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.