Love and Lies

Chapter 5

After leaving the company's office, Sia and I walked through the bustling streets of the city, the weight of Ms. Thompson's words lingering in my mind. The opportunity to work in the research and development lab of a company specializing in herbal medicines was both thrilling and daunting. Yet, the requirement that all lab employees must be married threw a significant obstacle in my path.

As we reached a quiet corner café, I sat down with a heavy sigh. "I never expected this, Sia," I admitted, my thoughts swirling with uncertainty. "I want this job so badly, but I don't know how to meet their requirement."

Sia, ever resourceful and supportive, leaned forward with a determined look. "We'll figure it out, Sam. There's a way around everything."

"But how?" I asked, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "I can't just conjure up a marriage certificate."

Sia paused, then spoke carefully. "Actually, I might be able to help with that."

My eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I work at a registry company," Sia explained quietly. "We deal with legal documents, including marriage certificates. I could help you... print a fake one."

I hesitated, the idea both tempting and troubling. "But wouldn't that be illegal?"

"It's a risk," Sia admitted, her expression serious. "But sometimes, desperate times call for desperate measures. If this job means securing our future and saving the pharmacy, isn't it worth considering?"

Her words resonated deeply with me. The thought of losing our family's business weighed heavily on my conscience. Yet, the idea of deceiving a potential employer gnawed at my sense of integrity.

"I don't know, Sia," I murmured, torn between practicality and principle.

"We don't have to decide right now," Sia reassured me, placing a comforting hand on mine. "Let's sleep on it. Tomorrow, we can revisit the options and decide what's best."

I nodded, grateful for her understanding and support. With a mixture of hope and unease, we left the café and made our way back to Sia's apartment, where the city lights flickered through the windows, casting shadows on the walls.

As I lay awake that night, thoughts of the job, the pharmacy, and the weight of my decision swirled in my mind. Could I bring myself to deceive the company for the greater good? Or would I find another way, a path that aligned with my values and ambitions?

The morning brought no easy answers, but with Sia by my side, I knew I wouldn't face this challenge alone.