Life sometimes test us. Life gives us problems to solve to make us stronger. Be it financial problem, family problem or work related problems, life throws it at people challenging them and helping them to be strong and resilient.

But for Leina Davis, life has been unfair.

"Leina!"

Leina felt her heart jump out of her body when she heard her manager's shout. She quickly stand up and in no more than three steps, she reached her manager's office. She saw her boss' nostrils flaring from anger.

Her manager, Mrs. Emma Wilson, looked at her and she can feel sharp daggers flying to her. The woman who is sitting in front is noticeably older. Mrs. Wilson has wrinkles all over her face but she goes to the dermatologist weekly in hope of fixing the lines on her face. The woman's black hair with a streak of grays tightly bun.

"You called for me Ma'am Wilson?" Leina asked, almost whispering. "Do you want your coffee now?"

Mrs. Wilson looked at her before sighing. With that, Leina confirms that she did something wrong. Again. The woman showed her a green folder and Leina's eyes widened when she saw what it was. Mrs. Wilson looked at her and raised an eyebrow.

Leina quickly stepped forward and snatched the folder from her boss' desk. She checked the inside and her eyes grew big with disbelief. Now, she can feel her heart beating faster and harder against her chest.

She glanced at her manager with a pleading eyes. "I'm sorry Ma'am, I must have switched it with the folder you asked me." She reasoned out. Lately her brain has been scattered, she makes mistake a lot and it had been affecting her job performance.

Her manager shook her head as she clicked her tongue.

"How can you have switched it with the file that I asked you to give me? There is a big sign written at the front page of that folder. It says Finance." Mrs. Wilson scolded her. "Do I look like the Finance department head to you?"

Leina quickly shook her head hard and fast that she thinks it might break soon.

"I'm sorry Ma'am, I'll go get the folder from Cheska. I'm sure it's still with her."

Mrs. Wilson sighed.

"Are you okay Leina? Lately you've been distracted a lot. Is there something bothering you? You see, your job is really important. You handle documents that are classified and if that documents get into the wrong hands, then we'll have a problem later on."

Leina nodded, "I understand Ma'am."

"Do you?" Her manger stood up and looked at the window. "You see Leina, we can't afford someone from our department to make the same mistake over and over again. Now, with regards to your contract-"

"Ma'am please! Please don't do this!"

Leina kneel and tears started to stream her eyes. When her manager mentioned the word 'contract', she felt a heavy weigh put in her chest and it's making hard for her to breath. Mrs. Wilson looked at her with a pair of sorry eyes.

"Ma'am please I badly need this job. Please give me another chance. Please I'll swear I will try my best to not make anymore mistakes. Just please. . ." Leina pleaded with all her heart, she does not care if the carpet's dust cling to her knee of skirt. She does not care if kneeling's already hurting her feet. She just badly wants to stay in that company. Even though she always feel underappreciated.

Mrs. Wilson went quiet but then sat down on her chair. She looked at her one more time before nodding gently. Leina felt a huge thorn was lifted in her heart.

"Okay I'll give you another chance. But this will be the final one, understand?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Good. Now get my files and bring me a coffee, the President of Hayes Corp. will be here any moment."

Leina nodded and quickly wiped her tears. She went to the Finance Department as fast as she could, good thing that Cheska hasn't handed the papers yet to her boss.

When she already got what her manager wants, Leina went to the pantry to fix the coffee Mrs. Wilson asked for. She has been working for that Law Firm for three years. Although she felt undervalued, she do not plan to leave yet. She's after the salary as the firm pays generously. If she would to resign, then her family will be doomed.

"Leina, hi." A colleague enters the pantry. "Mrs. Wilson made you cry again?"

"No Jenna," She answered and gave her friend a sweet smile. "I just watched something earlier and it was a real tear-jerker."

Jenna shrugged at her. "Whatever you say, Leina. Anyway Mrs. Wilson's client is already in the elevator so you should probably hurry. She requested the coffee before the guest arrive right?"

