The Proxy Bride

"HOW do you feel now, Sherry, that you and Edward are getting married soon?"

She sighed before answering her friend's question,"I'm not sure, Mica," her voice was sad or she didn't feel like she was going to get married soon.

Mica looked at her carefully, "Why you do not know? I think you are the bridetobe who is not happy with this upcoming wedding. " Yeah, she can sense her friend's feelings and she knows her very well. They have been friends for a long time.

"My feelings are divided, Mica. And I'm confused now! " She bowed.

Mica raised her friend's face. "Look at me." She looked at her. "Are you confused? What do you mean by that, Sherry?"

"Mica, because...I feel like I'm not happy about marrying Edward."

"What are you talking about? And you know, Edward well right? And Everything was in Edward's, Sherry, so what else are you looking for in him? He loved you very much. Don't be... stupid. When you leave him, you are more than stupid, you are crazy too!" Mica had an annoyed expression. And she feel that Sherry will cut off their wedding.

"Yes, but...I feel more happy with Felix." Sherry's eyes can see the brightness when she calls the man's name.

"What? My goodness, Sherry! You two still have a relationship; it's like you're fooling Edward with that, ah. And he has nothing compared to your fiancé! " She was even more annoyed.

"Because they are different, Mica." She smiled slightly.

"Different? Where, Sherry? they're both men?"

Sherry looked at her best friend before answering.

"Don't look at me like that, Sherry. I need your answer."

"When it comes to bed, Mica. Felix is more passionate and aggressive. He gives me what I want, "she responded to her.

"What was just in bed?" She also stared at her friend.

"I am happier when we are having love making with Felix and Mica. He gives me satisfaction when he is with me in bed."

Mica shook her head. "How about, Edward?"

"Well, he's good too, but...you know what I meant, Mica?"

"I don't know about you, Sherry. You're already in a soft bed, and then you want to move to the mat, your mind was crazy or you are the one who's crazy."

"That's why I said I don't know, I'm really confused. I know if Edward is the one I'm with, my life will be good with him; he's kind and he was wealthy. But money isn't a problem; I have my own savings."

"You know, why do you have to destroy it, Sherry? You do have money. But the question is. Does Felix have it too, huh?"

Sherry avoided looking at her friend. "I can't think straight, Mica," she interrupted, changing the course of their conversation.

"Thank you for the good advice, Mica. If Felix is my choice, I know he hates me. But I wish he would meet a woman he would love more. And for him to forgive me. "

"Do you think so, Sherry, that everything is that easy? You will hurt Edward. But whatever you decide, I'm here, Sherry, as your friend. "She just said it because she has no right to protest if her decision was to go to the other man, not Edward, because she's just her friend.

"My friend you are really good to me," she said with a smile.

They were in that conversation when Sherry's mobile rang. She immediately took it.

"Who?"

"Edward, Mica, wait. I'll answer his call."

"Okay."

"Hello, honey!"

"Hello, honey. How's your day? "

"It's fine, honey." She looked at her friend.

"Where are you now, honey?"

"At my home, honey."

"That's good. I'll go over your place now, honey."

"Honey, don't you have work today?"

"There is, but it's not that important, so I'll drop by your place now I'm on the way." I'll be at your place any moment, honey, but if you're busy, it's okay. I won't be there anymore. "

Sherry looked at her friend again.

"I'm leaving, Sherry." she said in a low voice and stood up. So two can talk.

Sherry nodded her head. Mica leaves immediately because she knew that Edward was coming from the way her friend looked at her.

"Honey, are you still there?" Edward asked his fiance because suddenly she quiet.

"Oh yes, honey, I'm here."

"So, can I come or not, honey?" He asked her again to make sure she agreed. Well, if she said no because she had something to do or she needed to rest, then he wouldn't come.

"Of course honey, you can. I'm not busy anyway. "

"Okay, actually I'm already in the parking area of your condominium, honey."

"Oh, okay honey, I'll just wait for you here."

"Bye, honey, see you in a minute," Edward answered and turned off the mobile phone.

Sherry sighed deeply. The truth is she doesn't want to see her fiance if she is the one to follow. And she wanted Felix to be with her.

"ROSSANA, you have a call on the phone," shouted the manager of the restaurant where she worked.

"Sir, who is it?" she ask.

"Your sister, she said it's an emergency," he replied.

Rossana ran into his office and took the phone to her manager. Before she answered, "Thank you, sir," she said.

The manager nodded but starred at her. Like he said, talk to her faster.

"Hello, Rosemary, what happened?" She immediately asked her sister.

"Sister, our mother, she lost consciousness earlier. Our neighbors helped us to take her to the hospital." She cries.

"It's okay, Rosemary, stay at the hospital and look after our mother first because I can't leave yet because there are still many customers right now."

"But sister, I don't know what I'm going to do now. We're so scared. I was just called here at the nurse station. Come and see us here now, can you please?" Her voice was shaking like she's going to cry any moment.

She needs to decide right now. She looked at her boss. He looked at her too, his eyes telling her to quickly talk to her sister.

Rossana took a deep breath. She must go to see her family because they need her.

"ALRIGHT, Rosemary wait for me, I'm going to say goodbye to my boss first." She looked at the boss, who had looked at her. And it's like he wouldn't agree with what she was going to say.

"Hurry up, sister, please."

"Yes, bye," she said when she got off the phone. "Sir—," she said as soon as the boss answered.

"It's not possible, Rossana," he replied immediately.

"But sir, it's an emergency; my sister needs me," she insisted.

"You're also needed here, and your workday isn't over yet," he shooed her away.

But Rossana couldn't stand her sister to be alone at the hospital right now because she was still young, so she decided.

"I'm leaving now, sir, because my family needs me more."

"All right, Rossana. Leave but remember this: there's no going back once you're out!" It's a threat from her boss.

Rossana stared at her boss. "If that's what you want, sir, it's okay now to give me my last salary." Yeah, even though she lost her job now, the most important thing is her family because she knows no one can help them.

The boss immediately took the money and gave her salary.

She took it and left without saying goodbye to her boss.

The boss just looked at Rossana, who came out. "I know you'll come back here, Rossana, but it's hard to find a job now," he said.

