FORCED VOWS
1327 Words
The Adewale's Mansion is one of the most beautiful structures in the Kaffee Estate with tall glass windows, marble floors, golden lights, a sparkling fountain and a beautiful garden. Inside, every room is decorated with fine and luxurious furniture, beautiful art, and soft carpets, making it feel rich and elegant.
In one of the rooms Diamond is standing by the window looking outside, she is a bit better than the last few days. Her father had woken up yesterday night and she is going to see him today in the hospital, since the day of the shooting the family had been indoors paralyzed with fear, Thomas had employed more security to guard the mansion none of the family could go out and no one was allowed in except he or she had an important assignment.
A sudden knock on the door followed by a voice “Diamond are you in” Thomas asked.
“Yes I am, you can come in” Diamond replied, Thomas entered.
“ Your mum and sister are on their way to the hospital, “ he said
“Oh yes, I am going with a different car” Diamond replied
“Yes, but not now,” he said
“What do you mean” Diamond asks curious
“You are getting married today” Thomas dropped the bombshell
“No I am not, “ Diamond said shaking her head and looking deep at Thomas to know if he was serious.
“Your father knew you would say that, that’s why he asked me to tell you that he knows Calvin is in Benin and if you don't want anything to happen to him you should cooperate with the stylist and the makeup artist who will be walking into this room any moment and come to the church close to the hospital in two hours," he said and started going through his phone.
“No Thomas I am not going, Where are Mother and Pearl? Do they know?" Diamond asked this time tears were rolling down her cheeks, she couldn't believe her ears that the first thing her father would do to her after waking up was to make her marry the person she didn't want to marry.
Thomas shows her a picture from his phone “That is Calvin on the day your father was shot, he came there to stop the engagement. Your father wanted me to tell you that if you resist getting married today he will have Calvin arrested and charged with attempted murder but if you cooperate he will send Calvin back to Florida” Thomas said, putting his phone into his pocket and adjusting his suit.
“Oh no! Oh no! Father! Why? Diamond exclaims shouting at the top of her voice
“The marriage is going to be a private wedding although some media will be there, pictures and videos will be released tomorrow, your dad doesn't want your mother or sister to know about this, just a few people will be attending,” Thomas said before taking a U-turn to leave the room
“ Tell me this is a joke, Thomas, tell me this is a bad dream,” Diamond said in tears almost falling on her knees
“I wish I could, I hate to see you in tears but I can't do anything, I hope everything is understood now, Diamond, wipe your tears because, in the next thirty minutes, the stylist and makeup artist will be here,” Thomas said leaving the room and closing the door behind him.
* * * * * *
The church was small but graceful, with white glass windows lining the sides, White ribbons and flowers decorated the aisle, leading to a simple altar at the front, Decorated in white and pink flowers a large wooden cross hung above, the altar was even more beautiful with the lighted candles. The church was quiet, the few guests invited were already seated. At the right hand of the church. Nelson's family is seated, and on the left are a few friends from Edward’s company.
The pianist began playing and every head rose to their feet looking at the back of the church where Diamond stood in her white dress with a veil over her face and her father whose arms were linked with hers and was resting slightly on Diamond for support. Diamond could see Nelson on the altar in a cream suit looking at her, he was not as excited as any other groom would be. As Diamond walks down the aisle she tries to stop herself from crying, as they reach the altar Edward turns to her “This is for your good” before lifting her hands and placing them on Nelson's. Diamond eyes meet Nelson but he turns his face away.
The priest began to talk but Diamond barely heard anything, her mind traveled far she was doing this for Calvin, why was her life like this? Would she ever be happy without Calvin?
When it was time for their vows, Diamond hesitated, she saw Thomas standing close to her father, and he nodded telling her to continue, tears rolled down her eyes as she read her vows when it was Nelson’s turn he read his vows devoid of any emotions.
As the ceremony concluded the priest declared them husband and wife and asked Nelson to kiss his bride, Nelson less than thrilled leaned in and pressed a cold kiss on Diamond’s cheek.
As they walked down the aisle together Diamond couldn't stop thinking about what next to expect, what would happen now.
* * * * * *
Diamond is seated at the back of a car with Nelson, there is a driver at the front. The door close to Nelson is open and Edward is rolled in a wheelchair by Thomas towards the door, Diamond turns her face away from her father in anger “Congratulations! Newlyweds” Edward said smiling
“Thank you Sir” Nelson answered quietly
“Nelson, please take good care of my daughter, “ Edward said before Nelson could reply Grandma Vee cut in
“ Of course, my grandson is a gentleman he will,” Grandma Vee said Smiling and touching the face of Nelson who blushed a little.
“I am happy this union has happened today Vee, it is such an honor marrying into your family,” Edward said extending his hands for a handshake.
“The honor is mine,” Grandma Vee says taking his hands.
Grandma Vee continues
“Since there is no reception, I already booked a hotel room for the newlywed to spend the night”
Diamond's heart races as she hears what Grandma Vee says
“That's good,” Edward says smiling and looking at his daughter
“Don't worry Diamond, my secretary Elizabeth already arranged some neat clothes and some things you will be needing, they are in a bag in the booth so don't worry about that okay?” Grandma Vee said smiling at Diamond
“Okay ma," Diamond said faking a smile
“And don't worry about your belongings in the mansion, Thomas we have them packed and delivered to you tomorrow in your new home,” Edward said flashing his teeth
“You two might be tired, so you guys should be on your way now, enjoy your night at the hotel.” Grandma Vee said closing the door
“See you guys tomorrow, and try to make babies,” Grandma Vee said smiling and waving at them
“Bye,” Edward said waving at the car as it was zooming off.
Diamond's mind wanders as she tries to understand what Grandma Vee just said “Try to make babies” like she and her husband tried to make babies the first day, how are couples who are not in love with each other have s*x on their wedding day and would Nelson be so stupid to try?
- Writer
