Prologue

One last interview then I am done with this life. One more interview and I'll be free.

I hope I don't look like trembling at all as I sit waiting in this sleek, wide, industrial office. The top HR officer of RealTek Institute is about to give me probably the greatest interview of my life. Actually, I already passed all the hiring process and tests. So basically, I'm the only applicant left - the best of the rest - I would humbly describe. They say this interview is just for formality sake before they hand me my official employment contract as a technology research analyst at one of their satellite offices abroad which is my chance to leave this hell life of mine here. 

"Miss Smith," I jumped from my seat when a sophisticated voice called my last name. 

I always find it funny when someone called me with my last name since I don't really have one as an orphan. The judge in a local court give us, orphans, a random last name, usually one that is pretty common. And Smith, is such a boring last name. The judge could've done better, like he could've given me Bezos, Gates, or Musk. Someone would've claimed me as their lost child. We never know.

"And that's me," I stood, holding out a hand.

A very professional, sophisticated woman in dark gray suit received my hand and gestured me to sit. I sat, straightening my penciled skirt. I also, wiped my sweaty hands with it. 

"I am Miss Helgard and I handle the last stage of the hiring process," she said sternly as she sat across from me, a glass table in between us.

I gave her my best smile.

"As you've known, we conduct in-depth background check to all our employees, especially for someone like you who will be handling a very important project of this company."

Okay, I got to calm down. The only worst thing they could find is my bitch twin sister who fucked up my life which I am currently fixing. If I failed in this because of her, trust me, I will definitely kill her. Or hire someone to do it for me.

"Well, your records are pristine clean," she said flatly as if it's expected. I let out a big sigh - that's a relief.

She opened a brown folder and took out a yellow paper. Is that 'the contract'?

"Tell me, Miss Smith, are you aware that this employment requires people who are single? No familial obligations?" Miss Helgard asked.

"Of course, umm, the project is confidential and requires full focus upon completion. Any distraction is not welcome," I confidently answered.

"Are you married, Miss Smith?" she asked in the most serious tone.

I was taken aback that I let out a laugh. What?

"No, Miss Helgard. I do not even have a boyfriend. I've never had a boyfriend," I answered defensively and quite honestly.

Miss Helgard didn't even react. Her poker face freaks me out. Then, she held out the yellow paper in front of me.

"Can you please tell me what's in that paper?" she ordered.

I skimmed across the whole document and it was a marriage certificate. My heart beat so fast that I could hardly focus. The paper shook in my hands as my eyes laser focused on the most important details.

"rite of matrimony between Josef Harlington..... and Mirabella Smith...affixed my seal...at Cardin ....25th of December, 2015..." I mumbled. 

I put down the paper, still shaking. I think I will pass out. "That's impossible. That's not me. It was just months after my college graduation...there's no way," I explained still somehow coherently.

"I'm sorry but it does have your social security number. It's you."

"Well, someone mistaken me, since I was on a hospital on that date!"

"One more thing, Miss Smith....."she said anxiously. "I somehow believe you."

"Thank God!"

"...because it's impossible that you're married to our company's president."