Chapter 4
1086 Words
FLASHBACKS 6 YEARS AGO……
Raymond's eyes met mine, and he smiled wryly. "Well, Nina, I don't love you. If you marry me, you'll only end up hurting yourself. I'm in love with someone else, only her and not anyone," he said, his words piercing my heart like a dagger.
I tried to maintain a neutral expression, but his words stung. I nodded, attempting to appear nonchalant. "Just marry me, that's all I ask of you, and I'll make sure to support you with everything I have on earth," I said, my voice laced with a hint of desperation.
Raymond placed his hands on the table, his eyes locked on mine, and I could sense his inner turmoil. He didn't know what to do, but his company's fate hung in the balance.
"Deal... So when are we getting married?" he asked, his voice laced with resignation.
I smiled, trying to contain my excitement. "Let's get married in two days' time. I'm sure everything with the company would have been solved by then," I said, my voice filled with confidence.
He nodded, and I could sense his reluctance. "I'll tell Aaron to prepare everything”. Hs said
“All the bills should be on me," I added, my voice firm.
Just as Raymond was about to speak up, Aaron walked in, his expression urgent. "The press meeting has been set up, and they need you in there. The shareholders of the company have arrived too," he said, his voice crisp.
Raymond nodded, his expression authoritative. "Come with me, Nina," he said, his voice firm.
I followed him, walking side by side as we entered the conference room. The air was thick with tension, and I could sense the weight of the company's fate on our shoulders.
Just as he entered he room, his phone vibrated and it was a message from Sophia, his ex girlfriend, he chuckled and dropped the phone.
“Well thank you here for coming..” he said,everyone's expression was stern and harsh, they dont look happy, Raymond faced the press lady who was sitting in front of everyone, her cameras forcing on us.
“Well, this is to the public and those who has been purchasing goods from us for a very long time,i truly appreciate the commitments and loyalties, and I am very sorry about what happened recently in the company, it wont repeat itself again, all our clients has been refunded and everything has been settled, I hope y'all take a place in your hearts to forgive us and I am pleading and in need of your support right now, thank you all..” he said and with the woman grabbed her cameras and posted it worldwide and after that they were done with everything.
After the board members was about to leave, Raymond handed me his phone, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. But I couldn't share his joy, not when his phone kept vibrating with messages from Sophia. I glanced down, my heart sinking as I read the words: "I miss you so much... I wish we could see and sort things out."
The pain was like a physical blow, but I knew I had to keep it hidden. This was his private phone, his public one was with Aaron. I couldn't let him know I'd seen the messages. But I couldn't bear the thought of Sophia walking back into his life, either after everything I had sacrificed.
Without thinking, I smashed the phone on the floor, the screen shattering into a hundred pieces. I stepped on the sim card, grinding it beneath my heel. If I took the risk and hand the phone back to him, we might not make it through the wedding.
Raymond turned back, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. I forced a look of shock onto my face. "Oh my goodness!” I was trying to pack the pieces “I didn't know how it fell... I placed it on the table, I wanted... I—don't..."
I stuttered, trying to cover my tracks, but Raymond just sighed and walked towards me. "Just stand up and let the workers clear it," he said, his voice calm, without a hint of anger.
I stood up, my heart racing, as he walked away. I followed him, a sly smile spreading across my face. I'd taken a risk, but it was worth it. I couldn't let Sophia ruin everything.
As we entered his office, Raymond gestured for me to sit down, he has never been this caring, his eyes locked on mine with an unnerving intensity. Aaron walked in, a smile spreading across his face, and I could sense his relief that the company's problems were finally solved.
"Aaron… I need your help with something very important" Raymond said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Make preparations for my wedding."
I glared at him, a sly smile spreading across my face.
"A wedding?" Aaron asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
Raymond nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "It's in two days' time. I want everything ready - my dress, the bride's dress... it's a secret wedding. I don't want too much crowd."
I nodded, my mind racing with excitement. "Well, it's fine if you don't want a crowd, but I'm glad everything I planned is already going smoothly. I loved him so much that I would do anything to make him marry me," I thought to myself.
Aaron nodded understandingly, he had no right to question Raymond, all he is paid to do is follow his orders.
FEW DAYS LATER
The day of the wedding arrived, and I stood at the altar, my heart pounding in my chest. The pastor asked me if I wanted Raymond as my husband, and I nodded, my voice low and firm. "YES I DO."
The pastor smiled and turned to Raymond. "Raymond, do you want Nina as your lovely wedded wife?"
Raymond paused, his eyes glinting with uncertainty. He glared at me, and I knew he was thinking if this was the right choice,my heart was already racing with fear, I thought he would reject me. But then he spoke up, his voice firm. "Yes, I do."
And with that, we were announced as husband and wife. I smiled, feeling a sense of triumph and happiness. But little did I know that this marriage would lead to my destruction... little did I know that I had made the worst and biggest mistake of my life.
- Writer
