman's voice could be heard. "Analyn, child, don't go too far, okay?" the woman said. Her face was also blurry, I couldn't make it out.

To Be Continued...