Fake Marriage
The debt
Emma bites her lip when she saw the three words on her screen. A drop of tear escaped from her eyes, making way over her flushed cheeks.
Liliana
Emma, what did he say?
Emma Grace
He... he said he...
A smile appeared on Emma's face. Her eyes were gleaming.
Liliana
Don't keep me on the edge and speak it out woman!
Emma Grace
Will just proposed me yesterday and he asked me to give time until he talks about this with his parents. Now, I can't believe what I'm seeing from him!
Emma Grace
Yes! Will says they agreed and are thrilled to schedule our marriage as soon as possible!
Emma Grace
He wants our wedding next month.
Emma blushed. A smile playing on her lips as she looked at her friends through her lowered lashes.
Liliana
Look who's blushing haha
Emma Grace
It's nothing like that, Lili, I'm so happy. My happily ever after is going to be true. And I just can't wait for next month. But I should hurry with the shopping and stuff and should definitely inform my dad about this. See you tomorrow Lili.
Both of them waved at each other before parting to their own ways. Emma was so excited to get the news to her dad. Her dad was always worried about her since the time she has crossed twenty-five.
Emma Grace
He can rest assured now.
Emma sighed, smiling to herself.
Jacob Grace
Emma, my dear. Please listen to me.
Emma Grace
Do you dislike Will?
Jacob Grace
Of course I don't.
Emma Grace
Then why don't you let us be together dad?
His demeanor seemed despondent. He coughed for a couple of times before continuing.
Jacob Grace
I want you to postpone it because our financial status is not stable at the moment, my dear.
Emma Grace
Wh-what do you mean?
Jacob Grace
The project Aspen put, it failed miserably that all of the money I spent on it became worthless. To cover up the loss, I lend fifteen million dollars from West Enterprises. And now... I find no way of paying back. Today or perhaps tomorrow, we have to move from this home.
Jacob Grace
I had to my dear. I've found a small cottage, much away from the city where we would be away from Daniel West.
Jacob Grace
The CEO of the company I asked the money for.
Emma casted her gaze on the floor while her mind was elsewhere. She didn't know how to deal with the dilemma.
Emma Grace
Alright. I'll ask Will to postpone the wedding.
Jacob Grace
You know that I always want you to get married Emma.
Jacob Grace
Emma... there's something else I need to tell you too.
Emma Grace
What is it, dad?
Jacob cleared his throat. His lips were slightly trembling. All he had in his life was his daughter and none else. His wife had died when Emma was seven. He always wished for Emma's happiness, and so he found difficult to disclose the truth.
The wedding
Jacob Grace
Your marriage with Will... It might have to postponed until I pay off the debt.
Emma Grace
Do you even think you'll be able to pay off the debt even in a year dad?
Jacob Grace
I'm thinking of starting another small business but I need to be away from his eyes in the meantime. I know, it is very hard, my dear.
Emma Grace
Dad... I love you but Will... I don't think he would wait that far.
Jacob Grace
I'm sure he will understand.
Emma Grace
Wait, let me talk this with him. I promised that I'll meet him in the evening. It's afternoon now. I'll get you lunch and will prepare myself afterwards. Dad, trust me, everything will be alright.
Jacob Grace
I do, my child...
Jacob patted on her head, believing in a fake hope.
Will Whitman
Do you mind if I suggest you a better idea Emma?
Will Whitman
I've been wanting this marriage with you so long and I really can't bear to wait more. Why don't we make our marriage unofficial. Only a few close relatives of your and mine, away from the city?
Emma processed the idea in her mind. She thought for a long time.
Emma Grace
I think it's going to be a great idea! Oh, Will! I love you so much!
Will Whitman
I love you too, Emma. I'll help your dad with the debts. He must be going through a very difficult situation. We should be supporting him through this.
Emma Grace
We really should. And thanks for being so kind. I don't know what deed have I done to have a guy like you in my life, Will.
Will Whitman
Emma, whatever is yours. All are mine.
Emma Grace
Our dream will come true. Won't it?
