"It's you!" Dad exclaimed.
I watched Lilian's face scrunch up in confusion.
"You're so much more beautiful than the pictures." He said, extending a hand towards her.
She blushed and shook his hand. "Thank you, Mr Bladell."
"Call me Kane. Please, feel at home."
"Thank you for having me."She replied. I could see how excited everyone was and it made me happy. They could never find out that all this was fake.
My mum led her towards the dining room while gushing over her, closely followed by my sister.
"She's really beautiful. I can see why you're so eager to get married." Abel said, patting my shoulder.
I shushed him. "Don't ruin the surprise! I've not told any other person yet. I'm planning to tell them over dinner."
"Okay." He made a mouth zipping motion. "Can we go eat? Hospital food sucks."
"Why don't you go ahead? I'll join you."
He nodded and walked away.
I went to my room and brought out the diamond ring I had made for her this morning. Proposing in their presence will cancel any disbelief they may have.
"Byron, how nice of you to join us." Mum said sarcastically as I approached the dining table.
"I had to do something urgent. Hope I didn't keep you guys waiting for too long?"
"Better late than never. Right son?" Dad asked.
I nodded in agreement and turned to look at Lilian. She was engaged in a conversation with Rose and it seemed like they had gotten along well.
I sat beside her and held her hand under the table. She glanced at me and smiled so lovingly I almost believed she was in love with me.
Didn't know she was this good an actress.
We said the grace and started eating. Abel kept on kicking my leg under the table and snickering. I ignored him and rehearsed the speech I had planned to give when I proposed.
After dinner, we all went to the living room.
"So.." mum began to say as we all settled down but I cut her off.
"I have an announcement."
Everyone turned to face me. Abel gave me a knowing smirk.
I brought out the ring from my pocket and went down on one knee in front of Lilian.
Mum and Lilian gasped, dad sat there, grinning while Rose brought out her phone to start recording.
"My world turned from black and white into a spectrum of colors.
Days were dragging. I’m comfortable lying on my bed but I feel homeless, hollow. Not until I met you. You’ve filled a void in my heart I never knew it was that big.
Meeting you made me feel alive and loving you completed me. I want to be the best husband you deserve and build a family with you. Make me the luckiest man.
Will you marry me? "
She nodded vigorously and shakily extended her hand. "I'll marry you." She whispered, breaking into a sob.
I couldn't tell if she was nervous or excited but I was certain that we looked like a couple in love. I slipped the ring unto her finger.
Everyone cheered for us and I bent to kiss her forehead.
I could feel my heart racing. It was probably from the excitement I was feeling right now.
"When is the wedding ceremony? Will you call your parents over so we can pick a date?" Mum asked excitedly.
Lilian's face fell and I tightened my grasp on her hand.
"Actually, Lilian and I thought we should get married as soon as I proposed so we are getting married next weekend. Right babe?"
"Yes. We want to get married as soon as possible." She said, smiling.
"That's great news. I'll get working on it this very instant." Mum said, a wide smile on her face. " Take Lilian home now. She has to be at her dress fitting and cake tasting tomorrow."
"Okay mum. See you tomorrow."
"You're not sleeping here this night?"
"No. I'm sure the reporters would have gotten tired of waiting. I will go home this night."
"Okay son. Take care of Lilian." She hugged Lilian and I and walked us to the car.
Rose came running after mum had gone back inside. "Lilian, I'm so glad you're my sister-in-law. Thank you for marrying my brother."
Lilian teared up again and gave Rose a hug.
"Good night brother. See you tomorrow."
"Don't you have to go to school?"
" I can't miss the dress fitting. I'll take the week off. I'm sure the principal will understand." She smirked.
"Good night Rose." I said, resignedly. Nothing could change her mind now. Once she was determined, she would do everything to achieve her goal.
I got in the car, ignited the engine and started the journey to Lilian's house.
"Thank you for today, Lilian. My family was very convinced." I said with all the gratitude I could muster.
"You didn't tell me you were going to propose."
"It just came up. I wanted to make it more realistic. I'm sorry if you were caught unaware."
She sniffled and hugged herself. I wanted to reach for her, to comfort her but I held myself back.
I wasn't myself around her and I do not like it. Immediately the wedding is done, I'll avoid her as best as I could.
We drove in silence till we reached her house.
