Ill bring just any random girl for dinneranything but marrying your millionaires daughter! I shouted at my father. But when he saw her, he turned as white as a sheet.
Id marry anyone, even the cleaner from my office, but not your business partners daughter! I yelled furiously at my dad. I never imagined that what had started as a bet, and a random girl I brought home just to spite my parents, would end up turning my whole life upside down. That evening exposed a secret my family had guarded for years, and my so-called fiancée would turn out to be the key to it all.
***
Dad, Im telling you one last timetheres not going to be any wedding! I was practically shouting into my phone while standing in the middle of my vast office on the fortieth floor. I dont care about your deal of the century!
My fathers icy, resolute voice crackled down the line.
Edward, youre not in a position to dictate terms. The matter is settled. Saturday eveningdinner with Charlotte and her family. Do make an effort to present yourself accordingly.
According to what? My own sale? Youre selling me off like company stock! I wont marry just for business!
Its not business, its a wise union of two dynasties, my father replied crisply. Enough childishness. See you on Saturday.
He hung up. I threw my smartphone onto my rosewood desk in frustration. What a dictatorship! I was twenty-six, not a boy, and I wasnt about to let him dictate who I should marry.
Yes, I worked in his tech empire. Yes, I lived off his money. But I hadnt asked for any of this! My dream was to restore antique furnitureto breathe new life into wood, not stare at screens of code all day. But Dad wouldnt even hear of it. That was nonsense, according to him.
And nowCharlotte. The daughter of his business partner, with whom they were about to sign some enormous merger. Id never even met her, and already I resented her. I loathed her because she was part of Dads plan, his trap.
I paced the office in anger. Outside, the lights of London glittered in the evening. I felt like howling. What was I supposed to do? How could I ruin this dinner?
My gaze fell on the door, just as it creaked open and in stepped the cleaneryoung, plain, and clearly exhausted. She wore cheap work clothes, her hair fastened in a messy bun.
Sorry, she mumbled quietly. I thought nobody was left. Ill come back later.
Wait, I heard myself call out. An insane, desperate plan started forming. Whats your name?
She jumped at my brusque tone.
Holly.
Holly, I stepped closer. She smelled of bleach and fatigue. How would you like to earn some real money? A lot of money.
She looked at me with confusion and a bit of fear.
What do you mean? Im not
No, no, nothing like that! I quickly assured her. This is strictly business. A one-off acting job. Just for one evening.
***
Holly stared at me as if Id lost my mind. Her wide, pale blue eyes were full of doubt.
What sort of acting job? Im not an actress.
My fiancée, I blurted out. Youd pretend to be my fiancée.
She recoiled, nearly toppling her bucket.
You must be joking! Me, your fiancée? Look at me. Look at you.
Thats exactly the point! I said, growing more enthusiastic. My plan is to rile my fathershow him I make my own choices. Ill bring you to our family dinner and tell them were madly in love and getting married.
And then what? her voice quivered. Wont your family just have security throw me out? I dont want any trouble like that.
Ill pay you, I insisted. Two thousand pounds. For one night.
She hesitated. I saw how the figure caught her off guard. Fear and temptation fought for control behind her eyes.
Why not just talk to your father? Isnt that easier?
My father doesnt do talking, I replied bitterly. He only understands force. Soare you interested?
She bit her lip and was silent for a long while, gazing off into the distance.
I I really need the money, she admitted in barely more than a whisper. I have a son, Isaac. He needs surgery. Its not very complicated, but for me its a fortune.
That quiet confession stopped me cold. A son. Suddenly, my reckless little plan could actually help someone.
All right, I said more seriously. Four thousand poundshalf now, half after the show. How about it?
She nodded, still unsure.
What do I have to do?
Nothing special. Just be yourselfwell, maybe a little more confident. Ill supply a love story: we met by chance, I was struck by your kindness and honesty. Just follow my lead and dont worrystick close to me.
You must have truly terrifying parents, she said quietly.
My father, yeshes a tyrant. My mother always takes his side. And theres my sister, Sarahshes in her own world. But dont worry. Ill take all the heat.
We agreed to meet Saturday. I sent her two thousand pounds, and watched tears spring up in her eyes. She wiped them away immediately, whispered, thank you, and disappeared out the door.
I was left alone in my luxurious office, feeling both remarkably clever and like a total scoundrel. The plan was madbut it was a plan. No turning back now.
***
On Saturday I drove to Hollys placean aging council flat out in Croydon. The contrast with our house in Richmond was immense.
She came out in a simple but clean dress, with an old coat thrown over it. Id expressly asked her not to dress upthe effect had to hit home.
Im scared, Edward, she admitted as she got into the car. Her hands were trembling.
Dont be. Ill be there, I tried to reassure her, though my own nerves were jumping. Just remember why youre doing thisfor Isaac.
