The truth is that there are certain secrets that are there in front of you, just waiting for the proper time to destroy everything. Until I stumbled into a scheme that completely turned my life upside down, I never imagined that I would find myself in such a situation.
Being at work has always been my first priority. As I was growing up, I saw my parents arguing like cats and dogs, and I pledged to myself that I would never become like them.
I decided to go in a new direction. I decided on a profession. My own choice was made. And everything was going swimmingly until there came a single moment that took me by surprise.
As a result of our firm being acquired, we were given a new manager. She had not yet been introduced to anybody. No one even knew what her name was.
After that, her assistant happened to come up one day. She positioned herself in the center of the office and cleared her throat in a manner that was loud enough to attract the attention of everyone.
“Hello, my name is Sigrid,” she introduced herself. There is a message for you from the very top. What’s more, our new leader prioritizes family even more than business. The fact that she believes it is what led to her success. Specifically, she is searching for a deputy who shares her sentiments and is someone who places a high priority on family.
Everyone began to speak in hushed tones. As a matter of fact, it was a peculiar thing to worry about for a work, considering that the majority of us were either single or not married.
The next thing that Sigrid said was, “So tomorrow is Family Day at the office.” “She is eager to get to know the families of everyone. It will be easier for her to choose the deputy. We appreciate your attention. And with that, she departed.
“What exactly was that doing?” Thora, my colleague, heard me murmur something.
“I have no idea. As a joke, Thora said, “I guess I had better find someone to pretend to be my husband as soon as possible.”
It made me chuckle. At first, it seemed like a joke. Then, however, I pondered… why not? Rather of acting out the role of my spouse, why not really do it?
I could really benefit from that promotion, and it’s not like the new boss was going to come to my home to check the status of my application.
I decided to go forward with the idea since it had the potential to be successful. After work, I went to the theater in the neighborhood with the hopes of finding a role for myself.
But there was a lock on the door. With the hope that someone would hear me, I knocked as loudly as I could. When I wanted to recruit someone, I needed to do it as quickly as possible.
According to the voice of a man, “The theater is closed today.” While he was passing by, he was holding the hand of a little girl.
Do you have a job here? I inquired about it.
I agree. According to him, “I am a composer.”
After I blurted out, “No, you’re my lifesaver,” he lifted an eyebrow, indicating that he was definitely perplexed.
I am in search of a man who can act as if he is my spouse. I elaborated by saying, “Just for one day.”
Because I am not an actor. According to him, “I write music.”
“It’s almost there. Do you mean that you are always surrounded by actors? I exerted myself. Are you sure that’s your daughter? For the girl, I gave a little nod.
She moved closer to him as she approached. To which he said, “Yeah, she is my daughter.”
It’s perfect! Pretend to be a member of my family for a single day, if necessary. My pleading was, “I will pay you.”
“How much is it?” he inquired.
I asked by saying, “Name your price.”
In response, he said, “Ten grand.”
“Deal,” I responded, extending my hand to make the offer.
He questioned, “Are you serious?”
“I am really serious. I was adamant that I needed this.
And with that, he shook my hand and remarked, “Alright then.”
He went by the name Gideon. The name Eira was given to his daughter. For the purpose of getting to know each other better, I brought them to a coffee shop that was located close.
It had the flavor of a first date. In order to break the ice, we asked a series of random questions.
For her age, Eira had a high level of intelligence. She was quick to understand. Even when we were saying our goodbyes, she referred to me as Mom.
My sole hope was that the scheme would be successful. I could not afford to make a mistake with this.
I drove Gideon and Eira to my workplace the next morning after I had picked them up the previous day. It was only before we exited the vehicle that I turned to face them.
“You guys believe that you remember everything that we discussed, right?” I inquired about it. “We are a joyful family, we live together, and we spend a lot of time working together as a unit.”
As Gideon nodded, he said, “Yeah, we got it.”
I checked with Eira to make sure she was correct.
It was a nice question that she asked, “Will you buy me ice cream?”
I promised that if everything goes according to plan, I would buy you as much ice cream as you like.
“Hooray!” Eira let out a shriek. “You’re great, Mom!”
