CHAPTER.1
Prevail stood beside her mum. Frowning her face as she said calmly.
I know Paul’s life is our top priority right now, but you can’t just choose who I spend the rest of my life with, I don’t love Austin Greenwood and I will not marry him.
Besides we can find other help elsewhere, “she continues,
not only Austin is a billionaire in this world, but don’t you see the way he carries himself like he is on top of the world”
Mrs. Gladys stood there, looking at Prevail. Her mind was already made up.
“Prevail is like you don’t know what is at stake”,
your brother needs immediate treatment or he is gonna die, we don’t have all the time in the world to look for help, so you must marry Austin Greenwood.
Mum, it’s hard to venture into something you’re not comfortable with, and besides you’re a woman like me, at least you can understand.
Mrs. Glady sighed heavily,
Still looking at Prevail, “Sometimes we don’t get what we want in life and that’s fine”, she said.
Prevail just stood there listening to her mum without considering what her mum was saying.
“your brother is the one to carry the family name since he is the only son of this family, if he dies now the family name die with him”.
Mum I understand but me getting married to Austin Greenwood is like walking into fire knowing well that it’s gonna hurt, is this how my dreams and ambitions are going to die? Prevailing was not ready to consider what her mum was saying.
Now the fate of my family depends on me because if anything happens to my brother, everyone will say it is my fault. She said in her thoughts.
Mrs. Glady sighed and walked close to Prevail, I know it is inconvenient for you but you have to understand.
Everything you will be doing you’re doing it for the family, it’s not like you’re doing it in vain. And not only you will be saving your brother's life, you will also be exposing the family to wealth, she said.
I will need an extra hand in convincing Prevail to marry Austin Greenwood, she said in thoughts.
Cynthia looks at Prevail and her Mum arguing, without knowing what to do.
She knew the benefits of Prevail marrying Austin Greenwood to the family, but she also knew what Prevail would pass through in the hands of Billionaire Austin.
Ma, let me talk to her. Cynthia said.
Mrs. Glady left the room.
Prevail you remember when we were growing up, we promised ourselves to be friends forever and never to deceive each other but always stand by each other.
Now I’m here not only as a friend but as also the sister you don’t have, you have to marry Austin Greenwood, I’ve known you to be a strong woman and you can handle anything life throws at you. But your brother can’t help himself at the moment, so his life depends on your decision, so I’m pleading with you to make a wise one, Cynthia said trying to make her see the bigger picture.
Prevail sat by the bed listening to Cynthia as tears gathered in her eyes.
Cynthia you know this is a hard decision to make, I’m starting to feel pain in my head, I’ve been thinking and I’m still thinking, I will need more time, she said.
Cynthia hugged her, rubbing her back, I will always be there for you, she said.
Prevail sighed heavily, dad I wish you were here all these things would not have been happening, she said in her thoughts.
As Prevail and Cynthia was still sitting by the bed, Mrs. Glady walked in.
Should I get you guys something to eat, she asked gently.
Cynthia said yes.
I’m not hungry, Prevail said sounding tired.
Prevail you have to eat something you look tired, bring for the both of us, Cynthia said.
Mrs. Glady left the room to get them something.
Prevail you will have to eat something, even if you’re not happy but starving yourself is not going to help, Cynthia said trying to encourage her.
Mrs. Glady brought a plate of rice, two spoons, and two glasses of water, here is your food, she said leaving the room.
They started eating.
I can’t believe I will be spending the rest of my life with someone I don’t know, I’ve not spoken to, she said.
Austin might not be as bad as you think, you just have to know him first before judging, remember don’t judge a book by its cover, Cynthia said smiling.
Don’t worry Prevail, he’s going to be soft because of you, she continues, I know how lovely and sweet you are, no man will be with such a woman, and don’t want to change.
Prevail smiles, hearing this from Cynthia gives her courage.
Are you going home today? Prevail asked.
Hmm, I know what you’re thinking but no, I'm staying with you tonight, Cynthia replied.
I’m going to give my final decision tomorrow morning.
Mrs. Glady walked into the room, are you guys okay with the food? She asked.
Yes, ma, thank you, Cynthia replied.
Thank you, mum, good night, Prevail reply.
Mrs. Glady left the room with the plate and glass cups.
Good night, Prevail said.
Good night, Cynthia replied.
Mrs. Glady could not sleep that night, she was crying and thinking about how she would marry her only daughter off because of financial issues, she thought about it but her mind was still made up because her son’s life was on the line.
Now, it is left for Prevail to make up her mind, I won’t force her, let the decision be from her heart, she said “tears still rolling down her cheek”.
Good morning Cynthia, Prevail said sounding relieved and happy.
Good morning, Cynthia replied.
I’ve made up my mind and I’m gonna marry Austin Greenwood, she said without any doubt.
Cynthia was just looking at her, are you sure that is your final decision? She asks.
Yes yes, Prevail reply.
I’m going to my mum’s room, Prevail said.
Cynthia followed her.
Good morning mum, how was your night? Prevail asked.
“Before her mum could say anything”.
She interrupted, Mum I’ve made up my mind and I’m going to marry Austin Greenwood.
Mrs. Glady hearing this brought a smile to her face.
Prevail I’m so proud of you, I love you, she said as she hugged her.
Cynthia was just there smiling, as it brought her joy, seeing Prevail and her mum this happy after a conflicted night together.
Mum you know I would never let this family down if it’s in my power, Prevail said.
Mrs. Glady Mrs. Glady, someone ran into the room without knocking, breathing heavily.