My Fake Marriage

"I, Richard Guetta, take you, Mia Morgan to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law, and thereto I give thee my troth."

The traditional vows rang out in a quiet and serious atmosphere. The man who had just read the vows happily looked at the other half standing across from him, his beautiful bride. Everyone in attendance smiled towards the two main characters in the middle of the church. Their eyes were filled with sparkling blessings and prayers that blessings would always be with this new couple.

Next to the handsome man who had just recited the oath, the girl with a beautiful face, wearing a gorgeous and lavish wedding dress, was smiling happily looking at the person who was about to become her husband. She gently said:

"I, Mia Morgan, take you, Richard Guetta to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law, and thereto I give thee my troth."

The kind-hearted priest stood before them, a living witness to the beautiful love of the two who were about to embark on a new life together.

"May the Lord, in His mercy, bless the vows you have just exchanged in front of the congregation, and may He shower His divine blessings upon you both. What God has joined together, let no man separate."

After the priest's words, all the witnesses wholeheartedly exclaimed in unison:

"Amen."

Among those voices, there was a soft, shaky sound, as if the person was on the verge of tears. Yet, in this significant moment, no one paid attention to that.

Everyone lovingly watched the newlyweds exchange rings.

Having witnessed the entire process, I felt utterly hollow inside. I tried to smile and join others in congratulating the couple on their beautiful wedding, but my body betrayed me, I couldn't genuinely smile.

"Look at that ugly illegitimate girl, acting like she's some pitiable victim. How shameful!"

A woman standing near me whispered to her friend, but I heard every word clearly. Obviously, they spoke loud enough for me to hear. They wanted to show me how detestable I was to them. In their eyes, I was nothing more than a contaminant in their world.

I had become accustomed to such remarks. Hence, I no longer even thought of retaliating.

My life has always been like this - meek, humiliated, and reclusive.

That's why he left me for someone else.

Yes, the groom exchanging rings was once my fiance. Or rather, my former fiance.

The day he walked in with that woman, the face that once looked upon me with care and kindness now looked at another. He said:

"I want to marry her. You'll bless us, won't you?"

I wanted to say no. I wanted to express my anger. But I just smiled and congratulated them.

I despised myself.

Seeing them now, approaching me hand in hand, the bride's triumphant smile, and his gentle words to me:

"I'm glad you came. I hope you enjoy the party."

Holding back my emotions, I responded with a casual smile:

"Oh, of course. Wishing you both a joyful wedding and a lifetime of happiness."

He shook my hand, as close friends do, with no hint of past complications: "Thank you!"

Suddenly, the bride clung to him, pulling his hand away from mine, whispering in a playful tone, "Honey, our guests are waiting!"

"Oh, I forgot," he turned to me, his face full of apologies, "Please enjoy the feast. I must go now."

I nodded, watching the man I was once close to now rely on someone else. My tears wouldn't fall anymore.

It was truly over between us.

My name is Alice Wayner.

My family lived in an old house in the bustling city center. We were once affluent, and I was engaged to him, Richard Guetta, an arrangement our families had made. But when my father's company went bankrupt, everything changed. My brother and I had to switch schools, and meals became a struggle. Until I graduated and started working, my father and I were the sole providers.

Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, his family proposed breaking off our engagement. They said they needed a support for Richard's career.

I could barely register their words until he said:

"I'm sorry, but I've only ever seen you as a sister."

My world shattered at those words.

It turns out everything we'd been through was a mere illusion. I had reveled in luxurious happiness, forgetting an essential fact.

I never had the right to own anything, not even affection.

Back to reality, I drank heavily, my mind spinning. I sighed and patted my head. It was time to leave.

After all, I wasn't welcomed here.

However, I'd never imagine that in my drunken state, I'd make such a mistake.

"Who are you?"

In panic, I pulled the blanket to cover my bare body, staring in horror at the disheveled man lying next to me.

What just happened???

The filthy man sat up, silent to a terrifying extent.

His messy hair obscured his face, preventing me from seeing his expressions clearly. I couldn't even determine if he was truly conscious, as his rigid demeanor made me feel he might be sleepwalking, and it seemed I had been talking to myself all along.

