Henry's POV

"You won't walk out on me!". My mother Mrs Raymond screamed, I've always called her that, I literally grew up without her, and now she wants to force a marriage I don't want down my throat!.

"I'll get to make that decision, I don't know what relationship you're trying to create between both families but I'm not getting married to Lydia" and "that's final!" I uttered walking out on her.

"Henry! Stop right there". she barked but I kept walking to the door.

"How's the search going?" I asked Gabriel, my personal assistant, as I stepped out of the house.

"None that fits your description sir" he replied, opening the car door.

"What exactly have you been doing Gabriel?"

"You know what? just get me any girl, any one at all, that I can use to escape Mrs Raymond claws." "And be fast about it!" I snapped, settling inside one of my luxurious cars.

"Alright sir" he replied, shutting the car door.

I drummed my fingers on the armrest, my mind racing with impatience. "I wonder why Gabriel hasn't found anyone yet," I muttered, raking my hand through my hair.

Gabriel began explaining our destination, "We are headed to your uncle's office for the".... "Just drive," I replied , cutting him off.

****

Here I was at my uncle's office with an opportunity providing itself "a way to get off Mrs Raymond claws". With this brief history I was convinced this was my way out. It's shameful that her husband left her after she took out a loan for him. But I didn't care.

"Uncle Charlie, can you let her go?" I muttered. "Let her go?" He repeated.

"Do you think I am running a charity organisation here? He snapped. "I'll collect every penny from her including the interest" he scoffed. "And why would you even suggest that Henry?" He asked, giving me a long stare.

I didn't give him a response. I know it was a bad idea asking him to do such, he wouldn't let his money go just like that. "I wonder why my father is still running business deals with him" I whispered in a way that he wouldn't hear me.

I took out my phone and called Gabriel.

"Hello sir" he answered, his voice crisp and alert.

"Yes Gabriel", I said with a firm tone.

"I need information about Camelia Roy. I want to know about her family, her education, her past relationships- every detail, no matter how insignificant."

" I want it before the day ends" I emphasized with my eyes locked on Uncle Charlie's curious face.

"Okay sir", he replied "and you can stop with your search", I added before hanging up.

"What are you doing with her personal information?" Uncle Charlie asked, his eye brow furrowed in concern.

I couldn't think of anything, more than offering her a proposal. She was in desperate need and I knew she needed help.

"Who would turn down such an offer?"I thought.

"Uncle Charlie, I want to pay Camelia's debt." I uttered.

What?? He snapped. " Why would you want to help someone that you don't even know?".

"She has something I need," I replied .

His eyes widened in shock. "Something you need?," he repeated. I could tell he was trying to understand what I was saying. But I wasn't going to mention my true intentions to him.

"Are you serious about paying off her debt, Henry?" He asked.

"Yes I am, Can you keep this away from the family for now?" I urged him since he is known for having a big mouth.

"At least till I tell them myself?"

Does she know?" he asked, his gaze piercing. "About your family's empire? The corporations, the wealth...?".

I know I had to shut him up by sweetening the deal, "I'll give you more money". I chipped in, and I watched his lips grin from side to side. I know how much he loved money "more like an obsession".

"Of course" he replied, "anything for you my dearest nephew" he replied rubbing his hands together. "So when would you make the payment?" he asked glaringly.

"You have nothing to worry about uncle, it's just five hundred thousand dollars, I'll have my accountant make the transfer" I answered him. "I trust you" he said smiling sheepishly as he hummed out of the office and I followed behind him.

Camelia's POV

"Marry you?" I repeated, my voice shaking and tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.

"Did your uncle sell me out to you?" I demanded, "Was I looking that desperate?" I sighed, taking a look at myself.

He remained calm, but I sensed some kind of feeling from his face- amusement, perhaps, or even sympathy. "It's going to be a contract, Miss Camelia," he explained, his voice low and soothing. "A contract that would benefit us both."

