Th_omas

" How about we help each other?" He says and I look up at him, eyes still wet from the tears streaming down my cheeks, heart freshly broken from the public humiliation and betrayal that was Lucas's breakup. I can faintly make out the first droppings of snow floating magically under the light of the street lamps. It's that time of the year, a time for wool coats, a time for relaxing, none of which I'll be doing. "I'm an orphan with a wicked aunt and a boyfriend who left her because she has nothing to her name, how could I possibly help you?" I say another sob escaping my lips. "Marry me" he replies and my eyes widen in anger. Is he mocking me?. I look into the eyes of this stranger and see he's dead serious. "I need a wife, you need a home, marry me and you'll have all you want". I nod.

A Snowy Marriage (A Christmas agreement)

Adrian's father's face turns a scowl as he sees us approaching. It makes my reslove drop and my heart, beat faster. I almost can't commit and make to go back but Adrian holds my hand.

I didn't know when our hands met or when we held each other's hand, but it gives me a slow sort of reassurance, I'm not the only one in trouble here, if anything he's even more bigger trouble than I am.

We make our way slowly but surely to their seats and I almost make to sit when Adrian squeezes my hand tightly, I guess we have to be invited to sit down, even if it is by your own parents. "What are you doing here?" Adrian's father asks him, and I can see the intimidation that his voice elicits in his son. Adrian is scared of the notion of explaining this to his father, and he seems to be grasping for words so I decide to take the first step. My stomach is already in a mess and the faster I get seated the faster I think I can start eating.

"Good day sir" I say and I feel his eyes snap to me. I flash him my most brilliant smile, which I'm considering isn't too much so he doesn't start getting the wrong idea about me.

I thought about it over and over again about how to introduce myself to Adrian's parents. Sure I'm posing as his wife, but that isn't actually what we are, and up to now it's dishonesty i think has gotten Adrian into trouble.

So I try to take the high lane instead. Start with the honest parts. "Who are you?" he asks and I gesture to the seats, "Can I have a seat sir?" I ask and he nods his head. I seat and Adrian looks at me with a surprised expression playing his eyes, like what the heck am I doing?.

I sit down and Adrian's father looks at me, his gaze oddly intense and scruntinizing. It's enough for me to continue my explanation "I do not think lying to you will be the best option sir, so I'm going to tell you simply what I am here for. Your son here has contacted me to pose as his wife and help in securing his inheritance back. If anything he told me was true, he has or knowingly put his family in a tight situation and so he's here to seek your approval. To get on with this  marriage so we can achieve what we came here to do. And I can go back to living my life".

Adrian's father looks at me with a suprise that I cannot place, I can only wonder what is running through his mind right now. This little girl has that she can luck out on his family's kindness, just because his son has made a fool of himself. I almost doubt my own confidence for a minute, like I haven't been doing it all this while.

Adrian's father lets out a little laugh, the laughter reassures me and he waves his finger at me motioning me to move forward a little bit. "I will listen to this little thing that you guys have planned, but I also have my own conditions."

My heart sinks as I look into intelligent black eyes. We are doomed.

Chapter 24