Sofia’s POV

My father’s eyes widened in disbelief and confusion,

“What did you do? What happened? How did you get this type of money?” he fired, barely pausing for breath.

I stood there, shivering, and couldn’t utter a word. “Say something,” he barked.

“Papa, I have a contract,” I said in a barely audible voice. He scoffed, Contract? You? What did you supply? Who do you even know?”

He stood abruptly, his face stern and his voice firm, “Sofia, talk to me, are you doing drugs?

When he mentioned drugs, something in me broke. My heart raced, “No, Papa, I swear. I can’t do such a horrible thing.”

“Then how did you come about this?” His voice cracked. “What did you do for someone to give you this huge amount?”

“Do you even know that the government can come after us?”

I traced the edge of the couch and sat down. “I signed a contract... with someone. A man named Matt.”

He stared. “A contract? What kind of contract?”

The words were too heavy on my lips, but I had to explain the nature of the contract in clear terms. If not, my father would ask me to return the money or even report it himself.

“The contract… It’s to marry Matt by the weekend; his father is dying. The doctors gave him just a month.”

“And?” My father interrupted, getting impatient.

“He wants to witness Matt’s wedding, but his girlfriend jilted him a few days ago.”

My father was all ears, staring at me. “Papa, the marriage is for three months. It’s a make-believe and no intimacy.”

There was a long silence between us. I looked at my father; his face had gone pale. His mood began to change, but not with joy but pain.

“Sofia...” he whispered. “You did this... for Leo?”

I nodded slowly, not knowing what his next reaction would be. “I can’t bear to watch you being turned down or mocked by relatives. Papa, you need help, you have tried for us. I just couldn’t keep watching.”

He walked silently to the window, his hands behind his back.

“I had plans too for his treatment,” he said quietly. “I was working on something. You don’t have to carry this kind of burden. You’re not his father.”

Tears burned behind my eyes. “But I’m his sister. I couldn’t sit back and watch him suffer pain day and night.

He turned, his voice laced with emotions. “Sofia, you’re too young for this. You have your life ahead of you. I appreciate your courage, but...this isn’t your responsibility.”

I reached for his hand. “Papa, please, I swear by my mother’s grave, the money is clean. Don’t do this to me.”

He looked down, then back at me. “Have you told Josh?”

My breath caught. “Not yet, but I will do that this evening.”

“Good, but don’t expect much. He loves you, Sofia, and he won’t take it lightly.”

“I know.” My voice cracked. “But he has to understand. And he deserves the truth.”

He squeezed my shoulder. “I won’t forgive myself if you lose yourself in this.”

“I won’t, Papa, I added quickly.”

He smiled tiredly. I freshened up, and headed out. My legs were faster than my thoughts.

As soon as I stepped into Josh’s room, "What happened? What kept you? Yyyou know I hate it when you keep me waiting," he snapped.

I didn’t say a word; I sat stiffly on the couch. My heart was pounding. I wiped my damp palms against my dress over and over.

The silence became a torture every second it lasted. Then he finally spoke, his voice softened with emotions, “Sofia, what is it? Is Leo okay?”

I couldn’t delay anymore, my breath shaky. “Leo’s still alive,” I muttered under my breath. “But… I need to tell you something, though it's awkward.”

Josh leaned in, brows tight. “I’m all ears, please talk to me.”

With a trembling voice, I narrated everything that transpired between Matt and me and my reason for acceptance, hoping he’d understand.

Josh’s face tightened, his eyes filled with confusion and disbelief, “ Noo, I don’t get it,” he gestured with his hands. “A fake marriage? For three months?”

“Josh,” I called softly, “it’s not what you think.”

“You can’t just live with another man under one roof for months, no matter the name you gave it!”

“Technically, it’s just for a month. His dad’s dying, and the rest is to keep the tongue from lashing. I explained quickly.

Josh was literally shaking, his bloodshot eyes locked on mine. I knew he was heartbroken.

“Please,” I whispered. “No love, no intimacy. It’s just a business deal for my Leo.”

Josh was silent, then he smiled faintly, “I need time.”

“Honestly, I wish I had. It's urgent. But I have till midnight." I kissed his cheek and left without turning back.

Back home, I felt like I was hit by a rock. Food had no taste, and sleep refused to come.

“Gosh! “What have I done to myself I cried, checked my phone almost every minute, but not even a flash or text from Josh.

Minutes turned to hours and hours to days, no call or message. I couldn’t call either because I was scared he might say no.

I focused on the contract and making arrangements for Leo’s treatment. But inside, I was a walking corpse.

I thought of Josh almost every minute of the day. I walked around with guilt. I almost had a change of heart, but Jennifer was there to support me at my lowest.

My father reminded me that I can pull out if it’s too much for me. He assured him he would find ways of repaying Matt. But Leo's pains gave me strength.

The wedding day came, and the brief ceremony was held at the hospital. I hired a wedding gown, I believed it wasn’t necessary to buy.

I searched for Josh among the few relatives and friends gathered. But he was missing, and his absence ate deep into me.

Matt’s best friend Johnny gave me a nod. Matt’s parents and his Granny, Elizabeth, smiled through their tears. I kept playing my part.

I had difficulty breathing, and my voice cracked when repeating the vows after the priest. Matt’s grandma, Elizabeth, whispered to me, "You’re a better match for Matt than Anna ever was. I see love in your eyes."

Her words stung. I was overwhelmed with guilt for making people believe I was real while I wasn’t. That alone brought hot tears to me.

When Matt's grandmother mentioned Anna, I had traces of jealousy and I found myself searching my thoughts to find a clue as to why she left such a handsome and rich guy.

I pushed the thought away and paid attention to the ceremony going on. “Well, whatever her reason was, guess it worked in my favour,” I muttered.

As Matt and I walked down the makeshift aisle, hand in hand, the applause echoed around us. I felt like a borrowed bride.

I saw a figure approaching from the entrance door. "Thank God, Josh is finally here. I said under my breath. My head ached and my vision blurred.