I assumed it would be easy money when a beautiful stranger offered me $500 to play her boyfriend for three hours. I didn’t realize that accepting would lead to a labyrinth of deceit that almost ruined everything I had fought for. My name is Anthony, and I considered myself to be in control of my life until six months ago.
I had a respectable position at a mid-sized marketing company, a modest apartment that I could afford, and—above all—enough money to care for my aging mother. After Dad left when I was twelve, she gave up everything to raise me. It was my turn to look after her now.
I was more concerned with moving up the corporate ladder than the majority of men my age were with getting married and having families. I would get up at six every morning, get my coffee, and get to work. I would typically turn down invitations from my coworkers to go out for drinks.
I had tasks to complete, goals to reach, and a promotion to obtain. My coworker Jake used to say, “You need to get out more, Anthony,” virtually every day. “You’re 32.
When’s the last time you went on a date?”
I would simply tell him that I was too busy and shrug. In all honesty, I had no time for relationships. Dating seemed like a luxury I couldn’t afford because of my job and my responsibility to help Mom with her medical problems.
I was happy with my routine nonetheless. Put forth a lot of effort, save money, and create a future. It was easy and secure.
David, my manager, had observed my commitment. A few months prior, he had taken me aside and suggested that a management role would soon become available. During long nights and tense deadlines, that talk helped me stay motivated.
For Mom and me, this employment was the key to financial stability. I truly enjoyed my work. I was naturally good at marketing strategy, and I was truly happy when campaigns worked.
I was well-liked by my coworkers and had established strong bonds with my clientele. Everything was coming together just the way I had intended. Then that late September Saturday afternoon arrived.
My neatly planned existence was utterly upended when I was enjoying my one day off and reading industry papers in my favorite café. I got to know Meredith at that point. I was reading about the latest trends in digital marketing when I saw someone walking toward my table.
The story doesn’t end here –
it continues on the next page.
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