The Untouchable Bride

Episode 3: A Controversial Bond

“Good morning,” Ronald said to Ella, who was now waking up and stretching. "Good morning" she responded to his greetings, opening her eyes wide, fully awakened now. Ronald was already dressed and ready to set off to work. He fixed his cufflinks, looking into the mirror to check if he was set to go. He walked to Ella who was sitting on the bed to kiss her forehead. "I will be back soon". Ronald said to Ella, who was too stunned to speak by his gesture and just nodded. He picks up his bag and walks out of the door, closing it gently.

Ella, who was fully awake now, walked to the windows, opening the curtains for bright light to illuminate the room. She began to hum a song when her phone suddenly began to ring. Turning to the bed, she sat on it, then picked up her phone. "Hola Chingu". She said to the person at the other end of the phone. It was an inside joke to speak different languages whenever you picked up the call. "What were you thinking?" Benedicta shouted immediately when she heard Ella's voice. "I guess the news got to you faster than I anticipated." Ella signed. "Girl, you married the most eligible bachelor in town. It's all over the media," Benedicta exclaimed. "I guess it's really done then." "What happened? No. I am more curious about how your wedding night went". She paused then continued "How was he?" "With What?" Ella asked, confused. "In bed, silly". "OMG Bene, Nothing happened. Uncle Ronald isn't like that". "huh aa, you tell me; what he was like then. You two are officially married". she paused, then continued. "Don't tell me you rejected his advances". "Can we not talk about this and why are you not asking about Stephen?" Ella asked. "Well, you know I didn't like that boyfriend of yours anyway. He felt too good to be true. I warned you but you closed your eyes to all the red flags I pointed out." "You are right," Ella said, while sighing. Bene had told her it was not normal for her not to hear from her boyfriend regularly and he standing her up on their anniversary with the excuse of forgetting was unforgivable, yet she believed there had to be a reason. Ella always believed in the good of others.

"It's not your fault. You loved him and he didn't deserve you", Bene added when she realised the line was still there. "and you think Uncle Ronald does?" she asked, unsure of what to expect. "You know I will support any decision you make. Ronald always supported you and aided you when you were with his son. I think he will treat you right. The issue is how you will deal with people. As long as I've known you, you feed on what others say to survive". "So you think it's okay to be married to someone old enough to be my father?" "Well, I'm not saying it's right or wrong. All I am saying is, that is the situation you have to deal with without focusing on what others will say" Bene said. " Easier said than done." Ella retorted. "Well, I am a living testimony of adult relationships right". "Yeah". Benedicta was a product of an age-gap relationship. Even then, it was only 10 years between her parents. They had to relocate and had to face their own trials. "Is everything all right?" Bene asked, worried "Yes, it's okay,". I need to step out and get some items. Let's talk later." They hung up the phone and Ella went to freshen up. She then changed and stepped out of the house.

Ella had to walk all the way to the market as no taxi was willing to stop and pick her up or it was full. She found it odd but brushed it off and arrived at the market after a 30-minute walk. Exhausted, she stopped at a stall to purchase water from the convenience store, which was refused. Astonished at the new development, she tries to negotiate with the lady at the counter. She bought from the convenience store anytime she was in the market, so it was new to her to be refused. "Eerm, please excuse me, why are you not selling the water to me?" "We don't sell to prostitutes". " WHAT!!" "You heard me, I have the instruction which I fully adhere to and agree not to sell to you" " Okay" Ella said and then turned toward the market to buy foodstuff and beverages. To her surprise, everyone refused to sell for the same reason and worse were the comments, some shooed her away, calling her greedy and selfish, while others called her a prostitute in various ways. Unable to stand it, she runs to hide in a corner where she sobs, taking in all the insults thrown at her from various angles.

" That b***h thinks she can just walk in here as if she owns the store," Her favourite store owner said to a customer, who responded," She is married to Mr Welbeck, so what? She thinks she owns this place." They burst into laughter. "Did you see the way she was dressed" "I bet her wedding turned into her funeral". "Another joins in. "How did she even have the courage to come in here? "Did you realise there was no honeymoon for her? "They burst into laughter again causing her. "She thought she could probably go from one man to another. "She probably thought she was pretty because we kept telling her that since young". Unable to take it all in, she tries to go out and face them, only to be stopped by a hand.

"Grandma?" She spotted the old lady who always seemed to be secluded in the market space. "Its not necessary my dear." she raised her brows toward the people gathered gossiping about her". Surprised, Ella asked, "Why are you talking to me in the first place? Don't you know of my reputation". "I know nothing of that. All I know is you do not deserve that kind of treatment. You are one of the kindest souls I have met. You always help by accompanying them out of the market while holding their luggage. You also saved that young boy the other day from being run over by a drunk driver. There are so many things you have done for us I cannot name." Ella laughed bitterly. "Yet it seems only you remember since I even forgot that. hahaha". "It is in human nature to forget. Take heart," she sighs. "Let me call my grandson to assist you with whatever you would like to buy from the market. My advice to you is to toughen up. The world is not Galway black and white". She pats her and calls her grandson, who takes money from her and the list of items she needed to purchase. He then dashed into the market. The old lady chit chats with her about random things like the bright weather not even once mentioning her situation. Ella thanked her and her grandson while trying to tip them but they refused. They believed it was their turn to return the favour. Ella was lucky to get a taxi this time around home.

Ronald, on the other hand, arrived at the office only to be met with whippers. He ignored them and went straight to his office. He phoned his secretary, who happened to be his good friend, Eric. Eric walked into the office singing congratulations songs and laughing. They laughed and Eric said "By the way, shouldn't you be on your honeymoon by now", "and why should that be any of your business", Ronald asked. "It will interest you to know. It is everybody's business with the way your marriage turned and, like it or not, you live in a small community, your business thrives here" Eric uses his hand to gesture around the office. "Oh and by the way, he adds. It seems the staff are not happy with your marriage, especially to your son's fiance. "They are welcome to resign if they want to", Ronald said, but before he could finish, his son burst into the office and heard his last statement. "I see you are already protecting your new woman" Stephen said as he sat down facing his father and his secretary. "That is your mother, and you shall respect her." Ronald Responded.