“Get out of this house, you ungrateful girl!” her father had shouted, and Alice, not daring to protest, left home. It seems almost a lifetime ago now, but back then eight years had passed since her mother had died, leaving Alice with only memories and longing. By eighteen, Alice had finished her last year at medical school with top honours, earning a gold medala rare achievement, especially for someone so young and determined. She wished dearly to follow in her late mothers footsteps, but her father had other ideas, which he presented as a surprise.
One evening, he announced the engagement he’d arranged for her with the son of a family friend, as though she ought to be grateful rather than shocked. Torn between duty and dreams, Alice chose the latter, moved into a student residence, and began working part-time at a small café. The place was unremarkable, but it offered her independence.
I remember how she told the storyone evening, as she finished her shift, she spotted a distinguished-looking man with dark hair, dressed far too sharply for such humble surroundings. It struck her as oddhe would have looked more at home among the oak-paneled rooms of a city club rather than beneath their faded café sign.
On her walk back, she found the same dark-haired gentleman waiting by his car, calling out, “Alice, I need a word with you.” Surprised, she stopped. He explained he was the surprise fiancé arranged by her father for her eighteenth birthday, though hed failed to arrive on time.
My names Robert, he said, extending his hand, Lets use first names from now on. I have a business proposition for you. Just hear me outyou can accept or refuse afterwards. Alice agreed.
Robert shared his predicamenthe wished to start his own business, but his father threatened to wrest control unless he married a girl of his choosing. Robert proposed a sham marriage, offering Alice financial support, her own room, and full independencewithout any interference in her affairs.
Alice was speechless; the offer sounded outlandish. She needed time to think it over. Robert handed her his business card, urging her to call when she was ready.
After some consideration, Alice contacted Robert. Their wedding was small, attended only by their parents. When they kissed as newlyweds, something sparked between them. Alice whispered to Robert that she liked him, and he replied with genuine happiness. In the months that followed, that initial spark grew into a flame, and in time, they discovered true affection for one another.