Sherry stood up immediately when someone rang the doorbell and she knew it was Edward.

When he opened the door, she was immediately greeted with a kiss from him. But Sherry immediately moved her lips away.

"Just wait, come in first, honey." She simply pushed him.

"Hmmm," Edward just murmured, and once again captured her lips.

"Edward, wait, what are you doing?" She walked towards the couch. It's like you haven't seen me in a long time. We just hung out last night.

Edward followed her. "I miss you right away, honey," He first pulled her towards him and hugged her. "I'm really excited about our upcoming wedding, so I can hug and kiss you like this every day." He captured her lips again.

Sherry let him what he do, so he couldn't say anything.

Why do I feel this way? It's not my fault that this is happening to me and Edward. Like I don't have a feeling or I don't love him anymore. Sherry said to herself.

Edward pulled her towards the couch. He sat down first and held her in his arms.

"Edward, what are you going to do?" Sherry pretended to ask him. But she knows what he wants to do.

His hands began to move all over her body. And his palm is looking for something. When he found what he wanted, he took off the hook of her bra. And he immediately lifted up her blouse. His lips moved fast, covering one Sherry breast.

"Hmmm," Edward muttered, sounding like a child at that moment.

Sherry wanted to stop what Edward did to her because she was not in the mood having a lovemaking. But she didn't do it because he might be offended. Even though she wasn't in the mood, she try to accompanying him.

"Honey, take off your shorts?" Edward ordered her.

She stood up first and took off her shorts, including her underwear. Edward unbuckled his belt and lowered his pants slightly and pulled her towards her thigh again.

At that point, Edward was about to release the heat from his body.

In just a few minutes, they are done. So Sherry compares Felix to Edward. Felix did everything to make her happy. The kind that will have her roaring hard with a chase gasp factor. She knows Edward can do that too, but like this, he's the only one who knows the agony of pleasure.

"Honey, please forgive me. You know I'm a busy person. When we get married, I will get back to you completely, I promise!" Edward said.

Sherry smiled. "Don't say sorry, honey. Yes, I understand you." But deep inside her, she was not happy anymore.

"I love you so much, because you always understand me. I need to go now, honey. I have a meeting before three o'clock."

"Okay, be careful when you drive!"

When Edward fixed himself, he immediately headed to the door and Sherry followed her fiancee.

"Bye, honey. Oh, by the way, join me for dinner tonight. " He said before he got out of the door.

"Honey, can it be another day? We always eat outside, right?" Sherry refused.

"Well, that's what you want, honey. It's okay another day. Bye."

"Bye," she said but before Edward left the door. He gave her a kiss on the lips, and after the kiss ended, he immediately left.

When Sherry closed the door, she leaned against it.

"You've always been like that, Edward. How can it be that if we're married, every time we make love there's always a rush? I don't want that," she sighed deeply. She was already decided. "I need to choose my happiness," she told herself.

"SISTER, Is mother's illness serious? What did the doctor say to you?"

"Yes, Rosemary. Mother needs to have surgery soon."

"Sister, where are we going to get the money for our mother operation?"

Rossana looked up at the ceiling. Even she doesn't know where to get that much money. "I don't know either, Rosemary, but I'll think about where to get it. I can do it," she said to her sister.

"Sister, is it from your boss? You can borrow money from him. How much is needed for your mother's surgery?"

"One hundred thousand," her sister replied.

Rosemary's eyes widened at what she heard from her sister. "What? My gosh, sister, where do you get such a large amount? "

"The important thing is to get mother operated on as soon as possible, Rosemary," she said sadly as she hugged her brother.

Rosemary's sister sat next to Rossana and hugged them too.

"Sister, why is our life like this? We are already poor, and we are suffering even more. I thought that God is very unfair to us!" She said tearfully.

"Psst, Rosemary. Don't say that. He's not unfair. He only strengthens us as far as we can go with each of his tests. Don't think that okay? Even if we are poor, always think positively. " She held her sister's head and caressed it. She looked at her two siblings. She just sighed off, silenced. The truth is she wanted to cry, but she didn't want to show her sister that she was crying. She had to be brave for them.

"Sister, how long will this test last? When we die?" Tears have flowed from Rosemary. She just cannot control herself to say such a thing because of their condition now.

"Soon, Rosemary. Just pray. Don't emote. I know what you feel. Smile please," she said to her sister with a smile.

"Sister, I'm smiling, oh," the brother said.

"Good boy, Rowel," she said.

When Rossana remembered their father." Oh, Rosemary, where he's? Why I can't see him here? " She refers to their father.

"He said earlier that he was going to look for money."

"Huh? Where is he going to look if no one can going to lending him money? "

"I don't know, he just said we stay here and wait for you."

"Oh no, our father, we already have a problem; he might add to it," she said, but she was still concerned about where her father was now.

"Probably, sister, he's going to be your headache too," the sister echoed.

They were having that conversation when the police came towards them where they were sitting.

Rossana was suddenly nervous when she saw them, not even sure yet if they were looking for

"Sister, here is another problem to come," Rosemary whispered to her.

"Are you, Rossana Luna?" The policeman asked as he approached them.

"Oyes, sir, is there a problem?" She answered shakily.

"Come with us now."

Rossana was shocked by what the police said. "Huh? Why, sir? What's my fault? " She wondered what violation she had committed.

"You are not your father, in prison now?"

The siblings looked at the police because of what he said.

"My gosh, I already said that, eh?" Rosemary sighed.

"Alright, sir, I'll come with you. Rosemary, stay here, don't go anywhere, okay, and take care of Rowel," Rossana said.

"Yes, sister, what else?" she answered.

She immediately went with the police. While she was walking Rossana took a deep breath now her problem was worse now.

ROSSANA ran to the prison cell where her father was. After the police told her about his case.

"Father, what did you do?" She still asked her father.

The gentleman started crying. "M—my daughter, I'm sorry your father is so stupid. I can't think of any other way to get money for your mother's surgery, so I did it," he bowed, ashamed of his daughter.

Rossana felt sorry for her father, but what he did was still wrong. "Father, I know that you are worried about mother, but I hope not in that way. I already have one problem, then you give me another one where I can get money for your bail?" Rossana wanted to cry. Her mind was so messy right now that she didn't know what to think first.

