The CEO's Bride

Nicholas was perched on the edge of his office couch, his feet tapping impatiently against the hardwood floor. The image of Miranda—the real Miranda, not the concocted version he had created for his mother—was still fresh in his mind, refusing to let go of his thoughts.Jude entered the office, his brow furrowed with concern. The underlying familiarity between the two friends was evident, punctuated by the puzzled look on Jude's face.

"Hey, man," Jude began, his tone warm yet questioning. "What's going on? Why the urgent summons?"

Nicholas's gaze remained fixed, his jaw set with determination. "I met Miranda," he repeated, allowing the weight of his words to settle in the room.

A dawning realization spread across Jude's features, his confusion giving way to intrigue. "Wait, you mean Miranda Miranda? The one we..." He trailed off, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "You didn't happen to bring her to your family dinner, did you?"

Nicholas's expression grew somber, a single shake of his head silencing any further jest. "No, Jude. I met the real Miranda. Not the fake one we made up."

Jude's playful demeanor vanished, and he quickly joined his friend on the couch. "What? How?"

As Jude's mind reeled with questions, Nicholas related the events that had transpired at the front of St.Joseph's Hospital the heart-wrenching story of her sister's illness.

Jude's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're serious? Her name is Miranda, and her sister needs surgery? What are you going to do?"

Nicholas leaned back, his hands pressed together pensively. "I don't know, but I have to do something. This situation is far too coincidental to be ignored."

Jude's scoff quickly melted away as he considered Nicholas's words. "You're serious, aren't you?" he asked, his voice laden with a mix of concern and disbelief. "You think this is more than just some crazy coincidence?"

Nicholas ran a hand through his hair, his eyes betraying a myriad of emotions. "I don't know what it is, Jude. But from the moment I saw her, there was something different. A connection I can't explain. And now... now..." He trailed off, his brow furrowing as he searched for the right words.

Jude's chuckle reverberated through the office, breaking the tension that had been building between the friends. "Well, well, well, Nick. It seems your imaginary Miranda has finally come to life, huh? But a broken, desperate version that doesn't quite match up to your little fairy tale."

Nicholas couldn't help but grin at Jude's jest, despite the gravity of the situation. "Very funny," he retorted, his smile fading quickly. "But this isn't a joke, Jude."

A mischievous glint gleamed in Jude's eyes as a devious plan began to formulate in his mind. "So she doesn't have the money for the surgery," he repeated thoughtfully, drumming his fingers against his knee. "Well, I have an idea, Nick. Offer to pay for it."

Nicholas arched an eyebrow, perplexed. "And why would I do that?" he asked, skeptical of his friend's motive.

Jude leaned forward, his expression serious. "Because, in exchange, she agrees to marry you. Think about it, man."

"It's a win-win situation," Jude continued, warming to his idea. "You help this girl and her sister when they're in need, and you get the real Miranda to become your fake Miranda. I mean, come on, Nick, the universe is practically screaming at you to do this!"

Nicholas's initial skepticism gave way to a slow smile, the possibilities of Jude's suggestion churning in his mind. "It's crazy," he said, unable to quell the hopefulness that blossomed in his chest. "It's absolutely crazy. But... maybe you're right."

"What are you waiting for, Nick?" Jude said, a hint of impatience in his voice. "Call her. Offer your help. You've got to strike while the iron's hot."

Nicholas sighed, his shoulders sagging with defeat. "I can't. I don't have her number."

Jude's hand shot up to his head, slapping it in exasperation. "Seriously? You didn't think to get her number? That's like rule number one, man!

"Okay, okay, Nick," Jude said, his initial shock dissipating into amusement. "You messed up. But don't worry, we can fix this. We just need to find a way to track her down"

**********

The hospital bustled with activity as Nicholas and Jude entered, the antiseptic scent and the hushed tones of doctors and nurses creating a stark contrast to their previous, adrenaline-fueled escapade.

The friends made their way through the corridors, searching for the waiting room where Nicholas had last seen Miranda. But to his dismay, she was nowhere to be found.

"She's not here," Nicholas muttered, disappointment weighing down his words. "Maybe we missed her."

Jude clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Don't give up yet, Nick."

As they searched the hospital, the friends felt a nagging sense of urgency, as if time was running out. With every unanswered question, Nicholas's frustration mounted, and the possibility of finding Miranda seemed more and more unlikely.

But then, just as they were about to leave, they caught a glimpse of a familiar figure darting around the corner—Miranda.

"There she is!" Nicholas exclaimed, pointing down the hall. "Quick, let's catch up to her."

The two friends rushed through the hospital, weaving through the maze of hallways, as Miranda's form grew closer and closer.

In a flurry of motion, they rounded the corner, and there she was—Miranda, sitting alone on a bench, her head bowed in despair. The sight of her solitary figure, lost in her grief, tugged at Nicholas's heart.

"Miranda," he said, approaching her slowly.