VALERIAAs the door creaked open, I stepped into my home, the worn-out welcome mat beneath my feet a testament to the passage of time. I turned on the fan in the sitting room and listened to the soft hum filling the empty house. Although it was empty, I felt welcomed looking at the walls filled with family photographs. The loud laughter and boisterous conversations were still audible to me. The house was a bungalow with four bedrooms, each with its own story, whispered tales of joy, arguments, and dreams shared among all of us. My heart ached as I recalled all the beautiful memories and what had occurred presently.The only meal I had eaten that day was the bowl of soup my boss offered me at the hotel, so I walked into the kitchen to help myself with something to eat, silently hoping that there was something in the fridge at least. Sike. The fridge was totally empty; there was only a bottle of orange juice, which had been there for a very long time. With a shrug, I grabbed it, along

VALERIAI didn’t realize how long I slept until I looked at my phone; it was 7 p.m. I sat up abruptly and looked around the sitting room. Everywhere was pitch dark. I was so glad that Nikki covered up for me because I genuinely didn’t have the strength to attend to anyone. I didn’t have the strength to say things like:“Welcome to our hotel; we hope you have an amazing stay.” Or, “Front Desk, how may I help you, please?”Or pretend to smile when all I wanted to do was take my sister’s place in that hospital bed.I had decided to take up my boss’ offer, and I was extremely scared. I was scared of everything that would come next. How would I be able to explain it to everyone? How would I explain it to Nikki and Vanessa? What exactly would I say? “Oh, I married him for a year to pay my sister’s debts.”?I could already imagine their faces, looking at me with utter confusion.I sighed and buried my face in my palms. It was all too tiring. Mentally, I was drained. But Nessa only had me,

ADAMI wanted to call the driver to come pick me up but decided at the last minute to do so on my own. My journey back to the hotel was a quick one, considering how hungover and tired I was. I parked the car and headed for the entrance, silently hoping to see Valeria’s face. I wanted to apologize for all I said that morning. I wanted to take it all back, I shouldn’t have done that to her. It was a win-win, but still, that was a messed-up thing to propose to someone who clearly was going through so much. As the door slid open, I looked at the front desk. There were a male and a female sitting and she wasn’t one of them. I felt disappointed. Once they recognized my presence, they both got up abruptly, forcing me to conceal a giggle.“Good evening, boss.” The lady said, clearing her throat. I recognized her immediately. She was the one who spilled my coffee on me that day. “How are you doing?” I asked when I got closer. “Perfect, boss. In fact, more than perfect.” The man responded. I

ADAMI buried my face in my hands. The work was seriously getting to me, but I was figuring everything out slowly, but that was something. At exactly 8 a.m., I had already freshened up and headed to my office to figure out how to fix the mess my mother had made. I was already 2 hours into the “fixing”, and I already figured something out which was something.My stomach rumbled. I checked my Rolex; it was a few minutes past 10. I needed to eat something. Valeria was definitely going to come here so we could draw up the contract, but I didn’t specify when. However, I was certain that she would come this morning; I mean, it was a matter of life and death. Come to think of it, I still didn’t understand why we needed to be in an arranged marriage. I was willing to help her for free. I simply wanted to help her. When she knelt in front of me, I put myself in her shoes; trust me, I hardly did that. I felt her pain, I felt hurt, and I felt pity.So I was shocked when she declined that offer.

VALERIA"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness," I kept chanting as we entered the car. I couldn't believe all that had just transpired. I knew that the news had spread out; everything was definitely plastered on the news. I hadn't mentally prepared for this. I didn't even think that everyone would know this way. What if my sister saw it on the news?"Shit!" I exclaimed."You are too loud," Adam stated. I turned to him. His head was leaned on the headrest, and his eyes were closed. His phone rang; he looked at it and dropped it. For three minutes, he had been getting numerous phone calls. He didn't seem anxious; he was very calm, and that irked me."How are you so at peace right now?" I asked."What do you want me to do, Valeria? Act anxious like you?" He asked, his eyes still closed."I'm not anxious." I lied. I was terrified. I turned off my phone because I was so anxious. I could feel my intestines twisting. I felt like throwing up. I was scared.He scoffed, "who are you fooling?""I'm no