Forced To Be His Bride

Seven- Marietta

Marie

It was dark as I toiled the path towards the house, I tried as much as possible to put what happened between me and Nathan behind my mind.

Though it tumbles forward every once in a while.

It was a silly kiss that should have never happened and it was spontaneous leaving me zero room to slip out of his hold.

The fact is that I kissed a boy less than hours of being acquainted with him. What particularly led to this moment? I cringed, what were you thinking Marie, letting him kiss you like that?

Another part of me sought to pacify me.

It's just a kiss, Marie. Just a kiss, nothing serious.

I walked into the house, once in the living room Blank stares were directed at me. Clarrisa and her mother sat on the big L-couch watching the TV, but their focus was rather on their phones. I spied on Mrs Natasha's phone and she was scrolling through some plastic surgeon's i********: page.

I then plodded in the direction of the kitchen but Joyce wasn't in there, I wondered where she was. I was about to go to my quarters when she walked in on me. I was scared for a second as she startled me.

“Good gracious, my heart.“ I said relieved. “I was just looking for you.“

“I am nowhere and everywhere,” she says amused and peered at me rather strangely.

“I saw a strange car drop you. Micheal told me what happened so I am not surprised but I expected you to come back with an Uber.“ She said, trudging back into the kitchen. I followed her, my stomach knotted at her little observation. She saw me.

I cleared my throat, nervous. “It was a new friend of mine.“ She hummed in response, her silence made me worry. She reminded me of my stern Aunt when she disapproved of some of my decisions and lifestyle.

“A boy?“ She says. My eyes widen for a brief second, my cheeks warm with blood. A boy who kissed me, yes!

“You're blushing. So it's a boy.“ She said a little smile etched on her face.

“I never said so, Ma Joyce, but yes it is a boy. We are in the same department. But he is just a friend nothing more.“ I lean forward distracting my head by watching her wash sliced turkey.

“You are trying to convince that to yourself not me. And you have a new glass on? I guess this new boyfriend of yours got it for you.“

“He is not my boyfriend, Joyce.“ I whined.

“Anyways, before you get serious with any boy, mi hijo bring them to me. I know how to identify the bad ones. So you don't get your heart shattered like a broken glass. Men can be useless at times you know. “ She rinsed her hands thoroughly after washing with dish soap.

She took my hands observing them for a second, I knew she was observing my burns but most of my peeled skin was healed so it was hardly noticeable I had a burn three days back. I tried not to think too much about it or the fact that Clarrisa prompted my fall. Her mother being the b***h was enough for me, I never expected her to be just as vile. I was satisfied with her indifference and bland face and attitude towards me but then she showed me it eats deeper than I imagined.

“It's healing fast. Does it still hurt?“ She asks gently.

I nod my head gently. “No, hardly. The back of my wrist is a bit sore but that's all.“

The doctor who later came to examine my hands saw the extent of my injury. He appreciated Mr Galen for his fast action, the cold water prevented a lot of damage. I am still grateful to him.

I excused myself to Joyce, I wanted to shower. I have been out all afternoon and the California sun is much hotter than I ever imagined. It made the air so humid which made me sweaty.

I was about to leave the kitchen when a loud agonizing scream reached my ears. Joyce and I passed a look at each other before running off to the living room.

“Mom! No!“ Clarrisa bawled out, clearly in distress as Mrs Natasha held her tight against her chest whispering words into her ear.

“We have to confirm this, Clarrisa. This is impossible.“ Her face was pale. White as a ghost.

What happened? I wondered sauntering forward when I saw the headline on the TV.

California's heartthrob and CEO of the Twenty Billon dollars Aerospace Industries, Galen Albert is reported to have been involved in a Helicopter crash this evening. According to paramedics who got there in time, he is the only survivor and is said to be in critical condition at a private undisclosed hospital where he is receiving treatment for his terrible injuries. According to close sources, Mr Galen might not survive this. We are yet to hear from his fiancee, the supermodel and heiress of the Romano company Clarissa Romano.

“Switched the TV off. I can't hear more of this.“ Clarrisa yelled, clearly in pain. I rushed and switched it off as she requested. This wasn't a time to act on the family's contempt against me, I wasn't all that heartless to rejoice in someone's pain and it wasn't just because he is Clarrisa's Fiance, he helped me once. It's awful such a terrible incident has happened to him.