She nodded and grew quiet.
When we pulled into our driveway, Holly gasped. Our house glowed like something out of a Jane Austen film. There were luxury cars everywhere, including one I recognised as Charlottes fathers. So, everyone was here. Fantastic.
Maybe this isnt a good idea, she whispered. Were worlds apart.
Its got to be, Holly. Come on, I said, taking her cold hand and leading her to the door.
Mum answeredMargaret. All pearls, silk, perfect hair, and that unmistakable frosty smile.
Edward, finally! Weve been waiting! Charlotte and her parents are here. And this is? Her expression toward Holly was pure contempt.
Mum, meet Holly. My fiancée, I said, making sure the words were clear and loud.
The smile vanished. For a moment, she was at a loss for words.
What? Fiancée? Are you mad?
Im perfectly sane. Weve been together for ages and just wanted to keep it quiet. We decided tonight was the right moment for introductions.
Dad appeared from the drawing room, face like thunder.
Edward, what is all this? Whats this circus?
Dad, its not a circus. Holly is my future wifeI love her, and I dont care about Charlotte.
Dads face turned crimson. He stared Holly up and downher old coat, worn shoes. His look was a punch in the stomach.
Come through to the lounge, Mum said through gritted teeth. She was the queen of composure even when the world was ending. Lets not make a scene at the door.
We walked into the grand sitting room. By the fireplace sat a man and woman I didnt know, and with themthe painfully beautiful Charlotte. She looked at us with keen interest. In an armchair nearby was my younger sister, Sarah, her usual pale, aloof self.
Charles, what is the meaning of this? Charlottes father asked, getting to his feet.
Some misunderstanding, Dad barked. Well sort it out. Edward, take your guest to the small lounge. We need a word.
Now the real drama was beginning.
***
Dad dragged me into his study and shut the door. I braced myself.
Just what do you think youre playing at? Are you trying to humiliate me in front of the Mortimers? To ruin the deal? Who is this girl? Where did you find her?
I told youshes my fiancée, I replied calmly. I wont let you dictate my life anymore.
Fiancée? That scrubber? I could have security throw her out right now!
Go ahead and try, I shot back, my voice steely. If you lay a finger on her, Ill leave with her. Youll never see me again. Not here, not in the business, not at home.
He stared at me, rage mixing with confusion. He didnt know how to deal with me defying him.
Meanwhile, my mother was conducting her own interrogation in the small lounge. I knew her little tricks.
Lets be sensible, dear, she began gently, sitting across from Holly. How much is my son paying you for this little performance?
As previously agreed, Holly kept quiet, gazing at her in fear.
Ill double what hes offered. Triple it. Just tell me the figure. You do understand, you and Edward have nothing in common. Youre from completely different worlds that never cross.
We love each other, Holly murmured quietly, but firmly.
Mum raised her eyebrows in disbelief.
Love? My dear, in our world, love is a pleasant bonus, not the foundation for marriage. Whats your background? Where do you work?
I I finished college. I work for a cleaning firm, Holly said, her voice shaking.
Cleaning firm? Mum repeated, savouring it. Soa cleaner. Wonderful. Edwards outdone himself. Heres my offer: ten thousand pounds. Right now. Stand up, say you feel ill, and leave. Never see my son again.
I cant, Holly whispered. I love him.
You silly girl! Mum exploded. Youve no idea what youre tangled in! Youre ruining not just his life, but our whole family! Your stubbornness could cost us millions!
At that moment, Sarah slipped into the roomshe always moved like a shadow.
Mum, dont shout at her, she said quietly.
Sarah, stay out of this! Mum snapped. Go to your room.
But Sarah didnt go. She stepped closer, peering intently at Holly. Holly shrank under her stareas I heard later, Sarah seemed to be searching her memory.
Ive seen you somewhere, Sarah said slowly. Your voice its familiar.
***
Weve never met, Holly said uncertainly. Im sure this is the first time.
No Sarah frowned, her whole face tensing. Ages ago. Have you always lived in London?
Yes, Holly nodded. My whole life. Brixton.
The name changed Sarahs expression. She turned even paler.
Brixton Five years ago. Night, Electric Avenue. Accident. Were you there?
Holly froze. By now, Id entered the room and stopped dead hearing this. I recalled that accidentSarah had barely survived. A drunk driver in a 4×4 had smashed into her tiny car. Hed fled the scene.
Yes, Holly whispered. I was there. I was coming home from a night shift.
There was a girl, Sarah said, her voice trembling more with each word. She called an ambulance. She stayed with me until they arrived. Talked to me, kept me from blacking out. She took off her jacket and put it over me it had a silly cartoon kitten sewn on it
Holly instinctively clutched her chest.
