Chapter 4

"Marry me." 

She stared at me like I had suddenly grew horns. I stared at her back.

"What?!" She exclaimed. 

"I said, let's get married." I repeated. She looked more beautiful and relaxed than when we met at the hospital. 

She downed the glass of water that was placed in front of her. "Why should I do that?"

"Because you need it. You need me." I replied.

" Mr Bladell or whatever it is you're called, I do not need you for any reason whatsoever."

"Are you sure, miss Lilian?" I smirked, picking up my cutlery to eat. I motioned for her to eat but she ignored me.

"I'm quite sure. I'm well aware of my needs."

"Can we talk after dinner? I'm famished." I requested. "And please, eat. I'm certain you've not had dinner."

She mumbled but picked up her cutlery anyway. On taking the first bite, she moaned softly, then flushed brightly as if she had been caught doing something wrong. I chuckled.

After eating, our plates were cleared and I decided to not waste anymore time.

"Miss Lilian," I called out. She grunted in reply, her cheeks rosy from the cold. "I asked if you were sure and you said you were quite sure. I know that you have to raise your siblings alone because your dad has a drinking problem and you don't have a stable job. I'm also aware that you have recently been diagnosed with a heart disease. Are you sure you don't need my help?"

"Why do you know so much about me?" She questioned. "Also, what do you have to offer?"

"Good question miss Lilian. I am going to help you get a heart donor and while you're waiting, I'll offer you a job with life insurance. I'm also going to take care of your siblings and place your dad in one of the best rehabilitation centers." I replied.

"What's in it for you?" She asked, narrowing her eyes.

"A wife. You don't have to play any marital roles, I just need my parents to get off my back about marriage and this is also the best and easiest way to clear the tabloids."

She bit her lips, probably contemplating my offer. I handed her the contract I had my lawyer draft earlier. 

"Everything I just mentioned is in there. All you need to do is sign. Feel free to go through it."

She nodded and thumbed through the pages. I patiently waited as she took her time to go through the contract.

She finally looked up and sighed deeply.

"So?”

"I will marry you." She smiled uneasily.

"Good. Please sign the papers. I'll get back to you on what to do next."

"Oh okay." She signed the papers and gave them back to me. "I'll leave now."

"Have a good night, miss Lilian."

"You too."

**

I thought about going to Regina's place but decided against it. It's better to face them now.

Blake, my driver, parked the vehicle in front of the house and drove it into the garage the moment I stepped out.

As I headed inside, I feared what my parents had to say about the whole situation.

“Byron, how could you?!” Mum declared immediately I entered.

“I have nowhere else to go, mum. You guys can’t kick me out." I exclaimed.

“No, not that, you dumb man! I mean, how could you not tell your parents you had a girlfriend! All these while, your father has been torturing himself with the thought that you swing the wrong way!”

I scoffed. “I’m not gay, mum. Besides, I once dated Regina."

“Yeah, of course. Tell that to your father! Also, we don't see Regina as a lady. Such a vile creature. I hope you have nothing to do with her again."

I rolled my eyes. She’s always been so dramatic!

“Alright. That’s it for the night, mum. I have somewhere to be tomorrow, if you’ll excuse me right now.”

“Byron, my boy!”

I almost hit myself in the face just then. My father was grinning from ear to ear as he advanced from his bedroom, arms stretched out for a hug. 

“Dad. Good evening .”

“And a wonderful evening it is indeed. How am I only hearing it now, Byron?! You have a girlfriend, my son and she is pregnant! And you didn’t deem it fit for your mum and I to know?”He didn’t stop smiling even through all he said. 

“It’s okay though, I understand how you must feel. Your mum and I know what it is like to have to hold back about such good news. Don’t we, honey?”

My mum giggled and hit her husband’s arm playfully. “Stop kidding around, Kane. Now Byron, the only place you have to be tomorrow is here. And you’d better call my daughter in-law and inform her. Your father and I will love to meet our son’s wife-to-be and talk with her. From the pictures I’ve seen of her, she’s a very beautiful young lady. Call her over tomorrow, okay?”

"Okay mum. Also, she's not pregnant. We went to visit Abel who was in an accident."

"What has he done again?" She asked, worry etched on her face.

"It was just a small accident." I replied.

"Oh. My regards to him. If he has been discharged, invite him for dinner tomorrow."

I groaned and just stalked off to my room, leaving the old couple to act all lovey-dovey.

I  had a cold shower after which I laid on my bed to get some shut-eye. At that moment, my phone rang and although I had enough reasons not to answer – since it could only be the media – I picked it up anyways. It turned out to be Abel, the friend I went to visit at the hospital. Might as well tag him as the reason I was in this mess.

I headed out to the balcony.

“Yo, Byron. What’s all these pictures of you popping up on the net? I’m seeing pictures of you and this lady and although she's really pretty, I need an explanation. Why don’t I know about this, man?” 