Just when I decided to hurriedly dress and leave before something regrettable happened, it seemed as though fate had other plans for me. A hoarse voice, sounding as if it hadn't spoken for a long time, resonated, confirming the man had been lucid all this time.

"A destitute, failed wanderer."

"What?"

I was taken aback, unsure of what the man was referring to. But after reflecting for a moment, I realized he was answering my earlier question. I bit my lip, a bad habit I resort to when flustered. I had never encountered such an embarrassing situation before. How should a normal person react in this situation?

No, no, no! Thinking that way almost implies I'm not normal. Calm down, Alice. Try to remember what happened yesterday.

After drinking heavily yesterday, I drove... Oh my God, I've made a terrible mistake. Fortunately, nothing tragic occurred, or I'd be living with lifelong regret. Recalling this, I turned to look at the so-called wanderer on the bed, my thoughts of gratitude momentarily stalled. Perhaps I was fortunate; I had only taken the virginity of a wanderer after all.

Of course, I have no intention of disparaging or treating anyone differently. But I'm also a girl with some beauty, so the man who sleeps with me probably won't criticize me or be so desperate that he doesn't want to touch a woman, right? I'm not that bad.

I am a person who lacks confidence, so it seems due to that personality, I only think that in the current situation, I'm the one causing harm to others. I pat my head, lost in deep thoughts. Instead of standing around aimlessly pondering, I should probably find a solution; that would be better.

"I..."

Ringgg Ringgg!!!

The loud phone ring abruptly interrupted my train of thought. As I glanced at the caller ID on the screen, I saw that it was him – the man who had recently married, my former fiancé, Richard Guetta.

I hastily picked up the phone, unable to resist the bad habit I had developed whenever Richard called. There was a time when Richard's friends used to mock me a lot, saying that I was infatuated with him to the point of losing all self-respect. They claimed that I acted like a dog wagging its tail, yearning for his attention.

I used to hope that his gentle and kind-hearted nature would shield me from hurtful words, but Richard had never done so. I would hope, only to be disappointed, over and over again. This cycle persisted endlessly, and at times, I even wondered if I deserved the cruel words.

Much like my mother's frequent berating during her fits of rage, she would label me as a mistake, a flawed existence. Perhaps it was for this very reason that I was suffering the consequences.

Thinking of this, my heart felt as though a thousand arrows were piercing it, and blood surged. Nevertheless, I maintained a composed expression. There was a stranger beside me, and Richard was calling. I needed to convey that I was fine and not allow anyone to see my vulnerability.

After gathering my composure, I spoke, "Hi!"

"Alice, when did you return home yesterday? Why didn't you let us know? I called your home, and your younger brother said you hadn't returned. Is everything alright?" Richard inquired rapidly, his concerned tone causing a slight disturbance within me. However, I didn't dare harbor any illusions about the man; after all, he was already a married man. Above all, Richard saw me as a little sister.

It was a pitiable and sinister thought.

I couldn't speak up, couldn't muster the courage to hold on.

"I'm fine, thank you..."

"Darling, come over for breakfast soon," a woman's sweet voice echoed on the phone, and my already fragile heart shattered further. Then, I heard Richard's voice, filled with affection, speaking to the woman:

"Wait for me a little, I'm looking out for Alice."

"Alice? Oh, is that the neighbor's little sister you mentioned?"

Ha ha, the neighbor's little sister. This was nothing more than a sarcastic remark directed at her. There was no way the woman didn't know about her past relationship with Richard, so this comment was undoubtedly a taunt and a warning. It was only natural – which wife would remain silent when she found out that her husband had a close relationship with another woman, especially if that woman happened to be his former fiancée?

"Yes, that's Alice. She didn't come home last night, so I was a bit worried," Richard said, as if he had completely forgotten my existence. He spoke tenderly to his wife. Just hearing his voice allowed me to imagine how doting he must be towards her.

I bit my lip to suppress any sound from escaping. But all my restraint was shattered by the woman's next words:

"Oh my, Alice didn't come home for a night? I've heard you say Alice is such a good girl, never going out late at night! Is she facing some problem?"

