For the Camera

6. Drenched in Blood.

RUBY.

"You can't wear that, Ruby. It's your dinner night, and you'll be meeting lots of high-class guests," Sapphire nagged at me as soon as I put on a blue knee-length gown.

"This is one of the elegant gowns Mrs Daniels got for me, and it's the only one I like out of everything she forced on me," I replied, tired of searching.

"Why not wear one of the dinner gowns I got for you on your birthday? Especially that red one, it's sexy. You'll stand out, and you've never worn those gowns before," Sapphire suggested, heading to my closet, while I crinkled my nose disinterestedly.

"No way! It's too tight and makes me look larger," I protested.

"You think so? I think you'd rock it," she sugar-coated.

After much persuasion, I ended up in the red gown but still refused to wear any makeup. The one I had applied in the morning was already irritating my skin.

Sapphire and I stepped into the large, elegant garden that was rented for the occasion. It was already bustling with people.

"Well, Sapphire, you were right. I am certainly standing out," I snapped at Sapphire, regretting ever listening to her.

While I was dressed in a red cocktail gown, everyone else was dressed in white, and I mean everyone! Even Sapphire herself.

"I'm so sorry. I just thought that since you're the bride, you needed something that would make you stand out in the crowd. And trust me, you're catching everyone's attention," Sapphire tried to calm my nerves with her praise.

Mrs Daniels approached me, glaring at me with intense anger. If looks could kill, I would be six feet under. "I specifically told you to wear a white dress, not red. I got you numerous white dresses, and you still went ahead with this? You look like you're drenched in blood!" she whispered to me angrily, trying not to attract attention.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't realize there was a colour code. You didn't inform me," I replied, realizing she had skipped that important detail. If she had involved me in the planning, perhaps I would have known.

"Clara, is this the famous Ruby, our beautiful bride?!" a high-pitched voice exclaimed from behind us.

We both turned around, but Sapphire had disappeared into the crowd. That girl promised to stick with me throughout the night. I sighed.

"Oh, Mariam, yes, it's her! I'm so glad to see you," Mrs Daniels squealed, hugging her while I rolled my eyes at their overly affectionate display. I recognized Mariam as the wife of a state governor.

"She's even lovelier in person!" Mariam exclaimed though it was evident that her enthusiasm was forced.

Mrs Daniels left me standing alone awkwardly while she chatted with Mariam. I looked around, feeling like a fugitive, realizing that my 'husband' was engrossed in conversation with his friends and hadn't even noticed me. I scanned the area, noticing all the high-profile dignitaries whom I would have to speak to and greet sooner or later.

The First Lady of the country graced the event, accompanied by several state governors and their wives, as well as numerous politicians and prominent figures from popular industries and companies. The gathering also included selected affluent Nollywood actors and actresses, along with renowned artists. It was surreal to think that I would have to interact with most of these individuals.

I made my way to a table adorned with a variety of fruits and impulsively popped a strawberry into my mouth, only to be interrupted by someone.

Yasmin.

"Oh, Ruby! Those aren't real berries!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with mockery. I immediately spat it out. She was right; the berry was made of rubber. How did they manage to make it appear so lifelike? And why were there rubber berries placed on the tables?

"I didn't expect you to still be so clueless and foolish after all these years. Haven't you found your senses wherever you left them?!" Yasmin sneered, her saccharine voice concealing the underlying animosity. I could sense the deep-rooted hatred behind her words.

Yasmin had always been malicious and unkind toward me. She despised the fact that my family was wealthier than hers, resenting the advantages I had that she lacked. She constantly targeted and belittled me. I knew her animosity must have intensified since I came seemingly out of nowhere and married the man she had set her sights on. Her bitterness and intense hatred were understandable.

By the way, who even invited her to my dinner party?

"Yeah, as if you were even asked or allowed to invite anyone. Do you even have anyone worthy to invite?" my inner voice taunted, but I chose to ignore it.

I couldn't find a suitable retort to Yasmin's question. My tongue was tied. Sometimes, I struggled a bit to stand up for myself and give people the response they deserved, as was the case at that moment. Besides, why create a scene at my party because of her?

"Seems like you're still the mute you've always been. Well, I'm here to remind you that Toby belongs to me and me alone. Sure, you may be married to him and all that nonsense, but we both know it's strictly business... he has no ounce of affection for you, and it's understandable. I mean, who would leave a world-class beauty like me for trash like you!"

Tell me something I don't already know, Yasmin. I rolled my eyes.

With that parting shot, she gracefully walked away in her towering high heels. Did she not fear toppling over in those perilous death traps? Well, I suppose it's true what they say about birds not being afraid to fly.

The evening dragged on as we were introduced, engaged in games, danced, and endured the company of judgmental guests while ignoring the whispers surrounding me. "My husband" paid me no attention throughout the dinner. So much for marriage.

TOBY.

The dinner night concluded, and my supposed wife and I boarded one of the family's private jets to our honeymoon destination, Dubai. As if we would engage in any honeymoon activities.

The island we arrived at was truly exceptional, boasting top-notch security, impeccable customer service, and luxurious hotel accommodations.

Here's a newsflash: Dad deliberately ensured that only one room was booked for the both of us, with the deluded idea that we would sleep together. That man surely has a vivid imagination. Throughout the journey, Ruby and I didn't exchange so much as a greeting, and I was perfectly content with that. What would we even talk about?

As soon as we entered the lavish room, I discarded my tuxedo and shirt, while Ruby stood there gaping at the room's opulence. I rolled my eyes at her reaction and plopped down on one of the cushions, fixated on the television.

Ruby hurried into the bathroom, and after what felt like an eternity, she emerged wearing a black gown... Why did I even entertain the thought that she would wear something more alluring? Silly me. She wasn't even making an effort to seduce me. Not that I would ever consider being intimate with such an unattractive person, but still.

I stepped into the bathroom to take a shower, only to return a few minutes later and find her lying on one side of the bed.

If she truly believed that I would sleep on the same bed as her, she was sorely mistaken. She must be delusional! I lunged toward her, forcefully dragging her off the bed, causing her to yelp in pain as her backside collided with the cold floor.

"You have some nerve thinking you can sleep on this bed. Who do you think you are? Someone like you belongs on the floor, not even the couch. Don't let me catch you on that expensive couch. Sleep on the floor!" I shouted angrily.

To be honest, I was merely bluffing. I simply wanted to make her miserable. I never actually expected her to comply and sleep on the floor. However, when I saw her effortlessly settle on the floor without resistance or argument, I was taken aback and, at the same time, satisfied with myself. I didn't realize she was still the same, incapable of standing up to bullies and acting foolishly submissive. Utterly foolish.

Or perhaps she's just trying to give me my space too. If she believes that acting like an imbecile is the way to go, then she can expect to receive more of the same treatment from me for barging into my life and failing to say no to her family.