“She is the lady who spilled your hot chocolate on my suit. Someone captured us in that moment and now everyone thinks we're dating."

"So, you don't know her?" He asked.

"I do now. We are getting married."

"What?!" He asked. "I thought we'd be bachelors for much longer. Also, what about Regina? What does she have to say about your marriage?"

"I have not told her yet."

"Be careful, man. Regina may just end up tearing you apart. That lady is wild."

"Yh, whatever. When are you getting discharged?" 

"Tomorrow." He said excitedly. 

"Good. Mum is inviting you and Lilian for dinner."

"Who is Lilian? The lady from the pictures?" He asked.

"Yes. You have to pretend you know her. I told mum we came to visit you at the hospital because she thought Lilian was pregnant."

"Are you sure she isn't pregnant? I can't fathom why you're getting married."

"Forget it, Abel. Good night."

"Good night bro."

I turned off the lights and slept off almost immediately.

**

The first thing I did when I woke up was to text Lilian.

Good morning Miss Lilian. Be ready for dinner by 6pm today. My parents would like to meet you. I'll send my driver to pick you up. Have a good day.

 I had long gotten ready for the day but I stayed in my room, I didn't want to face my family now and their questions. Although, I pride myself in being cool and collected with a sharp mind, I couldn't guarantee I wouldn't let anything slip as I wasn't fully prepared for the direction they might decide to attack me from. Mum might be too sappy at times but she caught on to these kinds of things fast.

"Hey Byron." I heard from my door after which came  two loud knocks. Rose.

"Come in." 

She came into the room and sat on the couch. "Aren't you going to work today? You've been cooped up in your room all morning, Mum thought you might be hiding someone up here."

I rolled my eyes at that. The day had barely started  and they were already coming up with theories.I ignored her going through my laptop pretending to be busy.

"Byron, are you really going to be like this?" She whined. 

"What exactly?" My gaze was still on the laptop.

"You know exactly what I want to hear. Tell me about my sister-in-law." 

I wasn't surprised by this. Mum often used Rose when she wanted to find out something from me. Rose was here to badger me on information about Lilian. 

"I know she's pretty, I've seen the photos. How's she as a person? How did you guys meet? I want to know everything." she pleaded.

"Fine." Her gray eyes seemed to shine, it shared the same joy for mischief and gossip like Mum's. She nodded frantically motioning for me to go on.

"Lilian is nice, she is resilient and a bit stubborn though she doesn't seem like it. She is quite gentle, independent and responsible. She's also very cute."  I tried to remember if there was anything about her in the information I got about her but nothing was coming to me.  Her red hair running past seemed to flash by in my mind. The smile I didn't know was growing on my face disappeared. "Enough questions, you are going to meet her tonight."

I closed my laptop. I didn't know anything about her.

Rose chased after me, "I want to know more, how could you keep her hidden from the family this long?"

I rushed passed her, muttering a quick 'Good morning' to Mum and quickly driving off leaving a pouting Rose behind. As the house grew farther, I let out a sigh of relief. I hope they don't pester Lilian like that tonight. 

As I got to the safety of my office, I received a call from Regina. I ran a hand through my hair. I forgot to call her with all that was going on. 

"Darling." she drawled.

"Hey Regina." I greeted.

"You forgot about me, didn't you?" She sounded aggrieved. 

"I'm sorry, things have been hectic." I didn't say anymore on the matter and she didn't ask. 

It was reasons like this  I enjoyed my relationship with Regina. She wasn't clingy and knew when to stop. She didn't pry and waited for me to speak. I knew it was because of the nature of our relationship but these past couple of years have been comfortable with her.

"Have you settled the rumor yet?" I knew she asked carelessly but I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. 

"Yeah, I have. I didn't want to tell you this over the phone but I'm getting married".

As I announced that the line went silent for what felt like a minute.

"Regina, are you still there?" 

She finally responded. "Yeah, sorry I zoned out." She let out a dry laugh. "So, that's the situation. What will happen to me then?" She asked, her dampened mood could be sensed from her voice.

I didn't need to think about it Regina and Lilian's positions were different.

"Nothing. Things will stay the same. You shouldn't bother yourself with such matters." I replied, my voice monotone.

"Alright." her voice still sounded the same.

"I'll come see you in a few days." I tried to give her that assurance.

"Okay. Bye."

I hung up and focused on my work.

**

Evening came by too quick. I dismissed my driver and decided to pick up Lilian myself so as to align our stories. Definitely not because I wanted to see her first. I mean we needed to sell this loving couple act perfectly and sending a driver to go pick her up will make us seem so distant. 

As the car pulled up in front of her house, I could see her already standing by the curb.

‘How punctual.’

It  wasn't even six yet. She wore a dark blue button down gown and over it was a cream coloured long coat, on her feet were black converse. Her red hair was up in an intricate braid that was draped over her shoulder. 

"If I was going to get married, it should be her." I thought as I stared at her from a distance.