My Dream Marriage

Chapter Four

It is on Monday. I woke up earlier than usual to get to work. I will have to ask for a leave for the wedding. I find the bookstore already cleaned only boxes of shipped in books placed at a corner. I place my bag at the reception area and begin unpacking the boxes. Just then a movement catches my eye and I already know who it is. I place the books down and face the direction of the entrance. Samara, my boss walks in. "Good morning, ma'am, hope your weekend was great," I greet her and she chimes," good morning too Neera. My weekend was fantastic. How come you are in so early? Do you want a salary advance?" Advance? I hadn't thought about that. Maybe it could come in handy, but I will have to ask about that later.

"No, ma'am, I just wanted to ask for a leave," I answer. "Why are you taking your leave now, in the last two years you have never asked for a leave, even your arranged leave I always give you, you always decline, why now?" I preferred working on my leave days because I could get to be paid extra to the usual pay rate, I was okay with my off days on weekend so working rather than taking a leave was beneficial. " I actually have a wedding to attend to in three weeks time that's why." " You could take maybe two or three days, wait you wanted leave, that is 21 days, why, is the wedding not in this country, is it abroad?" " No, the wedding will be here in this city." "Why then do you need leave for?" "Because it's my own wedding," I answer and she can't conceal the shock that is evident on her face. "You are getting married in three weeks time? You also get engaged," she points to my fingers, "and you did not tell me about it? Who is the lucky guy?"

I think about not telling her but given the status of the family I am getting married into, I give in and decide to tell her. "Edward Lawanson," her shock couldn't be more evident. "My goodness! That Edward Lawanson, the billionaire bachelor? I can't believe this? Are you serious? Where is the invite?" "No invites yet, and yes Iam serious, I am getting married to Edward Lawanson in three weeks time," I answer and she looks at me for sometime before she leaves for her office. I thank the heavens when she leaves without asking much and getting deeper into the matter. I continue with my work waiting for her response, she definitely will give me the response before we close for the day.

***

Lawanson house.

"Edward, why didn't you come for the introduction on Saturday? What was so important that you couldn't come back, it wasn't such a trivial matter, you could have sent an engineer to take a look at the site and you know that," Eric asks. "Dad, it was important that I go besides you are done with it right? You were there so I knew you could push through," Edward says. "You are aware this is your marriage we are talking about right? What could be more important than that?" " My company needs me and this marriage was arranged a long time ago so it will go on with or without my permission. Did you ask for my opinion before you decided on my fate? Dad I am tired of this discussion." Eric Lawanson furiously looks at his son and fists hand, his knuckles turning white in the process. "Edward, your wedding is in three weeks time, so you better prepare yourself. It's a good thing you came today so you know. What were you even doing since Friday until today?" "Eric, let him be, he was definitely busy , he needs to rest. Don't worry I will talk to him," Edward's mother says when she walked in and found them arguing. "You better talk to your son and make him understand,I am leaving, see you in the evening," he pecks his wife on the cheek and exits the room.

"Edward, how was your trip?"

"It was nice, thanks mom. I came in a few moments ago and met dad here, I landed an hour ago. Mom, is the wedding in three weeks time?" "Yes son, and I want your wedding to be the talk of town. My son cannot be a laughing stock. I have started preparing for the invites and by Wednesday they will be ready for delivery. But you have to do me a favour." "Which favour mom?"

"Since you weren't here on Saturday, you have to do this for me. Next Friday I have to attend an important function and I had booked a designer for Neera's wedding gown so you have to find time to take her. You two will also get to know each other," she says.

"Alright mom, I will. I need to go get my rest. See you later," he says and turns to leave. "Did you have something to eat? Do not starve to death. You are no girl to stay in shape. You need energy for your wedding, you know. Eat before you sleep," his mom remarks but Edward brushes her off, "I will eat later mom," he says and leaves the room.

***

The day passes on slowly and finally it is time to close for the day. I am done and I pick up my bag to leave, then I remember there is an unresolved matter with my boss Samara. I head towards her office and find her on a call. I wait until she is done and she looks up at me. "Oh you are here," she says and I nod.