" This had to be some kind of sick joke"! I shrieked, staring at him in disbelief. My life had been a rollercoaster lately, but this was the most shocking twist of all. "I'm not some damsel in distress who's going to jump at the first offer that comes her way!" " I snapped, salvaging the rest of my pride. But deep down I knew I needed rescuing.

"Mr Henry" I could already tell his name "What do you know about me?" I said with my voice rising.

Not much," he admitted, "but with what I know, I'm sure I'm your last bet Miss Camelia".

His words cut deep like a knife, but he wasn't wrong. I was desperate, and he knew it.

They were a few eyes watching but I doubt they knew the content of our conversation, but I didn't care!.

I turned to leave, without giving his proposal any thought, but my feet faltered at the door. "Go where?" There was nowhere left to run.

Panic set in, and my heart began racing with memories of my struggles flooding my mind,

How could I even consider marrying a stranger just to pay off a debt that wasn't even mine? The thought was crazy, yet..."This maybe my only way out"

I hesitated, with my hand on the door handle leaving me with my last option. I turned to face Henry, my eyes searching for any sign of deceit, but all I saw was a calm man.

I would accept his proposal, i just want to get out of this mess, I said walking to where he was. I could feel the weight of my decision settling in. My heart racing, I stopped in front of him, my eyes locked on his.

"I'll do it," I said. "I'll be your fake wife."

Very good, Camelia." he said as his lips curled up in a smile. "I'll have my assistant bring the papers," he muttered, signaling a thumb snap to a young man standing by the door.I watched as the man dashed out.

You don't have to panic, Miss Camelia. "I only want to avoid a marriage and the lady in question..." he paused, "there'll be no emotions attached" he continued, it's purely business "he smirked.

"You only have to act as my wife for a year till I'm off Mrs Raymond claws". He added adjusting his wristwatch. "If you play your role really well I'll pay you off with any amount you want," he added.

It was obvious that he is rich, but who is Mrs Raymond?...."I thought".

The man that dashed out came running with some papers. "Thank you Gabriel," he said, collecting the papers from him.

"Go through the contract," he said, handing me the papers.

The contract was just as he explained.... "No feelings attached, No kids, No physical contact except in dire situations". Chills ran down my spine as I picked up the pen, my hand trembling slightly as I signed my name. I was divorced a while ago and now I'm in a fake marriage "can life be any cruel"?.

"What's next?" I asked him as he took the contract with his eyes gleaming.

"Call me tomorrow," he said, giving me a paper with his number scribbled on it. "I'll have Gabriel pick you up and drop you at home".

"Home" the word felt new again. I nodded, taking the paper from him. "Why did he give me a paper and not a card?" I thought, maybe he wasn't with any I concluded.

I'll take my leave now, Miss Camelia," he murmured, breaking into my thoughts.

As I watched him walk away, a sudden realization struck me.

"Mr. Henry!" I called out, my voice tingling with desperation.

He paused, turning back to face me..

"I was wondering...if it's possible...could I get somewhere to stay tonight?" I stuttered, my eyes fixed on the floor as I nervously fidgeted with my fingers.

"Gabriel would sort that out. Make sure you get a comfortable place for her to stay", he replied without giving it any thought.

"Right away sir," Gabriel replied.

Madame, please follow me," he said, bowing slightly".

"You can go with him," he said. "He is my personal assistant and also a friend," he concluded.

I tried walking but my legs felt weak and feeble, refusing to budge. The room started spinning, and colors blurring together in a whirl. Everywhere suddenly became dark, and I could only hear voice echoes from a distance which made my head spin. I stumbled, my knees buckling beneath me, and I felt myself collapsing to the ground.

"Camelia! Camelia!" Henry's voice echoed from afar, running towards me. I tried to respond, but my voice was trapped in my throat. My eyelids fluttered, and then finally, they shut out.

Henry POV

"Where am I"? She asked, opening her eyes after six hours of being semi conscious. I jolted up from where I had dozed off on the hospital bed,the antiseptic scent of the hospital filling my nostrils.