Leina looked at her wristwatch and almost cuss aloud. Her manager would kill her if she is a second late. Mrs. Wilson has a habit of drinking her coffee before any meeting, she always tell her that caffeine boosts her memory and alertness during the discussion.

She put the hot coffee on the dish and juggled her way out of the pantry. Holding the folder on her right and the hot coffee on her left, she balanced herself while trying to run.

Just as when she was about to pass the elevator, it went open and came out a man. Leina could not stop herself from sprinting until it was too late. The coffee that she was holding flew into the man's coat. And the room was filled with gasps from her colleagues and the agonizing shouts and curses from the man.

Leina just stood there frozen. She does know what to do. When she was about to approach the man, she saw her manager coming out of the office.

--

A call woke Leina from her daydream. She was currently seating at the bench near the firm she used to work. With the incident that happened earlier, she just expected the consequence.

Her manager was really angry at her and fired her on the spot. Even she's angry at herself for being so clumsy. Of all the days she could have spilled the coffee, it's when the important visitor arrived.

Leina closed her eyes tight as she reach for her phone in her pocket. Disappointment and sadness rush to her when she saw who were calling her.

Leina took a sharp breath before forcing a smile and answering the call.

"Mom!" Leina greeted merrily.

The other line was quiet for a moment until she heard a machine beeping. "Leina dear, have you eaten lunch yet?" Her mother asked. She just sound so weak.

"Yes Mom, what about you? Are you getting enough rest?"

"Don't worry about me my child, worry more about yourself."

Leina smiled at her mother's care. "Mom you know I can't help but to worry, specially if involves you and my brother."

There was a pause in the other line until she heard sobbing. Leina's heart was filled with sadness when she heard her mother's cries. Nothing hurts a child more than to see his parents suffering. It's like a million of tiny needles poking through her internal organs.

"Mom what's wrong?" She asked.

"It's your brother. He needed another blood transfusion and therapy but we do not have enough money for any." Her mother sobbed.

Hurting so bad, Leina could not help her tears.

"Don't worry Mom, I will send the money later and try to find some more." Leina comforted her mother, trying her best to hide her sobs. She should not let her mother know that it's hard for her to find money.

"Do you think you can ask your boss for a raise? Or you can get your salary in advance?"

Without a heart to tell her mother that she just got fired from her job, Leina just agreed. "Okay Mom, I will try." She told her mother. A few more minutes of talk before they disconnect.

Leina could not help but to feel sorry for herself, she could not even help her mother. She felt useless. She went to the City to find a decent job and to earn a lot of money but instead, she got pain and broken dreams. She could not bring herself to go home without proving that she can reach her dreams and she can provide a life for her family that they well deserve.

Rain started to pour down on her. Leina did not want to leave the place but she was afraid to catch a cold. If she do, then hunting for a job will be delayed.

She stood up and was about to leave the bench with a heavy heart when she felt a gentle tug from the side of her skirt. She looked around to see who it was when she saw a darling little girl. Wearing a pink tutu skirt and a unicorn printed top. The little girl's black hair was curled.

Leina bent down a little to face the little girl.

"Hello, are you lost? What's your name?" She asked the little girl sweetly. Leina felt something bothersome by the little girl's reaction.

Now that she can finally see the little girl's face, Leina can tell that the girl has an angelic features. Her little black eyes that shine and turns brown when the sun reflects on it, her cute button nose and a well defined lips.

The little girl smiled at her. Leina was shock when the girl jumped in front of her and hugged her so tight.

"Mommy!" A cute voice came from the little girl and Leina was dumbfounded.

Leina pulled the little girl away from the hug. The little girl tilted her head cutely and with a questioning look on her face, Leina smiled at her and squat so she can clearly see the face of the little girl.

"What's your name?" Leina asked, tugging some hair of the little girl behind her ears.

The little girl beamed at her, "Aurora! But Daddy and Grandma and you calls me Rory!"

"Aurora? What a very pretty name."

"You gave it to me Mommy!" Aurora- Rory told her. Leina sighed as she can see excitement in the little girl's eyes.

