HIS SECRET BROKE ME.

"Do you think I can do this?" She asked.

"I'm also scared as this is too risky, " Abigail replied.

"No,I promised to do anything and everything for Dan"

"I can do this!" She said to herself.

"Yes you can do this!" Abigail said to encourage her best friend.

Alexandra and Abigail walked into Miller's Investment and co.

One of the biggest and tallest buildings in their city is owned by Mr Miller. The most powerful and influential billionaire in Miami.

Their eyes were filled with excitement as they searched through the room.They were sure they've never seen or entered such large and well decorated rooms. They were too stunned and almost forgot the real reason why they're at the Millers company.

Alex pulled herself together, remembering the real reason why she was at Miller's company. Abigail adjusted as she saw the change in the eyes of her best friend, the eyes that were filled with surprise and excitement a few minutes ago were now filled with sadness and hopelessness.

"I'm proud of you and Dan is lucky to have you as his sister, " Abigail said to Alex.

Alex forced a smile and replied "Thank you".

************************************

"Good morning sir" Alex greeted nervously but to her surprise, there was no response.

Alex stood in front of a large table in Andrew's office. She was screaming for help internally hoping her best friend could hear her and come to her rescue.

While standing,she took her time to study the man who didn't respond to her greeting and was already scared she made the wrong decisions. She shouldn't have been here. She should have found other alternatives to help save Dan.

"Sit down," Andrew finally said in a deep,sharp tone.

Alex, who was carried away in her own thoughts, immediately sat down. She was nervous and sweating that Andrew could instantly notice her shaky hands.

One part of Alex wanted the job because the pay is good and will be able to help save her brother. But the other part of Alex was hoping he would reject her because she wasn't sure she was ready,not even with such a cold man.

"I'm sure you know why you're here"

"Yes sir"

"Are you sure you're ready?"

Alex looked up to his hard glare nervously, she wasn't sure she was ready to get herself involved in the type of life she was about living but that was the only opportunity to save her brother, her only family.

Andrew wasn't giving her a chance to think properly with those hard glare he threw her away,his face not leaving hers.

She took a deep breath and answered.

"Yes sir,I am ready".

"You don't look like someone who's ready, so I'm going to ask again,are you ready?" He asked, firmly.

"Yes,I am," Alex answered, sounding optimistic. Even when she could hear her own heartbeat.

"Good"

"You will be asked to sign some documents later this week but I will tell you the most important part of it"

"Okay sir"

"No feelings attached"

Alex blinked multiple times before she could bring herself to mutter a word.

"Sure,I'm not planning to do anything stupid,I'm only doing this because I need money for my brother's medical fee."

"Good,you have the contract then."

"Thank you so much sir" Alex replied, almost too excited.

"You will have to learn how to stop being formal in front of other people since you'd be acting as my wife soon"

Alex remembered she has to learn how not to be formal around Andrew in front of other people and act like his actual family. She was surprised how Andrew wasn't feeling shy and how he wanted her to stop being formal that soon but that wasn't her concern at that moment. Her only concern at that moment was her brother, she was happy she got the job and will be able to take proper care of Dan.

Alex said goodbye to Andrew and left his office, she went out to her best friend with a smile on her face. Abigail immediately knew she got the contract, she shouted "congratulations'' and hugged her best friend, her voice attracted some glare their way.

Alex told Abigail how intimidating Mr Miller was and how she was screaming internally for her help.

They both laughed and chatted on their way back to the hospital to tell Dan about the news and what they just got themselves into.

Alex was nervous because she didn't know how Dan would take this but Abigail was always there to support her best friend.

The two ladies got to the hospital and Alex was too scared to enter,she didn't know how she would face her brother.

"How will I explain to Dan that I just got married on a contract?"

"How will he handle this with his current condition?"

"Do you think I went too far?"

Alex asked her best friend these questions with tears in her eyes. She wasn't happy about her decisions and she was sure Dan won't be happy with her either cos he wouldn't agree with her to marry someone who she doesn't love just to save him.

"I'm so proud of you Lexy,you've always been strong since college days. You're the best person, sister, bestfriend, everyone needs in their lives and will be so happy to have,this is not easy on you but I will always be by your side, supporting you and cheering you on even when it's hard to do so,I'm proud of you once again,I love you bestfriend "

Those words of encouragement from her best friend made Alex sighed in relief, she hugged and thanked Abigail for being the best and always having her way to bring her comfort even in chaos.

They both sat on one of the benches outside the hospital. Alex and Abigail talked about good old days in college and how life was easy for them,how much they miss their other friends.

But unfortunately for them,life won't always give us what we want and that's one term they're starting to live by.

The two best friends got up and proceeded to enter the hospital and explain things to Dan.

FOUR WEEKS AGO.

"Alex!" Her best friend called out screaming at top decibel,while running as fast as she could towards the restaurant.

"Alexandra!!" She called again,this time louder than the first time.

