A LOVE SONG UNSUNG

He was 23, and she was 18.

They stood together in the registry office, ready to sign the papers that would officially make them husband and wife. It was a secret marriage-only his friend and his girlfriend knew about it. He signed first, then handed her the pen with a smile, but her heart raced as doubt and insecurity clouded her thoughts. Was this the right decision? What if his father found out about the marriage? Would his family accept an orphan and a maid like her as a daughter-in-law? What if, after fulfilling his desires, he grew tired of her and abandoned her? She had no one to stand up for her, no one to turn to if things went wrong.

Was it true love, or was he simply lusting after her? Why would a billionaire's son want her? He could have anyone-maybe even a movie star-but he chose her. Why? Despite her fears, her love for him was genuine. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his, her insecurities weighing heavy on her heart. He took her hand in his, offering a gentle squeeze, then motioned for her to sign the papers. With a quiet nod, she did.

His friends clapped and congratulated the couple, each one signing as a witness on the papers. Now, legally, they were husband and wife. But to the outside world, she was nothing more than a maid in his house.