Mrs Something

Chapter 1 Karen stood at the window of her room, gazing out at the bustling city below. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the skyline, but her thoughts were miles away. Tomorrow, she would marry a man she had never met, a stranger whose name she didn't know. Life had always been unpredictable, but this was beyond anything she had imagined. Just weeks ago, Karen had been an ordinary woman with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. She spent her days sketching dresses and working at a local boutique, finding joy in the simplicity of her routine. But everything changed when her mother received a letter from a wealthy businessman proposing marriage to their daughter. Of course, she accepted it. Olivia Coker, Karen’s mother, had married a very successful architect, Aaron Coker, who died two years after battling cancer. The family spent more than half of their savings to treat Aaron and pay for his medical bills. Now, Olivia was left alone to cater to three kids with just one job, so this proposal seemed like her last opportunity to give her family the life they all deserved. Karen dropped out of fashion school because her mother could no longer afford the fees. The other two children, Rhyme and Amelia, are twins and are in good schools, but that’s all they can manage. The letter was as shocking as it was mysterious. The promise of financial security and a lavish lifestyle was tempting, but the secrecy surrounding the man himself was unnerving. No one other than her mother knew his name. After much deliberation and pressure from her family, Karen agreed, hoping that her sacrifice would bring her loved ones the stability they needed—and maybe she could run away after a few months. Her phone's vibration pulled her back to reality. It was her best friend, Sophie. She quickly wiped her tears and answered the call. "Hey, girl!" she managed to muster her enthusiasm in a singsong way. "What's this thing I hear about you being pregnant? Is that why you've not replied to my texts? Is it Andrew? I knew that guy was no good, but I didn't think his pull-out game would be weak! Damn girl. You told mama?" "I'm fine, Sophie, thank you for asking." She couldn't help but laugh at this point. "No, it's not Andrew. I've just been busy." "Too busy for me? Busy with what? Preparing your wedding? Don't tell me the rumors are true." "Yes, I'm getting married and no, I'm not pregnant..." "...yet. And who are you talking to?" A tall, middle-aged woman walked into the room, cutting Karen off. "Mum, you should really start knocking. Do you want me to change the locks?" "Look at your room, wife-to-be," her mother, Olivia, said mockingly. "Don't make me regret not seizing that phone from you. Your husband's family must not know you're still interacting with the public." "I wish I knew this ghost husband," Karen muttered under her breath. "Say that louder," her mother took two steps closer to Karen. "I didn't say anything, Mum." "You better not." She shot Karen a "don't mess with me" look, one of her iconic facial expressions. Karen couldn't leave the house for any reason, not even for her fitting. --- ### The Next Day As she prepared for the wedding, a mix of emotions churned within her. Excitement, fear, and curiosity intertwined, creating a sense of anticipation she couldn't shake. The bridal suite was adorned with white roses and soft candlelight, but it felt like a gilded cage. She longed to know more about the man she was about to marry, to understand the motives behind his sudden proposal. "And there is the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen! I bet your husband will ask for your hand in marriage again after seeing you in this. I heard you’re getting married to a very wealthy man," the designer grinned in satisfaction. "Like he asked the first time?" Karen has always been known for her sarcasm, even at her worst moments. "I’m very sure he will," her mother quickly replied, faking a laugh. As the ceremony began, Karen's heart raced. She walked down the aisle in a delicate lace gown, feeling the weight of every step. She never imagined she’d be so pissed on her wedding day. She knew the groom was meant to be waiting for her, but he wasn’t there yet. I know we need his money, but how dare he stand me up? Where the hell is he? she thought to herself. A strange wave of embarrassment ran through her system as she began to sweat. She picked up one of the wedding pamphlets from beside where she sat and began to fan herself profusely. She noticed a photoshopped picture of her on one side of the pamphlet and started laughing. Well, at least I was wearing couture. This laughter was soon overtaken by shock when she saw the picture of her supposed husband: Declan Kennedy. The most gorgeous 30-year-old man? The Declan Kennedy? She was never really one to stalk men on social media, besides, she had a boyfriend. However, the Kennedys are definitely an exception. They have the most beautiful fashion house in Paris, one she applied to work for, even as a cleaner, but was never employed. Also, Sophie’s sister was engaged to Declan, last she heard. She had also heard that he said Sophie had the worst dress sense he had ever seen and she dresses Karen. The anxiety and embarrassment soon overtook her; she wanted to pass out. She stood up, pacing hastily to the bathroom, but stopped in her tracks as she bumped her head into the chest of her tardy soon-to-be husband. "Oh, come on..."