My voice was soft as I murmured to Gideon, “It’s kind of wild how quickly she got into character.”
“She spent her childhood surrounded by actors. “That’s not a surprise,” he shrugged.
“And who is her biological mother?” I inquired in a low voice.
She died while she was giving delivery. Since then, Eira and I have been the only ones involved,” he said.
“I’m sorry,” I said to myself.
“It’s okay,” Gideon said in a low voice.
After exiting the vehicle, we went inside. Even though there were only three children in total, including Eira, the workplace was decorated to appear like a party explosion, complete with balloons, flowers, posters, and even a play area for children.
Thora came running up to me. It’s who is that? Where did you discover that young man who is so attractive?
“That is Gideon, my husband,” she said. I then pointed to our daughter, Eira, who was interacting with the other children and said, “And that’s our daughter.”
“You sneaky thing,” Thora chuckled to herself.
After some time had passed, Eira demanded that I take her on a tour of the workplace. I was in a good mood. Throughout the day, I could chat about work.
While we were walking about, I discussed each department, and when she began to zone out, I skipped over the dull parts of the explanation. At some point, she expressed that she was too exhausted to continue walking and raised her arms to her chest.
“Are you serious? We are not going to be running a marathon; we are simply going to be strolling around the workplace,” I taunted.
“Mom! ” Please do so! Oh, Eira shouted.
When I finally gave in and grabbed her up, I said, “Alright, alright.”
After that, I went to check on something that I had heard coming from the main hall. The stage was occupied by a lady who was in her sixties. Stylish and self-assured. In order to become the next boss.
It was Gideon who said, “Oh, crap.”
“What’s the matter?” I inquired about it.
“Not a thing. As soon as he saw Eira in my arms, he smiled and said, “Everything is fine.”
The woman’s name was Isolde. She delivered a brief statement in which she expressed her joy at meeting us and was impressed by the way everyone’s families seemed, despite the fact that she had hoped to see more individuals who really had families.
After that, Isolde began heading in my direction quite quickly. I was too late to be aware of it.
It was Gideon. “I was surprised to see you here today,” she confessed.
I agree. At that moment, Gideon responded by placing his arm around my waist and said, “I am here with my wife, Calista, and our daughter, Eira.”
“I had no idea that you had a new acquaintance. Isolde went on to say that she had a daughter.
Gideon’s response was, “You didn’t know much about me in general,” and he was right.
“When you walked away from your family, you made that choice,” she shouted at him.
“Are you familiar with she is?” Eira shook her head in response to my whispering to her.
“The moment I didn’t follow their plan, my family took their distance from me,” Gideon replied in a composed manner.
Don’t get into a fight. I am relieved to hear that you now have a family. “A lovely one as well,” Isolde said with a tense grin on her face.
“In point of fact, I have a suggestion. My new home is not yet ready, and I despise staying in hotels. What do you think about if I remain with you all for a week? It will be an excellent opportunity for Calista to demonstrate that she is suitable for advancement.
We both stood there with our mouths agape, Gideon and I. I interrupted him before he could provide a response.
“Of course! I expressed my desire to have you join us.
Excellent. Give me the address, please. Isolde said, “I’ll come by tonight,” and then she left the situation.
“We did not agree to be a part of this. How do you plan to make this come to fruition? Gideon inquired in a low voice.
“Who exactly is she?” I inquired about it.
He mumbled, “My grandmother,” as he spoke.
“Were you… like, wealthy?” I blinked my eyes.
My ancestors are wealthy. In the theater, I write music. What do you think I make? However, that is not the goal here. Just how are we going to manage to share a house for a whole week?
“I’m not sure, is it okay? I live in a one-bedroom apartment. There is still room for all of us there. My response was, “I’ll rent a house.”
Instead of moving in together, we were going to put up a show for only one day with this! Gideon voiced his opposition.
It is true! I’ll increase the amount that I pay you. I pleaded with you to name your price.
“Alright,” he insisted, despite his reluctance.
For the time that I was getting things organized, I requested Thora to cover for me at work. I was fortunate enough to know a real estate agent who, in a matter of hours, was able to locate a property that was completely furnished and had a room for children.
I spent the day with Gideon, and we used photoshop to create false family images, which we then printed up and used to adorn the home.