Alex heard Abigail's voice,she rushed out of the restaurant to her best friend who was breathing heavily,gasping for air with sweat streaming down her forehead.

"What happened?" Alex asked.

"Dan...." She said,still trying to gasp for air as she opened her mouth,using her hand to lure air into her mouth so she could breathe.

"Dan?" Alex said barely over a whisper with widened eyes. She dropped the restaurant's apron on the floor and immediately started running to the hospital.

"Dan Smith," she told one of the nurses at the reception.

"Room 12" the nurse answered.

Alex rushed down to room 12 where her brother was lying unconscious, she looked at him through the window with tears rushing down her cheeks.

Alex went down on her knees,sobbing really hard while praying to God to save her brother and let him live as she's scared to lose another loved one,her only family.

Abigail knelt beside her,pulling her into her chest,gently patting her back and whispering some encouraging words into her ear even if she wasn't sure of how the situation would end up. She's still there for her best friend, being optimistic about the whole thing going on.

The doctor came out and the two girls were quick to stand up to hear what the doctor had to say.

"Are you Dan Smith's guardian?" The doctor asked.

"Yes we're " they said in unison. Making the doctor curious just who they're to the poor boy lying on the sick bed.

"Dan will be fine, he fell down and had concussions but won't be discharged today as he needs proper medical attention till he's fully better" the doctor explained.

"Dan fell!?" Alex shouted looking straight at Abby and realising she didn't even bother to hear what happened to her brother before rushing down to the hospital.

Abigail told Alex about how she was preparing Dan's breakfast in the kitchen and heard a loud noise from the room. When she got into the room,Dan was already lying unconscious on the ground, but she was lucky to get help and call the ambulance to get Dan safely to the hospital.

Abigail said she also didn't know how Dan fell from bed. She was also scared at first thinking his illness probably started again when she heard the noise but was stunned to see Dan on the floor. She explained.

Alex was left speechless but she kept sobbing. The doctor excused himself, leaving the two best friends in the corridor to talk.

Alex bent down crying and asking God why it had to be her,why everything bad has to happen to her and her brother since they lost their parents in a car accident.

Dan has been on medication since they lost their parents in a car accident 3yrs ago. He was diagnosed with a panic attack due to the trauma the incident caused him. Alex has been working every day and night to make ends meet and provide for herself and her brother. Also to live a proper life but Dan's medication fee has been taking too much of her savings.

"He's awake!" Abigail yelled joyfully, pulling Alex out of her thoughts.

Alex wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand and quickly rushed in to sit down beside her brother. She looked at Dan pitifully and didn't realise tears were running down her cheeks.

Dan held up his hand and wiped the drops of tears from her sister's cheeks with tears in his eyes apologising for making her worried and always causing her so much trouble.

Abigail stopped him and cupped his face in her hand,telling him that she will do anything and everything for him to just be okay and happy. They both smiled and hugged each other.

"That I won't take!" Abby yelled and quickly moved closer to the two siblings and joined them.

"Someone's jealous," Alex mentioned.

"Yes I am," Abigail admitted.

"I just can't get enough of both of you, thank you for loving me" Dan said,smiling.

"You're welcome Dan," the two best friends replied.

Alex stared at the both of them,smiled and hugged them. They hugged her back and enjoyed one another's embrace.

"Hmmm" Dan murmured.

"What's wrong Dan?" Alex asked.

"My chest" he replied

Abigail rushed out of the room to get the doctor because they sensed he was having his panic attack again.

Alex and Abigail were asked to leave the room when the medical practitioners arrived.

"He was fine just now"

"What's happening? " Alex asked nervously.

Abigail took her best friend out of the room and left the doctors to do their job.

"Dan" Alex sobbed.

"Shushhh," Abigail said, patting her back.

Alex and Abigail sat down quietly while waiting outside the room,the past seven hours has been a rollercoaster of emotions for them. They stared at each other till they fell asleep in each other's arms.

The shining early morning sun kissed their skin. Alex and Abigail were jolted awake from their sleep.

Their bodies felt really weak because they slept on the same couch. Spent the entire night snuggling into each other to give each other's comfort as it was cold throughout the night.

Alex and Abigail walked up to the room door to check on Dan.

The doctor came out of the room and they both sighed anxiously.

"Good morning ladies" The doctor greeted.

"Morning"

"Dan's panic attack is worsened, his medical fee will also be increased if you still wish to use this hospital as his medical centre".

They both listened as he was telling them about Dan's condition.

"You may now excuse me" The doctor said leaving the two ladies speechless and empty.

Abigail moved closer to her best friend and gave her a comforting hug knowing she was at the verge of having yet another mental breakdown.

"How will I get the money?"

"Will I be able to save Dan?"

Alex asked these questions with shakiness in her voice.

After the doctor informed them about Dan's condition, Alex has been thinking of ways to make more money so his brother will keep getting medical attention till he gets better.

