CHAPTER TWO — DECEPTION
692 Words
Wilson was partially open to the idea. He truly needed someone to keep his family stable. But Richard's suggestion also annoyed him. Remarry? After everything Ella had put him through?
"What are you talking about, Richard? After all this stress and heartbreak, you want me to marry another woman? Even a madman wouldn't do such a thing," Wilson lamented.
"Wilson, that's your problem. You're too calculative. As a young head of a company, you should remarry so you can focus on your finances." Richard didn't hesitate.
"I understand, but I don't think I can take that risk. It's too much," Wilson declared.
"Alright, my friend. Since you don't want to wed, be ready to lose your economic buoyancy. You can't oversee your company when you're home cooking and doing chores." Richard spoke the bitter truth.
Silence settled between them.
"I'll think about it," Wilson finally said.
"That's what I've been waiting to hear." Richard leaned forward. "I know a lady—beautiful, well-educated. If you change your mind, let me know and I'll introduce you—"
Wilson's phone rang.
"My manager," Wilson said, standing. "I have to go."
"I'm looking forward to your answer."
"Thanks for your concern."
I'm supposed to be thanking you, Richard thought as Wilson drove away. For what you're about to do for me.
That night, Wilson reconsidered. If she takes care of the family, I can run my company properly. He called Richard.
"Can you send me that lady's number?"
"Of course, my friend. Right away. I knew you'd make the right choice—you're a rational man." Richard sent the number immediately.
The next day, Wilson and Elvin started chatting. They went on a date to get to know each other better.
"How old are you?" Wilson asked.
"Twenty-five. You?"
"Thirty-two."
"Alright."
"Did Richard tell you I have a child?"
"He did. But that means nothing to me. It will even help foster love and unity between us."
"I hope you understand—I'm not here for friendship. I'm here for something bigger."
"Yes. Richard briefed me on everything. I'm really sorry about your former wife."
"No problem. Where are you from? We should visit your parents."
"I'm from Florida. But my parents are dead." Her voice dropped.
"Oh. I'm really sorry."
"It's alright. So how do we prepare for the wedding?"
"I don't want a wedding, dear. Court marriage only—it was my parents' last wish."
Wilson fell silent. He'd never done a court wedding, never attended one. He tried convincing her to wed in church, but she strictly refused. No court wedding, no marriage. He couldn't afford to lose her—she was stunning, well-educated. Richard knew his taste. And Sonia needed someone to care for her tenderly. Only a wife could do that. He had no choice.
"I'm sorry for stressing you," she comforted him. "I just don't want to go against my parents' dying wish."
The date was fixed at the Federal High Court in Washington DC. A grand occasion—many business communities attended for Wilson's sake. The judge wed them successfully and issued their certificate. Both signed. Legally married.
Afterward, they lived together happily. But one thing troubled Wilson: Sonia didn't like her new stepmother. And Elvin was very friendly with everyone.
"I don't want to live with that woman, Dad. She's scary."
"Why do you say that?" Wilson asked softly.
"I don't know. My conscience rejects her. I just don't like her as a mother."
"Don't worry, my angel. She'll take good care of you," Wilson assured her, and Sonia obeyed—the father she loved so much.
A year later, Wilson noticed sudden changes in Sonia. Her behavior deteriorated. She started acting like a street hooligan.
What's going on? What caused this? He decided to observe closely.
One day, Wilson returned early from work. The house was quiet. He dropped his bag and went to Sonia's room. To his shock, Elvin was there—they hadn't noticed him. They were watching something on the phone. Wilson peeped. Pornographic videos. And Elvin was encouraging Sonia to masturbate.
"Jesus Christ! What is the meaning of this?" Wilson yelled.
- Writer