You're finally awake...!" I exhaled, relief washing over me. "Are you in pain? How are you feeling now?..." My voice cracked with worry.

"Why am I here?I only remembered being in your uncle's office", she stated.

"You passed out Camelia, But the doctor said it was just stress and your blood pressure is also elevated and it needs to be controlled", I explained as I continued rubbing off sleep from my eyes." You'll also need a lot of rest", I added.

She only nodded without saying a word and started crying. "Can we leave the hospital"? she asked, sobbing. "It only brings horrible memories", she sobbed. "Please I'm begging you, she said clenching onto her chest like it was hurting.

I had no idea on how to console her. I have never been in such a position before. I only understand that she wants to leave the hospital. But Gabriel interrupted my thoughts.

"A call for you sir" he said, And who could that be? I asked.

"It's"...he took a pause for a few seconds. "Who Grabiel?" I asked , clenching my teeth.

"It's Lydia sir" he finally answered. Hang up! I shunned without giving it a second thought. "And don't disturb me over such measly calls!" I snapped at him. Camelia was still sitting on the bed all shaken. I couldn't think of what to do. I've never taken care of anyone before. It has always been the other way round.

"Prepare the car, we are taking her home" I said to Gabriel, "but before that get the discharge summary and her medications" I added, or better still.... I said, having a second thought.

"Don't worry about preparing the car, give me the keys, I'll take her home".

Sir?? Gabriel stammered.

"Is there a problem Gabriel?" I could tell what was on his mind, it was strange I was behaving this way, but I only felt pity for her.

"No sir", he replied, handing over the keys to me.

I stretched out my arm and collected the key from him and he went to the doctor to prepare the discharge note.

I assisted her from the hospital bed, and we made our way out of the room to the reception. "Sir, you'll need to sign the discharge note, the nurse whispered to me".

"Can't my assistant do that?" I muttered.

"No sir, her guardian has to," she replied.

"Give me a minute" I said as I gently placed Camelia on a chair so she could sit while I sign the note.

"Where am I signing?" I asked the nurse.

"The note would be ready in a minute or two sir," she replied. The note wasn't even ready, I glared at them and looked at my wrist watch. It was already 9am, I stole a glance at Camelia, but she looked distorted.

"Here is it sir" the nurse said, calling my attention. "You're signing here" she said pointing to a blank box on the note. I dipped my hands into my pocket to look for a pen but I couldn't find one. "Can I get a pen?" I asked the nurse. Yes sir, she said, scrambling the table to look for one.

*****

"Look who we have here" a female voice echoed from behind, "Camelia is that you?" You look like you've been through a lot she said, letting out a mild laugh.

I turned around to get a glance of who was talking but the nurse already found a pen. "Let me quickly sign", I said , grabbing the pen from her. What I heard next was a scream, the strange woman had pushed Camelia to the floor.

"What are you doing?" I barked, running towards where Camelia was.

"And who are you?" She smirked as her eyes hovered around me.

At this point people had already gathered, including the security officers.

"Why would you push a sick person to the floor?" I barked, lifting Camelia from the floor.

Are you fine? I asked her.

I could only see Camelia's cheek burning red as she tried to withhold her tears.

And the strange woman interrupted me again, I was losing my patience already!

"Wow, so you've gotten another man?" Camelia, she continued. "You're really something, I've always known you never loved Brady as you claimed, I'm happy he finally let you go". Now he'll get a chance to enjoy true love! She added.

"Or wait did you sleep with him"? She shrieked.

"You little whore! I've always known your true colours would show one day!". "You don't deserve Brady", which is why I'll help you take good care of him, she giggled touching her belly.

I don't know what this chaos was all about but I just wanted it to end.

"You won't speak to my wife that way!" I barked.

"Would you just stand and watch her insult a sick lady in this manner?" I said turning to the security officers.

