THE CONTRACT BRIDE

EPISODE005

AMARA'S POV

Mama assisted me in selecting this delicate green dress. When the light struck it, its shimmer danced. Even though my stomach was already turning over from nerves, the matching deep green heels made me feel taller.

Mama's hired makeup artist? She was knowledgeable. My face appeared soft, clean, and somewhat attractive. I pinned up my hair in this elegant style, with a few curls purposefully hanging down. I no longer even looked like myself.

I got out of the taxi and positioned myself in front of the Blue Lagoon Bistro. I received this address from Assistant Nia. I thought the place was far too upscale.

Hurry, Amara. Don't back down just yet.

It smelled of roasted meat and spices inside. Everyone wore attire reminiscent of a magazine feature. I nearly turned around, considering whether I should have chosen the sweater and jeans I had in mind. However, Mama had been correct.

"Goodday. Could I be of assistance to you? A woman at the front desk inquired. She appeared disinterested.

I said, "I.. uh. I have a reservation."

"Name?" She didn't even give me a look.

"Zion, Zion."

I nearly jumped when her head suddenly snapped up.

"This way."

I tried not to trip over her heels as I followed her around. People were looking at each other. Perhaps it only seemed that way.

She guided me to a peaceful area of the bistro that I was unaware of. It looked expensive, but it was comfortable.

She said, "Please take a seat here."

"Thank you."

I sat and tried to unwind. The juice was waiting there, and i took a sip. No menu. Simply put, food began to appear. There was an abundance of food on display. There were plates piled high with beef, veggies, creamy foods, and sweet-smelling items.

He must have placed his order in advance. I looked at the time. 6:10. Dinner was at six, he said.

I tried a bite of the tender beef and mashed potatoes, but my stomach was still tense.

This is heaven, the real heaven.

I muttered, "A perfect match," as I observed a couple nearby laughing and feeding each other.

"No, if it's planned."

The deep voice shook me back. I pivoted. Zion With his hands in his pockets as if he had nothing to say, Zion stood tall and solemn.

"When did you arrive here?"

He didn't respond. He simply pulled out the chair across from me and sat down.

I said, "Hello," hoping it sounded informal.

He examined the plate. "Is there a problem with the food?"

I turned my head away and remarked, "It's kind of spicy."

He slowly chewed a piece of jerk chicken after stabbing it then gave a slight motion. Five of the kitchen crew hurried over like magic.

He remarked, "I didn't request anything particularly spicy."

A man stroked his nape. "That's how you asked for it the last time with uhm"

I arched an eyebrow at him, and he stopped talking.

He tried again, "I thought"

Zion interrupted him. "Just bring dessert."

They rushed away.

Next they brought a Jamaican rum cake, which I nibbled at. I had lost most of my appetite. Zion remained silent while tapping his phone.

A wind blew through the surrounding windows. I massaged my arms.

He raised his head. "Are you cold?"

I chuckled a little. "Just the wind."

He looked at his timepiece. "Come on. I'll drive you home.

I said very little. I simply nodded and followed him through the back door. I was surprised by how cold the night air was. He opened the car door. I slipped in and murmured a silent thank you.

Everything sounded louder in the car. The silence filled my mind, the voices echoing in my heart.

You're acting foolishly. The present isn't a date. You're not friends with him. This isn't a film. This is actual life.

Silently, we drove. The streets of Montego Bay appeared deserted. Or perhaps I simply felt that way on the inside.

He halted the vehicle but did not open the door when we arrived at the Marley Estate gates.

He didn't give me a glance.

Then he said it.

"We need to talk, Amara."

I was struck by those four words. I had no idea they could cause such severe chest pain. I nodded while waiting.

With a sigh, he shifted slightly in his chair.

"I'll tell the truth. This marriage is not what I want. I didn't. I have no feelings for you and probably never will. Someone else already has my heart.

When he said it, he didn't blink.

Only because our families wouldn't let it go did I agree. I made every effort to escape this situation, but it was unsuccessful. The Zions and the Marleys wanted this union. They called it a perfect alliance.

He gave a headshake.

It wasn't until recently that I discovered they had adopted a daughter. When I learned, I was taken aback.

A pause. Then he went on.

"Amara, I've heard wonderful things about you. You seem intelligent. You appear to be generous and diligent. However, I will never be the man you desire. I've already found the person I want to live with forever. What is the significance of marriage? I'm merely doing it for my parents. I'm not doing it for anything else.

"I apologise. Yes, I am. I wish you luck in finding someone who genuinely cares about you in the future. Perhaps one day we'll figure out a way out of this.

Then, as if I had already left, he turned away and stared out the window.

I was immobile.

My mouth trembled. To stop the sound from rising in my throat, I bit down on the bottom one. It was ineffective. The tears had already begun to fall.

I opened the door and went out without saying anything. I didn't hear the vehicle drive away. I simply stalked, like a ghost, towards the estate.

How was dinner? Miss Marva called out from the kitchen. I didn't respond.

After putting off my dress, shoes, and makeup, I walked upstairs to my room and collapsed onto the bed. I gazed up at the ceiling. The glowfly pattern had lost its sparkle.

I couldn't get his voice out of my head.

"This marriage is not what I want."

"I have no feelings for you."

"Someone else has my heart."

I felt like screaming. Weep. Strike a wall. I could only lie there.

Why had I allowed myself to hope at all?

Why did I believe that something positive might occur?

I covered my head with a pillow. In the silent room, my voice broke.

"Impetuous. You're so foolish.

I ought to have known better.

I should have realised it was all a lie.

The scenario was no fairy tale. It was a trap. Heart first, I walked straight into it.