Episode 2

Andrew

After that remarkably awkward dinner with the family, we arrived home, and my mother was extremely serious while my grandfather seemed quite irritated due to my reaction. I knew I had been wrong, which is why I followed her to apologize—I owed her an explanation for my behavior.

"Grandfather, why didn't you tell me before?" I challenged him, anger in my voice.

"She's a good girl from a decent family; what's wrong with that?" he replied, his voice more composed now.

"I don't love her, and she's too young for me," I pointed out the obvious.

"Your mother married at 15, and your father was 25, it's not unusual," he countered.

"I won't marry—you can't force me," I retorted, my fury growing as I moved away from him, heading to my room.

"I won't force you, but..." I heard my grandfather begin to say something but then he stopped, which made me turn to look at him—"I won't include you in my will, and you won't own my stores," he said with a completely calm expression that unnerved me slightly.

"Are you blackmailing me?" I asked, surprised, and he merely shrugged. "How can you do this to me?" I concluded, visibly upset.

"I gave my word, Andrew, and my word is always honored. But I can't force you. So, you choose—either marry or get nothing from me or my stores," he raised his voice so much it sounded almost like a shout.

Heading to my room, I pondered what to do and what to say to Teresa. Everyone was asleep, so I decided to call her, telling her everything that had happened. At first she didn't understand and cried, fearing our relationship would end, but I explained that I'd talk to Liz and if we got married, it would be out of obligation, not love. I asked if she'd be willing to be my wife while I stayed with Teresa, only until we found a way to divorce. Teresa agreed. Now the only thing left was for Liz to agree to help.

...

Elizabeth

I keep reflecting on yesterday's dinner and more so on Andrew's reaction...

"Miss Elizabeth, Miss!" my teacher calls out, noticing my distraction.

"Yes, professor?" I rise to answer, a hint of fear in my voice.

"Please pay attention to my class," he instructs firmly. I simply nod and endure the mockery from some of my peers.

Class ends and I'm with Rosa, my best friend, who keeps asking why I'm so preoccupied. I want to tell everything to Rosa, but I’m embarrassed for her to know about my unrequited love, so I feed her a little white lie, which she clearly doesn’t buy.

"Liz! Liz!" I see Andrew approaching us; his presence here strikes me as odd.

"Liz?" Rosa says, puzzled by the nickname.

"He's called me that since we were kids," I reply.

"How sweet," she says with a grin, though I’m not sure if she’s referring to the nickname or to Andrew.

"Hi Liz," Andrew greets me as he joins us.

"Hello, Andrew," I say, confused by his visit. A brief silence falls upon us until Rosa clears her throat to snap me out of it.

"Rosa, this is Andrew, a friend," I introduce them.

"A pleasure," says Rosa, extending her hand. "Likewise, Miss," Andrew responds cordially.

"Liz, can we talk?" he asks. His unexpected visit has taken me aback, but I don't want to be rude.

"Yes, that’s fine," I reply, quickly suppressing the smile that surfaces.

"See you tomorrow, friend," Rosa departs, planting a kiss on my cheek.

"Bye, Andrew," she waves goodbye, and Andrew reciprocates. From afar, Rosa gestures towards Andrew, giving me thumbs up and miming that he’s very good-looking, which makes me blush intensely.

"He invited me to lunch," Andrew's voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Let's go," I answer.

We head to a nearby cafe and order burgers. I'm feeling uncomfortable, nervous, and unsure what to say or do to break the ice.

"Liz, I think we should get married," he suddenly drops the bombshell, sending my heart into a flutter of excitement. But then I remember what he has told me.

"What about your girlfriend, Andrew?"

"Liz, my grandfather wants to cut me out of his will and take away the stores if I don't marry you, and I can’t afford to lose the inheritance..."

I ponder his words and realize he’s asking for a marriage of convenience, while he loves someone else.

"I don't understand..." I wrinkle my brow, "what exactly are you asking of me?"

"I'm suggesting we get married but lead separate lives. I'll continue with my girlfriend, and you’re free to date whoever you want, until we can find a way to divorce... To the family, we’ll appear as the perfect couple."

I'm dumbstruck. The boy I've loved all my short life is asking me to fake a relationship to claim an inheritance and be with the woman he loves. If my heart was shattered yesterday, now it’s turned to dust.

"A sham marriage?" I say incredulously, looking him in the eyes. He simply nods, and I shake my head repeatedly.

"I can’t deceive my family, and I have self-respect."

"Liz, be my wife, please," he holds my hands and looks me in the eyes earnestly. "I’m begging you," he implores, his gaze still locked on mine.

"Yes, I'll help you," storms through my mind. I must be the biggest fool in the world, but I couldn't refuse him, try as I might. He rises from the table and pulls me up into a hug, planting a thankful kiss atop my head.

After finishing our meal, we go to our parents’ house to announce that we will marry. My mother is thrilled, as is my grandfather, and my mother fetches her wedding dress for me to wear—"Family tradition."

Once we tell our families that we'll be getting married, things move fast. My mom and Andrew’s mom plan everything, and in just two weeks, I'll be married.

Yes, I’m marrying the boy I love, but only to aid him in being with his girlfriend and to claim his inheritance.

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