The Fate of a Rented Wife

"You need money? Marry him."

Alexa's eyebrow arched perfectly upon hearing this. The offer was shocking, but she tried to remain calm. She glanced again at the small photo she held.

The picture was of a young man, likely a few years older than her. He looked handsome and charismatic in his expensive formal attire.

There didn't seem to be anything wrong with his appearance. Plenty of women would line up and throw themselves at him. There was no need to search hard for someone willing to marry him.

Alexa looked up again, then straightened her posture. "Who is he?" she asked, unable to hide the curiosity in her mind.

"He's my son, Eric. Don't think negatively right away. I'm asking you to do this to save my son's wedding, which is scheduled for tomorrow. His fiancée disappeared. We've tried looking for her, but with no results," explained Alice, the middle-aged woman.

Alexa didn't respond immediately. She remained silent, waiting for more words from the wife of one of the renowned tycoons in front of her.

Earlier, one of her colleagues suddenly said someone wanted to see her. It turned out Alice was waiting for her in one of the VVIP rooms of this bar.

"I know my request is almost unreasonable. But I'm doing this to prevent the wedding, which is so close, from failing. If you knew our family, you'd understand why I dare to act like this," Alice continued in a sad voice.

Of course, Alexa understood the woman's intention. If her son's wedding failed, it would be like tarnishing their family's reputation. Especially if people found out that the bride-to-be had disappeared. Or more precisely, ran away?

"Why not just postpone it? I think postponing the wedding isn't too bad either. You don't need to trouble yourself looking for a replacement bride. Just wait for your future daughter-in-law to return," Alexa replied casually.

She returned the photo in her hand to Alice. It might seem like a rejection, but it wasn't. Alexa did it deliberately so Alice wouldn't think she was easily tempted by the offer.

Alice sighed softly. "Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Many people want to bring our family down. My son's fiancée might actually be in danger now. To prevent anyone from exploiting this for personal gain, I don't want this news to reach their ears."

The lives of the rich were indeed strange. They already had a lot of wealth but still desired more wealth and power, justifying any means for their obsession.

"Why me? We don't even know each other, Ma'am. Aren't you afraid I might be a bad person who could exploit your family's wealth too? Especially since I'm just a poor person."

Alexa couldn't understand why Alice, the wife of a tycoon, would come to her workplace with such an offer. Wasn't there anyone more suitable?

Just from her workplace, it was clear Alexa didn't belong in the rich people's circle. She was just a barmaid with a modest income.

Alice took Eric's photo and replaced it with another picture. "Look at this photo. She's my future daughter-in-law. Her face looks a lot like yours. I learned about this from one of my people who often comes here."

Alexa felt like she was dreaming. The photo showed someone who looked exactly like her. Not just similar, but identical, like two peas in a pod.

Alexa shook her head in disbelief. "No way, she's your future daughter-in-law?" If they just looked similar, she might believe it, but they were identical, with no visible differences. She didn't have any siblings, let alone a twin.

"Consider it a fortunate coincidence, so you can help me. Are you willing?" Alice still tried to persuade Alexa to help her.

"What's in it for me if I agree?" Alexa asked, folding her arms across her chest. Her expression remained flat, as if challenging the woman before her.

Without hesitation, Alice pulled out a check from her expensive bag. The amount written was staggering. One million dollars. Wow! Alexa's eyes nearly popped out at the sight of the check.

"One million for a two-year contract. If Eleanor returns before the contract ends, I'll still pay you according to our agreement." Besides the check, Alice also produced a draft of the contract she was offering. "Are you interested?"

Alexa looked away, thinking hard. She needed a lot of money right now. She owed the bar owner's nephew and needed to pay it off soon. Otherwise, she'd be in big trouble.

Alexa glanced at Alice and the check on the table. Her heart wavered; this was a significant decision.

"But I want to add a few points to this contract, is that okay?" Alexa asked before saying outright that she agreed.

This was just a temporary contract marriage, but Alexa didn't want to lose out.

Alice nodded without hesitation. "Of course, you have the right to do so."

Alice agreed to all of Alexa's requests. She even asked the girl to type the points she wanted on her laptop.

Alexa exhaled slowly, closing her eyes briefly. She hoped she wasn't making the wrong decision. She couldn't waste this rare opportunity.

"After this, you must come with me," Alice said once they agreed on the written contract.

Alexa gazed in awe at the luxurious hotel ballroom she had just entered. She had never been to a place like this before. Not only was it luxurious, but the decorations throughout the room were also equally impressive. Alice had brought her directly here, saying this was where the wedding would take place tomorrow.

Not only did Alice insist that Alexa come along, but she had also dressed her up to resemble Eleanor Anastasia Addison's style.

