Shattered vows

Georgia's POV

"Get married to me."

Those words sent shivers down my spine. Marriage? To a stranger? The thought of it was absurd.

This money lender's condition was too demanding for me to just accept because I was in need.

Besides, I was already a happily married woman, how would it look like if Andrew regains consciousness only to find me in the arms of another man?

But then recalling the doctors words, I don't think Andrew would be conscious if the operation delays even by a day.

My shoulders slumped following that thought, mirroring the weight of the burden I was feeling at the moment.

"Well, are you interested or not?" The money lender's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I raised my head to see him and just before our eyes met, I caught a glimpse of the placard on the table, it had his name on it.

Henry Ford.

The blue painted wall behind Henry was a contrast to the white painted walls on the sides.

My lips pressed together before I proceeded to speak, "Sir, your condition is demanding on my end. Please borrow me the-"

"We only borrow small businesses money to grow their business. You don't have any business, you just need money and I'm providing you with an option that offers you money. It's the only way I can help at the moment but it's fine if you're not interested," Henry interrupted me before I could finish.

His hazel eyes stared at me with so much intent, I felt like he was trying to see through me, through my thoughts.

I adjusted myself on the seat while sniffing back a snort, "Sir, I can't get marrried to you because I'm in love with someone else and I'm-"

A smirk crept upon Henry's lips as he leaned backwards, his minty scent still lingered in the air.

"Why are you here then? Why didn't your lover help you out?"

Judging from the business perspective, he had the right to ask that question. But right now, I was a woman overwhelmed by her emotions so I found it offensive.

Fuck Henry's money, if Andrew was okay, three hundred thousand dollars is a meagre amount compared to what Andrew would usually spend on me.

This fueled my resolve to ensure that Andrew wakes up and this meant accepting his silly offer.

I glared daggers at the man sitting across me, "That's none of your business Mr. I accept your proposal, when are we getting married?"

Henry turned from side to side on his executive chair while twisting a pen in his hand, "We're not getting married for real. It's a fake marriage, more like a contract marriage. You pretend to be my wife for a specific period of time and you get paid for that, simple."

This sent down a feeling of relief down my spine but it didn't shake off the feeling of worry about the decision I was making.

"Okay, where do I sign?" My question put Henry to a halt, he pulled out a document from a drawer and passed them to me.

My fingers clutched the document tightly as I read every detail of it. It was a habit of Andrew's that I learnt.

My jaws dropped when I read through the third paragraph, "I-i'm moving with you to your city for a year?"

A subtle nod from Henry was all I got in response.

Christ. What excuse was I going to give to Andrew for being away?

Moreso how was I going to stay away from him for that long?

The demand of this offer grew stronger the more I thought about it.

My fingers grew sweaty and it made the paper in contact with my hands damp. Tears crinkled at the corner of my eyes but I fought them back. Until now, I have never had to sacrifice anything in our marriage, I guess now is the time.

It didn't matter how long I am away from Andrew, I knew he'd still love me and we'd surely figure things out when I get back.

So I signed the papers and he passed an already written cheque to me.

"Be back here at seven p.m, we leave tonight."

That was all Henry said before dismissing me. I held onto the cheque with so much care that you'd think my life depended on it. Well, technically not mine but a part of my life depended on it.

As I walked out of the Ford's microfinance organization, I wondered how I was going to be away from Andrew.

The thought of how he'd fare would drain me until the day I see him, I couldn't imagine trying to cope with that much mental stress. I'd need someone to watch him for me while I'm out of the city.

As if on cue, a memory of the only woman who vwas closer than a sister came to mind. My best friend was the perfect person for the job.

Anna is a big fan of my marriage and she's really fond of Andrew as the two attended the same college back in the day. She'd surely understand be glad to help me out.

With that I headed to Anna's place from the Ford's organization. In a couple of minutes, I arrived at an indigo painted three storey building with yellow flowers scattered on the porch in front.

Anna was disheartened from the news of Andrew's help and she commended me for my compromise. She assured me that she'd help take care of Andrew until I was back.

After a venting session, we hugged and baded each other goodbye.

"Don't worry honey, Andrew is in good hands!" She smiled with a naughty wink.

I returned the smile from the cab I was sitting in but I couldn't help feel uneasy from her wink.

Perhaps I was just overthinking it because now I feel like I just made the wrong decision by leaving Andrew in Anna's care.