I Hired a Husband to Make My Friend Jealous, Then Fell Hopelessly in Love with Him
Emma, did you get the invitation from Sophie?
I did. But Im not going to that wedding, I said into the phone.
What do you mean, youre not going? Shes our friend, and its going to be a posh affairshes marrying a foreigner, after all! Well be celebrating at the finest restaurant! Julia exclaimed.
No, I dont have anyone to go with. You know how things are with Markits over. I wont go alone; Sophie will just laugh at me, you know how she is!
Alright, Ill come over tonight. Well figure something out, Julia said before hanging up.
Sophie, Julia, and I had been friends for years, ever since college. Julia and I remained close, but Sophie and I had drifted apart after she moved abroad. Now, out of the blue, shed sent us wedding invitations.
Sophie had always been smug and arrogant. Even now, shed made it clear she expected us to bring dates. I didnt have one, so Id decided to skip the whole thing rather than give her another reason to mock me.
Julia arrived that evening as promised.
Emma, Ive got it all sorted! Well find you a boyfriendor a husband. Whichever you prefer.
Excuse me? What husband? What scheme have you come up with now?
Julia had always been the imaginative one, the type who believed no problem was unsolvable.
Ive done my research! There are agencies where you can rent a husband for the day. This is perfect for you!
No way! Thats the last thing Id doorder a man like takeaway! I huffed.
Emma, not just any mana proper gentleman, even if hes temporary! What matters is making Sophie eat her words, right? Go for it! Besides, Ive already called the agency and arranged everything.
Julia, you never change! How do you even know who theyll send?
I booked a handsome, charming bloke in a respectable car. Good enough? Youll meet him tomorrow at seven outside the cinema. Sort out the detailshe can play the doting husband or fiancé, whatever you like.
Wait, how will I recognise him? And how much does this cost?
Dont worry, its not expensive. Hell recognise youI sent your photo. Enough questions! Lets go pick out your wedding outfit.
The next evening, I met my rented husband at the cinema. After pacing nervously, I sat on a bench.
Good evening, are you Emma? a stranger asked. Im Oliver.
I gave him a once-over and was pleasantly surprised. Julia had been righthe was incredibly attractive.
Emma, your friend explained everything. Dont worry, Ill play the part perfectly. These are for you. He smiled and handed me a bouquet.
Oh, you shouldnt have! I blushed.
Fancy a walk? Tell me a bit about yourselfitll help with the act.
Of course!
We strolled through London for hours. Before leaving, Oliver took my address and said hed pick me up on Saturday.
I couldnt stop thinking about him. He was charming, intelligentwhy would someone like him do this for a living?
On Saturday, Oliver called.
Emma, ready? Ill be there in ten.
Yes, just heading out.
Seeing him outside my building nearly took my breath away. Oliver stood there in an elegant suit beside a sleek car, looking like hed stepped out of a film.
Good morning, love! Hop inwe dont want to be late, he said with a playful grin. Hows my acting?
Spot on! I laughed.
Sophies wedding was as lavish as promised. She greeted me with a smug smileuntil she saw Oliver. Her grin vanished. Her foreign groom was twice her age, bald, and portly.
For once, I felt triumphant. Sophie had always mocked me, saying Id never marry because I was too shy and ordinary.
Maybe shed been rightbut tonight, I proved her wrong. Oliver never left my side, ignoring other women entirely.
Emma, happy? Julia whispered.
Yes! Thank you!
And Oliver? Do you like him?
Very much. But whats the point? Tomorrow, hell forget me. My heart ached, wishing the night wouldnt end.
Julia smirked mysteriously before slipping away.
Emma, ever seen London at night? Oliver asked.
No, Im usually asleep.
Shame. Its breathtaking. Fancy ditching this party for a private tour?
Absolutely!
We said our goodbyes to the newlyweds.
Thanks, Sophie! Everything was wonderful, I said.
Really? You enjoyed it?
Brilliant wedding! Were offmy wife and I want some time alone, Oliver said, pulling me close.
Sophies smile turned icy. Of course! Lovely meeting your husband.
We spent the night driving through the city, Oliver pointing out hidden gems. I marvelled at how knowledgeable he washardly what youd expect from a rented escort.
At dawn, he dropped me home.
Emma, I had a wonderful time. Youre amazing.
Thank you, Oliver. How much do I owe you?
Nothing. Julia already paid.
Well goodbye, then. I stepped out, fighting tears. Id fallen for himhow stupid was that?
Later, Julia called.
So? Howd it go?
Awful, I sighed.
You liked him?
Of course! But whats the use? I cant rent him forever.
Dont mope. Get some restIll see you tonight!
That evening, my doorbell rang. Julia stood therewith Oliver.
Surprise! She hugged me. Meet my brother, Oliverthe one you refused to meet all those times!
Wait, this was a setup? Oliver, you dont work for an agency?
Got you! Julia laughed. How else were we going to break your stubborn streak? Arent you going to invite us in? Weve got cake and champagne!
Well, if theres cake I grinned.
Hello, Oliver said, pulling me into an embrace.
Fifteen years later, were happily married with two children. Whenever the kids ask how we met, Oliver winks and says, At your aunts friends wedding.
**Life lesson:** Sometimes, pride keeps us from seeing whats right in front of usbut love has a way of sneaking in when we least expect it.