"My daughter, just leave me here. I'm old already. Just take care of your mother first and then me!" He hold his daughter hand.

Even though that her father said that, she is a daughter who loves her parents."I can't ignore you Father. I don't have enough money to bail you out now. You stay here while I look for more money. "

"My daughter, forgive me. Now I am also a problem for you because your father doesn't know how to think straight," he sobbed.

Rossana couldn't stop her tears that began to flow down her cheeks. She calmed herself first because she might cry even more. She was silent for five minutes to control herself.

The father held her hand. "My daughter, forgive me," he said again.

Rossana held her father's hand tightly, making him understand that she was right next to him. " What else can I do? It's a good thing that woman didn't file a case against you. I still feel sorry for you, because you are old enough to stay here." Okay, I will leave you first and I will look for money, "she let go her father's hand and walked away.

"My daughter, don't worry about me here, I'm fine," he shouted after his daughter a bit far away.

Rossana looked at her father. She smiled. Her smile said, "Yeah, you must be fine and wait for me to come back." She walked straight and never looked back.

In Sherry's condominium, while lying in bed, her cell phone rang.

Sherry thought that her fiancee was the one who called her. She didn't even look at her phone for her. She's not in the mood to talk to him right now. She didn't pick up the phone to see who was calling her; he just let it ring. She didn't want to talk to him.

Because the person on the other line was not surrendering to call her, Sherry was forced to answer it.

She immediately picked up the phone when she saw that it was not her finance calling. She immediately answered it.

"Hello, Felix," she said happily.

"Hello, Sherry. Why did it take so long to answer my call? " "I said with irritation."

"Sorry, Felix. Because I was in the bathroom taking a shower, so I didn't answer right away," her alibi was a lie.

"Sherry? Are you going somewhere?"

"No, why?" she answered immediately.

"It's good then..."

"Where are you, Felix? Why is it so noisy where you are?" She asked him because she hears a lot of different background sounds. The sound of water, cars, and lots of people.

"Because I'm here on the bay walk, Sherry."

Sherry had a look of wonder on her face as to why he was there. "What are you doing at that place, Felix?"

"'I'm just venting, Sherry. You want to join me here. I'll wait for you here.

"Sure, wait for me. I'll just change my clothes." She got up quickly.

"Okay, just hurry up. I might get bored if you take too long to come here."

In a few seconds, I will be there. Bye. "

"Bye. "See you in a while, Sherry."

After Sherry turned off the cell phone, she immediately got dressed and left the house.

That fast, she went out. When Felix called her, she was so excited and energetic. She thought that her fiancee was the one who called her just now because she was so weak and didn't bother to check her phone. While she was driving, her smile was up to her ear.

"My God! Where do I get money? Even if I sell my body over and over again, it still won't fit! " Rossana said to herself as she walked by the sea.

Rossana decided to take a walk on the beach first so she could think about what she should do. When she got to the rock, she sat down and couldn't stop her tears from falling. She looked up at the sky that was getting a bit cloudy. At the same time, I kept wondering if I could handle all of your tests."I hope, Lord, you just give me one by one, so that I can handle it even though this is so hard," she said as the tears continued.

She was quiet for a while, craying when she just sobbed.

To help me, tell me or just whisper what I should do. To be honest, my mind is a mess right now." This is where she burst into tears again.

The man close to Rossana turned around because of her crying.

"Maybe this woman has a big problem; maybe she's unlucky in love or maybe she's pregnant," said the man.

"Hi, Felix. I'm here, " Sherry greeted the man with a smile. He immediately approached her. She greeted him and kissed him on the lips.

"You're fast, aren't you?" He said after the kiss ended.

"I told you I'd be there in a few seconds."

"It's like you're a wonderwoman, Sherry."

Well, I'm like that to you, Felix, faster than that, wanderwoman."

The two sat hugging each other. She was happy when she was with him. Not like Edward. Went they are together she was not happy anymore.

ROSSANA just sobbed already, she wiped her wet cheeks, and took a deep breath. And Looked up into the sky. "I can do this. Lord, I want to scream. Can I? Because I feel so heavy here." She hold her chest as if sympathizing with her,  suddenly a strong wind hit her face for her this a go signal. That's why she began to shout loudly. "Ahhh!" She shouted over and over, "I can do this! Rossana fighting!" She said it loudly she didn't care about the people around her.

When she felt that she was okay, she decided to go back to the hospital because she was needed there.

"She had a big problem, right?" Sherry said she referring the woman who was shouting just now.

"Yes, I just heard her crying a while ago, maybe because of the big problem she was facing it," Felix said.

"I want to talk to her, Felix. Maybe I can help her." Suddenly a plan coming to Sherry mind.

From Felix mind maybe Sherry wanted to help her for a small amount."Sure, she's coming here."

Rossana walked quietly, and suddenly, someone greeted her.

"Hi." Sherry said with a smile to the woman walked in front of them.

Rossana looked around to see if there was anyone else, but she didn't see anyone else passing by but her.

"Was I'm the one you said hi to, Miss?" She asked.

"Yes, it's you. Come here?" Sherry's wave to the woman.

"Huh? Why? We don't know each other, do we?" She didn't come any closer to the woman.

Sherry approached Rossana."Well, I'm Sherry, and my boyfriend, Felix, and you are?" she said.

She didn't hesitate to say her name. It's just a name after all. "I'm Rossana Luna," she answered.

"So, we know each other now, right. Can we talk?"

Rossana frowned what the woman said."Why do you want to talk to me and about what?"

"Well, not for me, maybe for you. Felix and I can see that you seem to have a problem, not just a problem. I think it's even heavier. I just thought we might be able to help you. That is why I am greeting you if you don't mine telling us what is bothering you or something else."

"Sherry is right, Rossana, tell us your problem. Maybe we can help you, even if it's just a little," Felix said too.

Rossana is having second thoughts if she tells the truth to them. Maybe they're a scam nowadays; it's not far off even if they don't look like it because they're rich, especially the women. But she doesn't think so, and her insight is that maybe they are just being kind to her or maybe they are the ones who can help her. Did she tell God what to do to solve her problem? Maybe they are the answer.