Ah, he had shared everything about me with her, because to him, I was just a little sister, nothing more. Was I a good girl? Did I never go out at night? Was this some sort of satisfaction at having transformed me into this for their wedding?

I could even sense her sweet, smiling face and the triumphant glint in her eyes as she circled me in her thoughts.

In this moment, I felt an overwhelming rush to my head, and my mouth uttered a sentence that even I couldn't believe.

"I'm fine, just preparing for my own wedding!"

"What did you say?!"

Immediately, Richard's exclamation brought me back to my senses. What...what did I just say?

"Who are you marrying?"

Richard's question left me flustered. How would I know? I didn't even have a boyfriend yet!

"Little sister, why didn't you tell us earlier? Or maybe tonight, you can bring your future husband over to our place. I'll prepare a grand celebration to congratulate both of you!"

The cheerful voice of Richard's wife echoed in my ear, making me truly uncomfortable. I could feel her happiness, and she probably thought I was just speaking nonsense and wanted to use the celebration to reveal the truth, making me embarrassed in front of Richard.

"I will bring him to meet everyone tonight!"

Immediately, I ended the call and sat on the floor. My two hands clasped my head, overwhelmed with confusion.

What had I just done?

Why did I blurt that out like that?

And where on earth was I supposed to find a future husband for tonight???

I anxiously scanned the room, hoping that this futile eye movement would somehow lead my mind to find the best solution, even though I knew there was no science to support such a belief. I was well aware that I was acting out of desperation!

However, when my gaze fell on the man sprawled on the bed, a crazy thought suddenly sparked in my mind.

"Hey, you, be my husband!"

That's right, we had already slept together, so getting married was the logical next step, wasn't it?

While today's youth may love and have sex at an earlier age, even sooner in some cases, for them, marriage is still a distant concept. Some even believe that marriage is the tombstone of love. However, I couldn't be like them. I was a loner, someone shunned by society. Normal people had a few friends, while I could count them with a single hand. With my personality, finding a boyfriend was next to impossible. So, last night was technically my first time!

But the wandering man probably had no clue about that. I assumed as much because he spoke in a confused tone, his words lacking comprehension.

"What are you talking about?"

Since I couldn't see his face clearly, I had to gauge the man's emotions solely from the tone of his voice. I thought for a moment, and my audacious idea flowed like a river, appearing one after another, providing me with a solution to salvage tonight's embarrassing situation.

I said, "Let's enter into a marriage contract! After all, you don't have a home, do you?"

I paused briefly, observing the man's reaction. He was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. I sighed in relief and continued,

"I don't have a home either, but I have a rented room I can share with you. I also have a stable job, though not as generous as a sugar mommy, but for a wanderer like you, having enough to eat every day is already good, isn't it?"

I deliberately tried to belittle him, wanting to show that I was assisting this man, not out of fear and not on the same level with him.

The wandering man remained silent for a long time, so long that I thought my tough façade had been exposed. Then, he spoke up:

"My organs aren't enough for you to sell."

"What?"

What was he talking about? Why was he mentioning organs? Then, I thought for a moment, and I froze. Please don't tell me he's suspecting that I'm involved in illegal organ trafficking!

This is so unfair! I'm a law-abiding citizen, okay???

I slapped my forehead and began to explain, "I have no interest in stealing other people's organs! Of course, in this transaction, both you and I benefit."

I glanced at the wandering man, but I decided to give up. I couldn't see any facial expressions on him at all!

"I need you to introduce to my family and friends. Just for five years, and then you and I can divorce. After that, I'll provide you with some money to help you get by for a while."

I stood tall, staring directly at the man. However, at this very moment, I didn't realize that my gaze had changed, and the man could see it clearly.

He remained silent as if contemplating something, then chuckled, as if mocking something. His actions made me somewhat uncomfortable. Was he looking down on me?

My suspicions went unanswered because the wandering man responded in a light tone:

"Okay."