"Uhm how did you know that I am your Mom, Aurora?" She asked, she wants to know if the little girl is telling the truth or if she is being pranked.

Rory took something from her mini purse and handed it to her. It was a tiny piece of photo paper with a picture printed on it. Rory pointed the picture and Leina's eyes widened in disbelief. The woman in on the picture do not just look like her, it's actually her!

In the photo, Leina's hair was colored light brown. She was wearing a cute yellow polka-dot dress and a ruffly white apron while holding a pineapple. It was a photoshoot that she did before for stock photography. Her best friend set up the shoot for her to earn extra cash for her brother. It was years ago and she thought that all her pictures on the internet vanished already.

"Where did you get this Rory?" Leina asked the little girl, trying not to panic.

Rory looked at her with questioning eyes. "Grandma gave it to me before, she said that the lady in the photo is my Mommy!"

Leina who is confuse by everything that is happening, slowly stood up straight and looked all around them for a hidden camera. But did not find anything. So there is one thing left, she might be being scammed. She thinks that the scammers are using the kid so she can give in and give the little girl a ride home or anything.

Well they should have picked a better target as she is poorer than them.

Leina patted Aurora's head and smiled at her. "Listen kid, your Dad may be looking for your already. You should head back."

Rory pouted. Her cheeks turning red.

"Daddy will not look for me if I am with you Mommy!" Aurora reasoned while shaking her head, Leina thinks that she might throw tantrums soon. She can see the little girl clenching her fists into a ball.

"Don't you know that it's bad to lie?"

Rory looked at her, "But Mommy I'm not lying." The little girl said and she can see tears on the edge of her eyes. Rory's nose started to redden and her lips quiver.

Leina felt a huge weight on her chest. Right at that moment, rain started to pour. She patted the little girl's head one last time and run to get a taxi. Leina felt a fang of guilt when she looked back and saw Rory running for her.

"Mommy! Mommy! Don't leave me again!" Rory shouted at her. Few passerby stopped to glare at her. When Rory is already in front of her, Leina can see the little girl's tears streaming down her chubby cheeks.

Rain started to pour hard and a taxi stopped in front of them. Leina felt that her conscience would eat her alive if she left the child alone on the street decided to take Rory with her.

Leina entered the taxi with Rory and they both settled down in their seats. She got her handkerchief and tried to wipe the water off of Rory's hair and face.

Leina saw the cab driver glanced at the little girl beside her and smiled shyly when she saw him.

"What a lovely girl, reminds me of my granddaughter." The can driver suddenly commented.

"Thank you Mr. Driver. I look like Mommy!" Rory beamed and then looked up at her with pride. She just nodded at the little girl.

The cab driver chuckled at Rory being talkative. "She's got her mother's smile." He added and then smiled at her.

Leina's feeling exhausted from everything that's happening could not even conjure herself to speak a single word. She just smiled and nodded at the driver. Their whole ride way back home was full of fun and stories as Rory would not stop telling her and the driver her dreams and all that's happened to her life.

When they arrived at her apartment, Leina quickly got Aurora to shower. She then dressed the little girl in a cute pajama with hearts printed on it. She was about to give it to her goddaughter as a birthday present, good thing that the party was postponed. Leina then offered a meal to the child but Rory refused, saying how she ate a whole pizza earlier.

"Mommy . . .hot. . ." Rory keeps on tossing and turning and couldn't seem to sleep. She doesn't have any choice but to turn on the air conditioner in her room. Leina has been saving electricity for the past months but whatever, she'd rather have additional bill for next month than have her hand broken from excessive fanning.

She sat beside the little girl and started to gently stroke her hair.

"What's your full name?" Leina asked the child, trying to extract some information from her. She needs to bring the child back tomorrow or else, her parents might charge her of kidnapping.

She was distracted earlier that she never thought of reporting the case to the police. When they got home it was already too late, Rory wanted to sleep already and she does not have the heart to say no to the kid.

"Did you already forgot, Mommy?" Rory asked her suspiciously.

Leina chuckled nervously, "Of course not, I just want you to recite it for me."

"My full name is Aurora Savion Hayes!"

