Zane’s rich parents want him to marry so he may take over the family business. To mess with them, he picks a “plain girl.” But he quickly finds out that she is keeping a big secret.
To be honest, I’m not happy with how things started. I wasn’t even close to looking for love. I just wanted to make my folks mad.
There have never been any rules for me. Parties, flashy cars, and luxury excursions. Why not? My family was rich, and I knew I would lead my dad’s business one day.
But then my parents pulled me in for a “serious talk.”
My dad leaned in like he was making a bargain and said, “Zane, your mom and I think it’s time you grew up.”
“Get older?” I laughed and leaned back. “Do you mean to get married?” “Exactly,” he answered, nodding his head firmly. “You are almost 30. We need to see true accountability from you if you want the firm. That means a house and a woman. You can’t do this by yourself and operate a business.
My mom said something and shook her head. “Zane, your dad started this business from scratch.” We can’t give it to someone who treats life like a game.
I was very angry. Did they desire a wife? I’d give them one. I’d show them they were incorrect if they thought they could control me. I’d bring someone into their world that would make them wish they hadn’t.
That’s when I first saw Nila.
Nila wasn’t someone I usually hung around with. I saw her at a low-key charity event where she was helping out. In a plain outfit with her hair pulled up, she appeared simple and maybe shy. No pretentious labeling, just quiet and real.
She nodded and said, “Nice to meet you, Zane,” as I said hello. She hardly looked at me, like she didn’t care who I was.
“So, Nila, where do you live?” I asked.
“Just a little town,” she answered with a little smile. “Nothing fun.” Her speech was sweet, and her eyes were careful.
Great.
“So, Nila,” I got to the topic, “what do you think about getting married?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
“I know it sounds strange,” I remarked with a smile. “But I’m looking for a wife.” I have my reasons. “You’d have to pass a few “tests” first.”
Nila chuckled after looking at me. “That’s funny,” she remarked, and her eyes sparkled in a way I didn’t get. “I was just thinking about trying ‘marriage’ myself.”
“Really?” I asked. “So, deal?”
She looked at me and then shrugged. “Okay, Zane.” But only if one thing happens.
“What is that?”
“Don’t ask me about my past.” Let’s not make it complicated. That’s all they need to know: she’s just a girl from a little town. Are you okay with that?
I smiled. “Perfect.”
My parents were shocked when I brought Nila to meet them. My mom’s eyebrows went up when she saw Nila’s simple clothes and quiet behavior.
“Oh… Is it Nila? She asked, making herself smile.
Dad seemed unhappy. “Zane, this isn’t what we thought it would be.”
I answered, “Well, you wanted me to settle down,” with a sneer. “Nila is perfect for me.” She is calm, honest, and doesn’t care about all this rich-people stuff.
Nila did a great job with her role. My parents hated it when I was courteous and shy while I was talking to them.
But there was something wrong with her. She was just right for my plan, yet sometimes I saw a peculiar light in her eyes, like she was having fun.
“Are you sure about this, Zane?” she said one night after supper with my family.
I laughed and said, “Of course.” “Things are going wrong for them, Nila. “It’s working.”
“Well,” she murmured, her voice quiet, perhaps too soft. “Glad to help.”
I didn’t pay enough attention to Nila’s reactions since I was too busy watching my parents’.
Then it was time for the charity ball. My parents really went all out with the chandeliers, pristine tablecloths, and shiny cutlery.
Nila went in next to me, and her basic clothes stood out amid the fancy ones. Exactly what I needed.
“Don’t forget,” I said, “tonight’s the last test.”
She nodded. “I know the plan.”
I stayed close by as she chatted softly, smiled kindly, and kept a low profile. My folks looked at her but didn’t say much.
Then the mayor came up, smiling. “Nila! He shook her hand and exclaimed, “I didn’t expect to see you here!”
My parents’ mouths dropped open. I stopped moving. Did the mayor know Nila?
Nila smiled pleasantly, but she seemed nervous. “Mayor, it’s good to see you too.”
He stated, “People still talk about the children’s hospital that your family helped pay for.” “Your help made a big difference.”
Nila nodded. “That’s good to hear.” We just want to help.
He left us in solitude and moved on. Finally, my mom talked. “Zane, what was that?”
Tom, a family friend, came over in amazement before I could answer. “Nila! I didn’t know you were back!
Nila laughed for a short time. “I didn’t tell a lot of people.” “I’m here for my wedding,” she said.
Tom laughed when he saw me. “Zane, you’re getting married to Nila, the “Charity Star”? Her family gives a lot of money to charity in the state!
My throat felt dry. I had heard the name before; everyone had. I just never put the pieces together.
I drew Nila aside later. “So, ‘Charity Star’?”
She let out a sigh. “Yes.” My family runs the biggest charity in the state. But I stay away from all that.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you didn’t tell me your plan.” I have my own motivations.
“You knew this wasn’t real?” I asked.
She nodded. “My parents keep telling me to marry for status.” I wanted to make my own choices. I felt we could aid each other when we met.
I looked at her. She wasn’t just a bashful girl from the country. She was tough, smart, and on her own.
She had left her family’s name behind to live free while I was playing games. She joined this scheme to get out of her own cage.
I silently watched her one night while we prepared an event.
“What?” she asked.
“I didn’t know how strong you were,” I said. “You’ve done a better job of this than I have.”
She grinned a little. “I’m not doing it for them.” I’m doing it for me.
At that moment, everything changed. The hoax turned out to be true. I looked up to her. I wanted to be with her.
I said, “Nila, maybe we should tell the truth.”
She nodded. We were no longer pretending.
We requested our parents to meet the next day. I felt strangely peaceful as we got ready to tell the truth. I wasn’t scared. I was ready, to be honest, and to move on with Nila by my side.