Emma hired a husband for rent just to spite her friendthen fell hopelessly in love with him.
“Emma, did you get the invitation from Claire?”
“I did. But Im not going,” I said into the phone.
“What do you mean, youre not going? Shes our friend! Besides, itll be a posh weddingshes marrying a foreigner. Well be celebrating at the finest restaurant in town!” Sophie insisted.
“No, I dont have anyone to go with. You know things with James are over. I wont go alone; Claire will laugh at meyou know how she is!”
“Alright, Ill come over tonight. Well figure something out,” Sophie said before hanging up.
Claire, Sophie, and I had been friends since university. Sophie and I stayed close, but Claire moved abroad years ago. Now she was back, flaunting her upcoming wedding. Claire had always been arrogant, and even now, shed only invited us with partners. I had none, so I decided not to gobetter that than endure her mockery.
That evening, Sophie arrived as promised.
“Emma, Ive got the perfect plan! Lets find you a boyfriendor a husband. Whichever you prefer!”
“What? What are you on about?”
Sophie was always full of wild ideas. She was the type who believed there was no such thing as a hopeless situation.
“I did some research! There are agencies where you can *rent* a husband! Thats exactly what we need!”
“No! Absolutely not. Hiring a man? Thats ridiculous!” I snapped.
“Not hiringrenting! And not just any man. A handsome, charming one wholl arrive in a luxury car. Isnt that what you need to shut Claire up? Ive already called themits all arranged!”
“Sophie, youre impossible! How do I even know who theyll send?”
“Relax, I picked a proper gentleman. Hell meet you tomorrow at 7 PM outside the cinema. You can discuss the detailswhether hell play the doting fiancé or husband. Your choice!”
“Wait, how will I recognize him? And how much does this cost?”
“Dont worry, its affordable. Hell recognize *you*I sent your photo. Now stop asking questionslets go pick out your wedding outfit!”
The next evening, I waited nervously outside the cinema. After pacing for a bit, I sat on a bench.
“Good evening. You must be Emma?” a stranger asked. “Im Oliver.”
I studied him and couldnt help but be impressed. Sophie was righthe was strikingly handsome.
“Emma, your friend explained everything. Dont worry, Ill play my part perfectly. Herefor you.” He smiled and handed me a bouquet.
“Oh, you didnt have to!” I blushed.
“Shall we walk? Tell me a bit about yourselfitll help with the act.”
We strolled through the city for hours. Before parting, Oliver took my address and promised to pick me up on Saturday.
I was enthralled. He was everything I couldnt understandwhy would someone like him choose this job?
On Saturday, Oliver called.
“Emma, ready? Ill be there in ten.”
When I saw him outside my flat, my breath caught. He stood by a sleek, expensive car, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit.
“Good morning, darling! Hop inwe dont want to be late,” he said with a grin. “Hows my acting?”
“Brilliant,” I laughed.
Claires wedding was every bit as lavish as promised but seeing my “husband,” her smug smile faltered. Her groom, though foreign, was twice her age, bald, and portly.
For once, I felt triumphant. Claire had always mocked me, saying I was too plain to ever marry. Tonight, I proved her wrong. Oliver never left my side, his attention fixed solely on me.
“Emma, happy?” Sophie whispered.
“Very. Thank you.”
“And Oliver? Do you like him?”
“Too much. But whats the point? Tomorrow, hell forget me.”
Sophie smirked mysteriously and slipped away.
“Emma, ever seen the city at night?” Oliver asked.
“No, Im usually asleep by then.”
“Youre missing out. Want to sneak away? Ill show you.”
We bid farewell to the newlyweds.
“Thank you, Claire. Everything was beautiful,” I said.
“Glad you enjoyed it,” she replied tightly.
“Wed love to stay, but my wife and I want some time alone,” Oliver said, pulling me close.
Claires glare was priceless.
We spent the night driving through glowing streets, Oliver sharing stories that left me wonderinghow could someone so intelligent be in this line of work?
By dawn, he dropped me home.
“Emma, I really enjoyed this,” he said softly.
“Me too. How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing. Your friend already settled it.”
“Thank you goodbye.”
Inside, I cried. Id fallen for him, and it hurt.
Later, Sophie called.
“How was it?”
“Awful,” I sighed.
“You liked him, didnt you?”
“Of course! But whats the point? I cant rent him forever.”
“Cheer up. Get some restIll see you tonight.”
That evening, the doorbell rang. Sophie stood therewith Oliver.
“Surprise!” she cheered. “Meet my brother, Oliver. The one you refused to meet all those times.”
“You tricked me? Oliver, you dont work for an agency?”
“Guilty. But youre stubborn as a mule! Arent you going to invite us in? Weve got cake and champagne!”
“Well, if theres cake” I laughed.
Oliver hugged me. “Hi.”
Fifteen years later, were happily married with two children. When they ask how we met, Oliver winks. “At your mums friends wedding.”
Sometimes the best things come from the most unexpected schemes. Love doesnt always follow a scriptbut its worth the wait.
