Bound by Circumstance

As Tammy stood looking out the window from her bedroom - a serene oasis with plush furnishings, elegant decor and soothing colours screaming opulence and serenity - her heart pounded in her chest to see such a convoy trooping into her father's villa. She gripped the curtain by the window tightly, feeling her palms grow sweaty. In a frantic rush, Tammy went downstairs so she could see what was going on but the guests were in the study with her father and they spoke discreetly. She could hear a little of the conversation."We must get them married as soon as possible"... Tammy's father, Mr Cole said. Tammy only wondered what exactly the conversation was all about. As she heard footsteps approaching, she took to her heels so she wouldn't be caught eavesdropping. As the guests left, Tammy went to her father and asked abruptly, "who do you want to get married?". Mr Cole stood there, his face impassive, so many questions in his thoughts. "I didn't want to tell you this now Tammy..." Mr Col

The hospital's corridor reverberate with sounds of rushing footsteps, beeping machines and urgent page announcements. The atmosphere is charged with urgency and intensity. The air is thick with antiseptic and disinfectant smells, punctuated with the aroma of hospital food and fresh flowers. In the waiting areas, loved ones pace anxiously, their eyes fixed on the clock and their phones waiting for news on their loved ones conditions. Tammy and Aunt Kathy were in the waiting area, they were restless. Tammy's eyes widen as she darted frantically around the room. Tears prick at the corners of her eyes threatening to spill over as her mind races with worse case scenarios."Tammy." Aunt Kathy called out but Tammy didn't respond because she was absent minded."Tammy!" Aunt Kathy called out again, this time Tammy was startled."Come here dear, come have a seat." Tammy reluctantly walked to her aunty and sat down. Aunt Kathy wrapped her arms around Tammy trying to comfort her."Be calm, everyt

"Do you think she'll come through?" Mr Cole asked his sister under his breath.Aunt Kathy sat beside him totally absent minded. Mr Cole noticed her lack of being present and tapped her lightly to draw her attention."Huh? Talking to me?" she quickly shuddered and said."I think we are the only ones here right?" Mr Cole said lightly, "I asked if you think Tammy would consider her marriage to Ryan""Oh yes, I do. She's a daddy's girl after all. She'll do what ever it is she has to do to make sure you're alright" she said smiling while holding Mr Cole's palms."I don't think you know this but Ryan is admitted in this hospital" she continued.Mr Cole froze for a moment. A heavy oppressive silence fell over the room immediately. He wanted to think what his sister just said was a prank but he looked at her again and realized she was saying the truth."Wha....Who.....What happened?" Mr Cole asked stuttering."He was involved in an accident with his friend but he's stable now. I'll go check o

The next day after the incident, in Maurice's hospital room - the room is well lit, with fluorescent lights overhead. The air is fresh and clean with a hint of disinfectant, the atmosphere is calm and quiet with soft beeps from the vital signs monitor - Aurora, Maurice's girlfriend, sat beside his bed holding his hand and telling him how much she loves him and hopes he wakes up soon."I can't wait for you to wake up, my love. We have so many adventures ahead of us and we promised me forever. Please wake up for me, I love you so much" Aurora said and kissed Maurice's hand.Aurora was quite uncertain about Maurice waking up soon. She could feel her heartbeat pounding, a little queasiness and restlessness, her palms were as sweaty as a dripping faucet. Aurora could hear the sound of groaning but since she was having persistent thoughts, she didn't bother to know where it came from until Maurice moved a finger."Ah! Maurice!" she called out with joy, screaming and jumping. Aurora remember

Without wasting much time, Mr Claude went ahead to call for a press interview and a board meeting since the members of the board of Mr Claude's company were kept in the dark concerning Ryan's condition. This was to officially announce Ryan and Tammy's wedding, to reassure investors and the public. "Ladies and Gentlemen", Mr Claude called out in a firm voice while adjusting his sleek dark blue two-piece suit with elegance. Immediately he called out, for a moment the board room seemed to hold its breath and every ear tuned to Mr Claude's voice. "I believe I owe every member of the board and shareholders an explanation", he continued."You sure do!", Mrs Njoku said interrupting rudely, "You definitely owe all of us seated here an apology too" she continued. Mrs Njoku is a Nigerian shareholder at Finvora - Mr Claude's company. She owns some shares and inherited some shares from her late husband Mr Njoku, making her the second majority shareholder following Mr Claude. "For weeks now,