The Affair of Secrets

The Vow She Never Chose It's been weeks and Lily had been working on two jobs concurrently, trying to salvage her parents’ ruined company. A single mistake had collapsed their decades-old business—an investment scam that left them buried in debt and despair. She had tried everything, taken bank loans, done freelancing, even selling off the little they had left but it made little or no impact. One night she got back home from work, quite exhausted but noticed the beautiful delicacy at the dining table. The meal hasn't been cooked ever since her parents lost the company, it was a whole lot of money to prepare. She was astonished as she dropped off her bag and approached the dining table. “What's the good news?" She asked her mother who was still adding more food on the dining table as she took a glass of water. Her father had looked her in the eyes and said, “There’s only one chance left.” “Only one chance left? What do you mean by that dad?” Lily asked curiously. She had expected him to announce a breakthrough but couldn't place his tone. He then said, “You’re getting married to Nathan Thompson.” She had choked on her water. “What!” “He and I made a pact a few months ago. We agreed on an arranged marriage for you both. A safety net and the only option we have since our financial ruin. This is that time, Lily, that we take up the responsibilities for our mistakes even though it has to cost your freedom." “But I don’t even know him!” “You’ve met him once,” her mother whispered. “He has agreed, Lily. All you just need to do is show up.” And because she loved them, because she couldn’t watch them break any further, she was also tired of the fact that she consistently needed to struggle to make ends meet. Lily had said yes. —------- A few days later, the day she had dreamed of all her life was finally here but not a dream with Nathan. The scent of lilies filled the grand cathedral, but Lily Grant could barely breathe. Her hands trembled inside the lace gloves as she stood still at the altar. Her eyes were fixed on the stranger across from her. Nathan Thompson. The billionaire CEO every business magazine raved about. The man who, until two weeks ago, had been nothing more than a name she’d heard in passing. Now, she was moments away from becoming his wife. A thousand thoughts collided in her mind. Her white dress clung to her like chains instead of silk. The murmurs of the guests, the flashes of camera lights, and the whispers from the pews all blurred into white noise. Her mother’s proud smile at the front row was like a blade to her heart. “I do,” Nathan’s deep voice cut through the fog. His expression was unreadable, he didn't even put up a smile. Not even a glance her way. “Lily Grant,” the officiant called softly, nudging her back to the moment. “Do you take this man as your lawfully wedded husband?” Her heart screamed, No! But her mouth said, “I do.” The applause erupted like thunder, and the ring slid onto her finger. The kiss was brief, dry, and very formal. And just like that, her life was no longer hers. After exchanging a little pleasantries, they got into the back of the limo on the way to the reception, Nathan sat beside her like a statue. His phone buzzed relentlessly, and he didn’t look up once. He was just on his phone all by himself. “Are we going to pretend this is normal?” she finally asked. He turned to her, his cool blue eyes meeting hers. “We’re married now and well, pretending is part of the package.” “Why did you agree to this?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. He gave a low, humorless laugh. “I have a desire and you will figure it out soon and besides it benefits your family. We both get something out of it. Isn’t that what marriage is?” Her heart sank so deeply hearing his words and perspective. So that was it? It occurred to her that it was more of a contract, a transaction than a normal wedding. She had now become a property to be exchanged. --- By the time they arrived at the reception, Lily had plastered on a polite smile. She greeted guests, posed for photos, and nodded through congratulations as if she wasn’t dying inside. The night ended with them retreating to the penthouse of Nathan’s mansion. The silence between them was heavy. She looked round Nathan's mansion, she hadn't seen a house as huge as his. It was screaming fortune and elegance. As they got to the penthouse, Nathan broke the silence as they approached a room door. He gently opened the door “Here is your room,” he said flatly. “Well, I wasn’t expecting otherwise,” she replied. Nathan acted like he didn't hear her remark, he didn't care what she felt or thought. He walked slowly and then paused at the doorway. “If you do your part properly, attend events, play the perfect wife, you’ll have everything you need. Just name it, money, comfort, and maybe freedom. Just don’t expect anything more.” Lily nodded, biting her tongue to keep from screaming. He then turned and left without another word. She shut the door behind her as she began to scream out her pain and let the tears fall. In the darkness of a mansion she didn’t recognize, married to a man she barely knew, Lily Grant realized something devastating: She had just said yes to a life she never chose. Not even in her wildest dreams. And at what cost? Her freedom. But not her heart because she still has feelings for Ryder, the father of her only son, Alexander. Beyond the marriage, when she signed the paper; it didn't just affirm her marriage to Nathan but that was her signing her way significantly out of her son's life as his mother. Her family saw it as marriage, a means of escape but she saw it as the pain she couldn't wish for an enemy. She sat on the floor sobbing as much as she could as she began reflecting about everything. What would become of her now….