Actually, Alexa wasn't fond of the clothes she was wearing, no matter how expensive and beautiful they were. Her usual style was the opposite of what she wore now. The outfit was too feminine for her, but she didn't dare complain.

Since stepping out of the car, Alice had clung tightly to Alexa's arm, whispering instructions on what she needed to do. They appeared like a close future mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, though they weren't actually so.

So far, no one had suspected Alexa. Everyone arranging the venue greeted her with friendly and respectful smiles.

Alice also mentioned that Alexa would have to stay here until the wedding took place. She didn't mind because it was her choice.

"That's Eric, your future husband. He doesn't know our plan, so act like you're really his fiancée," Alice whispered, releasing Alexa's hand.

Alexa turned sharply with a surprised expression. "Why are you only telling me now? How can I pretend to be someone else?"

"I'll explain everything later; I still have a lot to take care of." After saying that, Alice turned and walked away.

Alexa stood frozen, her body locked in place. Eric walked quickly toward her. His dark eyes were sharp and piercing.

Alexa didn't know what to say, fearing her identity would be revealed. Suddenly, Eric pushed her against the wall.

"Where have you been?!" Eric snapped without preamble.

Alexa's eyes widened, cold sweat beginning to form.

"Why are you silent? Are you purposely trying to embarrass me by disappearing when our wedding is just days away?"

The man's warm breath brushed against Alexa's face. His whisper sounded like the deep tones of a cello. Alexa was almost enchanted, but she quickly tried to snap out of her daydream. Before she could respond, Eric spoke again.

"I'll remind you one more time: never mess with me, or you'll regret it for the rest of your life!" Eric's warning was filled with threats before he turned and walked away.

He left Alexa standing motionless in her spot. She sighed in relief after Eric left. However, Alexa felt something strange. Why was Eric treating his future wife so poorly?

Shortly after, Alice approached Alexa and led the young woman to one of the prepared rooms. Alexa didn't dare ask Alice many questions because the place was too crowded. Anyone could overhear their conversation.

Time passed quickly, and before she knew it, a new day had arrived. Today, her status in life would change. Although Alexa was only playing the role of a stand-in bride, there was still a magical atmosphere in the air.

Ever since she was asked to wear the beautiful, expensive gown and be made up as pretty as possible, her heart had been pounding as if this wedding were real.

"Don't act foolishly and embarrass me here," Eric hissed right in Alexa's ear. Once again, Eric's threatening tone emerged after a long silence. Don't expect any sweet words from his mouth.

Alexa rolled her eyes inwardly. She remained still as if she hadn't heard Eric's voice. Since last night, Eric had been blaming her even though she hadn't done anything wrong.

What was really going on here? Didn't Eric know that the woman he was marrying was just a stand-in bride?

Alexa would find out about this. The only person who could explain everything was Alice. The middle-aged woman had dragged her into this situation.

"Don't frown; it could arouse suspicion from others," Eric warned again.

The newly married couple was being photographed by a professional photographer. They should have been embracing each other lovingly or gazing into each other's eyes with affection. However, the opposite was happening.

Alexa tried to appear natural, as if she were the genuinely happy bride. But Eric seemed reluctant to be close to her. They might be showing affection in front of the camera and the guests, but Alexa could clearly feel that Eric's actions were not sincere.

Repeatedly, Eric warned Alexa not to act out and embarrass him. However, she had not made any mistakes since the beginning. She just followed all the instructions given to her.

Eric always looked at Alexa with a sharp gaze, acting cold and curt, especially when they were alone. It was far from Alexa's expectations that Eric would treat her kindly.

"Why are you angry? What did I do wrong?" protested Alexa, starting to get annoyed with Eric's intimidating behavior. Even though she was just a stand-in bride, she didn't deserve to be treated this way.

Eric narrowed his eyes sharply. "Did you forget what you did before? Instead of apologizing, you're pretending not to know anything?" the man taunted.

"I won't apologize if I don't feel guilty. I'm not the one acting foolishly here; you are. Don't you realize that your stiff behavior is actually making others curious?" Alexa retorted calmly. Eric's intimidating aura wouldn't scare her.

Alexa was used to dealing with arrogant, power-hungry people like Eric. She wasn't a weak girl who would cower just because of his attitude. She might be paid for her role here, but no one had the right to treat her unfairly.

It was evident from Eleanor's boldness in running away just days before her own wedding. It seemed that Eleanor was someone who didn't like being controlled. Perhaps Eleanor chose to flee because she couldn't stand Eric's domineering behavior anymore.

Eric growled in frustration, the veins in his neck starting to bulge. It was clear that he was holding back his anger. "Never provoke me, or you'll face the consequences."

Alexa smirked. "Go ahead, prove it, Mr. Power-hungry. I'm waiting for your proof."

