Bound by Love, Free at Last

Chapter.4

.Scene 1

(The scene is at Maria Assumpta Cathedral Church, it is mid morning and the occasion is the wedding ceremony of Ella Brown and Adam Orwell)

The sunlight was bright, its shining glow reflected on the glass windows at the church, it gave the church pews a gold colour. The organ is playing a sweet melody and the church is filled with guests who are all watching the altar where Ella and Adam stood together on one side and the priest stands before them with his bible in his hand.

Priest

We are all gathered here today to witness the sacred union of Ella Brown and Adam Orwell. This union is built on love, trust, and eternal commitment. Adam Orwell, do you take Ella Brown to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in debt, in health and in wealth, to cherish and to love her in storms and sunrises, then say I do.

Adam (He smiles broadly)

I do, Adam replied with enthusiasm.

The guests all clapped with joy, a tear falls from the eyes of Grace Brown, Ella’s mother. She tightly held her husband's hand who say beside her.

Priest

Ella Brown, do you take Adam Orwell to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love him in sickness and in health, in debt and in wealth, to love and cherish him in storms and sunrises, then say I do,

Ella ( Her voice was barely a whisper, her eyes are tearful)

I… I do.

Her words were so faint that the wind seem to blow it off, her heart was so heavy, she did not look at Adam as she slid the ring into his finger.

Priest

By the authority that is vested on me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Adam turns to tenderly kiss Ella, she does not resist the kiss, but she also did not respond, all the guest stood up with a thunderous applause and cheering the couple.

Grace (she spoke to her friend beside her)

How stunning she looks in her wedding attire, my Ella is so graceful, Adam is a catch! He is so kind, very ambitious and refined. They are a perfect match.

Charles ( Beams with pride)

Adam will make me a fine son-in-law, he has strong values, he is also from a great family. Ella is in good hands.

Meanwhile at the far end of the church sat Richard frowning all through the ceremony, he sat at the last pew, his eyes were glassy due to tears. He was just muttering to himself.

Richard

So she is finally gone… forever.

Two of Adam's Bodyguards stood close to him, they have been monitoring Richard since he walked into the church, they were ready to silence him if he tries to to be a hinderance to the marriage in any form.

Bodyguard 1(whispering)

He has been frowning all through just strangle him if he makes a move towards the couple.

Bodyguard 2( low tones)

Today will be his last on earth if he tries that, since he does not want to listen i will silence him forever.

Richard had noticed the way they were walking quietly around him, observing him closly, so he knew they were ready for him if he tries to spoil the wedding, but he ignored the bodyguards because he did not come here for that.

Grace Brown (She went to kiss Ella)

Ella my love, you are truly a divine being, you have made us so proud, You will have a beautiful life.

All through the ceremony, Ella’s smile was just faked because of the guest. She looked at Richard from afar, but he looked down when their eyes met. Ella’s arm were tucked inside Adam's arm as they walked out of the church.

Charles (Hugged Ella at exit door)

Adam is a good man Ella dear, you have made the right choice. You also have made your family proud.

The guest all trooped into the courtyard of the church, cheering the newly wed couple. Two of the guests had an aside conversation

Guest 1

Did you see Ella's face?

Guest 2

She was looking so distant, it was as if she was somewhere else.

Guest 1

Rather it was as if she was with someone else.

Richard lingered a bit inside the church, he stood up, took a last look at the altar before he walked out the exit.

End of scene.

Scene 2

It was the night of the wedding, the scene is Adam Orwell's bedroom.

The light in the room is dim. There is a soft glow from a bedside lamp. A suitcase that has not been unpacked is beside the door. Ella is standing by the window, her wedding dress is still on her, while Adam sat on the bed, he is loosening his tie.

Adam

You have not spoken a word since we left the church.

Ella, (quietly)

I dont have anything to say.

Adam

Tonight is our wedding night Ella, at least you should pretend that you are happy.

Ella

Why would i pretend to be happy when I did not choose this life.

Adam (He chuckled bitterly)

Okay i see you are still angry at your parents. But do not take that out on me, we are married now. That is a done deal.

Ella (Angrily)

It is not a done deal for me. I did not agree to this marriage with my heart, i did it with my silence.

Adam

Frankly speaking, silence is as good as a yes in the world we live in.

(Ella turns to face him slowly, there is fire in her eyes.)

Ella

Then it is a very cruel world, while you are a cruel man for saying yes to it.

(Adam walks close to her)

Adam

I have been waiting for this night, do not make it harder than it already is.

Ella

Waiting? You do not know me, you just saw me for the first time barely a week ago.

Adam

I have known you for a long time Ella, well you are my wife now, that is all i see you now.

Ella

I want to stay in my own room.

Adam

That can not happen

Ella

Please I need some time to know you, to know about all these.

Adam

You do not have the time to avoid me Ella, i will not allow that in this marriage.

(Ella moves away as Adam steps closer to her)

Ella

Do not ever touch me, I am begging you not as your wife but i am pleading as a human being.

Adam

We are in a marriage Ella, you do not set any conditions.

Ella( Her voice has cracked)

You will never get my love in this manner.

Adam

You will love me later, what i want now is what belongs to me.

Ella (sternly)

I am not a thing that you own..

(Adam immediately grabs her wrist, she gasps in fear)

Ella

Please stop what you are about to do, I beg you.

Adam

You need to stop fighting what has already been ordained.

(Adam carries her to the bed while she struggles with him)

Ella

Please put me down, this is not how love starts!

Adam

It may be that we are not designed to love each other.

(Adam placed her on the bed as the bedside lamp crashes on the floor, there was darkness in the room)

There were muffled cries in the darkness.

End of scene