How did that happen? What happened exactly? I felt terrible and watched her in pity as she shakily dialled a number on her phone. Her mom collected it from her and put the call through instead.

Natasha glanced needily at Joyce. “Please watch after Clara, while I confirm this.“ She pleaded. It was shocking to hear a plea from her, quite marvelling how certain events can humble even the most proud people.

Joyce of course did so with hesitating. She held Clarrisa in the most comforting hugs and soothed her by gently rubbing her back. A sad look was etched on her face as well. This was such a terrible news.

I stood still watching the whole situation, clueless about what to do. Natasha came back with tears spilling from her eyes. Clarrisa just knew what it meant, everyone understood at this point.

“Is he still alive?“ Clarrisa asked, she shrugged from Joyce's hold, hurrying to her mother. Her mother nodded.

“According to Chloe, he is in a terrible condition. He lost so much blood and he needs a blood transfusion. There are ongoing searches for available blood for his type but his type is currently scarce at the blood bank.“

“What blood type is he?“ Clarrisa asked. It was particularly odd to me because she is engaged to him. I guess it didn't strike them to share their medical information with themselves.

“O-. Wear your clothes baby we have to see him.” Natasha said, heavy hearted.

Clarrisa paused on her feet, shaking her head in fright. “ I don't think I can bear to see him in such horrible state they described he was in.“

Joyce engulfed her in a hug. “ That doesn't matter now mi hijo, it might be scary but the important part now is to ensure he is safe and away from danger.“ She cupped her face delicately.

Clarissa nodded, she was about to leave when the phone rang once again.

She picked it up bravely this time, and a wary voice echoed through her loudspeakers.

“Natasha, Galen-” She went off for a second, her cries loud and heartbreaking to hear.

“Chloe,” Clarissa breathed, worry laced in her low-pitched tone.

“The doctor said he has no chance of living if he doesn't get a blood transfusion in the next 45 minutes. We haven't seen any suitable donor, I am so scared.“ Her breathing was audible and filled with terror it was evident she was having a panic attack.

“Galen can't die. It would ruin our family. We are not ready for another death after our mother passed.“ She sniffled into the phone. “I understand what helplessness is now. It's frightening.“

I felt my legs walk up to Clarissa, slowly but bravely. “ I… can help. I am also an O- type I can donate my blood to help him survive.“ I offer.

She looks at me with her lips upturned, displeased clearly by my approach or offer. I don't know which.

“We would do just…” She was unable to complete her words when Galen's sister's voice popped up through the speaker.

“Who offered that? Please can you come to the hospital we appreciate any help at the moment. “ I didn't spare Clarissa another look, the most important thing now was Galen's survival.

“Hi, I am Marie. Clarrisa's step-sister. I made the offer.“ I said meekly, ignoring the murderous stare Clarrisa burned me with.

“Clarissa, we have one last shot at saving my brother. Please bring her as you come.”

The call ended. I took two steps away from Clarrisa, providing a much-needed distance. Just when I thought that's what she wanted, she approached me slowly. She hissed slowly.

“Mother wasn't wrong about you. You are just like your poor w***e of a mother, a starved leach, a parasite who desperately looks for rich men to live off but I promise you, you won't come close to Galen even in his death!“ She spat at me. Her words held as much venom as her eyes.

I stare at her in shock at the loathing she held against me, so much she was willing to let…

I pause my thoughts, suddenly curious. I close off the space between us, looking at her dead in the eyes.

“Insanity.“ I whisper loud enough to her hearing. “Tell me, Stepsister, you would rather let your fiance die rather than have my blood save him?“

She cast me a glare. “You are not my sister. We are not family. This is a family issue, you have no right to meddle, ask such questions and offer your poor solutions“

Natasha entered the living room slightly stunned by the hostility between us.

“I do have certain reasons to help Mr Galen and it has nothing to do with you or this family. His sister did mention time wasn't on his side and his condition was worsening. I won't waste more time arguing with you. When he is a bit stable, you can resume with your demeaning insults.“ I said cooly as I expected she was about to object but Natasha came in.

“Let her. She is right. For now, Galen's life should be your utmost priority.“