After responding to Eric's words, Alexa stepped back and sat down in the chair that had been prepared for her. She left Eric standing there, still glaring at her. If it weren't for the tempting offer, Alexa wouldn't have agreed to marry an arrogant man like Eric.

Alexa also felt that she was still too young to enter the realm of romance. Her days were filled with work, hoping that one day she could leave the job that made others look down on her.

Their photo session was over. All that was left was to greet the guests, offering fake smiles throughout the event. They had to stand for hours for this farce of a ceremony.

During the reception, Eric and Alexa had to mingle with the guests. They embraced lovingly in front of everyone, perfectly acting as if everything was real.

Alexa tried to ignore Eric's poor treatment of her. After all, her role was just as a stand-in bride. She didn't need to feel sad about his cold behavior.

Consider her too crazy and reckless for accepting this offer without thinking it through. She needed the money to pay off her debts at work. She hoped that after this, she could be free from that environment.

Alice had already given her a hundred million as a guarantee. The money had entered her account last night.

"Can you walk slower? Do you know how heavy this gown is? There's no point in holding hands if you're dragging me. I'd rather walk on my own!" Alexa protested angrily.

Besides being cold and arrogant, Eric was also impatient. It was evident from how he almost always dragged her when they moved places. He didn't care at all about Alexa struggling to walk in the luxurious gown.

"You're so slow. We're just taking a few steps, but you're moving like a snail," Eric replied with a mocking smile.

When Alexa let go of her arm around Eric's and started to walk away, he grabbed her waist. He held her so tightly that she struggled to break free.

"Be quiet, we need to get this over with quickly," Eric whispered, not wanting to be contradicted.

Alexa grumbled inwardly. Not even a day into her mission, and she was already extremely annoyed with him. As soon as she found an opportunity to break free from Eric, Alexa seized it before it was too late. Using the excuse of needing to go to the bathroom, she managed to escape from him.

However, Alexa's destination was not the bathroom but her hotel room. After getting the room key from the hotel staff, she eagerly headed there.

Alexa had barely slept all night because of Alice. The middle-aged woman had taught her various things she needed to remember and understand in a short time. Alice even prepared a book containing all the information she needed to know.

"Wait a minute, Madam. I have something to ask," Alexa said, grabbing Alice's wrist.

It was a lucky coincidence that the middle-aged woman passed by her room just as she was about to close the door. There were many things she needed to ask her. Alexa felt that there were many oddities here.

"Don't call me 'Madam'; people will be suspicious. Now I'm your mother-in-law," Alice replied, freeing her wrist from Alexa's grasp. "What's the matter?"

"I want to ask about-"

A clearing throat interrupted Alexa, causing her to close her mouth again. She and Alice turned to the source of the sound and found Eric standing nearby.

"Excuse me, Mom. I have some matters to discuss with my wife." Without further ado, Eric pushed Alexa into the room, and they both entered. Then, he locked the door.

"What do you want to do?" Alexa asked with a wary look.

Eric didn't answer. He kept walking towards her, closing the distance between them without taking his eyes off her.

Alexa instinctively stepped back with a frightened expression. The faster she moved, the more she hastened until she finally fell onto the bed.

Eric bent over her. "Be quiet, don't move. We need to do this to become a real husband and wife."

Alexa pushed Eric's chest. "W-we can't do this-"

"What exactly are we going to do?" Eric interrupted, frowning. Then, he reached out, opened the top drawer of the nightstand, and took something from it.

"Sign these papers now!" Eric ordered, handing a document to Alexa and straightening his posture.

Once Eric moved away from her, Alexa immediately changed her position to sitting. She read every sentence in the document Eric had given her, trying to understand it as he had requested. She read each page meticulously, not missing a single detail.

The document was almost like a book because it was so thick. Although Alexa was reluctant to read through the detailed content, she couldn't afford to miss any information.

Eric might have slipped in a line that would disadvantage her later. Alexa admitted she was often careless and rash, but she was trying to minimize that now.

From the document in her hands, Alexa realized one thing. Eric and Eleanor were only engaged to strengthen their family businesses. No wonder Eric was so stiff and harsh.

Not satisfied with just a work contract with Alice, now Eric was presenting a marriage contract to her. She hadn't even been married a full day, and she had already discovered many shocking things.

Apparently, Eric was indeed opposed to this marriage. Maybe that's why Eleanor ran away on her wedding day. They were merely sacrifices to facilitate cooperation between both parties.

"Do you understand what I mean now? Or is there something that's still unclear? You have the opportunity to ask," Eric said, standing right in front of Alexa.

The bridal room, which should have been filled with romance, was now very tense. Eric was crazy. Who would want to be this man's real wife?

In fact, Alexa had already made an agreement with Alice that she didn't want to play the role of Eric's real wife. She thought that agreement had been approved by Eric too.

