Chapter 6 - Marry Me

 Marry Me

Layla,you are not getting any younger. You need a strong man by your side 

Mom and dad are not getting any younger. 

Layla's mom's voice sounded tired over the phone. 

I want someone to love too but my time is almost up, Layla thought sadly.

Layla her dad called out softly, This is our way of showing you love and how much we care about you.

My Friend's son who stays in the city where you live, came over to see his Father. He met I and his father talking about you and he said he would like to know you better.

We had given him your contact, his name is Wesley, if he calls you or message you just respond politely.

Mr Fisher concluded waiting patiently for his daughter's response .

Layla has always rejected any blind date her parents or Tanar set for her, if she couldn't reject it. She would keep the Man waiting all day without showing up .

Layla agreed to give these person a chance for the first time because of her parents. She was going to please them and fulfill all their wish before she dies after all.

Wesley called later that day and set up a date for them during the weekend at Berkeley Restaurant.

...….

Lay , you have to be dressed properly, it's a blind date, it's no use leaving a bad impression. 

But you know I have no interest in this. You can't dislike someone you have not met before, He might be better than you imagine. Okay Tanar, I will try my best .

Hi I am Wesley, how are you doing, you look beautiful He said as he shook her hands while standing. Quite a gentleman,Layla thought.

Hello I am Layla , nice to meet you. Apologies for coming late though. It's Okay 

The blind date was better than Layla had imagined.

Wesley was a sound engineer at a Company and earns well for a start. He had a promising future. 

Wesley told Layla that her parents house would soon be demolished by the government, immediately she heard this ,a frown appeared on her face and she became worried .

Her parents had their own issues and were still bothered about her marriage. She needs to do something.

Wesley said this in order to pressure her into marrying him . He thought she would agree to marry him on the spot in desperation

I would get them an apartment here in the city as I did for my father.

Layla couldn't hear him anymore, she was lost in thought as she stood up and left

Carlen's Date

Maya dressed up extravagantly , one who did not know it was a date would think it was her engagement party with how she was dressed. She was wearing a white corset gown and her hair was all dolled up like a princess. Her dress could be taken as a wedding dress.

As she entered the Restaurant,all eyes were on her, is this her reception one person said.. 

She soon sighted Carlen and walked over to him.

Carlen looked up and saw a lady in a white dress afar off, he wondered if she was here to get married, he looked around at the people sitted, none was dressed like a guest for a wedding. 

This lady might have been stood up by her husband, he thought.

He wondered if he knew her as she was staring at him smiling and coming close to where he sat.

As she approached him, his hands began

 shaking and his heart was palpitating.

Carlen she called him loudly and hugged him ,you look so handsome.

Immediately he couldn't breathe anymore, beads of sweat was rolling down his body, his hands were shaking intensely. 

Excuse me, he said and rushed out 

Maya stood awkwardly, she tried to follow him but her legs were aching from the heels she wore 

What just happened, she asked herself,is he sick , he was looking terrible just now.

Layla ran out to the parking lot , she bent down in a corner beside a car and was crying hard. Woo woo she cried.

Carlen needed fresh air , he needs to be far from that lady inside the restaurant.

As he walked down to his car,he heard someone sniffing close to where he parked his car.

He wanted to leave this place as soon as he could but he found himself drawn to the person 

He followed the sound and found a lady bending down at the corner of the parking lot where his car was parked 

She felt familiar,as he looked at her ,his heart started beating normally and his hands stopped shaking. 

He felt relief wash over him . He wondered what was happening. He was no longer sweaty instead he was feeling more comfortable and lighter.

Layla noticed a presence beside her, she looked up and their eyes met each other.

She was shocked to see Aunty's son once again 

Carlen was not surprised, he knew it was he only felt such relief when he was around her.

Marry Me he said and I will never make you cry. I would solve all your problems and pay you every month for as long as you are married to me.

Layla thought he was mad. Do you know me?she asked. Yes I do, you are my mom's florist. 

Your name ? we can get to know that after marriage. You don't know my name either.

Layla hissed loudly, stood up and was about to walk away before she heard his voice.

Please help me, we both know we need this alliance. Whatever is making you cry somehow has something to do with money and I have that in abundance.

I need this marriage to help my company.

Then it's must be a contract marriage for a year ,Layla said. Of course whatever you say.

Let's go get married, he said holding her hands. Now! Layla stuttered.

It's the weekend now and the registry would be closed. Don't worry, I have my ways around it. He said 

I can't today , I still have to think about it , let's say Monday.

Alright he agreed but don't ditch me. He gave her his contact. Call me on this number and come along with your household register.

He asked for her address and drove her to where she lives. 

As she was about to get down from the car, she missed her step yet again. 

Carlen held her in place from falling. I am sorry she said and ran out of the car into l her house .

Why is she so clumsy,he said to himself. 

There was a small smile on his face unknown to him