The Professor’s Contract Marriage
371 Views · Ongoing · MIFA
“You’re worth nothing now, Molly. We’re done.”
My ex-fiancé threw money in my face. His new girlfriend watched me kneel to pick it up, then pressed her heel into my fingers.
I still pulled the last bill from beneath her shoe.
My mother needed another day in the hospital. Let them laugh.
My father was dead. My best friend had sold me out to his creditors. And the only man offering me a way forward was Professor Harrison.
“I need a wife,” he said. “You need money.”
One year. He would pay for my mother’s treatment. We would convince his family we were in love. Then we would go our separate ways.
I signed. I had a year to put my life back together.
Then he came to take me home in the rain, holding the umbrella over me while his own shoulder got soaked. And when we were alone, he still called me his wife.
“You have every right to rely on me.”
“But we’re only married by contract.”
I keep reminding him. Lately, I think I’m reminding myself.
When our year is over, will he ask me to stay, or thank me for doing my job?
My ex-fiancé threw money in my face. His new girlfriend watched me kneel to pick it up, then pressed her heel into my fingers.
I still pulled the last bill from beneath her shoe.
My mother needed another day in the hospital. Let them laugh.
My father was dead. My best friend had sold me out to his creditors. And the only man offering me a way forward was Professor Harrison.
“I need a wife,” he said. “You need money.”
One year. He would pay for my mother’s treatment. We would convince his family we were in love. Then we would go our separate ways.
I signed. I had a year to put my life back together.
Then he came to take me home in the rain, holding the umbrella over me while his own shoulder got soaked. And when we were alone, he still called me his wife.
“You have every right to rely on me.”
“But we’re only married by contract.”
I keep reminding him. Lately, I think I’m reminding myself.
When our year is over, will he ask me to stay, or thank me for doing my job?


















