"Come sit here next to me." Sherry invited Rossana. When she went back to sit beside her boyfriend Felix.

Rossana hesitated if she would follow what she said. They say, don't talk to strangers.

"Alright, there's nothing wrong if you tell us what your problem is, right? Maybe we can help you. And don't worry, we are not bad people," Sherry assured because she can see in her eyes that she wouldn't trust them.

Even though Rossana feels that way that they are kind, she really has doubts. She looked at the two again.

The couple looked at each other because she was still standing in front of them.

"It's okay, Rossana, if you don't trust us, you can leave. Sorry for the disturbance," Sherry said.

Sherry thought the woman was leaving. But she didn't, and she walked closer and sat down next to her.

The couple were smiling at what she did.

"What's your problem, Rossana?" Sherry immediately asked.

"I don't want to twist my words. After all, you are the ones who offered your help, right? "

"Yes, okay, tell us, Rossana, we are listening," Sherry said.

Rossana took a deep breath first and then looked at the woman.

Sherry nods to Rossana as if she says, "It's okay, take your time and relax yourself."

"My mother is in the hospital right now; she needs to be operated on soon. My father is in jail. Because he wanted to help, he found a way, but in the wrong way, so he ended up in prison. I can't do everything. I'm just a humble waitress. What's more painful is that I no longer have a job," she explained.

"So, your problem is money?" Felix said.

Rossana nodded.

Sherry and Felix looked at each other again, and their eyes were talking.

"How much do you need, Rossana?" Sherry didn't hesitate to ask her.

Rossana stared at Sherry. She didn't expect her to offer her right away.

"I'm not joking, Rossana. Tell me, maybe I can give you what you needed. "

She wants it, and grace is already in front of her, and nothing she will be lost if she says so. "One hundred fifty thousand!"

"It's a little thing, Rossana. It's not even a million. I will give you that money. But there is a tradeoff. In this day, no one just gives money, right?"

She nodded. She understood what she meant. "What in return?"

"We will talk about that but not here." She took something in her bag."Here is my calling card. Call me tomorrow, then I will give you the money."

Rossana's mind suddenly doubted her. It's all that easy. "Wait a minute, maybe what you're asking me is to do a bad thing. Tell me now. Even if I really need the money, I won't do it."

Sherry smiled. "Rossana, do I look like and my boyfriend is doing bad things? Don't worry, we are not bad people if that's what you think of us. We are just human beings that are falling in love with each other. "

"Sherry, those day doing bad things isn't presented by looks. A handsome man can be a killer who's also a rapist."

The two agreed with what she said. " Well you're right Rossana, but I'm not or my boyfriend does something bad. Sherry smiled. "Go back to the hospital; tomorrow the money you needed is in your palm," she said.

"Alright, thank you," Rossana just said.

"Don't say thank you, Rossana, because we don't have a deal yet," Sherry replied.

Rossana nodded and left.

When the couple could no longer see Rossana "Sherry, what do you plan to do with her?" Felix immediately asked.

"Do you love me, Felix?"

"What kind of question is that, Sherry? Yes, I love you. But you're going to marry someone, and who am I to compare to the man you're going to marry?"

"I've made up my mind, Felix."

"Deciding what, Sherry?" Felix said, with surprise.

"That I'm not going to marry, Edward."

"What? How do you do it? Isn't that everything has been planned and you're just waiting for the day when you and Edward, will marry?

"Yes, but I love you more. And I'm happier when you're with me. Like now. I'm so happy, Felix. " She said passionately.

Felix embraced Sherry."So, you're not going to continue your wedding with Edward." Is that so, Sherry?"

"It'll be continued, Felix. But I'm not the bride, but Rossana. "

"So, is that your plan for her?"

"Yes, Felix!"

"Will she accept what you want to happen, Sherry? I think it's abit difficult. Pretending to be you. And Edward will surely know it."

"I hope so, Felix. But I feel that she will be accepted because she needs money. Life is the reward for what she will do.''

Felix nodded."You're really smart, Sherry. You thought of it right away. "

Sherry hugged her man tightly. "I love you, Felix," she will go to any length to be with her boyfriend.

"I love you too, Sherry!" he smiled widely.

WHEN Rossana arrived at the hospital, she was immediately greeted by her two siblings.

"Sis, what happened to father?" Rosemary immediately asked

"What else? He's in jail now, Rosemary."

"My gosh, he made your problem even worse, sister."

"Leave it, what else can we do when he's in prison already?"

"Yeah, but he didn't even think that his problem was going worse," Rosemary said with disappointment.

"Alright, go home first. I'll take care mother." Rossana her took wallet from her bag, she take 500 bill," Here's the money, Rose. Buy some food to cook for us."

"What do you want me to cook, sister?"

"Chicken adobo. Sister Rosemary, " answered their youngest brother.

"Hmp, is it not you that I'm asking?" Rosemary replied with a smile to her brother.

"That's what I like to eat, sister."

"Oh, the youngest's request, do it, Rosemary, so adobo what you'll cook," Rossana also smiled.

"Yes!" their brother is happy.

Even though she has a problem, Rossana smiles when she sees her brother's happiness. At least with food, she can make him happy.

"Okay sister, we're leaving," Rosemary said goodbye to her.

"Be careful and take care of him, Rosemary. And you, Rowell, don't be stubborn; listen to your sister Rosemary, okay. "

"Yes, sister Rossana," the two answered at the same time.

After the siblings left, Rossana turned to her mother. She was sorry for what she saw in her condition. She was only one day in the hospital that she lost weight already. "You'll get better, mother, I promise you that." She patted her mother's palm. While she was staring at her mother, the couple that she had talked in bay walk just entered her mind.

Maybe they are not scammers. One hundred fifty thousand, according to the woman, is a small amount for her. She sighed and caressed her mother's cheek, which was a little wrinkled. The mother is not very old, but maybe because of the hardships she went through, that's why she looks like this and maybe because of her illness.

Seeing the mother's suffering, Rossana decided to call the woman. It's up to her now. What's important to her is the mother get recovers immediately. She grabbed the calling card from her pocket, the woman handed it to her.