She went for different job interviews and was told they'd get back to her. She didn't receive any emails on getting any of the jobs she applied for.

Alex was left extremely weak and tired of the whole situation but she wasn't willing to give up on her brother, she was sure she could come up with something to get more money for Dan's medical bills.

"I think I have to work the morning and night shift," she muttered to herself.

"I need to talk to my boss"

Alex immediately picked up her phone and texted her boss. She told her boss she needed money and would have to work morning and night shifts. Her boss considered her knowing Alex has always been a strong and hardworking young lady,he admired her for that.

Alex sighed in relief. She knew it wasn't going to be easy working two shifts and the money won't be enough but she just kept trying, she won't give up on her brother.

"Alex?" Abigail called out knocking on her room door.

"Yes,come in," she replied.

"Are you okay?" She asked, concerned.

"Yes," she answered in a low tone.

Abigail knew her best friend was going through a lot and she was sure she wasn't okay but still asked the question mainly because she was concerned about her and just wanted them to talk. She misses her sarcastic and playful best friend.

Abigail sat on the bed with her,staring at her with a smile on her face.

"I miss you" she said to her.

Alex was silent for a while but smiled.

Alex also missed her best friend but life has been so unfair to her for the past 4 weeks,though she was grateful to have Abigail, her bestfriend who will always support her no matter what and be there for.

"I miss you too" she managed to mutter.

"I will be working morning and night shift"

"What?"

"Yes,I need enough money for Dan's medical bill"

"I know but working two shifts will be too stressful, are you sure?"

"Can't we just take a loan?"

"How will I pay back?"

"I will sell the car my dad gave me"

"No,I won't allow that. That's the only thing that reminds you of your father".

*********************

Alex resumed work and has been working tirelessly, one of her colleagues who noticed how hard and tirelessly she had been working throughout the week had to ask if anything was going on with her because not only has been she working hard,her behaviour also changed,they noticed she wasn't her playful and sarcastic self,she was dull and not full of life like her old self. Her skin was also pale.

"Are you okay?" Peter asked, concerned.

"Yes" Alex replied without looking up to who was asking her question as she was too busy arranging the food customers ordered.

"Hey,look at me,"Peter said,gently holding her shoulder.

Alex looked up to him and realised it was Peter asking her a question, the one colleague at work who will always disturb her but loves her wholeheartedly.

"Are you okay?" he asked again.

Alex didn't know when she began to tear up. She didn't realise how much she had been acting strong all day trying to get her mind off things and just work. She kept crying and Peter hugged her to comfort her.

"What happened baby girl"

"A lot has happened and I'm so tired"

"Tell me about it,I might be able to help"

"My brother's condition got worse and I need a lot of money for his surgery and medications,his bill has drastically increased, I don't know what to do anymore " Alex explained, sobbing.

"Omg" Peter said, using one of his hands to cover his mouth, surprised.

"I'm so sorry you have to go through all these,".

"You know what?, you should relax tonight, I'd work your shift. You look like you will pass out anytime soon"

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes girl"

Peter helped her work her shift while Alex was fast asleep until it was time to go home.

"Alex?"

"Hmm" Alex replied as she was fast asleep.

"The restaurant is closing soon,customers are gone".

"Thank God, thank you Peter,can I sleep more?"

"Lol yes,but after we talk"

"Can't we talk tomorrow?"

"Hmm...I think it's better I tell you now,it's about Dan"

Alex anxiously sat upright.

"No,no,it's not that,relax Alex "

"So what about Dan?"

"I don't have enough money to help you Alex. But my uncle who is a lawyer told me about a billionaire who needs a fake family to help him secure an International contract,I don't know if you can do that?"

"A fake family? Like a contract marriage?"

"Yes"

Alex was silent for a while. She was sceptical about taking this chance.

"How much are we talking about here?"

"About $100k dollars,I think"

"$100k?!!"

"Yes"

Alex was silent again,thinking if taking this opportunity was the best thing but she was concerned about getting the money,the enough will be enough for her brother's medical bill and even help them with other little things after settling the hospital bills.

She was scared this might not go well but was ready to take the chances,she'd do anything for Dan.

"I will do it"

"Are you sure?" Peter asked her to confirm if she will be okay.

"Yes. So what am I supposed to do?"

"I'm not sure. I'd talk to my uncle and get back to you"

"Thank you Peter"

"I got you "

Alex dropped the restaurant apron and excused herself. She picked up her phone and contacted her best friend.

"What?!, a contract marriage?"

"Yes,this is the only way I can help Dan"

"Are you sure you can do this?"

"I'm not sure I can but I'm ready to handle anything that comes my way,Dan must stay alive"

"I know you're doing everything you can to save Dan but this is too risky Alex "

"I know, I know but what choice do I have?"

Abigail sighed deeply as she was left speechless, she knew there was nothing she could say to help Alex think otherwise, she already made her decision and was left with no choice than to support her best friend.

"So what's the plan?" Alex asked