But Eric seemed unaware of it. Unfortunately, Alexa hadn't had the chance to discuss all these oddities with her mother-in-law.

If Eric hadn't suddenly come in and dragged her into the room, she might have already known the information she wanted. She would find a way to talk privately with Alice.

Alexa handed the document back to Eric. "I understand your point. But, I have objections to what's stated here. Even if I agree, there's no benefit for me."

In the contract, Eric wanted them to act like a real married couple only in public. The problem was, this contract promised her nothing.

For Alexa, mutualism wasn't like this. She didn't get any guarantee from Eric. There was no point in following Eric's wishes without any compensation from him.

Alexa met Eric's sharp gaze without hesitation. Her expression remained as neutral as always. "I want to add some points. Then, I'll sign."

Alexa didn't want to agree to the contract blindly. At least she had to gain some advantages to make it fair. If Eric could act as he pleased, then she could do the same.

Eric clicked his tongue in annoyance. "What do you want? Isn't my request simple? What's so hard about signing it?"

Alexa crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I want more compensation. I also don't want you to treat me as you please. Even though this marriage is just for business, I don't want to be disadvantaged."

One of Eric's eyebrows rose perfectly. "You want payment?"

Eric's sarcasm didn't offend Alexa at all. After all, his accusation was true. Alexa would follow his wishes if the payment was right. Let Eric think she was a gold digger.

"That's why you shouldn't be so cold, or you end up not knowing the kind of woman you married, right? If you have a problem with it, fine, but I'm not signing the paper. You can keep it."

There was a high price Eric had to pay to work with her. Alexa wanted to find another opportunity, hoping she could get more money.

Eric didn't respond immediately. He seemed to be weighing his options before answering. His sharp gaze at Alexa intensified.

"What's the matter? Having second thoughts? If you are, that's fine. Forget about the contract."

Without needing to be told, Alexa would already consider Eric a stranger. She wouldn't dream of serving him even if paid handsomely. Even if forced, she wouldn't comply.

The amount Alice promised was already more than enough. But, if she could get extra money, she wouldn't refuse. Who knew, once all the contracts were done, she wouldn't have to think about work again and could just enjoy the profits.

"Alright, I'll pay you. Five hundred million for a year-long marriage contract. After the contract ends, we divorce and go our separate ways. Don't get emotional because all you'll get is heartbreak," Eric finally said after a long silence.

"Don't be so confident. Our relationship is only that of a contract couple," Alexa replied without a hint of doubt.

Being treated well by a man couldn't soften her heart, let alone someone like Eric. Rude and annoying. He didn't fit her criteria for an ideal husband at all.

Someday she would leave Eric's life. It would be easier if no emotions were involved. Alexa was just a stand-in, not entitled to enjoy a place that wasn't hers.

Eric snorted softly. "Usually, women are easily carried away by their feelings. I'm not responsible if those feelings end up hurting you."

"Don't worry, I'm not the type of woman who easily gets emotional. Add the compensation to the contract, then I'll sign," Alexa said as she walked toward the walk-in closet.

Her intention to rest in the bedroom had to be canceled because of Eric's presence. She thought Eric wouldn't return to the room so soon since he was still talking with his business associates.

But just as Alexa arrived in the room, Eric had already followed. Presenting a marriage contract without any small talk. Her drowsiness immediately vanished. Not wanting to keep arguing with Eric, she chose to leave the room again.

A short walk to get some fresh air seemed much better than being stuck in a room with the annoying Eric. Alexa was very tired today, and to avoid further arguments, it was better for her to leave for a while.

She hoped there was an empty room she could use to sleep tonight. Actually, Alexa wasn't willing to sleep in the same room as Eric. But it would be strange if they didn't share a room.

The wedding reception with Eric had ended. The hotel ballroom, which had been bustling, was now starting to quiet down. There were still a few guests talking to Eric's family, but most had already left.

Alexa, who had changed clothes, turned towards the side of the hotel. As she stepped there, her gaze collided with a small garden facing a fish pond.

Alexa intended to sit on the garden bench there, but someone else had already taken the seat. She frowned deeply when she recognized the person.

Alexa was sure the middle-aged woman sitting on the bench while on the phone was Alice. She waited until her mother-in-law finished her call. Before Alice could leave, Alexa quickly stopped her.

"Mrs. Walter, we need to talk."

Alice turned around. Alexa noticed an unusual expression on Alice's face. She seemed a bit confused.

"What's wrong? Why are you here?" Alice asked in return.

Alexa didn't reply, she quickened her steps and stopped right in front of Alice. Hopefully, nothing would disturb their conversation because there was much to clarify.

Alice crossed her arms in front of her chest. As if knowing what Alexa wanted to ask, the middle-aged woman spoke again.

"Eric is my stepson. I intended to explain this later, but it seems you can't wait to find out what's really going on, right?"