When a nurse came in to see her mother, she asked her to stay with her mother for awhile because she was going to nurse information to make a call.

"Miss nurse, just for a moment please," she said.

"Alright, ma'am, I'll take care of your mother first go now."

"Thank you very much you're so kind," she hurriedly said, leaving the room and quickly walking towards to the nurse's station to make a call.

When Rossana was reaching for the information, "Miss, nurse, can I make a call for a moment?" she begged immediately.

"Okay, ma'am, you can."

Rossana's hand was shaking while dialing the number of the person being called.

When it rang, her chest was pounding. She looked at the people passing by to realize her tension.

Sherry looked at the cellphone when it rang. "I'm sure it's Edward," she thought as she looked at it, but it had a private number on it. "Hmmm, who could it be?" She remembered the woman she had talked to earlier and quickly pressed the call button. "Hello, who is this?" she answered.

Rossana was so nervously. That why she didn't answer her.

Sherry immediately spoke to the person on the other line. "Rossana, is that you?" she said.

Rossana breathed a sigh of relief when she mentioned her name. "Yes, it's me."

Sherry already knew what she wanted, and she was correct in telling Felix that she would not refuse her offer because she desperately needed it.

Rossana swallowed before answering. She was really nervous. "Oh...yes. Alright, I'm willing to do it what you want me to do, " she said fast.

"Good, call me again tomorrow, so I can tell you where to meet, Rossana."

"Okay, bye."

"Bye." Sherry smiled when they finished talking. "Hmmm, this is it," she was happy because she had a plan.

The nervousness in Rossana's chest still didn't disappear as she returned to the mother's ward. "Am I doing the right thing?" she asked herself. "Ah, it doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's not bad what that woman will make me do, I'm on in it" she replied to her own question.

When Rossana entered the ward, "Miss nurse, thank you very much," she said.

"It's okay, Miss, my shift is about to end. I'll leave you and take good care of your mother. "

Rossana smiled to the nurse."Yes and thank you so much!"

The nurse nodded to Rossana and left.

That night, Rossana's two siblings returned to the hospital to bring her some food.

"Have you two eaten?" she asked.

"Yes, sister, but Rowell, can't wait to eat."

"Sis, I'm so hungry, that way I eat first" he replied.

"Alright, go home right away, so you can rest early. Tomorrow after you take Rowell to his school, Rosemary, come see me right away because I'll be looking for money," she told her sister.

"Yes sis, but first I'll stop by to my school for a while to give my excuse that I cannot come for a few days."

"Alright, go so you don't cough traffic on the road."

"Sister, how is father?" Rosemary was concerned about him, despite the fact that he had done wrong.

"He's probably okay there, Rosemary. The police probably won't ignore him."

"I hope so. Let's go, Rowell." Before they left, Rosemary approached her mother first."Mother, rest well okay. I'll be back tomorrow so I can be with you," she still said, even though she couldn't hear her because she was sleeping already.

Rossana seems to want to cry again at what she sees. She turned her back on her sister. "Alright, Rosemary, go," she said.

Rosemary didn't answer, but she looked at her sister. She knew what she was feeling right now. She felt sorry for her because she couldn't help her now financially. She signed, then took her brother's hand and went out.

When Rossana knew that the siblings were gone, she looked up to prevent the tears that she had been holding back from falling.

The next day, after her sister come to the hospital. Rossana went home to their house to clean herself first before she meet Sherry.

When she finished taking a shower and got dressed, she immediately left the house. Head straight to the store nearby to call Sherry.

"Auntie Mameng, I'm making a call," she said. The woman nodded at her.

At that moment, Sherry was still asleep, but she was jolted awake by the sound of her mobile phone.

"Ahhh, who could it be this earlier?" She answered the call with her eyes closed. "Hello," he replied sleepily.

"Hello, Sherry, this is Rossana. I'm sorry if I disturbed your sleep.

Sherry's eyes widened because of Rossana's call; her sleepiness suddenly disappeared. "No. It's okay, Rossana. I just woke up. "

"I'm really sorry."

"I said it's okay."

"Didn't you say I'd call you today?"

"Yes, Rossana. Let's meet at the ShangriLa hotel in Makati. Is that okay with you? "

"Yes, I'm on my way I just dropped by the store to make a call. "

"Okay, see you there, Rossana. Bye. " Sherry's actions were quick. She took a shower immediately after she called her boyfriend, Felix, who went to the hotel she and Rossana talked about.

Because it was early and there was no traffic, Rossana easily reached the ShangriLa hotel. She sat in the lobby first, waiting for Sherry to come.

After Rossana waited for an hour, Felix arrived first, followed by Sherry. They just smiled. and entered the restaurant to have breakfast first.

while they are eating.

"So, Rossana. Do you agree with what I told you? " Sherry asked her.

"Yes, I really need money now, Sherry. Whatever you ask me to do, I will do it, as long as you give me the necessary value. " She didn't waver anymore.

Felix smiled and grabbed Sherry's hand. "You talk, I'll just listen," he said.

"Good, I have already prepared the money. This is the money, Rossana, one hundred fifty thousand, as you said. " She took a brown envelope from the bag and handed it to the woman. "See it for yourself to believe it."

Rossana's hand was shaking while opening the envelope that contained money when she saw it. She can say that her problem is solved now. She looked at Sherry with her eyes and asked what she would do.

Sherry gets it. "Be a bride, Rossana," she said straight.

"What, be a bride?" she asked, confused. She understood what she said; she just wanted to clarify.

"Okay, I tell you, so everything will be clear for you Rossana, two weeks from now. I'm getting married, and you are the groom's bride. "

Rossana's eyes and nostrils widened. She was going to be a bride. My gosh, she didn't even have a boyfriend. Now she's a bride?

The couple smiled at her reaction. Well, who isn't a bride right away?

"Will you refuse, Rossana? But it's up to you if you change your mind. I won't force you if you don't want to. " She still said, but if she refuses, what she and Felix will do is ruined. Well, it's okay because they'll still leave no matter what happens. She didn't mind Edward waiting in the church.

"Wa...wait, why?" Rossana looked at Felix. Is this the one he's going to marry?

Sherry noticed this. "Not him, Rossana," "He is not your groom," she corrected.

