NATALIA'S POV
"I'll regret this?" I thought, my mind racing with confusion and hurt. What did Jeff mean by that? Why wasn't he even bothered to listen to my story? I dialed his number, my heart racing with anticipation and curiosity.
"What?" Jeff answered coldly, his tone really disturbing and serious. I was discouraged, unsure of how to deal with the situation. Why is he behaving this way, unbothered?
"Jeff, what do you mean by 'I'll regret this'?" I asked my voice firm but laced with emotion. "Do you even care about me? Do you know what have had to go through these past few days, do you?"
I couldn't help but let out the frustration wailed up in me. "You've been away for weeks, and I've been dealing with all the ups and downs happening in my family. I explained everything to you, but you didn't even bother to ask how I was fairing. All my boyfriend can do is threaten me without even listening to my side of the story, seriously Jeff?"
I took a deep breath, hoping to calm myself down. "It's fine, Jeff. I'll tell you why I sent that text. I'll tell you everything." And with that, I poured my heart out to him, explaining how I was being forced to marry against my will, how my family's situation had become desperate, and the main reason for my sudden decision.
Jeff's response, barely audible, his voice laced with pity and regret. "I'm... I'm sorry, Natalia. I had no idea things had gotten so bad."
But it was beyond consolation. "There's nothing that can be done, Jeff. I'm trapped. I was hoping we could work things out together, but now... now it's too late."
Jeff's words were laced with a desperation I couldn't explain. "I'll be back next week, maybe we can see each other and talk things out."
But I knew it was very much useless. "NO!" I screamed, the sound echoing through my empty room. "There's no point giving ourselves false hope, Jeff. It's over."
And with that, I hung up the phone, the tears I'd been holding back finally streaming down my face. I couldn't believe I'd spoken to Jeff that way, but what choice did I have? Our future, our dreams, our plans, and our goals, all seemed like imaginary things, a dream that would never become reality.
As I wiped away my tears, I couldn't help but think of the man I was being forced to marry – a man who lacked respect, a man who didn't even have manners, I wondered whether he did have parents or guidance while he was young for him to have this bad attitude. And I thought of Jeff, the love of my life, the man I was leaving behind.
My phone rang repeatedly, Jeff's calls going unanswered. It's only for his good, I murmured to myself. I didn't want to hurt him more than I already had.
I switched off my phone, packed my hair to the back, and made my way to the bathroom to freshen up. I quickly brushed my teeth, washed my hair, and took my bath.
Without wasting time I settled for a casual wear, and made my way downstairs to meet my Dad and Mum for breakfast.
I greeted both my mum and dad before settling on one of the dining chairs directly opposite my Dad's. Even while trapped in her wheelchair I could perceive my mum making my best meal and I knew she just prepared it to console me
Even though my heart was drenched with pain and uncontrollable sadness, I had to put on a fake smile to make sure my mum wasn't worried or bothered about me
I couldn't finish the meal before I bid both my dad and mum goodbye and left the house.
I was supposed to go to my workplace but I had to make preparations for the meeting that night with Mr Rudeness. I already got the permission to be off for the day.
I work as a chartered accountant in a local government agency earning little not enough to care for all my needs and my mum's medical expenses.
Even though have not fully accepted to be Andrew's wife I don't have much choice and seems this is all fate has for me. I thought as I entered one of the grocery stores to get all that Mum needed for tonight's dinner.
I had to run other errands before I could go back home with the items I bought.
I got home all tired and it was getting late already. I quickly dropped all I bought, greeted my mum and dad, and immediately went to change my dress to assist my mum in cooking in the kitchen
We started cooking and gisting but didn't say anything related to the marriage but just enjoyed each other's company like a mother and daughter would. I was really happy because of the smile I saw on my mum's face even with all that was happening.
"Go dress up my daughter, he will be here any moment from now," my mum said after a while of cooking
"But there's a lot to still take care of" I responded not willing to leave the kitchen
"Don't worry dear, I will take care of the rest" she defended herself
Not willing to argue with her, immediately I went to my room. I got dressed in a red emerald gown with my heels to match the dress and a little touch of makeup. I don't want to look like am homeless but at the same time dress to be admired by a man who doesn't deserve it.
Immediately I was done dressing up, I went downstairs, and to my surprise, he (Andrew) was seated comfortably already in the dining area
I got there and tried to be polite "Hello, good evening," I said stretching my hand only for him to ignore my greetings and continue pressing his phone
I ignored his attitude and sat down quietly beside my mum.
"Shall we begin?" I heard Mr arrogant said
He brought a piece of paper from the bag one of his associates was holding. I wonder if he goes everywhere with these men all around him. I thought
"Before we sign this contract, I have some questions and clarifications to make" he paused
"Is she a virgin?" he asked facing my Dad pointing the pen that was in his right hand toward me
"Excuse me?" I asked with a shocked expression. I couldn't hold his arrogance anymore
"And how's that your business Mr Andrew, if you are really curious and want a wife that's a virgin then you should have gone looking for one, not through contract" I replied in a harsh voice
"For a girl that will soon be my wife, you sure lack respect" he said smirking
"For someone who knows a lot about respect, surprisingly you are deficient in it," I said and watched as his face reddened in anger
I just can't let any man think he can treat me anyhow. If he's behaving like this while we haven't even married yet, I wonder how he will treat me once I become his wife. I thought quietly
"Mr. Wilson, it's very obvious you haven't taught your daughter well how to speak to an elder," he said facing my Dad who kept mute
"Well there's no problem, I will be very glad to teach her some respect and learn how to talk once she becomes my wife," he said facing me with a serious tone
"Well have signed my part of the contract, it's left to you now," he said sliding the document to me
I watched in amazement. How can a man be as cruel as this, and am supposed to be with him for the rest of my life? Is this really the best option, I hope I won't regret this and I hope can find peace. I thought pitying myself and lost in thought
"Natalia!" my mum called tapping me on my lap and I snapped my eyes open bringing myself back to reality
"Yes Mum" I answered
ANDREW'S POV
As I gazed at Natalia, I wondered what thoughts were racing through her mind. All I needed was her signature on the contract, and I would stop at nothing to make her regret the way she had spoken to me tonight.
"I hope you're aware of what's at stake here, woman," I said, my voice firm and commanding, as I drew her attention back to the matter at hand.
I watched with great interest as she hesitantly penned her signature on the contract. A feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment washed over me that I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt such triumph.
Immediately, I grabbed the contract from her and handed it to one of my assistants. "Now that both parties have signed, Natalia, you are officially mine," I declared, my voice dripping with malice. "I get to decide what you do and don't do, where you go and don't go. I am your savior, your master."
A cruel smile spread across my face as I beheld the anguish etched on the faces of Natalia and her family.
"Sorry to disappoint you, Mrs. Wilson," I said, leaning forward, my eyes locked on hers. "I'm eager to indulge in the meal you've prepared." I adjusted the food in front of me, savoring the aroma.
"No offense, but I'm avoiding the same fate as my parents," I added, noticing the concerned look on Natalia's face.
"The marriage will take place this weekend," I ordered, turning to Mr. Wilson. With that, I rose from my seat, accompanied by my associates and Mr. Wilson, and exited the house, leaving behind a trail of despair and desperation.