I am someone who has never been in a significant relationship, and throughout my life from childhood to the present, I have always been pursuing my former fiancé. My life seems to revolve around him and his family. Therefore, now in the eyes of others, when I propose marriage to a stranger, it is as if a child is rebelling because they have lost something they want.

I know I have grown up. I need to bear the consequences of my actions.

Just like the words I have spoken cannot be taken back, that is the last bit of dignity I want to protect.

Alice Wayner may have been mocked by others for many years, but not now.

Because they will no longer have that opportunity.

I think about something I have longed for, the only dream of my life... Emotions continuously fill me, making me smile.

I hold a photo of my beloved family in my hand, gently touching each person in the picture with my fingers.

"Excuse me, ma'am..."

The hesitant voice of the salesperson brings me back to reality. I look at the two people in front of me, one is a salesgirl trying to maintain a professional smile, and the other is a man wearing a light brown suit.

I immediately understand why the salesperson is in a difficult position.

Because the man in the suit really looks imposing, like a pile of garbage covered by an expensive cloth. My eyes scan around, and everyone in the store seems to be glancing at the wandering man, obviously sharing the same thoughts as me and the salesperson.

Then I look back at the wandering man, he stands still, his messy and untidy hair makes it impossible for anyone to see his expression. I think maybe he is sleeping here and no one would know. I stand up and walk towards the wandering man, he remains motionless.

When he and I are facing each other, not even fifty meters apart, I lower my head, wanting to see what his expression is at this moment.

Surprisingly!

I can't see his eyes!

How can he grow such magical hair?

I am really curious about this person. I reach out to lift the messy hair in front of his face, but another thin hand stops me.

"Take this set."

I raised my eyebrows at the wandering man who had just spoken. Interesting, this set is the most expensive in the store, and he talked as if he had to bargain a lot to accept these clothes.

I pulled my hand away from his, and with a pout, said to the frozen salesperson beside me:

"I want to take this suit, please process the payment for me."

I handed my bank card to the salesperson. Seeing the amount deducted as notified on my phone, I sighed. From now on, I have to provide for the family. Expenses will surely increase even more. But I have no regrets, as this is one of my own choices.

I calmly took the receipt and the newly purchased bag, gesturing with my eyes for the wanderer to leave. As I walked through the customers who were still paying attention to our actions, I could hear them whispering to each other:

"Why bring such a ragged person here, it's ruining my shopping mood!"

"She doesn't look wealthy at all, why not find some rich guys to be her sugar daddy?"

"Look at that face! Which rich guy would tolerate that, unless it's some old man close to death with perverted tastes!"

"Ha ha ha! Oh my God, don't make me die laughing!"

I glanced at the sky, sighing at how humans really are creatures that love to gossip about others, they even have interpreted our story into hundreds of different versions.

But I had no interest in arguing with them, I can't control what comes out of their mouths.

I didn't realize that, from the beginning to the end, the wanderer had been observing my every reaction and gesture.

...

The wanderer and I were walking on the bustling road, thinking about how his hair like that would not be convenient for observing his facial expressions. Maybe I should take him to get a haircut?

After pondering for a while, I turned to look at the wanderer:

"Do you want to go to the barber shop?"

He turned his head towards me, without any hesitation, he replied:

"No need."

Well, if he doesn't need it, then it's fine.

Since the wanderer didn't want to, I also dropped the idea. After all, why do I need to observe his face? He is just a wandering man who has entered into a marriage contract with me, not like those people in my family, whom I've given my life just to seek a bit of their attention.

I closed my eyes, trying to control the old memories that were threatening to surface.

After that, our journey home continued in an eerily quiet state. Both the wanderer and I were content with this silence.

Finally, the evening came, and the wanderer and I stood in front of Richard's house.

I took a deep breath to compose myself, and then I suddenly remembered something. I still didn't know the wanderer's name!

I turned to look at the man beside me, who had cleaned off the dirt and grime, wearing a light brown suit that made him look at least like an ordinary office worker. Fortunately, the wanderer did not want to cut his hair and shave, but at least he agreed to wash his messy hair. I helped him comb and tie his hair neatly. Now, the wanderer just looked a bit gloomy. I was quite satisfied with his appearance. At least I wouldn't be scared if the power suddenly went out and he appeared behind me.