"Your family is lovely Byron." She said, hands on the door and ready to bolt. "They are different from every other rich person I've met."
"Thanks for playing along." I replied.
"By the way, the ring is beautiful. It looks so precious, are you sure I should keep it?" she asked nervously.
"Of course, it's yours afterall. Made just for you" she stared at the ring before reaching for the door.
"Good night, Mr Bladell." She said, a tiny smile on her face.
"Goodnight, Miss Jackson."
She got out of the car and went into her house, not looking back once.
**
Instead of going home, I went to Regina's, as I promised I was going to drop by. As I stepped into her penthouse, I breathed in the soothing scent of sandalwood she enjoyed keeping around and immediately felt relaxed.
"Byron, you're here" she came over and helped take off my coat. As she called my name, my mind flashed to Lilian's pink face. I shook my head trying to rid myself of the thought. Regina fawned over me and led me to the couch.
I just seemed to let go of all my worries with her. I stopped worrying, collapsing into her embrace. "This week has drained the life out of me." I complained.
She ran her fingers through my hair. "That's why I'm here, to help you recharge." Her voice was gentle but slightly seductive.
I lifted my head, my eyes memorizing every inch of her face, her features blurring into someone else's. They looked so similar. I couldn't help myself and leaned in for a kiss. I can't leave Regina, I couldn't let her go. I broke away from her.
"We're having the wedding ceremony this weekend." I let out.
Her eyes suddenly became stormy but I quickly explained. "That doesn't change a thing between us. What I have with her is nothing but a contract."
She patted my cheek. "You know you don't have to explain yourself to me, I believe you." she chuckled and pulled me by my collar . "You better not forget me." Her voice was low in a threatening manner.
"Of course." I smiled dotingly. Her expression relaxed.
"I want to go shopping tomorrow, I'm changing my closet." I sent her the money without batting an eyelid.
"Thanks Darling" she smiled happily. For the first time, my thoughts were with someone else as I hugged Regina close.
I let out a sigh of relief as I relaxed on my bed. Christie was working on an assignment when I got back while James was already asleep. "You're back sis. How'd it go?" She asked, looking up from her assignment. "It was good. Went pretty well." I said, hiding my hands in my coat's pocket. "You must be tired. Why don't you go sleep? I'm about to round up here." "Did he come here?" "Dad?" She asked. I nodded in reply. "He did. A few hours after we were back from school. He probably just got off work because he seemed sober." "I wonder why his boss is so lenient with him." I hissed in dissatisfaction. He spent all his income on alcohol. If he was left with anything, it could only afford us a week's groceries. "He asked about you. I said you went to work." "Okay. I'm going to bed now." I said, my mood dampened. "Lili," Christiana called out to me. "I know you are angry at yourself and dad. But, I'm pleading with you to let go of your grudges. Mum didn't die because of you. Ple
I couldn't stop myself from touching her."What?!" She said, her eyes widening."Nothing. Let's go."I shut the door and walked ahead of her, trying to gather my thoughts.Seeing her shy smile and the blush on her cheeks, how easily we got along made me feel weird. 'It's all just a show for my family to see, after the wedding we'll live our separate lives.' I thought to myself.Just because we had a contract didn't mean we couldn't be civil.I felt better after settling that.She also kept her distance and we had breakfast in silence.**When we got to the designer's shop, there was an array of dresses out already. Mum, Rose and a lady I didn't recognize were checking them out."Lili!!" The lady shouted, running towards Lilian. She enveloped her in a hug and lifted her up the ground. Lilian giggled."You're here early, Kayla. How are you?" Lilian asked the lady, whose name was apparently Kayla."I'm good. Really good. This people are so nice." Kay said in an attempt to whisper but I w
Every night, I created time to apply face masks and actually focus on skin care. The results were satisfying, my dark circles were fading away.‘I should have started this ages ago.’ I thought. 'Maybe I'd have been as attractive as Kayla.'Of course I didn't have the time before and wasn't even in the state of mind to even think about this. Now I had adequate sleep and wasn't stressed out all day, spreading myself thin. He honestly had all my gratitude.Byron calling me cute startled me and also made me think about the mask. Was it working that well? After he called me cute, he suddenly went quiet and distanced himself. Good. That would give me time to put myself together.**"Well, what do you think?" I stared at myself in the mirror.Never would I have thought I would get married in this lifetime, trying out a dress this magnificent was also out of my imagination. I faced the girls, turning so they could see every angle."Oh my, that's really gorgeous." Nina said, smiling widel