Isolde was dropped off at “our” home by her chauffeur that evening, and that was the moment when the performance started.
That week was full with struggle. It seemed uncomfortable at first to be sharing a bed with a person I had never met before. To tell you the truth, however, I became used to Gideon and Eira.
Together, we prepared the morning meal. After going to work, Gideon would come and greet me at the door. Each night before Eira goes to sleep, I read her tales. It had the feel of… a genuine family. It would be dishonest of me to claim that I did not care for them. Yes, I did. A great deal.
Over the course of one evening, Gideon took out his guitar and performed for me. The tune was just stunning. As we sat on the porch, I found myself utterly engulfed in the moment.
Is it something you authored yourself? When I asked him, he gave me a nod.
“Eira’s mom passed away, and ever since then, I haven’t been with anyone,” Gideon said out of the blue.
It took me by surprise to hear that. Why not tell me right now? I inquired carefully.
The reason for this is because I believe I am beginning to feel something for you. I am able to tell that you do as well,” he said.
I went back to him and reminded him, “But we’re just pretending to be a family.”
Gideon said, “We don’t have to pretend any longer,” and left the room.
Because it’s been four years, I haven’t dated anybody. “Work is always the most important thing,” I acknowledged.
“Because you are afraid of getting hurt,” Gideon said when asked why.
I agree. And I’m afraid that I’ll wound someone that I care about. When I was a child, my parents’ arguments were constant. Never in my life would I want to put anybody through that, and certainly not Eira. I told her that she deserved the very best.
“I am willing to take that risk,” Gideon murmured before pulling me in and kissing me. “I am willing to take that risk.”
It was completely unexpected, yet it seemed to be the perfect fit.
Nevertheless, the good things did not endure. I was getting ready for work the next morning when I saw Isolde in the kitchen; she was there. She seemed to be angry.
She yelled at him, “Don’t bother getting ready for work,” and meant it.
“What is it? “Why?” I questioned, perplexed.
“I’m firing you,” she stated in a chilly tone.
“For what purpose?” I inquired, with a trembling voice.
When it comes to my firm, I do not accept liars. Last night, I overheard you and Gideon talking. It is not true that you are his wife. Every single thing about it is a hoax,” she said.
However, “But—” I began, but Isolde interrupted me with a wave and continued on.
The importance of my family is paramount to me. “What you did was a despicable act,” she yelled. “What about this house? Are you sure that it is not even yours?
“No,” I silently conceded to myself.
That is exactly right. “That is the reason why you have been terminated,” Isolde said.
What exactly is going on? As Gideon entered the kitchen, he posed the question.
I said, “She is aware of everything around her.”
“Conceived that you could deceive me?” Isolde scoffed at her. “You two do not have any respect for the concept of family.”
In response, Gideon said, “It’s funny how family didn’t matter when my parents kicked me out and you stayed quiet all this time.”
Isolde refuted the accusation by saying, “All you had to do was be a good son, and everything would have been fine.”
You are exactly the same as them. Only the appearance of things is important to you. Gideon screamed at him, “You don’t care about actually having a family.”
How dare you do that! Isolde let out a shout.
“Get out,” Gideon said in a stern tone.
You… how could you… Isolde stuttering began.
“Right now!” After Gideon’s barking, Isolde rushed out of the room.
Despite the tears that were flowing down my cheeks, I leaned on the table. I said, “I was let go from my job.”
When Gideon softly rubbed my back, he said, “I’m sorry.” My family is really good at making other people’s lives unpleasant.
“Don’t worry about it. I will look for jobs elsewhere. As a matter of fact, I was due for a promotion,” I said.
In spite of her sleepiness, Eira made her way into the kitchen. With her arms wrapped around my knees, she whispered, “What’s for breakfast?”
It was with a grin on her face that I told her, “Whatever you want.”
“Are you certain that you are fine?” Gideon inquired about it.
I gave a little nod. I agree. I’ll be OK on my own. It’s all over for you folks now.” I turned my head to look at him. “Are you sure you won’t be leaving today?”
“Not at all. Gideon leaned in and kissed me before saying, “You’re stuck with us now if you don’t leave.”