Will Whitman
It definitely will. Trust your heart because good things are bound to happen even in the most uncertain of times.
Their hands merged into each others' tightly. Will gave her an assuring nod which developed hope and confidence in her.
Jacob Grace
I think this is a great idea, Emma!
Emma Grace
Really dad? Oh my!
Emma hugged her father, almost crying.
Jacob Grace
I know how much you both are longing to be with each other. And I feel so bad in separating you two. Let's arrange the wedding date as soon as possible. It'll be more easy to fix things up when only our close relatives are called!
Emma felt more happy than the time Will suggested the idea.
Emma Grace
I love you. I'm going to inform this to Will. He'd be so delighted to hear the news.
A month passed since Emma and her father were hiding from Mr. West in their small cottage away from the city. The wedding was scheduled to happen at their cottage. And Emma was nervous and equally excited.
Liliana
Just one more second and your hair is ready!
Emma Grace
Be fast, Will and the others are waiting there. Dad is waiting outside. You know what, Lili. I should've called someone else than you.
Liliana
Is that so? Then get someone else to do this for you.
Emma Grace
I was just joking!
Liliana
Okay. It's done. Now, my cute little bride best friend is ready!
An intrusion
Emma was the happiest woman Liliana ever saw in her life. Her eyes were dazzling than her glittery white dress while her cheeks were so flushed that even the lightest stroke of blush would make it seem as if she had overdid the blush.
Liliana
Well, well, well... I don't even think you need make-up sweetie
Emma laughed her off and hastened towards the door to find her father waiting outside. He hugged her with a tearful face. He was sure to miss her.
Jacob Grace
Are you ready, my dear?
Emma Grace
Yes, dad, I am.
Jacob held her hand, walked out of their little cottage and towards the altar. Will was eagerly waiting for his wife-to-be, which was evident from his gentle but genuine smile.
Before Emma placed her hand on Will's, the sound of a gunshot shocked the event. Everybody turned to its source.
Emma and Will turned in the direction to find a man in his crisp black suit with a few men around him, each with a pistol in their hands.
Emma Grace
Dad, wha-what is happening?
Josh Hanks
Say no more, Mr. Grace. You thought of running away from me?
Emma Grace
Dad, who is he?
Jacob Grace
Emma, I, I will tell you once-
Josh Hanks
Your father has lent a great sum of money and haven't paid me it back yet, with a couple of months that has passed after the due date. And now, he thought of hiding away from me, enjoying this pretty little event.
Jacob Grace
Mr. Hanks, I can explain, please understand my situation. Today is my daughter's wedding, the day me and my late wife has always thought of, please don't ruin it.
Josh Hanks
Poor Jacob, if you'd have known the stakes your keeping, you wouldn't have thought of cheating me. Not only am I going to ruin but take my fair share of compensation right now.
Will Whitman
What are you going to do?
Josh Hanks
Who are you to talk in the middle?
Will Whitman
I'm Emma's Fiancé!
An evil smirk appeared on Josh's lips. He closely observe Emma and glanced at Jacob.
Josh Hanks
Wouldn't I be so heartless if I ruin this pretty moment of you daughter's, Mr. Grace?
Jacob Grace
Mr. Hanks, I knew you were nice. Thank-you!
Josh Hanks
You're welcome, while you pay my debt...
Josh strode toward Emma and took her hand.
Josh Hanks
Let me keep your daughter in my custody with a tag of being my wife.
He gently kissed on the back of her hand while Emma withdrew her hands immediately.
Will Whitman
How dare you touch my woman!
Will advanced towards Josh but was blocked by several of his men.
Josh Hanks
From this time onwards, he's not your woman, she is going to me mine.
Jacob Grace
Mr. Hanks! H-how can y-you do this. My daughter...
Josh Hanks
Will live with me as my life partner until you pay off the debt. A complete deal.
Jacob Grace
I'm not selling my daughter!
Josh Hanks
But you've no choice Mr. Grace. Either get laid in our needs or let you daughter share her life with me as long as you pay me off.
Emma's eyes widened. Her lips trembled. This wasn't her planned wedding, this never was.
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