Rossana nodded. She thought so. She thinks he's handsome, but she has a different vibe from this man. " Not him, who? And why? "

"Why? Because I feel that I don't love him, I love Felix more. "

"What? I couldn't understand. "

"Yes, it's messy, but you can understand when it sinks into your mind, Rossana."

Rossana looked at Sherry. Her mind said what kind of woman she was. She had agreed to wed that man. Now she's the one to break it. She looked at Felix too. Maybe the groom is not that handsome like him, that's why.

"I hope so, but everything is fixed. So, I need you, like you need me. My groom, his name is Edward. Can you do what I asked Rossana to do? "

Rossana was confused. But for her mother? "Wwhat should I do? Won't he also know that I'm not his bride? "

"Yes, but what I want you to answer me now, Rossana, is will you do it or not?"

Rossana looked at the envelope in front of her. Now that she has the money in her hand, she can get her father out of jail. And her mother will have her operation right away.

ROSSANA just looked at Sherry.

"Yes or no, Rossana?" Sherry said it again.

"Yes, I will do it for my mother's life," she replied without any doubt now.

"Good, here is the address of my house. Everything is was there: my wedding gown, everything. Don't worry, I will talk to all the people around you on your wedding day. "

"Can I ask a question, Sherry?"

"Sure, Rossana. What's that? "

"Why would you leave the man you chose to marry, Sherry?"

"I have answered you already, Rossana. So you will be the bride on my wedding day, so that I can go because that is also the day Felix and I leave for another country. I know I will hurt Edward, but my happiness is at stake. So, it is up to him what he will do when he finds out that I am not the woman he married," she explained.

Rossana was speechless at what she heard.

"Don't worry, my friend will look after you; I'll talk to her after we finish here."

"Alright, I'm leaving. I have to go back to the hospital for my mother's surgery. Don't worry, I will do what we talked about. I have one word." Rossana said, and she stood up.

"Aren't you going to drink your coffee? Drink it while it's hot. Their coffee here is delicious."

Rossana took the cup and took a single sip. Lucky isn't that hot, so her tongue wasn't burned.

Sherry shook her head. She knew that she would have to rush to the hospital.

"Sherry, are you sure she'll do it? What's your conversation? You know, we don't know her. Maybe he's also a scammer and is pretending to need money you know." Felix said went Rossana gone.

"Well, it's up to her, Felix. That money she took isn't much, so it's really up to her if she wants to do what we talked about. But from what I see, she'll do it. "

"Yeah, me too, but somehow I still have doubts about her, Sherry."

Sherry smiled at her boyfriend. "Where are we going?" she asked, with a hint.

Felix looked at his watch at just nine o'clock in the morning. "So, early."

"Why not?" Sherry responded with a smile.

Felix smiled. "Okay, let's go," he said.

After Rossana paid for the mother's surgery, it was performed immediately. And he also got her father out of jail. The mother's surgery went well. Rossana is now reassured because everything is in order. Now she has to deal with her contract with Sherry.

One day before the wedding, Rossana said goodbye to her family. "Father, you're going to take mother out of the hospital? Because I can't do it. "

"Where are you going, Rossana?"

"I was transferred to another restaurant. It's a bit far, so I can't go home right away. She had no choice but to lie.

Her father understood her reason. "Oh okay, when are you leaving?"

"Now, I hope you don't do anything else," she said to her father.

"Promise, my daughter, not anymore."

"It's good, and you, Rosemary, take care of them okay," she turned to her sister.

"Yes, sis, when are you coming back? It look like you aren't coming back for along time."

"I will visit you, of course. I will go home to prepare for what I will bring. I need to go now. "

"Sis, be careful," said their youngest.

"Of course, and you must study hard, okay."

"Yes, Sis, I promise I will study hard."

Rossana ruffled her brother's hair and left the room. When she went out the door, that's when the tears that Rossana had been holding back started to flow. I'm happy because you're fine now, mother, and no matter what the consequences of what I do, I know you'll be there for me, and I hope the man I'm going to marry will forgive me. She walked out of the hospital. and immediately took a taxi and drove to Sherry's house. After an hour of traveling, they reached her house.

"Sir, this is my payment. Thank you," she said to the taxi driver.

"Thank you too, miss," he replied, and she went down.

"Wow, she lives here. She's rich. " She approached the guard. "Good day, sir. May I ask a question? " She said politely.

"What is that, Miss?"

"Does Sherry Soliman live here?"

"Oh, ma'am, Sherry. Yes, wait, are you Rossana Luna? " He whispered the last thing he said.

Rossana wondered why he knew her name. But she wasn't curious anymore. "Yes, sir, I'm Rossana Luna."

Sherry talked to the guard about Rossana. And she was given a small amount.

"You go to unit number 5."

"Thank you, sir," she said, going to the number he said.

When she reached the unit, the guard told her "Could this be it?" She let out a sigh and rang the doorbell.

In just five seconds someone opened the door. "Who are you?" "Said a woman who came out.

Rossana suddenly became nervous. "I—I'm Rossana Luna," she introduced herself.

"Oh, you are, Rossana," she said, looking the woman over from head to toe.

Rossana just looked at the woman.

After looking at her, she immediately spoke. "Come in, Rossana."

"Tha...Thank you," she was nervous because the woman welcome her not a pleasant.

When they got inside "Sit down first," the woman said to Rossana.

"Thank you."

After they sat down, Rossana immediately asked the woman. "Is Sherry, still here?"

"What did she say to you?" she asked her back.

Rossana could feel the disgust of the person in front of her. She is a straightforward person even though she is shy. "I know you don't like me, miss. But Sherry and I had a conversation that I must fulfill. "

"Yes, you're right, I'm not agreeing. In your conversation, she tells me everything. This is cheating!" She said a little angrily.

"You must tell that to Sherry, not me, because she is the one with the plan, not me."

"You cheated too, don't you? Because you agreed to what she wanted to happen!"

She knows that what she said was right. But she has to do what they talked about. "If that's what you think of me, I can't do anything. Maybe Sherry told you the reason why I agreed to what she wanted."

"By the way, I'm Mica. Yeah, I know that woman is really crazy. I'm sorry about that earlier. I was just annoyed with Sherry, "she said gently.