Hayes? Sounds familiar.

"Then what's your Daddy's name?"

Rory yawned and started to close her eyes slowly. "Z-Zeke Hayes. . ." the little girl answered and then drifted into sleep.

Leina quickly got her phone and dialed up her friend's number. If she wants to find that Zeke Hayes fast, she needed to get her information from the number one directory she knows.

"Leina! Hi, how are you!"

"Jessi, hello. Are you busy?"

"Not right now no, why?"

Leina fixed Rory's blanket and got out of the room. "I wanted you find the address of Zeke Hayes."

A sudden pause from the other line before Jessi speaks again. "Do you mean Ezekiel Hayes?"

She knotted her forehead in confusion. She do not really know anything about that man. So Leina just agreed. It's worth a try.

"Okay then, I'll send you his address. By the way, why do you want it?"

"I just have something to return to him. Thanks Jessi!"

--

The next morning, Leina cooked some simple meal for the both of them and then hailed a cab after. Rory was very excited when she told her that they are going home.

Leina was a bit shock to find out that the address Jessi has given her last night is where all elites of the society resides. The créme de la Créme. As the destination nears, Leina could not help but to feel anxious and nervous. What if the little girl's parents thought that she kidnapped their daughter.

When they arrived, Rory jumped quickly out of the cab and knock on the huge gate. A few seconds later and it opened. Leina followed the little girl inside when they were greeted by a young maid, running at them.

"Young Lady! Thank God!" the maid said hysterically and quickly hugged the child, ignoring her presence. "Where have you been dear child?! Your father has been worried sick about you!"

"I was with Mommy!" Rory beamed and held her hand. The maid then noticed her presence and slowly lifted herb gaze to meet hers.

The maid was taken aback when she saw her. "Madam. You're back? Young lady showed me your picture b-before." The maid stuttered, "W-welcome back."

Leina did not say anything as she confirms that the family has been using her picture without her knowledge to con the little girl. She needs to give a piece of advise to the so-called father and some scolding too.

As soon as they entered the main door, Leina could not help but to hold her breath. She felt like entering another realm. Everything's sparkling. A huge chandelier hangs on the center of the foyer. It's probably bigger than her ceiling at home.

"Daddddddddyyyyyy!" Rory shouted and ran towards somebody who came out of one of the rooms. The man lifted Rory up and hugged her.

"Where have you been, Princess? I was worried sick!" The man said, his voice familiar.

Rory giggled and pointed her. "I found Mommy!" Leina was stiffened when the man gaze at her direction. She then wished that the soil would grumble down and eat her alive.

The man- Rory's father is gorgeous. His eyes that seems so hollow and cold but turns soft everytime he looks at his daughter. Pointy nose and well-defined jaw line. His air of pinkish lips that seemed so soft and sweet. Suddenly, Leina had the urge to taste them and find out herself if they are really sweet.

But one thing stops Leina, not only is the man gorgeous but she is the same man that was drenched with hot coffee earlier. The coffee that she spilled.

Oh she is so doomed.

Leina woke up from her sleep, feeling more exhausted. She slowly got up and scanned the room she was sleeping in, pulling the thick blanket beside her. She covered herself and tried to deflect the cold air inside the room. The bed seemed small for her yet it's one of the most comfortablr bed she ever slept on. Her brows furrowed when she saw glimpse of the room.

"Pink. Huh."

She was about to get up when a small arm wrapped around her legs. She turned beside her and saw the little girl's sleeping face.

Leina sighed.

She was about to leave the other day when Rory chased after her and wouldn't stop crying. Even when she bribed the kid of sweets and money, Rory insisted on her staying and to not leave again. Leina eventually felt sorry for the little girl, how heartbreaking it must be for Rory to look for a mother whom she never met in her life.

So Leina, who doesn't have a job anymore, decided to stay a little more hour. They played until exhaustion caught up with her and they ended up asleep on Rory's princess bed.

