Their Marriage not Mine

“I just got back from the United Kingdom and this is how you welcome me”? Zara yelled at her mother with a clearly angry face. “I haven’t spent up to a month, and you know how much my tech company means to me, my career cannot just end like this, before it even starts”. She continued yelling. “This is the best decision, Zara”. Mrs Johnson replied. He is a billionaire, he can even give you a charge of his wealth if you play your cards right. “I am doing this for you”. She continued calmly as she patted Zara on her back. For me? Since when did pressuring me to get married to a man of your choice and for your own selfish reasons become my priority? I am not doing that, and my decision is final. Zara burst out angrily. “I promised your father before his demise that I'd make sure you get a good life and that’s my only goal before I leave this earth”. She began sobbing, “think of what your father would say, Zara”. She said, wiping her tears with the back of her palm. I am not getting any younger, I just want to make sure your future is secured. You had better think about your decision. She said with a sudden boldness as she walked out on Zara. Zara was dumbfounded. This doesn’t feel right. She muttered to herself as she fell on the bed and began to sob uncontrollably. The pressure to get married to billionaire Chris Ford continued, and it made Zara uncomfortable at home. She was torn between pleasing her mother and following her dreams. “You said I should give you time to think”. Mrs Johnson said, barging into Zara’s room. How much more time do you need? Time is running out, this man is a billionaire and every girl would jump at such an opportunity. I don’t know why you are being difficult. Zara, it's your future I’m concerned about. “You’re right mom, every girl who has no dream of their own would jump at the opportunity to marry a billionaire.I'm not one of such girls, please let me be and stop all the blackmail”. “I haven’t had peace since I returned” Zara muttered underneath her breath. Mrs Johnson began sobbing, “I cannot believe my own daughter sees me as the villain, I can’t believe you think I’m trying to set you up” she continued, sobbing softly. A long silence enveloped the room while Mrs Thompson continued sobbing mildly. “When will I meet him?” Zara asked, reluctantly breaking the silence. “In two days' time”, Mrs Johnson replied, her sober face immediately lit up. “I’ll let him know you have agreed to meet him” Mrs Johnson continued. This time there was no trace of tears as her face was completely transformed. “I am not making any promises yet, until I see him, so don’t be too excited mom”. Zara said, interrupting Mrs Johnson’s obvious happiness. You won’t regret it, I promise you, mothers know best. Mrs Johnson said, giving out a clumsy wink. “Not always”, Zara said jokingly. Zara spent her whole night thinking about the possibility of giving in to her mother’s request and how such a decision could change her life forever. Her comfortable bed became somewhat uncomfortable, and she spent the whole night restlessly turning over on the bed. The day to meet billionaire Chris Ford finally came and she was so anxious. Zara woke up that morning to her workout alarm but could not summon the strength to get out of bed. She reluctantly switched off the alarm and continued to wallow in her deep thoughts. “Wakey wakey”. Mrs Johnson’s voice resounded as she carefully opened up Zara’s door. “You cannot still be sleeping by this time, we have a big day, remember?”. Zara wanted to change her mind, she had thought of all the possible things that could go wrong, but she knew it was too late. “Good morning mom”, she greeted. Her face was impassive. “Morning sunshine,” Mrs Johnson replied. “I am sure you’re excited about the big day”, she continued, smiling. Zara smiled back, unsure of what answer to give. Get up, baby girl, and begin to prepare. Please wear the nicest dress in your closet, Mrs Johnson said. “You’re unusually cheerful today”, Zara said, shrugging the duvet to the side as she slid her feet into her flip-flops ready to start her day. “Be out in an hour at least”. Mrs Johnson said. Aye, captain Zara replied. Zara wore a beautiful red dress that enhanced her body features while complimenting her pretty face. “You’re irresistible”, her mother said. Thank you, Zara replied as they both headed towards the car. They arrived at the mansion, and it was the most beautiful house Zara had ever seen. The flowers were blooming; they had servants who ushered them into the house. She couldn’t help but wonder how successful her husband was. “Please take a seat, he will be with you shortly”, one of the servants said. Just then, a man in his late fifties walks in. Ah, he’s here already. Zara’s mom signaled. “What”? Zara burst out angrily.