I was fuming inside when I had to pretend as if I truly loved this lady sitting beside me. I know a lot about corporate affairs and I understand that my rivals are looking for just one wrong move to use against me and my company.
Even though we only invited guest we knew as a family who are either top dignitaries or close family friends, I was not so naive to believe that this were the only people who would attend an occasion of this kind.
I saw my mother looking truly happy. I know that she is beaming with joy because I truly tried to play along with this whole idea of a contract marriage.
"please, let the couples come forward" the priest officiating the wedding ceremony announced.
I held Grace in my arms like a man who fell in love for the very first time. I blushed sheepishly like a high school boy. I tried to smile and behave strong but deep down, I wish that Anabelle was the one working down this aisle with me.
"We are here to witness the holy matrimony between Grace Martins and Ronald Gary. They have both decided to take their relationship one step higher by exchanging a holy vow. A vow of love, respect and harmony between these two. It is our hope and prayer that their love bring to them untold love, joy and happiness" the officiating priest said
"Amen" the congregation chorused.
"at this moment, we will be going to the session of exchanging of vows between the two couples" the officiating priest said before he observed a moment of silence opening a book that looked like a scroll.
"Ronald Gary, do you take Grace Martins, a young, beautiful and ambitious lady as your legally wedded wife to love, care and support her in every situation till death do you part?" the officiating priest asked
"yes, I do" I replied.
There was an uproar from the congregation as they all screamed out in pure bliss.
The priest then turned his head so as to face Grace.
"Grace Martins, do you take Ronald Gary, a young, vibrant and ambitious gentle man as your legally wedded husband to love, care and support him in every situation till death do you part?" the officiating priest asked
"yes, I do" Grace Replied.
At that moment, the congregation gave a loud shout indicating the beginning of our union.
"you may now kiss the bride" the officiating priest declared.
I was not comfortable with having to kiss Grace, especially in a public place.
Since we started our fake courtship prior to our marriage, never for once did I kiss Grace.
I was force to do it when I realized that people were looking at me awkwardly
"just do it" I said to myself rehearsing the NIKE line.
Soon, we were done with that session and I could not wait to get back to my seat.
"you can go back to your seat" the officiating priest declared formally making us husband and wife.
I could not believe that I am now a married man. Despite the fact that it was a fake marriage, I was beginning to loosen up a bit especially with the fact that I am no longer a bachelor.
"Hey man, it is so funny that you left the bachelor's club in such a funny manner" I heard a voice just behind me.
I looked back to see Kroos. I did not need to turn back to know who owns that voice. Even in a sea of different voices, I will still be able to pick out his voice with ease.
"it is really a funny experience. It is even more funny that I left the brotherhood before you" I said laughing out loud that you would assume that something was truly wrong with me.
"so what is the next thing, right now?" he asked me
"well… Well. We would be leaving for Ecuador first thing tomorrow morning for our honeymoon" I replied to him only to see him laughing real hard
"honeymoon, you say?" he asked In a mocking tone.
"yes, honeymoon. What is wrong with two newly married couple going out of the country for their honeymoon?" I asked him
"nothing is absolutely wrong but it is kinda weird If the couple in question had never agreed to be husband and wife from the beginning" he said laughing hard.
"you are just a pain in the ass" I said to him laughing along with him
"but on a more serious note Ronald, please do not make that innocent girl curse the day she decided to agree to get married to you during this period of your honeymoon" Ray said to me.
"OK, I will try to make it a memorable one for her at least" I assured him.
***
"please hurry up, Ronald because you do not have enough time because I do not want you to miss your flight" my mother said
"OK Mum I am almost done" I replied trying to pack up my few things
I hurried up with my luggage and left my sitting room only to see Grace Waiting outside for me.
"Hello, Ronald" Grace Said. I understood why she tried to stir up a conversation because if we would be spending the next one month alone, then we must start having some conversations together
"Hi, Grace" I replied
"What are all these, Ronald and Grace?" my mum asked.
"what do you mean, Mum?" I asked my mum looking confused.
"I do not like the nature of your communication. You both seem to be talking as if you are not a married couple. Is this how you intend to stay together for the next one month" my mum quarelled both of us
I totally understand where my mum is heading to and I have already to make a resolve to at least make up for all these.
"OK Mum. I have heard you" I told her moving towards Grace as I he
ld her hands and we moved out of the living room towards our car heading to the Airport.