The grand ballroom of the Royal Divine Hotel gleamed with luxury. Chandeliers hung like frozen fireworks from the high ceiling, and the room was bathed in the soft glow of golden light, the atmosphere was filled with different expensive perfumes. A female singer is on stage singing a slow-tone love song, Diamond is standing by the towering floral centerpiece, holding a glass of wine she is putting on a red gown fitted to her body, and her heavy makeup is covering her swollen eyes. She watches Nelson from her distance they had shaken hands earlier on when the families were introduced to each other.
Nelson stood across the room, adjusting his neat tailored suit which fit him perfectly and looking at his watch. His jaw tightened as he exchanged polite nods with the businessmen his father had invited.
Lilian is standing by a floral centerpiece her eagle eyes scanning the room for anyone important enough to impress.
Pearl walked up to Diamond, her lips twisted into a grin as she watched Diamond's discomfort.
"It's not every day someone like you gets to marry a man like him..." Pearl said looking at Diamond.
Diamond shot her sister a glare but said nothing. Her heart ached for Calvin, the man who she had fantasized about marrying and having kids with.
" I will stop at nothing to get back the life you stole from me, mark my words Diamond I will make sure you will never be happy," Pearl said and smiled leaving Diamond alone on the floral centerpiece table.
From a distance, Diamond can see Grandma Vee Nelson's grandmother holding Nelson's hands and walking toward her
"Diamond" Grandma Vee called flashing her teeth.
"You are indeed a black beauty" Releasing Nelson's hands and touching Diamond's jaw, Diamond flashes a fake smile
"Nelson you are a lucky man"
Grandma Vee said looking at Nelson who nods flashed a fake smile avoiding eye contact with Diamond by looking away.
"I know you guys are shy and still getting to know each other. It was like that when I met Simeon's father, we were just two young adults who knew nothing but we fell in love with each other months after our wedding." She flashes another smile at them and Nelson nods
" to make it easier for you two. I'll ask Elizabeth to create a timetable for you two to go on a date once a week, so you can get to know each other better. Is that okay?"
"Yes Grandma" Nelson replied.
Nelson a very tall handsome man lives a life dictated by his family most especially his father every decision he makes is theirs, not his.
Grandma was the matriarch of the Jegede family she refused to retire from the company and believed her son Simeon could not handle the company well until she felt Nelson was of age to handle the business that's when she would get her retirement.
Grandma Vee's eyes caught hold of one of the company investors
"Mr Ajala" she called leaving Diamond and Nelson alone.
Nelson about to make his way away from the table
"So," Diamond said calling him back and getting his attention "We're doing this."
"It seems we don't have a choice," Nelson replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, there was a shared understanding between them. Neither of them wanted this.
Before either could say more, the master of ceremonies took the stage and tapped the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. Tonight, we celebrate the union of two esteemed families and the beginning of a partnership that will strengthen both our companies and our futures. Let's welcome Diamond Adewale and Nelson Jegede!"
A polite round of applause filled the room. Nelson extended his arm to Diamond, and she took it reluctantly, her fingers stiff as they rested on his sleeve. They walked to the center of the room, where a flowery table bore the engagement rings.
But just as the officiant began the engagement ceremony, a loud gunshot shattered the joyous atmosphere Edward who was already standing beside Diamond and Nelson, suddenly staggered backward. His hand held him to the ground, blood seeping through his traditional attire. For a moment, time seemed to freeze, and then chaos erupted. People screamed running around, the room was in chaos.
Diamond screamed and dropped to her knees beside her father.
"Father! Please, stay with me! Don't close your eyes!" she cried, her hands shaking as she held onto him. Tears rolled down her face as she tried to press her hands against the wound to stop the bleeding Lilian, ran toward them, and fell on her knees in shock looking at Edward. Pearl from a distance is running towards them her hands covering her mouth as she cries uncontrollably.
"Call an ambulance!" Nelson shouted
"Someone help" Pearl shouted confused and in tears.
Some guests stood frozen in shock, while some rushed forward to help.
"We need to get him to the hospital now!" Lilian shouted, her voice cutting through the noise. Edward's security carefully lifted Edward and carried him toward the exit, as his family rushed after them.
Outside, a small crowd had already gathered, whispering and pointing, An ambulance was nowhere in sight yet, so the men placed him in the backseat of a car. Diamond is standing and shaking with shock. Her hands were stained with blood, her lips moving silently as though praying.
From the crowd Calvin is seen trying to get past the crowd to Diamond he had heard of her engagement and had come to stop it he began shouting her name.
"Diamond! Diamond!" he shouted, his voice desperate and loud. He pushed through the crowd, trying to get closer to her.
But before he could reach her, Thomas Edward's trusted assistant intervened. He rushed to Diamond, holding her hands "Diamond, come on, we have to go with them," he said firmly, his hand gripping hers as he guided her toward the car where Lilian and Pearl were already seated.
Lilian was crying as she clung to Pearl, their cries filling the car Pearl was trembling, her hands shaking as she tried to comfort her mother. Thomas quickly slid into the driver's seat, started the car, and sped off toward the hospital, leaving behind the scene of chaos.
"Diamond" Calvin whispered from where he was standing in the crowd.
All Diamond could think of was her father, she was confused as hell as she couldn't place what had happened.
" Who would do such on a day like this Edward has no enemies, who did this!" Lilian asked Pearl Crying profusely.
Pearl's eyes wander in Confusion and fear.