ic filling her lungs. The fluorescent lights above buzzed, casting a harsh glow th

is serious. He needs immed

is happening?" she whispered, trembling with despai

salary for my siblings' school fees. Now another brother is lying in that bed, fighting for

ng. "I'm so tired. I feel like I'm drowning under responsibilities. Whe

of her burden felt too heavy. "I've always been strong, held

ife is this? Every time I think we're getting ahead, something pulls

ng up and the disappointed faces waiting for her at

t can't take it anymore. I'm doing everything I can

ion ignited within her. "I can't give up, not now.

eady herself. "I will find a way. I have to. For my brother, for m

pressed against her, but a glimmer of hope emerged. "I w

on the screen, pulling her from her thoughts. "Hadas

d, her voice barel

on her. Just then, she noticed a familiar car approaching. It was Charles, th

lled out, his jovial tone c

e mall with my friend Bernard!" He flash

e, recalling their fun

getting coffee," he said, ges

into the car, grateful for the distraction. "Thank

serious?" he asked, glancing ov

eel safe. "It's just... my brother is in the hospital. He's really

his features. "That sounds really tough

her voice shaking. "I've been juggling

with empathy. "It's okay to fe

ng. "I wish I could find a way to make it

ll anyone can ask. Sometimes just tal

. "I appreciate that. It's nice to

rab that coffee, and I'll help you figur

mile back, feeling a flicker

o her, his expression playful. "And you have to give me your numb

sily now. "Okay, but only if you prom

ng out his phone. "Now

ion forming-something she hadn't anticipated. "Thanks f

l get through this, one

the hospital, watching her walk inside with a mix of concern a

ll frame commanding the room. His secretary stood nervously,

thought I sent those documents y

is the third time this month! How do you expect me to ru

added, glaring until the secr

a teasing smile. "Mr. Action Man, al

sion softening just a fractio

n your day, but it looks like

e time for jokes. My family wants me to get ma

d. "I didn't know it was that b

heavy in his voice. "I'm not ready to marry again. I'

er to convince him. "You could find someone to pretend to be your

"A contract marriage? You

d get help with your daughter and keep y

ad. But uncertainty flickered in his eyes. "I mean, it

wouldn't have to dive into emotional c

lating. "What if it doesn't

the only one with burdens. Maybe she nee

ught. "Even if I consider a contract ma

Hadassah from the mall? She needs

ernard countered. "I can't

a tough spot, and you need help.

Bernard said, though

mitment. It's a way to ease yo

les couldn't resist throwing in humor. "W

riously? You're thinking abou

a have priorities!

as he zipped up his bag. "Thanks fo

ning. "Just remember, I'm here if y

flooding over her as they discharged him. Exhausted, she barely ackn

e buzzed. An unknown caller. Curiosity g

she said

the famous Hadassah?

she replied

Did he escape the hospital?"

thank you. I'm

ut dinner? I want to dis

curiosity piqued. "Wh

opportunity. I think you'll be

m intrigu

ing at that café near th

d, her mind racin

You'll need your energy for our me

in her. What could this business opportunity be? Eventual

clearer. After a quick shower and some c

! You seem cheerful tod

Hadassah replied, t

nice to hear! I'm heading to the

Hadassah called af

the thought of the evening. She approached her superviso

brow. "Rush through your wor

Hadassah nod

thing on time. By the end of the day, exh

s to let him know she was on her way. Pushing open the café door, the warm

his feet. "You made it! You look great! Or

plied, her stomach twisted in k

who looked serious. "Why don't you

," he declared. "My family wants me to find a wife, but I nee

d racing. "A contract ma

nd to be my wife and take care of my daughter. In

izing mirage, but the absurdity made her

ed in. "You'd have financial s

g in my house until my daughter is old en

ef and intrigue. "I need to think about it."

air hit her, but her mind

to Charles, frustration on his f

come around. It's not every day someo

lly step into something so unconventional? Just then, her phone buzzed

she murmured. "What would that mean for my life?" Imagi

thought. "But a contract marriage? It sounds so... unconventiona

aw it was dead. "Ugh, of all times!" she groa

of Bernard's serious expression flashing in her mi

nally live life on my own terms," she said, excitement rising. "An

rolled over, her heart racing. She needed to give

Sharon's house. Knocking on the door, she practically boun

you'd lost your wa

and I crashed early. Wh

ou won't believe what happened! Ber

idened. "Wait,

m surprise to intrigue. "So, he's offering you Ten Thousand Dollar

financial security, a chance to live in a

You could travel and all you ha

into a tight hug. "I can't believ

ob without commitment," Sharon grinned. "

tion filling her. Pulling

amily. I value my family so much, and I can't just leave the house and start living in a man's place without telling her. My mother deserves to know who I'll be spendin

er mind raced with the potential that came with that kind of money. She could finally breathe

ught. "Imagine her running her own business! I could also pay my siblings' school fees without worrying about how to mak

ng! You'll be like a superhero for your family! But wait a minute," she said, a playfu

ll take care of you! You can be my partner-in-crime. We'll make sure to

llionaire, you might need a personal assistant. I'll just have to char

eeping me company?" Hadassah teased, shaking her

e together. "But really, I want us to enjoy this journey. We'll celebrate every little victory, an

an't wait to see you in your new life! Just remember, I e

excitement of this ne