Trapped Between Two Brothers

The wedding reception ended already. It wasn’t a conjugal celebration with many people but it was flambouyant and exquisite. The after party had begun with Michael’s close family and few of his business associates. Sophia held on tightly to Michael’s waist as they had their first dance, She looked stunning in the wedding gown like a fairytale princess but She was nervous and uncomfortable. Michael’s face was beaming with a smile to the public, however as he looked down at his wife from time to time, his countenance would change to a cold one. “If you tear my designer suit, You are going to pay for it with the whole of your entitlements from this contract marriage’’ Michael warned her, his voice deep and low. Sophia gently loosened her hands slowly from his suit. She cleared her throat and continued to move her body to the rhythm of the soft music, she forced a smile as her heart was filled with agitation and regret. How would she cope with this ruthless man. She foresaw a turmoil she decided to put herself in, because she was trying to save herself and family especially her father. She took a deep breath as her mind drifted to the fact that her father recently undergo his surgery. That was a consolation to her. After few minutes of the not so- passionate dance, the couple with the family were feasting on variaties of food, drinks and fruits, the dinner setting showcasing a masterclass elegance. Michael and Sophia sat adjacently to each other. Sophia’s family was not allowed to grace the wedding. Michael opposed to it because of Sophia’s poor family background. Sophia fidgeted with her fork nervously. Michael's mother usually called Madam Caroline, a refined and beautiful woman, decided to break the silence. “ Sophia dear, I hope you do love Michael very much, he can be a handful right?” She asked smiling sweetly, her gaze fixed on Sophia. Michael's mother had no idea that their marriage was based on a contract. She was basking in happiness that her son later found the woman he loves after many years of non chalance. Well, thanks to the board members of the company. He was literally pressured. “Well, ahm…..” Sophia did not know how to respond. She destested this man she got married to. She stared at Michael who did not look up to her, instead he was busy with his meal but his mind very attentive to every detail going on at the fancy dinner “Sophia?” Caroline called Sophia jerked and cleared her throat. “Yes ma’am. I do love him” Oh how she hated herself for saying that “I wasn’t expecting any less. My son here is not only Smart but Charming and I hope soon enough, you cover this love story with a gift” “I don’t understand?...” Sophia queried confused “Well, by giving him a child, who will be a future heir, just like his father right here” She stated boastfully. “An heir, indeed, from a family of peasants” Michael murmured, his voice very low but Sophia knew he had said an unkind word to her again. It’s his speciality. “Michael, were you saying something?” Caroline asked “No, Mom, but why don’t you….do not worry about my wife. She very much loves me and she doesn’t have a choice” Michael said grinning as he stretched his hands forward squeezing Sophia’s hands tightly Sophia forced a smile and just before the smile faded away, Elliot, an Uncle to Michael spoke; “I hope you adjust well to this new role of yours. You are part of the Walters family now and you should start behaving as one” Elliot is part of the Walters corporation share holders and board member. He had been there for the family since his brother, Michael’s father died, representing him in gatherings and major occasions. Sophia felt an upsurge of fear and intimidation, how would she fit into this family? amongst sophisticated and wealthy humans. She simply nodded her head in affirmation. Catherine glanced at her son and hummed in Satisfaction. It was evident the love and attention Catherine showers to her son. She wouldn't be herself if she didn't speak to him in a day. Michael is the Director of his Father's well known, prestigious company and his apparent heir. All eyes focused on him and the best is expected of him especially as the heirship of the corporation solely depends on his marital life as stated in his father's will. The board of members were tired of waiting for him for five years. Hence, they gave him an ultimatum of three months to get married, else he will be denied the chairmanship title, and that led to his abrupt and contracted marriage with Sophia In the middle of their meal, Madam Caroline gazed at the Chair beside her which was empty but covered in linen just like the rest of the Chairs. She was lost in thought and disappointed for a while and her countenance changed “If you would excuse me I’d like to use the rest room” She said rising to her feet and walking in quick paces. Michael observed his mother leave the table, he already discerned reason behind her questionable exit and he was tired each time she showed her vulnerability because of it. He took his glass of wine in a gulp, his look firm. ############### The newly weds made way into the grand mansion, that looks luxurious and sophisticasted, more like a fortress that shows off Michael’s wealth and power. Sophia’s eyes roamed about the entire house. She saw this kind of mansion only in movies. She was bewildered and couldn’t hide it despite feeling tensed. “Welcome Sir, and Ma’am and happy married life” Emily, the house keeper, a middle aged woman gestured welcoming the couple. “Thank you” Sophia said with a quick smile “Thank you, Emily” Michael said with a dry tone “Please unpack the stuffs from the Car” Michael got to the entrance of his room, and Sophia stood beside him, as Michael tried to open the door with a key in his hand, he turned to Sophia as if he just noticed her beside him “Why are you following me around?” “I don’t….”Sophia tried to speak but Michael cut her off “Go get some rest. Your room has been prepared before your arrival” Sophia was dumbfounded “My room?” “Yes. Do not tell me you think that I will share the same room with you. Have you forgotten this is nothing but a contract, Sophia? You should be grateful that you even get to stay in the same mansion with me” Sophia was unsure of how to respond. She swallowed hard as his words made her bounce back to reality. This is indeed a Marriage on contract. Michael is not her prince Charming husband. “And please kindly dispose of any of your garbage clothes you must have brought in here with you. You cant be seen around me looking like a homeless woman. Tomorrow, you will be given new clothes that befits your ‘supposed’ title now. Emily will show you to your room” He uttered, he pushed the door in and entered into his room, slamming the door at her face. Sophia’s couldn’t control the stinging sensation in her eyes anymore. Tears rolled down her cheek. She felt as though she has made a terrible mistake. Her memories drifted back to when she knelt infront of Michael three weeks ago like a servant, pleading for her means of livelihood that has been snatched away from her #A month back.... “Please Sir, don’t do this. I need this job back” She pleaded her voice trembling. Her father was still bed ridden at home, his surgery fees barely ready. He owned a loan company 30,000dollars. All these she was still trying to save up from her Job payments before the job slipped out of her fingers. Michael’s expression boomed with satisfaction. He seemed like he was enjoying the moment. He leaned back at his chair, his legs crossed. In his hands was a roll of his favourite cigar. “Now, what do you want me to do for you, woman? Just lastweek, you were running your filthy mouth at me at your workplace, you claimed I should learn some manners, really?” He giggled the smoke of his cigar almost filling up the whole room. Sophia was speechless. But she knew her actions were justified. Michael would come to the mall he worked at, and address her rudely, he would tell her to wheel his stuffs in the cart to his Car, which obviously wasn't her work. She could not take it any longer and expressed her dissatisfaction to the manager, when Michael found out she reported him, he demanded for her to be dismissed. The manager who is one of Michael’s Sycophants agreed immediately, and here she was with no job to call her own any longer “I apologize for my foul words. I was ignorant” Sophia begged still on her knees. Michael grinned, he bent lower to meet up with her height from where she knelt. His fingers traced her hairline and came down to her cheeks and jaw softly carrasing it. Sophia wondered what he was up to as cold shivers ran through her spine, her lips shaky.