I could see the shock on Camelia's face when I mentioned "my wife", but I ignored her look.

"Don't touch me," she barked as the security officers tried to propel her out of the hospital. " I'll go out on my own, I'm pregnant," she added.

"Is that why she is behaving like a maniac?" I thought, but I'm sure that the two ladies know themselves.

"As for you Camelia, I'll let everyone know what you've been doing" she hissed, walking away with the security officers behind her.

Come here, let's go home, I said, offering Camelia my hands to grab on, which she actually did.

"Here are the medications," Gabriel muttered from a distance as he walked towards us.

"Take us home," I said, handing the car keys over to him.

"Right away sir" he replied as he led the way out of the hospital.

*******

Camelia POV

As I sat at the back seat of the car with Henry my mind reeled about the event that had taken place, I stayed mute as shock took over me, I wiped off my tears with the back of my palm. What has come over Maddie? and why would even go to this extent. "She wants Brady, Now she has him, why won't she let me be!."

"We are here" Henry said as the car finally came to a stop at the front of a mansion.

"Let me help you Camelia", he said , offering his hands to help me get down out of the car. A little blush covered my face as I remembered he called me his wife when he was talking with Maddie earlier.

"Why are you not asking me any questions?" I asked him as I finally got out of the car. "You can tell whatever later, after you get enough rest." You really look like a mess right now he said , letting out a subtle smile as we walked into the building.

I was struck by the grandeur of the building before us. A majestic fountain standing at the entrance, its unique design unlike anything I'd seen in Washington D.C. There were people in black and white uniform going to and fro, all of them greeted us with their courteous smiles as we passed, which made me question who he really was. "They are my workers," he said, noticing the confused look on my face. I nodded with a grin.

As we entered the house a maid in uniform walked up to him and whispered something into his ears, I couldn't tell what it was but his expression changed, "what is she doing here?" he said as he stormed inside, I followed him looking confused.

But all I saw was a tall beautiful lady in her mid 20s with her exquisite dress sitting on the sofa.

"Where have you been Henry? And why have you been avoiding my calls?" She shrieked,

"When did you come back? And Why are you here?" Henry asked her.

"Because you've been avoiding me or is that not obvious?" She barked.

Henry gave his head a little massage "Please Lydia don't start, I've had enough for this morning!

"And who is she?" She asked, looking at my direction as she smirked.

"Ooh...Lydia I said recalling, the lady from the call he ignored earlier". I don't know who she was but I could tell he doesn't want to be in the same space with her.

It was time to play my part of the deal.

I strolled to where Henry was standing and grabbed his hands as I looked into his eyes.

"I am his wife," I uttered.

Henry POV

I was shocked by Camelia's action. Her words totally threw me off.

"What is she talking about, Henry?" Lydia asked, standing up from the sofa.

"I am his wife," Camelia repeated, gripping my hand tightly. I stood there speechless with my eyes locked on Camelia.

Immediately, Lydia grabbed her bag angrily and rushed towards the door. I could tell she was just as shaken as I was.

"You're going to regret this decision, Henry!" She barked. "I am never letting you go!" She turned to Camelia,with her tear-streaked face. "And as for you," she sneered, "I don't think you're ready for what's coming." With that, she smirked and slammed the door behind her.

Silence filled the room after she stomped out of the house. "Hope I didn't do too much?" Camelia asked quietly, breaking the silence as she gently pulled her hands away from mine.

"No, you didn't," I replied, avoiding her gaze. I couldn't explain the tingling sensation I'd felt in my chest when she grabbed my hands earlier. Now, I couldn't even look her in the eye.

"Won't you ask me anything?" I asked, stealing a quick glance at her face before turning away.

When the time's right, you'll tell me what I need to know," she muttered, smiling faintly.

"Such a naive soul," I thought.

"Don't think about what Lydia said," I added. She's just bluffing. I also wondered if it was just her bluffing. She once pushed a girl that had a crush on me in high school into the pool.