I I was petrified with cold that night, she murmured.
Sarah stepped forward and grabbed her hand.
It was you! she shouted. It was you! I remember your voice! Dad! Mum! Come here! Quickly!
My parents rushed in, the others trailing behind, bewildered.
Sarah, whats wrong? Mum rushed to her.
Its her! That girl! She saved me! Dad, you hear? Weve found her! Weve been searching for her for years!
Dad stopped, staring at Holly, then at Sarah, his normally impassive face twisted with emotion. He remembered. We all did. The police report had mentioned a witness whod given first aid, left a statement, and then vanishedno name, no number. Wed scoured papers and the police, but nothing ever turned up.
Is it true? Dad approached Holly, his voice soft, a world away from his usual boom. Was that you?
Dumbstruck, Holly could only nod.
Mum stared at her, the frost melting from her eyes. She was now looking at her daughters saviour, not a cheeky cleaner. Slowly, she sat in a chair and covered her face with her hands.
I stood in confusion; my petty rebellion, my attempt at payback, had turned into something unthinkable. This plain, quiet girl Id hired turned out to be our familys guardian angel.
***
Silence descended on the lounge. All eyes were on Holly, standing pale and frightened, Sarah still clutching her hand.
The first to speak was Charlottes father, Mr Mortimer.
Charles, you seem to have family matters to consider, he said tactfully. Well be off.
No, please stay, Richard, my father said, surprising everyonehimself included. He turned to Holly. Miss Holly I cant find the words. We searched for you for five years, just to thank you. You saved my daughters life.
The great and terrible Charles Richardson, whom employees trembled before, looked like a lost little boy.
I I didnt do anything special, Holly stammered. Anyone would have.
Not anyone, Dad said, bitterly. The man who caused the crash ran off. Others just drove by. You stayed.
He turned to me.
And youdid you know? Is that why you brought her?
No, I answered honestly. I only just heard all this.
Now everyone stared at me. I felt lower than ever. Id brought her in to humiliate my family, and she turned out to be their saviour.
Holly, Mum stood and came to her, tears brimming. Please forgive me. For everything I said. I was wrong.
She hugged a stunned Holly.
Do you have family? Parents? Dad asked.
Holly shook her head.
No. Just my son.
Your son? Dad repeated. At last, I decided it was time for the truth.
Yes, Holly has a son named Isaac, I said. And I hired her to pretend to be my fiancée. She needed the money for his operation.
I laid everything out: the row with my father, my idiotic scheme, the money. When I finished, there was another quiet pause.
Well then, Dad began in a no-nonsense tone. First of allyour son will have his operation with the best doctors. Anywhere in the UK or abroad, no discussion. Ill see to it personally. Its the least we can do for you.
He looked at Holly.
Secondyoure not going anywhere. Youll stay here as long as you like. Were forever in your debt.
Charlotte, that arranged fiancée, whod been silent all evening, came over to Sarah.
Youre brave, she murmured. And your rescuer is, too.
Sarah actually smiledfor the first time in agesat a stranger. I had a feeling that more than one new story began that night.
***
Six months passed. Those six months changed everything.
Isaac had his operation at one of the top clinics in London. Dad oversaw everything. All went well, and now the cheerful six-year-old tears around our massive garden, which has become his home as well.
Holly blossomedgone was the old shyness and exhaustion. Mum took her under her wing, giving Holly the care shed never known. She made sure Holly enrolled on a landscape design courseturns out, she has a real gift for it.
Of course, there was no wedding to Charlotte. Yet Dad and Mr Mortimer made their deal anyway; turns out, marriages werent required for business after all. Charlotte became Sarahs best friend, pulled her out of her shell, and now they travel and are planning to start a charitable foundation together.
As for me, I left Dads company. We had a long talk, but, for the first time ever, he listened. Not only did he give his blessinghe funded the opening of my restoration workshop himself. Do what you love, son. Youve earned it.
And I was happy. Truly happy. Every day, I work with wood, feel its story, its warmth. Each evening, I return home to Holly and Isaac.
My absurd, selfish rebellion led me to the best thing thats ever happened in my life. I found more than a woman to loveI found someone who, without even knowing it, healed my family.
Today, Holly and I stand on the terrace together. She leans her head on my shoulder, and we watch as my father shows Isaac how to kick a football, and Mum and Sarah set the garden table.
You know, I almost ran away that night, Holly says softly. When your mother offered me the money.
What stopped you? I ask, hugging her.
She smiles.
I figured four thousand was still better than ten.
I laugh and kiss her. My arranged fiancée who turned out to be priceless. And I know nowreal treasures cant be measured by money or status. Theyre measured in warmth, kindness, and love. Thats something Ill never forget.
Do you believe in coincidences and twists of fate? Or is this just a fairy tale to you?
