THE ARRANGED MARRIAGE; Not my choice

CHAPTER 3

Bella sweetie” Mrs Grayson called out her eyes wide open and cheeks raised

“How are you feeling now?” She asked as she smiled at her daughter

“I’m fine, I just have a slight headache,” Bella said as her brows furrowed and eyes squinted, she was tired

“Sorry dear, the doctor said we will be able to leave this evening”

“I’m sorry for disrupting the arrangements,” Bella said feeling remorse

“It’s okay darling, Lara is handling everything”

Bella became fine, she was visited in the hospital with flowers, food, and gifts. She went back to CEO William’s mansion that evening with her family members.

“Bella baby” A creaking voice called out

“Good morning ma” Bella was confused cause the face was new

“I know you’re surprised to see me, I’m Thiago’sgrandma”

“OMG” Bella was so happy to meet her

“How are you preparing for your big day?” She asked giving a smile, the corner of her eyes wrinkled

“Lara is handling everything”

“Yes you need to rest so you can look fresh”

Bella gave a wide smile

“I came in last night but you were asleep, you must have been so tired” Grandma Mago brought out a box

“What's that?” Lara asked, her eyes on the box

“It's my gift to you, my mom gave it to me on my big day,” Grandma Mago said in a shaky voice

Bella opened the box

“OMG, your wedding ring, you’re so sweet, thank you Grandma Mago” Bella said happily, she was so excited

“I have kept this ring for so long to give it to the woman who deserves it, keep it safe too”

“I will,” Bella said her eyes teary

“I will see you later”

Bella received so much love and affection from the Smith family, that they took her as their daughter, she was indeed getting out of her shell, the only challenge was her soon-to-be husband, he wasn't really into her

“Maybe marrying Thiago is a good idea, we will learn to love each other just as Dad said, I guess it's time to lethe grief go, I have to live my life,” she thought to herself

“Hi Bella” Lara walked in full of energy

“Hey Lara” Bella hugged her

“How are you feeling now?” I'm good

“I know I can see it all over you”

“We need to finalize everything today for the big day tomorrow,” Lara said giving a little dance

They both chuckled

***

“Oh my gosh, you look so beautiful,” Mrs Grayson said as Bella gave her a spin

“Thanks, Mom” Bella smiled broadly

“Lara you did a good job, thank you so much,” Mrs Grayson said

“It’s my job to make her happy at her wedding”

Lara said happily

Grandma Mago walked in

“My ever-beautiful Bella, you look so adorable”

“Thanks, Grandma Mago”

“I hope Thiago hasn’t come here, you know it’s bad luck to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony,” Grandma Mago said with seriousness

“No, he has not” Everyone giggled

Wedding bells rang, and a cool piano song played as Mr. Grayson walked his daughter down the aisle, everyone was watching, smiles beaming on their faces

“She’s so beautiful,” Mrs Grayson said softly as she sobbed

Bella had teary eyes but she had to hold the tears in so she wouldn't ruin her makeup. Thiago kept a straight face and no emotions

The priest cleared his throat

“Do you Bella take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” he asked, everywhere was silent

Bella looked over to her mom and then over to Grandma Mago, she saw the joy on their faces, and she couldn't afford to bring disgrace upon her family, she knew this would be a lifetime commitment, this was her last chance to make her final decision.

She turned to Thiago, he gazed at everything except her, he avoided eye contact with all diligence.

She took a deep breath and muttered “Yes”

The priest then turned to Thiago

“Do you Thiago, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” he asked

Thiago was silent. He looked over to his father and he gave him a stern look. He couldn't afford to lose his position as the heir to his father’s company

He turned to the priest and said “Yes”

The priest turned to the crowd and asked

“Is there anyone who is against this union? Speak now or forever hold your peace”

The hall was silent

He cleared his throat “I now pronounce you husband and wife”

You may now kiss your bride”

Mrs. Grayson heaved a sigh of relief, cheers swept through the crowd

Bella ignored the emotions trying to overwhelm her as she relaxed in the car with Thiago on their way to their after-party. The car was filled with inept silence

This was her new life and she would have to find a way to make it work for her good. Finding happiness was her pursuit

“Congratulations to the latest couple”

CEO Williams welcomed Bella and Thiago from the car

Everyone cheered as they walked through the crowd

“I have gifts for you” CEO Williams smiled

“The recently completed mansion at the estate is now yours, two brand new cars and a cheque of ten million dollars to start your lives as a new couple,” CEO Williams said beaming with a smile

Bella was so happy, that marrying Thiago might be a good decision financially, but there was something she cared about more, her happiness.

Thiago didn’t flinch, he was used to that lifestyle, all he cared about was his position

Bella’s parents were so happy, they knew their lives had been changed forever and Bella’s future was secure

“Congratulations” people kept saying as they approached them

Bella noticed Thiago had left, she looked around but didn't see a sign of him

“Have you seen Thiago?” Bella asked her mom

“No, I haven't”

“Where did he go to?” Mrs Grayson asked

“He didn't say” Bella was concerned

“Where is Thiago?” Bella asked Liam

“I don't know,” Liam said as he scratched his brow

“He should be around” he quickly said as he saw how worried Bella was

Bella nodded softly and left, she was sad

*Phone rings*

“Hey bro”

“Where are you Thiago?” Liam asked in a rather harsh tone

“I had to sort something,” Thiago said

“Really? You left your bride in your wedding party to go sort something, what's so important that couldn't wait” Liam was not having it

“I will call you back later” Thiago hung up

“Thiago! Thiago!”

“This is unbelievable” Liam was frustrated

“He must have gone to see his other girl,” he thought to himself

He went up to Bella

“Hey, there was an impromptu meeting with one of our investors so Thiago had to be there, he probably didn't tell you because he didn't want to ruin your mood” Liam explained

Bella wasn't satisfied with the explanation, she knew he was covering up for his brother

“Thanks, Liam”

“I will take you home now, you need to rest”

Liam said

Liam took Bella to the new mansion and stayed with her for a while

“I have to go now, I have work tomorrow”

“Thanks again,” Bella said, sadness written all over her

“Take care of yourself, Thiago will be home soon,” Liam said and left

Bella’s heart was enveloped with sadness, she felt lonely and empty inside, it dawned on her that she might have to deal with this for the rest of her life

“What kind of person leaves his bride on their wedding day” she thought to herself

Bella fell asleep on the couch as she was lost in her thoughts

A creaking noise woke Bella up from her sleep, it was their back door, her eyes opened wide as she got up, she was engulfed in fear

The noise got louder, and a thump followed right after

“Who’s there?” Her voice trembled, her heart raced