She glanced at Rory sleeping soundly beside her. The kid does really look like a porcelain doll. The kid seems sweet and joyful. Rory radiates sunshine. She wonders what kind of mother does Rory have, to leave behind such a charming sweet angel. Rory's biological mother couldn't possibly be dead, basing on the reaction of the help earlier, the mother probably went to a place really far.

But it's none of her business anyway. She was only there for the night.

A knock stops her from her thoughts. She glanced at the slightly opened door and saw a silhouette of a man.

Ezekiel Hayes.

"Let's talk." He said in a low voice. More like commanded. Leina shivered when she felt the cold coming from his voice. It was just two words yet it was colder than the coldest of ice.

Leina, feeling intimidated and bothered by the man's hostility towards her, decided to just follow along. Hoping that she can already go back to her apartment to start her job hunting.

She followed the man out of the room through the long and wide hallway to a huge double door room down the hall. It was design like those she saw on movies. The family is really rich.

Ezekiel Hayes, sat in front of her. The leather chair seemed so comfortable. That man gazed at her with intensity that she felt awkwardness surrounding the whole room.

"Why did you kidnap my daughter?"

Stunned, Leina's slip slightly parted as she stared at the man in disbelief. She was quiet for a minute, couldn't find the right words to say.

"Oh my God! How rude can you be?!" Leina feeling her anger increasing bit by bit. "You're the biggest jerk that I met. And I can't with you. I brought your child safe and sound and you accused me? Shame on you."

Leina turned her heels to leave but as soon as she held the cold doorknob, Ezekiel Hayes started to infuriate her more.

"Then a reward perhaps?" His words echoed in the not so tiny study. Leina heard a flipping of some paper and a scribbling noise. Slowly she turned to face the man yet again but this time, Ezekiel Hayes was grinning at her with his hand extended and holding a piece of paper. She slowly walked towards him as his grin became wider with her every step. "You want it don't you?"

"You think so?" Leina whispered sweetly as she smiled at him. When she got a hold of the paper, she took a small glance at it and ripped it in tiny pieces and scattered it on the table.

She saw the side of his lips curled and she raised an eyebrow at him.

"You're the one who was fired before right?" He suddenly asked, now she can see amusement behind his cold facade.

Now, looking back. Leina couldn't feel shame or even a slight remorse for what she accidentally did to the man before. By what she had witnessed, she felt proud and just with what happened. The man actually deserved the hot coffee.

"So?" Leina fought back with the same intensity as his stares.

"How would you like a job?"

She scoffed, "Seriously?"

Ezekiel Hayes shrugged his shoulders and rested his back on the expensive chair that Leina know costs fortune.

"Why not?" His voice almost teasing, "You wouldn't have to look for another underpaying job out there. Besides, I can offer you triple amount than your last salary."

"You can what?!"

Leina's jaw dropped by what she heard. Triple? If she can have that much money then she can definitely send more money for her brother's treatment. Her mother could finally be at ease and doesn't have to worry about the hospital expenses and she can finally start a savings account.

With that amount of money every month, Leina wouldn't have to apply for more than one job.

"I'm listening. . . " She whispered as she sat down at the chair in front of Ezekiel.

She saw how her smirked at her but Leina decided to just ignore it. She's much more interested in the money anyway.

"Basically all you have to do is keep an eye on my daughter." Ezekiel Hayes explained. "You bathe her, feed her, play with her, send her to school, pick her up and be there for her all the time."

"So basically I'm going to pretend to be her Mother."

"Yes. Basically."

Leina fell silent. She couldn't weight the gravity of her decision. She felt like she will do a crime if she accepts his offer and if she won't then her brother and mother's life will fall in grave danger. But either way, she couldn't bring herself to deceive a little girl. It's just not right.

Ezekiel cleared his throat and that got her attention. She lifted her head and looked at the man in front of her. But she was taken aback when she saw his pair of eyes staring straight back at her.

Leina quickly shifted her gaze and unconsciously straightened her shirt.

"There will be another deal, as part of this contract." Ezekiel Hayes opened a drawer and then slid something across the table. Leina's eyes widened when she saw a diamond ring. "You also have to pretend to be my wife."

"W-what?!"