Fake Marriage, Real Love

Chapter 1

Aeisha 

         There are big families, and then there’s my family. I can hear the chaos before I’ve even knocked on the door. The large, impressive drive looks like a parking lot, so I know I’m probably the last to arrive – great.

         It’s not often I make the trip back to my family home. As a busy manager of a tech company in Redwood City, work nearly always comes first. That’s the way it’s always been for me.

         “Aeisha! It’s Aeisha everyone!” cries my mom when she opens the door.

         “Hey, Mom,” I say, kissing her on the cheek. “It’s good to see you.” From behind her, faces begin to appear, most of them welcoming until I step inside and see Emily through the oval doorway to the dining room.

         The house screams wealth, both sprawling and tastefully decorated. From the huge dining room, I hear even more of a commotion and see that most of it is focused on her. Of course it is. Everything must always be centered around my spoiled half-sister.

         “Oh, hi,” she says, looking me up and down as if I’m something the dog has just dragged in. “We were wondering when you might arrive.” She smooths down her hair and picks up a champagne flute, taking a sip before smiling at me in that inauthentic way that grates on me.

         “Well, I’m here now,” I say, trying to remain calm and classy. That’s not easy around Emily. Surviving this family and its politics isn’t easy, either, but one thing it has done is made me more determined not to let them bring me down.

         “Good, you can help us celebrate,” she says, a look of triumph on her face.

         “Great,” I reply, somewhat dryly. “What’s the occasion?” I honestly don’t want to know, but there’s obviously something going on, and it’s not like I’m going to be spared it.

         She steps towards me and extends her hand. At first it seems like she’s waiting for me to kiss it – not something that would surprise me given the size of her ego – but then I see what the fuss is about. On her ring finger is a quite spectacular engagement ring.

         “Congratulations,” I say through gritted teeth. This is just what I need.

         “Thanks, Sis,” she says, admiring her new ring. “It’s antique, you know. Only the best, right?”

         Please, spare me.

Before I can say anything, my father steps in with my mother on his arm. He welcomes me warmly with a hug and a kiss, telling me how glad he is that I'm here for the family gathering. Especially now that Emily has made this announcement.

         I smile and try not to say anything too sarcastic – like the fact that my half-sister has declared she’s bagged herself a husband on more than one occasion. On each of these, nothing has progressed. Although now, it seems the ring on her finger may mean she’s actually telling the truth this time.

         My mom’s eyes are trained on me, her glare so intense it’s almost burning holes in my skin. I know why – Emily’s announcement has gotten to her. And if it’s gotten to her, then it’s going to become an issue for me.

         As my father’s fourth and current wife, she’s determined that I’m the one who should be making such announcements. Not just because I’m her daughter and Emily isn’t, but thanks to the larger concern of the inheritance issues in this family.

         She’s already been on my case, forcing me to look for a fiance and to announce my own impending nuptials, but that’s just a step too far for me. I get where she’s coming from, and I feel just as entitled to my father’s wealth as any of my siblings, but I can’t just marry for money. Nevertheless, fighting for the inheritance is something I’m prepared to do.

         I get that my Mom doesn’t want to be overlooked. With three ex-wives and their children, it’s important for her and her child to be acknowledged. The other kids all received their inheritance when they walked down the aisle. For some reason, this is the only rule in the family, like marriage is the most important thing in life.

         Now, as my mom glares at me, I feel her frustration more than ever. If it weren’t for the fact that it was Emily sucking up every ounce of air in the room, I might be able to forget it. But when I look at her and see that self-satisfaction painted on her face, I can’t.

         “Actually, I have an announcement of my own.” My heart thuds in my chest, but I’ve started now. I look over at Emily, her chin now raised in defiance. She hates anyone taking the limelight from her, especially me.

         “Thing is, I’m also getting married.” It’s as if the room takes a collective gasp. A few split seconds of nothing but a sudden intake of air.

         “Honey!” cries my mom. “Congratulations!” She throws her arms around me, pulling me close as if telling me how important this is for both of us.

         When we break our embrace, I’m shocked to see everyone else just staring at us, including my father, though I shouldn’t be. As far as they knew, I didn’t even have a boyfriend – because I don’t!

         I’m suddenly overwhelmed by the lie I’ve just told, caring less and less about Emily and her reaction while the seconds pass by feeling like hours.

         What the hell have I done?

         But there’s no going back now. “It’s been a whirlwind romance,” I say. “I’m sorry I haven’t told you about him. It’s just with work being so busy and then meeting him, things have just taken over.”

         “Well, I’m very much looking forward to meeting the young man, now that he’s going to be joining the family,” my father says.

         “Sure,” I continue. “I mean, he’s really busy at work, but I’m sure I can arrange something for next week.”

         “That’s settled, then,” my father says, smiling. “What a day this has turned into!”

         My stomach churns, watching the results of my lie sweep across the room – the smiles, the raised glasses and the talk of two upcoming weddings in the family. More than anything, there’s the triumphant look on my mom’s face as she takes in the information and the scene before her. This is everything she’s wanted, and she has no idea it isn’t even real.

         My mind is now somersaulting.

Where the hell am I going to find a boyfriend – no, a husband – within a week!