I quietly asked him:

"I forgot to ask your name. What is it?"

The wanderer turned to me, and at this moment, I suddenly realized that he was a whole head taller than me!

"Alan."

"Ah? Oh, your name is Alan?"

Regaining my composure, surprised that I had been so stunned by his height, I nodded at him to indicate that I had memorized this name, "Alan." I took a deep breath to calm myself and then pressed the doorbell.

Ding dong!

The sound of the doorbell echoed, filling me with anticipation. When I heard the sound of the lock opening and saw the familiar face of the young man, I knew that my mission with Alan for today had begun.

"Hello Alice, come in quickly! My sister-in-law is preparing the food! We can talk while we eat!"

I saw his eyes looking at me with kindness, his words gentle as if there had never been any misunderstanding between us. And indeed, it was only a misunderstanding on my part; to Richard, it meant nothing at all.

Immediately after, Richard's gaze shifted to the man next to me, his scrutiny not at all concealed, making me feel embarrassed.

"Is this your fiancé?" he asked.

I awkwardly replied, "Yes, it is."

Then, Richard stepped back, making way for Alan and me to enter the house. As Alan walked a few steps ahead of me, Richard closed the door, leaned in, and whispered in my ear:

"This fiancé of yours seems a bit wild."

I could only offer an awkward laugh; honestly, I didn't know what else to do. But it seemed that Richard was not very pleased with Alan, and he once again commented:

"Are you sure you're not being deceived? He's not a homeless man trying to approach you to scam you out of love and money, is he?"

Richard's speculation made me jump. He was sharp, almost getting the whole story right. But Richard, the one being deceived here is not me... it's the man you're wary of.

I don't know if I should feel lucky or not because I've always been an honest and quiet person. So the label of a fraudster has never stuck to me before. This might be the success of a first-time liar.

However, this title is not something to be proud of!

I knew if I continued to remain silent, Richard might misunderstand that I was so charmed by the man that I couldn't even speak. So, I smiled lightly and responded:

"No, Alan is very kind and thoughtful. He would never deceive me."

That's it, my defense seemed useless. Evidence of this was in Richard's eyes, which narrowed even more, showing his disbelief. I quickly went inside the house; I was afraid that if I accidentally said something more, everything would be revealed.

After escaping Richard's questioning, I barely had time to breathe a sigh of relief before I had to face the gentle face of Richard's newlywed wife, Mia Guetta.

"Hello Alice, it seems like you and my husband are really close, aren't you? Were you two whispering over there about me?"

Her charming smile, combined with her lovely face and neatly tied blonde hair, made this beautiful woman impossible to dislike. Mia's cheerful tone suggested she was joking, but a hint of coldness flashed in her blue eyes, a clear warning to me.

I understood the purpose of this dinner; it was nothing more than a display of dominance and... an attempt to create conflict in my relationship with my soon-to-be husband.

I glanced at Alan, who was already seated at the dining table. If he were really my fiancé, he would probably feel a bit uncomfortable seeing his woman standing close and talking intimately with another man. After all, relationships that aren't long-term can easily be cracked by suspicion.

Everyone knew that before Richard got married, I wasn't close to any other man. So, trust wouldn't be strong.

Mia would never expect that while we did just meet and were indeed planning to get married, this dry relationship of ours was nothing more than a contractually bound connection. It didn't require loyalty from either side.

I smiled, walked confidently over, and greeted Mia:

"No, not at all. Richard was just complimenting my fiancé."

Then I moved to the side of the wandering man, smiled brightly, and placed my hand on his shoulder, introducing him to everyone with pride in my voice.

"This is Alan, my fiancé."

I then lowered my head, bringing it quite close to the wanderer's, creating an image of intimacy for those looking from the outside. I extended my hand towards the two people opposite us, addressing my nominal husband:

"This is Richard, a childhood friend of mine. And this is Mia, his wife."

Alan slightly turned his head towards me, and I felt his gaze on me. He then looked back at the two people opposite us, nodded, and simply said:

"Hello."