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1097 Words
As Robin finished at the dispenser, he headed to the kitchen. Relief washed over me as I carefully made my way towards my room. I couldn't sleep as I spent the time thinking about home and the possibility of this strange marriage. Soon, grains of light started to filter into my room — morning had come but my joy had yet to arrive. That familiar buzz disrupted my thoughts. It was my father calling.
“Daddy, did the surgery go well?” I asked, concern seeping through my voice.
“Oh yes my darling daughter.” I could feel the happiness emanating from his voice.
A sense of relief washed over me. “Oh daddy, that's great news.”
“That's not the only thing my dear…”
“Tell me, tell me.” My ears perked up in excitement.
“Investors have decided to work with us because of your husband's influence. Isn't this lovely?” He asked, and my stomach Immediately sank when I remembered when Robin said last night.
“Well there's something I'd like to tell you.” I started, my breath hitching.
“Okay dear what's that?” The moment those words came out from my father's mouth, a knock came out the door.
I scratched my hair. “You know what, later I'll call you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Bye later, I love you.” I responded to him and ended the call.
“Who's there?” I responded to the knock.
“Robin.” His firm voice came through.
I immediately climbed down from the bed and shuffled my legs into my slippers.
“Hurry up.” His voice came through.
I opened the door and my breath hitched at how handsome he looked. He was dressed in his suit and long sleeves, a briefcase in his hold.
“Benny, you can stop gawking now. Don't you think so?” He asked, a coy smile on his lips.
“I wasn't gawking.” I stuttered, failing miserably at my lie.
He stared at me like he knew I was lying. “Whatever, just make sure you’re ready by 7pm and we'll be heading out.”
“To where?” I asked.
“Dinner.” He responded then banded a package that I hadn't noticed before. “Here.”
“What's that?”
“An outfit.”
“But I don't need one.”
“You do, you just don't know yet.” His words stung.
I nodded slowly then he left. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. Somehow after he left the room felt less choking. Then I realized that I was just relieved that he hadn't caught me the previous night.
***
It was almost time for dinner like he had said and my heart had started beating fast. I pulled out the outfit that he had brought, it was a red gown designed with diamond stone.
I raced my hands through the edges admiring the beauty. Soon one of the maids helped me prepare and in just a few minutes I was done.
As I descended the stairs, clutching my diamond studded purse against my red gown as I took graceful steps. I tried to put on a confident outward appearance like I wasn't scared but deep down my insides were twisting.
When Robin emerged, his lips parted slowly as she caught sight of me.
“You look stunning.” He cleared his throat.
I smiled shyly. “Thank you.”
“We're late.” his tone changed to a firmer one as I trailed behind me towards the car.
***
“Basically, my uncle forced me into this marriage so we have to put a show there for him, like we're happy.” Robin casually stated the rules the so-called dinner I'd rather not be. “Understood?”
“Got it,” I replied as I fixed my stare on the tall buildings we drove fast. The minutes past in a blur and soon we were at the resturant.
As soon as we came down, Robin held my hands and I suprisingly eased into the warmth. As the doors flung open, we quickly located his family members and we took our seats next to each other.
“Benny, Robin, we're so glad you made it.” Robin's aunt smiled at us.
“It's like a ritual where we have a family dinner at the last Friday of every month— I'm sure your husband must have told you all about it.” His uncle chuckled, revealing his tobacco-stained teeth.
I forced a smile even though I was clueless.
“Are you enjoying the meal?”
“Do you need more wine?”
“Is there something else we should order?” This were the considerate questions his aunt and aunt asked me.
“He should be here with Lisa any moment from now.” His aunt glanced at her wristwatch and her eyes looked towards the entrance. “I don't know why he's taking much time.”
“Aunt, I'm sure we'll be leaving before he comes.” Robin cleared his throat and gave a curt nod.
“Don't be like that, you guys are brothers.”
“Honey,” his uncle cut in. “I'm sure they'll settle it themselves—”
Her phone buzzed, and a smile made its way to her face. “He's here already.”
I couldn't help but anticipate who this person was and why Robin wasn't on good terms with them.
I dropped my cutleries when I heard a familiar voice and raised my gaze.
My heart started to beat faster as his words reached my ears. “Hi, it's nice to meet you.” His smile faltered as he stretched his hands towards me.
“Nice to meet you too.” I stuttered, shifting uncomfortably in my chair.
The sound of my heart pounding against my chest were the only sounds I could hear.
I couldn't focus on anything except the memory of the searing betrayal that kept replaying in my mind. How dare he show up smiling like he hadn't tried to break me?
I pulled my chair backwards. “Excuse me.” I forced a smile as I hastily reached the bathroom. Once I was in, I instinctively washed my hands as though it would wash away all the memories. As I stayed there exhaling, from the mirror, I caught a reflection of Dave walking closer to me.
I turned away, my heart racing. “What are you doing here?
- Writer
