Sofia’s POV

"I can't believe my ears, this seems like a movie but it's real."

I couldn’t stop my heart from wondering. What am I getting myself into? What would I tell my father and Josh?

Josh had been nothing but kind and faithful. We’d talked about marriage, about the future. He deserved better than this... lie.

I suddenly felt tight in my chair, despite its size. I had difficulty breathing despite the chilled atmosphere in the cafe. My pulse was loud, I wasn’t expecting this…this proposal, this arrangement.

When I told Jennifer I could do anything, I meant waiting at tables, mopping floors, and doing laundry. But not pretending to be someone’s wife, for three whole months.

The thought of it alone gave me goosebumps. I raised my eyes slowly and met his. Something sparkled there, warm but intense.

I felt as if time was still. “This is it,” I whispered.

Matt assured me, as if sensing the storm within me."You’ll be okay,”

“Thanks. We’re on the same page,” I mumbled.

But I could see behind the calm mask. Matt was torn and haunted too. Anna’s shadow still clung to him like smoke. And I should’ve felt sorry, but I didn’t. Not for her nor him. Not today.

I wasn’t doing this for love. I was doing this because Matt’s father was dying, and mine was barely surviving. My little brother… was running out of time.

I saw Matt’s desperation despite efforts to cover it. I wanted to tell him not to worry, I’d stand by him and play it well. But deep inside, something screamed, don’t do this, Sofia.

It’s not only wrong but terrifying too.

Josh’s love flashed through my mind. His first tender kiss, the way he held me like the world could wait, the quiet strength in his eyes. We had history, dreams, and plans.

But Leo’s sleepless nights haunted me more. I couldn't stop thinking of those nights when the pain was agonizing.

Some nights, I couldn't sleep but cried with him. That pain… had soaked into me.

“I’ll stand with you." I whispered.

I thought Josh would understand. Matt's eyes softened, small smile rested on his lips.

And for a moment, my heart lit. I was doing this for Leo. For my family. For the chance to save the only brother I had left.

“How soon do you want this done?” I asked.

Matt smiled faintly. “I’d prefer we do it this weekend.” “This weekend? I screamed. That’s in three days.”

“Three days. Is that a problem?” His eyes locked with mine.

“Aww… but…” I hesitated.

His brows lifted. “But?”

“That’s okay by me,” I lied.

"God help me!" Three days to convince my father and Josh. Still thinking when my phone vibrated, I glanced at it and my breath seized. "Josh."

My hands trembled as I tapped to answer. Matt gazed at me. “Sofia, are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m good,” I mumbled, my gaze lowered.

Matt rose from his seat, "I think you need space."

“Hey, baby,” Josh’s familiar voice came through. “It’s almost twelve noon, I haven’t seen you. What’s going on?”

“Sorry Baby, something came up,” I replied quickly. “Please give me an hour, “I’ll be with you.” I added.

When the call ended, Matt was already back, carefully watching me.

“Do we have a deal?” he asked, eyes locked in mine.

I tried to read him, but his face gave nothing away.

“Yes… Yes, Sir,” I said.

He arched a brow. “Let’s drop the ‘sir.’ You’re about to be my wife, remember?”

My lips curled awkwardly. “Right.”

“You’re still free to walk away now,” he said. “But you can’t after we sign the contract tomorrow.”

“My mind is made up. I’m ready.”

“Good. I won’t push you. This will only last three months.”

He slid a sleek black folder toward me. “Read through it with your attorney. Tomorrow morning. Ten a.m.”

I couldn't speak, I only stared at him.

“For the record,” he added, “this marriage will be purely legal. No intimacy, no blurred lines and nothing behind the scenes. It’s all for show.”

I cleared my throat. “How do you plan to explain to your parents? They’ll know I’m not Anna.”

“That’s my burden,” he replied. “Any more questions?”

“No,” I said, clutching the contract.

He handed me a business card and stood. “See you tomorrow. Don’t forget to come with your attorney.”

“Wait,” I said suddenly. “I… wanted to ask…”

“How much is your brother’s treatment?” he asked, assuming I was about to beg.

“About $1.5 million,” I said. “That includes…”

“I don’t need the breakdown,” he cut in, voice firm. “My friend Johnny will handle it. He’ll also send another for logistics.”

My lips felt like it wasn't part of my body. It was wide open, but made no sound.

Matt’s phone vibrated, he glanced at it. “It's work, I will deal with it later." He continued. "You’ll need to cover your legal fees, your dress and any other thing you may need.”

The tears came before I could stop them. Hot and bitter, streaking down my cheeks. I didn’t wipe them away.

I had wanted the money without the trade. But he needed something too. And this… was the price.

“I must leave now,” he said quickly, turning before I could respond.

My phone buzzed again, I stared at the screen, it was Josh, torn and scared of what to tell him.

He was my first and only love. He stood with me through thin and thick until now that he couldn’t afford to help in Leo’s bill. We had years behind us. And I still loved him.

But Leo… Leo needed me more. I let the call ring out.

I would call back, I thought. But not before I figured out what to say. Maybe I should tell Josh the truth.

I lifted the phone, about to call him back.

But then a ping of $300,000,000.00 CREDITED.

My eyes widened. No way!

I screamed, checked again, it was real.

My heart beat stopped for a second. I jumped like a little girl on Christmas morning and dashed out of the café screaming. I barely noticed the traffic, I just ran.

“Papa! Papa!” I shouted as I burst through our front door.

He looked up, startled, half-asleep on our frayed old couch.

“Call the doctor!” I gasped, waving my phone in front of him. “We have the money for Leo’s treatment!”

His eyes squinted in confusion. “Sofia, what are you saying?”

I shoved the phone closer, showing him the balance. Tears blurred my vision as he stared at the screen, his mouth opened…