Of course. What exactly was I thinking? I hit my head on the steering wheel in frustration. Just because she smiled at me, joked around and the fact that we were getting married didn't mean she was comfortable with me. She was probably just being polite. If not for the condition she found herself in, this whole charade wouldn't be happening. It took a lot to reply as fast as I could while seeming unbothered. It was better this way, I know exactly where she stands in this relationship. It was just business. Even with that thought in mind I couldn't help but feel annoyed. Is she being arrogant? Did she not find me attractive? I sat up on my bed, not finding sleep. "Who on earth does she think she is? She doesn't want to kiss me. Does she think I have mouth sores or something?" I huffed in annoyance. Why was I this bothered by her request? Damnit!! Was I really looking forward to kissing her? I grabbed a bottle of margarita, pouring myself a shot hoping it would quell my anger. A
The shock on their faces was warranted I mean, their older sister was getting married out of nowhere in two days at most and was just informing them. Everything about that just seemed wrong.Christie was the first to speak. "What do you mean?! She screamed."Who are you getting married to and why are we just hearing about this?" James asked.I wish I could tell them everything but doing that would break them. The reason I was doing this, the possibility that I might leave them soon. They couldn't handle it. I hit my chest lightly as I felt the pain intensify, it wasn't anything I couldn't handle but it still hurt. Despite all these thoughts and what I was feeling, I put on a smile. I had to protect them. I must."I'm really sorry you guys had to find out like this and so close to the wedding. Well the rumors are true, Byron and I are together and we are getting married." I gave them the most cheerful expression I could muster.Christie suddenly let out a squeal. "Oh my, I knew it. Di
The wedding was nearer and I was starting to think twice about my decision. Her luggages were in my house already and it suddenly seemed too real. All my thoughts were swept away by the loud music and alcohol from Abel's party.We were returning home at two in the morning after a wild party which was my bachelor's night.I had called my driver as neither of us were in the right state to drive. I was quite drunk. I didn't think Abel was as drunk as I was since he had a high alcohol tolerance honed by years of partying. Maybe he was, with Abel one could barely tell the difference."Fine, I admit it. I was wrong for looking down on you, you can throw a party." I gave Abel a lopsided smile."Yeah, it was a success!" He shot a punch up in the air hitting the roof of the car. He cried out in pain and proceeded to cradle his hand.He rested his head on my shoulder with a grin on his face. "Byron, I'm quite goodlooking, right?"I nodded agreeing with him, my eyelids getting heavy. "Yeah you a
"You'd never guess what happened!" Kayla said, looking grim.I rushed over to her. "Are you fine? What happened?""On my way, I mistakenly crossed a red light and the cops caught me.""Is that why you're angry?" I asked, ushering her towards the couch."Yes. I couldn't be here earlier."She's so cute at times."It's fine. Byron came along and he has been a great help.""Byron?" She asked, finally raising her head and noticing Byron. "Mr Bladell, how do you do?" She asked."Sorry I didn't notice you earlier." The smile had come back to her face."It's fine. I should get going." Byron said, getting ready to leave."You should. The groom is not supposed to see the bride before the wedding." She teased, though I could tell how grateful she was that he had come when he did.Byron smirked. "I don't think that counts in our situation." I glanced at Kay and there was a slight frown on her face, probably remembering that I wasn't marrying for love."I mean, we've been together the whole week,
The long awaited day finally arrived. I was home, listening to Abel talk about how happy he was for Lilian and I.He also seemed to have taken a liking to her.I had my maid come in yesterday to clean up everywhere and ready everything for Lilian's arrival.At half past seven, I began to dress up. When we were done, the driver took us to the venue.It was a private beach in Toronto. We had only invited family, a few friends, some business associates and a few selected reporters.The event planner did her job well as I could hear people appreciating what she did.As I waited for my family to arrive with Lilian, I went round to greet the guests.**"Byron, they are here." Abel whispered in my ear. We were wearing similar tuxedos but I looked better in it. I straightened up and went to wait at the altar.The wedding procession began and then I saw her.She looked like an angel. Her face had a certain glow to it and the dress fit her perfectly. Her red hair was braided intricately into a