Nina.
I didn’t give Lucian an answer. His offer was so enticing but I couldn’t just jump on it. I didn’t commit the forgery I’m being dragged in the mud about. Secondly, what was I going to tell Jake? That I’m leaving him for another man just for money?
The last time we communicated was when I texted him about my mom’s accident. He didn’t reply to my text or call me. It was so strange.
I stood outside Jake's apartment, my heart racing with every passing second. The headline on the news didn’t add up one bit, the only reason I was at Jake’s was to ask him why he hadn’t called even after seeing the allegations pressed on us.
I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. The sound of laughter and music drifted from inside, Jake was the quiet type and he never had the time to blast music.
The door swung open, and Jake's smile faltered when he saw me. "Nina, hey..."
"Hey?" I repeated, my voice trembling. He hardly called me by my name. "After ignoring me for days, all you can say is 'hey'?"
Jake's eyes darted behind me, and I shifted to see a blonde-haired lady with a pink towel wrapped around her chest. That was my spare towel!
She had a guilty expression on her face, hastily gathering her clothes.
My world crumbled around me. "You are cheating on me," I said, stating the obvious.
Jake's face turned red, but he didn't deny it. "Nina, I..."
I raised my hand, silencing him. "Never mind.” I was here for an important reason.
I dumped my phone in his palm. “What does this mean?”
“Oh. This! I thought you were smart to cover this up.” Jake answered but I was lost for a moment.
“Cover this… what are you talking about Jake?!” I yelled.
“The loan from your boss, I told you how badly I needed that money.” Jake’s voice floated in the air, almost driving me crazy.
Panic set in, causing my fingers to shake. “You forged my signature and d… did thi..s?” I stuttered.
“Glad you’ve figured it out, you don’t have any proof against me. The whole world will believe that you did this. Get lost! And never come back here.” He ordered before slamming the door in my face. I stood there, speechless. What did I get myself into?
I turned and walked a step further, leaving Jake and his lover behind. Tears streamed down my face.
My phone rang, shrill in the silence. Melinda's name flashed on the screen.
“What’s that rubbish on the news?”
"Jake cheated on me and framed me up for that." I blurted.
Melinda's gasp was audible. "I'm so sorry, Nina."
I took a deep breath, I finally figured out what to do. "I'm done with him. And I've made my decision."
"What is it?" Melinda asked attentively.
"I'm going to marry Lucian Ryder."
The silence between us lasted for a few seconds before Melinda spoke up. "Nina, are you sure? We still need to figure out how to pay mom's hospital bills..."
"I know," I said firmly. "This is the only way I can get out of this mess. Lucian also offered to take care of the bills if I marry him. I have no choice.”
Melinda sighed. "Okay, girl. If you're sure..."
"I am," I said resolutely.
As I hung up the phone, I took out the business card Lucian gave me the other night. I dialed the number on it and within a few seconds, I heard his baritone charming voice on the other line.
“I will be your pretend wife.”
