Chapter 1 Florence, Chapter 2 Alex
Chapter 1 FLORENCE
" You like it or not, you're getting married in the next two months, Florence". The thought alone was depressing. Why did my day have to start with this reminder? I felt like disappearing from that moment.
I knew this would come this morning. I wanted some peace away from my mom and her quest to get me married. What response will I give to her that won't trigger her anger? Because she's insisting on me getting married next month, she doesn't want to know how I will go about it.
Looking up and seeing her face so furious at me, I bowed my head thinking of my reply to her.
"But Mum, how is that possible? Using my solemn voice not to get her annoyed because she was so furious at this state because I've always tried to ignore her whenever she brought up the marriage topic.
Mum, you know love is not something you force, it is a feeling that comes naturally, and you know I've tried my best to get a good man for myself, but they are all after my money, not love.
I know, and that is why I want you to get married to Mr Charle’s son, who has been asking you to marry him. He is a very gentle, respectful young man. My mom tried to make me marry someone I didn’t want. But I know she will always win an argument because I want to make her happy, but I still tried convincing her.
" No mum" I exclaimed with frustration, looking so bitter.
This man doesn't even love me, he just wants to get into your business, that's all. So he is trying to use you as one of his instruments to get to me mum please I don't love him don’t make me marry him.
My dear, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and so is love.
Love will grow when you start getting to know him, you will love him when you decide to give him a chance. My mother convinced me that night to provide Mr Charle’s son "Alex" with a chance to fall in love with him. but I was not at peace with this suggestion at all.
"Okay mum I will try." At least it will get her to stop bothering me about Alex.
I couldn't hold back the tears from rolling down my eyes. I could imagine the horrible life awaiting me, a marriage without love.
With the little I know about Alex. He has no regard for women. He thinks money can buy everything including "Love"
Where on earth did my mum come across him?
My mind was so occupied with a lot of questions and memories of my last toxic relationship, which I refused to let my mum know about. My ex treated me like a queen. He was everything I wanted in a man but I was too blind to realize that he'd been putting on an act. All of a sudden, he started drinking, being abusive, threatening me, and asking for money. I stayed with him, hoping he would change his ways until the relationship was unbearable, and I decided to end it.
Now, my mom is planning on getting me married because girls are meant to get married at an early age but that was the ancient days, and not this generation.
I’m an independent woman who has everything I ever wished for. I don’t need a man especially one who has no regard for love.
'I just wish I could get a man who will love me for who I am and not because of my money'......
******
I should be done with this article by 10 am, so I can get to the mall to get my provisions...
I heard the doorbell ring, and I had to rush down to check if it was my order that got delivered but to my surprise, I met the beautiful Helena with her flowered purple dress sparkling and blending with her skin color.
I've known Helena for the past 7 years. She's 5 feet tall and has a hairy body and very dark hair that makes her look more beautiful Her eyes look charming. Helena has been officially my friend for the past 5 years now and she's someone I can confide in, and I trust her with all my heart.
Oh, Baby girl!!
"But you didn't give me a call before coming, girlie."
" Yes I was bored, and I felt I should pay you a visit," said Helena.
Oh, I see you came at the right time. Let's go inside.
*****
Helena, I'm bothered about this marriage issue coming up from my mum as a demand to get married to Alex the billionaire's son we all know as the rude guy.
'I think you should explain some things to your mum about how you feel about him. Maybe that will convince her' said Helena."
Helena, I've done everything to let her know that I'm not interested in this guy, but she won't listen to me. Instead she's after the growth and the connection of her business, trying to put my marriage as her priority. I just feel like giving up everything. I'm tired (crying)...
Helena's soft words rang in my ear; I can understand how you will feel. Don't worry, we are in this together, if that's what your mum insisted, let's give it a try.
What?? I interrupted her with my eyes wide open and the disappointed look I put on immediately. I should give that rude guy a try in my life. Do you know how my heart has been shattered by men who didn’t deceive me, and knowing they were after my money?
Helena no Way!!! I shouted with uncontrollable tears on my face.
Calm down, baby girl. I understand what you've been saying. Yes!! I know your past heartbreaks from guys have caused you a lot. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't give love a chance, dear. Like I said earlier, let's give it a try maybe that's not his real character. Let's give it a try. It is just that you won't give all your hundred percent love to him yet for us to keep an eye on him. That's all.
The idea brought a little peace to me... Helena raised her head.
"What we are afraid of most times is scared of us" Try to face your challenges, and you will win... Those words sink and resonate with my spirit to go for her decision. And also seeing Helena's face of determination strengthened me more, So I noted that we should do it.
Helena knew I needed a tight hug to relieve me from the depression since last night, so she gave it to me, and she made me feel I was in a safe hand.
"Do you have a plan on going out today?" she asked.
" Yes, I have". I'm planning to go to the mall at the city entrance to get my provisions for the next trip with my company.
"You're going with me," I said excitedly.
Helena doesn't enjoy going out or spending time out there with people. Maybe because she's used to staying indoors most of the time, I guess. You can only see her coming to my house or staying at home working because she's been promoted to the stage of working at home for the past two years now.
You didn't even ask if I'm going or not, you naughty girl.....
Chapter 2 ALEX
I felt my mom’s eyes on me. I knew what she was about to say, but I ignored her. All I could think about was having fun I couldn’t afford to worry about anything she was about to say, so I decided to reply to some messages.
"Why would you keep embarrassing this family? I knew she had something to say.
Can't you see the way your cousin is being responsible towards his father's company, but all you do is go to parties, drink, and intimidate people with your wealth that you've never worked for? When will you stop being so nonchalant?
I can’t concentrate on the way my mom is yelling and comparing me with my so-called cousin, only if she knew what he spends his money on.
I had spaced out when she took my laptop from me aggressively.
Mum, you know. I've always told you not to compare me with Stanley. He chose the life he wanted, and I chose mine too. I wish she could stop trying to change me.
Shut up!!! "She shouted again."
Immediately I knew she was so furious at me and I had to see what I said next. So I changed my position from lying on my bed to sitting on the edge.
Your father and I were happy when you came into this world after three years of our marriage. We promised ourselves to take care of you with everything we had because of the love we have for you. We looked for the best college in town for you. Your father wanted to bring you up in the best way possible because you were growing faster than we expected, as at then, our company had started growing already thinking you would take over the company from us after your schooling, and you were doing very excellent in your academics until a certain time you started mingling with some kids that affected your grades. We talked to you, advised you, and tried everything we could do, but yet you didn't listen. Now I want to ask you a question. What benefits has this peer pressure given to you?
I was dumbfounded to answer the question she asked me. I just ignored it again.
Your father is so disappointed in you for this, yet you can't stop this nonchalant attitude you exhibited. I forced you to college and did some illegal actions to get a good grade for you hoping to get a good result from you, yet you never cease to disappoint me. You know what?? I need to let the cat out of the bag. Your dad and I have decided to will all our property to the orphans since you've decided not to change. "She dropped the laptop immediately, she said that and left my room angrily."
I couldn't imagine what I just heard from my mom.
Willing all the properties to the orphans? Then what will happen to my identity? Will I become poor? How will I live without money? All these questions keep ringing in the brain.
But I'm their only child, and they cherish me so well, so why all these threats?
Those words demoralized me from doing what I was doing before she came in because I couldn't live on my own. If they mean what she said, then my life eventually crumbles......