"It's to be honest, I was thinking that you were not a nice person earlier, because the way you looked at me was not good," she said with a smile.

"Is that so? I'm sorry, I'm really annoyed with her. If only I could slap that woman! I already did it before she left!

Suddenly, the tone of their conversation changed, as if they were close."They are no longer here in the Philippines?"

"Yes, so have you prepared yourself for what might happen tomorrow, Rossana? Tomorrow will undoubtedly be a major mess. Ah I wished its not gonna happen."

"Yes, whatever happens, I accept it. I expected what the groom's reaction would be. "

"I'm the one who's nervous. I really don't want to attend tomorrow. I really feel like I can already see Edward's anger. They say a good person was furious to be angry. "

"Not only you, Mica, especially me. I also feel nervous. I hope that when he finds out that Sherry is not the one he married, there will be no signing in the marriage contract, or he will tell me to leave right away so that I can come home to my family immediately." Yes this is what she thought and she wishes that make it happen.

"You know, Rossana, Edward is handsome, rich, and kind. He has it all. I don't know about that woman; why she traded Edward for Felix, who doesn't even have an ass on his little finger. I guess it's just the romance. I really don't know."

"Mica, because of love, Sherry was able to leave Edward. Felix is also handsome and has strong charisma."

"Yes, charisma, that made Sherry go crazy."

"Sherry, loves him so much that why she did that, Mica."

"You're right, Rossana, love can do everything. Even if you know that someone will be hurt, you don't care. That's what Sherry did. That woman is really stupid! "

"Even if it's me, I'll do what Sherry did, just to be happy for my love. "

"It's enough that we talked about, Sherry. You should rest so that your beauty will be fresh tomorrow. Come, I will bring you to your room. "

She nodded and followed Mica. She had no chance to retreat any further.

EDWARD'S stag party. Mostly one month or one week before the wedding, there's a stag party for the groom and bride. But Edward is so busy with his business and he has to finish what needs to be finished because he and Sherry will be on honeymoon for a long time. So, before his wedding day tomorrow, his friends held a stag party tonight for his last single life.

He and his fiancee talked the same way; they decided to do his stag party and her bridal shower together. But there was no bridal shower because Sherry was no longer in the Philippines. They left for Hong Kong with the man, whom she replace to Edward.

"Edward, have fun now because this is the last night that you're single!" his friends said.

Edward nodded to his friend. After a while, the girls who were going to dance in front of them came out naked.

"Go ahead, babies, keep grinding. That's going to make our groom excited and aroused," shouted Edward's friends while there were women grinding in front of him, behind him, and on his side.

"No ladies, this body belongs to my wife only. So, do whatever you want to happen to them." He taught his friends at the same time.

"Don't be a killjoy, bro. This is your night, not ours. So enjoy yourself, Edward, " they shouted.

He shook his head and just raised the glass. "Cheers!" he said.

"Edward, is that you? You suddenly became a good husband," Al said."Bro, not yet time for that. You still have a hours to be naughty tonight."

"I'm going to start, bro. Let's toss bros, for my marriage life." Edward stood up. "TOS!" he shouted.

Because he didn't want anything to happen this night, the girls' show was only for one hour. Edward sent them home, and they just had a drink. It was twelve o'clock in the morning. "Guys, let's sleep. Remember, tomorrow is my big day. I want to rest okay," he said to them.

"You're right, Edward. "Let's go," Al seconded.

So they got out of that suit and went to the rooms reserved for them in the hotel where they were.

THAT morning, Rossana woke up early. She went to the window and peered out to see that the sun was shining.

"This is your payday, Rossana," she said to herself as she left the room.

"Good morning, Rossana," Mica greeted when she saw her as she came out of the room.

"Good morning too, Mica," she greeted her as well.

"Come, let's have breakfast first, then take a shower because someone will come to fix you up. You haven't seen yet the gown you're going to wear later, right? I forgot to saw you yesterday. If you see your wedding gown promise, every woman's dream to wear it. Even me, I want to wear that kind of wedding gown too. "

"Can the gown fit me, Mica?"

"Hmmm..." Mica looked at Rossana's body first."I think you have the same body as Sherry. I wish you had measured it last night. I forgot, how if it did not fit you? Well, it's good, so we don't have to go to church. "

Rossana smiled at what she said. because she asked a question and she answered.

Mica noticed Rossana's smile."Don't mind me, I'm really like this, especially if I do something bad because of that woman. We haven't even started. My heart is beating so hard it would be good if your wedding gown is wasn't fit for you, so we have a reason not to go to the church right? Oh no, my gosh, I'm going crazy. "

Rossana smiled even more. You can really notice that Mica was so nervous. Who is not especially her because she will face the man named Edward.

After they ate, she took a shower after a few hours the people who were going to do their makeup come.

Since the wedding was in the afternoon, everything went well without any problems.

When the afternoon arrived, it was time for Edward and Sherry's wedding.

Edward is already in the church. And all family, friends, the same on Sherry's side. They are all smiling. You can see the excitement on their faces.

"Bro, relax. Why are you so uneasy?" said Edward's friend.

"Bro, I'm so excited. That's why I'm like this. I don't know what feeling I have right now."

"Yeah bro, especially later on your honeymoon full of roaring and growling." He whispered to him.

"You're crazy, bro. I'm really nervous. Don't be like that. When you get married, you'll feel the same as I'm feeling right now in mixed emotions."

"Okay, I didn't say anything more, bro."

Al doesn't want their conversation to come to him, especially since Edward is talking about marriage.

Meanwhile, Rossana and Mica were in the bridal car, heading to the church.

"Rossana, my goodness, I'm so nervous now, promise, I feel like I'm going to faint any moment," Mica said.

"You're not the only one who feels that way, Mica; take a look at my hands." She raised her hand, which was really moving.

"Relax, Rossana," she said.

Rossana shook her head. How could she be relax her nervous is from Aparri to Jolo?

"Rossana, will you come down later and leave me in the car because I can't face, Edward?"

"Can that be? Remember you're the bridesmaid."

"Oh yes, my gosh, because I was so nervous that I forgot, I'm the bridesmaid, Ahhh! Because of you, Sherry, I'll make you bald when I see you again," she said.