"Can I get some rest now? I don't want to go falling again,"Camelia joked lightly.

"Of course," I said. "Forgive my manners. I've kept you standing too long." I gestured to a passing maid.

"Take her to one of the master's rooms," I instructed. The maid hesitated, Which of the rooms, sir? She asked with confusion crossing her face. I didn't blame her - there were too many rooms in the house, each with different sizes and designs.

I pressed the alarm in the living room - a signal to gather the household staff. Within moments, they stood before me.

"I need a moment of your time," I began. "This is Camelia Raymond - my wife." Faces shifted in surprise, but I ignored the stares. It's going to be a topic of discussion amongst them anyway. "You will treat her with the same respect you show me." I added.

"That will be all." The staff gave a small bow and returned to their duties.

"That wasn't necessary," Camelia whispered.

"You're my wife now, remember?" I grinned slightly, though I couldn't forget this was all part of the contract.

Turning back to the maid, "I hope that cleared your confusion?. Show her to one of the master's rooms."

"Yes, sir," she replied. Camelia you can get some rest now, with that she followed the maid upstairs.

*****

"Gabriel, I need you here now," I said after dialing his number. Within moments, he arrived.

"I've got the information you requested," Gabriel said.

"Just the important parts," I urged, too drained to listen to stories or epistles. "Uhmm.... before you start, call the office and tell them I won't be coming in today."

"What about your father? What should I tell him if he calls?" He asked. "It's something you can sort out Gabriel!" I snapped, placing my hands across my face. Or do I need to teach that? "No sir," He murmured.

"You can go ahead and brief me" I requested.

"Her mother died during a surgery two years ago," Gabriel began. "She had just finished school at the time. She's a journalist but hasn't worked anywhere yet."

"Skip that," I said. "Tell me about her father."

"He's alive and doing well," Gabriel replied. "She also has a younger sister."

"At least she's not alone," I muttered.

"Actually, sir... she might be," Gabriel added. "Her husband, Brady, tricked her into taking out that loan you offered to clear. When her father found out, he disowned her."

"Wait... what?" I asked, my brow furrowing.

"Brady also cheated on her and got the other woman pregnant," Gabriel continued.

It all clicked - the woman we'd seen at the hospital earlier. I felt my chest tightening. "Do you know where Brady is now?"

Probably somewhere, Gabriel replied

"Do you want to visit him, sir?" He added.

I clenched my fists. Part of me wanted to grab him and make him pay for what he'd done. I didn't know why I felt so angry, but I did - and it showed.

"I've heard enough, you can stop here" I muttered.

"Okay sir, Henry..." Gabriel's voice softened. When he called me by name, it usually meant something serious.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Don't you think what you've done is risky? What if she doesn't keep her end of the bargain? What if she goes back to her cheating husband? Or worse... what if she scams you for your money?"

"Gabriel, you worry too much," I said, shaking my head. "I considered all that before letting her sign the contract. Do you know what is more scary out of all this? It's the thought of getting married to Lydia."

"So when are you going to tell her about Lydia?" He asked.

"Soon," I replied. "Camelia isn't in a hurry either... and to be honest, she's... sweet." The word slipped out before I realized it.

"Did I just compliment her?" I thought, almost laughing at myself.

"Alright, sir," Gabriel said. "And yes, the accountant confirmed the transfer's been completed." He added.

"Good," I muttered, sinking back into my thoughts.

"Lunch is served, sir," one of the maid muttered as she set the dining table.

"Get Camelia from her room," I instructed. She turned to leave, but I stopped her. "Don't worry, I'll get her myself."

Turning to Gabriel, I added, "You should join us for lunch."

"I won't be able to stay," he replied.

"Suit yourself," I said, my voice fading as I climbed the stairs.

Reaching Camelia's door, I knocked once but there was no answer. I pushed the door open, just enough to see inside. But my breath caught in my throat - she stood there, half-dressed, with her back turned to me.