On my wedding night, I hid under the bed to surprise my husband. Instead, my mother-in-law walked in, put him on speaker, and asked, “She still has no idea?” Seconds later, I learned the shocking reason he had married me.

the apartment as collateral.”

“Do you really think she’ll agree?”

Rodrigo laughed.

“Mariana will sign anything if I tell her it’s for our future.”

I closed my eyes.

Patricia continued.

“And what are you going to do with the loan?”

“Pay off the company’s debts. After that, we’ll figure something out.”

“And if the marriage falls apart?”

They both laughed.

Rodrigo answered first.

“Even better.”

“Better?”

“If I have enough paperwork, I can make it look like I paid for the apartment. The payment receipts are under my name.”

My