Mistaken Identities and the Price of Love

Shall we?" the lawyer asked, and I nodded my head in agreement.

"Okay, now I pronounce you..."

"Husband and wife, yes," he said, cutting the lawyer off, and finishing the sentence. He stood up hastily, looking ready to leave.

"I don't even know who you are," I complained. He paused for a moment, then dipped his right hand into the inside pocket of his suit and pulled out a premium black card. "You're mine forever and ever," he muttered without even glancing at me. "Here's my card. Use it as much as you want; there's no limit. It will never decline," he added, placing the card on the desk before rushing out of the office.

"I don't need a credit card!" I shouted after him.

"I'll be in the UK office for about a year. I'll contact you when I get back," he called from outside the office as he left the premises.

I frowned, feeling completely puzzled by his response. My fingers fidgeted with the pen in my hand.

"Ma'am, here you go, your marriage certificate," the lawyer said calmly, handing it over with a smile.

"Oh, okay, thank you."

"You have a good day," the lawyer added, still smiling widely.

I left the office, and as soon as I stepped outside, my phone buzzed with a call from Grandma. I picked up in a rush.

"Hey, Grandma!"

"Hi, Aileen! Did everything go smoothly?" Grandma's frail voice came through the line.

"Yeah, the wedding's over. We got along really well," I lied, not wanting her to worry or ask too many questions.

"Okay, my child, take care of yourself."

"Alright, Grandma, you too. Talk soon. Bye!" I quickly hung up.

"Phew," I sighed. "Whoever he is, I just hope he won't complicate my life." Then Grandma's words echoed in my head: "Aileen, Cade is a good man. Cynthia promised me her family would treat you well. I don't have many days left, and the one thing I want to see is that you're married to a trustworthy man." Her warm smile flashed in my memory, and I smiled. "I'll do anything to see you happy, Grandma," I thought to myself.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a message, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked at the screen, and my eyes widened. The message was from Pennington and Price Group. It read, "Congratulations Ms. Aileen Cooper, we're happy to invite you to join our team. Please report to the Pennington office as soon as you can."

"Whoa! This is a dream," I exclaimed, excitement flooding through me. I checked the message again and realized it was real. I'd been searching for a job to help take care of Grandma, who had always been there for me after my parents passed away.

"Yes!" I jumped up, unable to contain my excitement. "I'll take good care of Grandma. Working with Pennington and Price is a dream come true!" I added, my eyes sparkling. I flagged down a cab. "Pennington and Price," I told the driver as I hopped in and shut the door. The cab sped off.

*ONE YEAR LATER*

I had become a well-known member of the Pennington and Price Group. It was a Monday, and as usual, I dressed smartly. I wore a white T-shirt tucked into a black pencil skirt, slightly above my knees, and pulled my silky black shoulder-length hair into a ponytail.

"Hey! Lovebirds, do I look nice?" I asked Stella and Liam when I reached the living room.

"You look good as always," they chorused.

"You know, Aileen, you're so beautiful. Your curves, your hair, your height, and to top it off, you're so intelligent," Stella said with a smile.

My cheeks flushed slightly. "Stop it, Stella, you always make me shy," I replied. "I'll see you both later. Bye!" I added, leaving the house.

Stella and Liam were my college friends, we were so tight back then at school. I only live with them because the Pennington office was closer to their place Plus I enjoy their company so much. I normally visit my ageing grandmother at weekends.