Page 1 of The Grump's Fake Wife

Chapter One

Lily

Get it together.

I stare back at the reflection of myself in the mirror, trying hard not to give in to the panic rising in my chest as I nervously run my hand over my dress. It's a smart green number that stops just above my knees, and although Dana swore it's perfect, I can't help but feel anxious. It's my first time interviewing for a job at a corporate organization, and although I passed the first stage of the interview, I'm not so confident that I'll get so lucky the second time around.

Just then, in walks Dana, a stunning petite woman with shiny brown hair that's presently tied in a messy ponytail. Ever since she saved me from bullies in third grade, Dana has always been my biggest ally. Even now, when it seems like the universe has turned its back on me, she continues to stand by me. She welcomed me into her tiny one-room apartment and put up with me for the past month since I arrived in Chicago. And even though she had to work double shifts at the club to keep up with our bills, she’s never complained or made me feel guilty about it.

But Idofeel guilty watching her get back from work early in the morning with dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. That's why I accepted the interview for this job when she told me about it, even though I feel so inadequate.

“You got this, Lily,” Dana says, coming to stand behind me in the mirror.

“I'm not sure I do,” I reply with a soft sigh. “I basically have no work experience.”

“Yes, you do,” Dana says, her tone reassuring. “You got to the final interview stage, and that counts for something. Now, you need to leave if you want to make it in time.”

I glance at my old leather watch and a loud gasp escapes my lips. “My God! I'm going to be late.”

I spin around so suddenly that I almost knock heads with Dana. She sidesteps me just in time, used to my clumsiness. Quickly grabbing my handbag from the bed, I rush towards the door.

“Bye, Dana!”

“Good luck, hun!” she calls after me.

Thirty minutes later, my taxi pulls up in front of an imposing skyscraper with fancy signage that spells ECOTECH SOLUTIONS INC. I look up in time to see the taxi driver watching me through the rearview mirror, his kind, weathered face lit up with a knowing smile.

“First day, is it?” he asks. “You look nervous as hell.”

I shake my head. “I'm here for an interview.”

“Oh,” he mouths, then smiles wider. “I'm sure you'll do well.”

I wish I could believe him. And Dana.

“Thank you,” I say anyway, handing him my payment.

I get out and return his little wave with a small smile. I watch the car zoom off and for one insane moment, I think of running after it.But I've come too far to chicken out now.

Taking a deep breath, I head towards the building. Once inside, I stop to look around me. Although I've been here before, it still feels strange to be surrounded by such opulence.

Just like the first time I came for the preliminary interview, I feel like I've been suddenly transported into a whole new, shiny world that I don't belong in. The gleaming marble floors… The dazzling chandeliers and gold-plated signage on the walls… Everything feels so overwhelming. Even the employees resuming work in their well-tailored suits and elegant dresses all seem intimidating. They looked goal-oriented and accomplished, far removed from the reality I'm used to. I instantly feel small, intangible.

Everything in me wants to run, but I have no choice. I need the money – and fast. The phone call from my mother has been replaying in my mind all day.

“Lily.”

"M- Mom?"

I still couldn’t believe she was calling me. It was the first time in seven months... The first time since the incident.

“I guess you're alive then,” she said dryly. “I called to tell you that your sister's condition has worsened and she'll be needing an emergency surgery.”

“Oh, Ella…” I muttered breathlessly, my chest tightening with a fresh wave of guilt and pain. It had been so long since I’d seenher. The last time I’d spoken to her was Christmas, when she called me behind Mom’s back during a dialysis appointment. She sounded okay. Could things really have gotten so much worse in just a couple months?

“Luckily, the hospital moved her name up on the recipient list,” Mom continued. “She's been scheduled for an emergency kidney transplant, but they need an initial deposit of two hundred thousand dollars.”

“What?!” I blurted, my eyes opening wide with shock. “I don't…”

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