Because of their serious conversation, they did not realize that they were in front of the church.

"Ma'am, we are now at the church," said the driver.

The two felt more nervous because they saw so many people outside.

"Rossana, I think I'd rather just pass out so I can't enter the church anymore!" Her hands began to shake too.

"Can we do it together, Mica?" Rossana replied.

Mica laughed at what Rossana taught. Somehow, the nervous feeling disappeared a little.

Rossana looked at her hand; it was really shaking. She palmed it.

Mica noticed this and held Rossana's hand, which was also shaking.

And they didn't realize that the driver had opened the door of the bridal car they were riding in.

Rossana closed her eyes. "This is it. Prepare yourself, Rossana," she said to herself.

"Mica, go down first."

"You may go first, Rossana. I can't seem to step on my feet. "

"Mica. Aren't you my bridesmaid? That's why you should support me when I go down. "

"My gosh because the tension I felt, I forget it, Rossana." She replied, but she got down.

"Oh, your bride is here, bro. Let's go inside so your wedding ceremony can begin. I know you're super excited about the honeymoon," Edward's friend whispered as he said the last thing.

"Yeah bro, really, I'm so excited for the honeymoon."

"Edward, son, let's go inside," his mother said.

Before entering the church, he glanced at his bride with a smile on his face.

When the church bell rang, it signaled that the wedding would begin.

BEFORE Rossana got out of the car, she looked at the church. "Forgive me, God, this is for my mother, I know this is wrong but I have no choice, please heal my mother," she said, because she knew what she was doing now was a big sin.

Mica help Rossana got out to the bridal car And they walked in from if the church door.

"Rossana, are you okay?" Mica still asked, even though she knew it wasn't okay. If she's nervous, Rossana is even worse.

"Mica, I'm not okay. My knee is shaking. I can't continue this. There's still have a time, right? " She said because they were still at the front door. It's a good thing that Mica was holding her, otherwise she might not have been able to stop herself from slipping down the pavement.

"No more time, Rossana, we're here."

"Oh, where's the bridesmaid?" said the gay who arranges the bridesmaids.

"Oh, they call you, Mica."

"Yes, I'll leave you alone. Don't trip while you're walking." She reminded her.

"I hope so, Mica, but I'll try to handle it so I can finish pretending."

In Rossana's mind, when the groom sees that she is not the woman he will marry. He will scream "Get out Now!" so that she can leave immediately. She hope that will happen to her later.

When the bridesmaids finished walking, with Sherry father. They are started walking towards the groom you can see in his eyes that he was happy, waiting for his bride.

Rossana's trepidation was triple. Her leg was shaking a bit, but she was trying to control herself not to give in. It would be difficult later.

"Oh God, I'm sorry for doing this I know you can understand me this is for my mother sake. You can do it, Rossana. You can do it. You are brave," She said silently.

In Mica's position, she was restless. "Just relax, Rossana," she said, but she was trembling. She braced herself, knowing that when he kissed the bride, there would undoubtedly be a storm signal number 10. She took a deep breath. The person next to her even looked at her because he heard her sigh. She just smiled at her.

When Rossana was close to the man who was waiting for her, even though she only slightly reflected his face because of her thick veil, they really tailored it so that you couldn't see her face. She was curious about the man's appearance, even though Mica said that he was handsome. If he is handsome, why did Sherry exchange him for another man?

When she got close to the groom. Sherry father talked to Edward said take care my daughter and loved her forever.

Edward shake it Sherry father and said yes he will take care her after they finish talked the man immediately reached out for his hand to Rossana. Even though she was wearing gloves on her hands, Rossana felt as if electricity flowed from her palm to her entire body. "Why do I feel this? "What is that?" she said to herself.

Edward felt his bride's hand shaking, so he whispered to her. "You are shaking, honey. I know. You are very excited, aren't you? "

Rossana's answer was a nod because if she spoke, it might be obvious. And they walked towards the priest who was waiting for them.

Rossana's heart felt as if a strong storm had passed through signal number five and there was still a strong wind. You will feel differently if you do something wrong or cheated someone.

Before the priest started the wedding, he first asked if there was anyone who would object to the wedding no one spoke so then the wedding ceremony continued.

Edward took his bride hand he can feel it. It was shaking. "Honey, relax okay," he told her.

"Because I'm nervous," Rossana couldn't help but answered.

Edward frowned because his future wife's voice was different from what he had heard. But he ignored it, maybe because she was so excited.

Father spoke. "You, Sherry. You accept Edward as that husband, ready to bear all the trials that will come in your life. And you will love him completely and take care of him until death. "

Rossana swallowed. He seemed unable to answer what the priest taught her. When thinking about what Sherry paid her "I do, father."

Edward stared at his future wife. Her voice is really different. There was tenderness in her tone. Sherry didn't speak like that. "Edward, she just changed because she was too happy today," he reminded himself.

"You, Edward. Do you accept Sherry as your wife and sympathize with her through all the trials that come with your marriage? And love her dearly and cherish her until death. "

"I do, father. I do! "

"Put the ring on your finger; it is a symbol of your pure marriage."

Edward put the ring on the bride's finger first.

Rossana could barely put the ring on the groom's finger because her hand was shaking so much.

"Your wife is very excited," the priest said as he noticed the trembling in her hand.

"Yes, father," Edward replied with a smile, but he was looking at his bride and he was thinking because of her strange movements.

"She doesn't seem like Sherry. She's not like that when she's excited. And why does her veil seem so thick? I can't see her face. " Edward said to himself.

"Edward, you can kiss your wife because from this day you will be husband and wife through thick and thin. You may now kiss the bride. "

Rossana was holding her chest. "My God, here it is!"

Edward's smile was wide. when he touched his wife's veil.

Mica closed her eyes. If only they could all be frozen so that Edward could not continue and make Rossana's veil rise.

Edward lifted his wife's veil.

Rossana closed her eyes because she didn't want to see the reaction or anger on the man's face.

The smile on Edward's lips disappeared when he saw the face of the woman he told I DO. And a fierce anger registered on his face.

"WHO ARE YOU?!" Edward asked the woman angrily.