Dreams of getting married to the love of my life on a beach flashed before my eyes leaving me broken…
“You can reconsider having a church wedding too,” Mr Lewis advised with a grin on his face, as he packed the papers ready to return back to his work after taking our signatures.
“I really want to but my wife said she doesn’t want it.” He lied looking at me straight in the eyes with fake loving eyes as he placed his hands on my shoulders.
“Yess I really don’t like large gatherings and all.” I joined in the facade, putting on a sad face hoping he’ll fall for it.
“We are going to be taking our leave now, I’ll need to go see Mr Hatt.” Egon uttered with a straight face all of a sudden.
“Send my greetings to him and be well Ava.” He greeted me with a smile plastered on his face again as we both walked out.
The man, maybe in his late 50s, has been smiling at me since we got here.
At first I thought I would be nervous pretending who I’m not but he was so welcoming and maybe quite happy for a second there, I felt almost too comfortable.
We finally got into the car after saying our goodbyes, “make sure you keep this on you every time and don’t sell it!” He ordered as he held my hands to put a ring on it.
“You should really ask for permission before touching me or anything.” I growled, refusing to look at the pretty ring right now.
“It belonged to my mom.” He muttered sadly as his emotions could not be hidden and his face became unreadable.
Since his outburst when I mentioned his parents, I knew something tragic happened but I’ll respect that it's none of my business and try not to pry.
“You didn’t have to do that.” I replied really touched as I finally took a glance of the beautiful diamond ring. It looked so perfect on my hands but too bad it’ll be coming off soon.
“Don’t worry I won’t sell it, it’s way too beautiful and it belonged to your mom.” I murmured still admiring the ring, forgetting I was supposed to be mad at him for thinking I’ll want to sell it like I was after his money.
“I’m only giving you because it’ll convince Mr Hatt that our marriage is real.” He scoffed and focused on driving, putting on his straight face back on.
Feeling hurt, I decided to remind myself that it’s just a contract marriage and I shouldn’t feel sorry for him or even any slight emotion or such towards him. It’s time I put on a straight face too.
Making up my mind to be ready to play along,I stepped down from his car as we stopped in front of a large and the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen.
Taking a deep breath and gasping in surprise, I waited for him to walk over to me and we walked in together.
“Oh my! Oh my! Aren’t I blessed to see this day?” The gentle calm voice greeted us as we walked into the living room together.
“Mr Hatt, I see you are just fine?” Egon said with a grin as he went over to his grandpa and gave him a hug.
Pushing him away, “And what do we have here?” Mr Hatt asked, walking towards me, smiling so hard like he was presented another chance to live.
“Hi, good day sir,” I replied all too calmly as I moved to shake hands with him, with the calmest face.
“Come here!” He uttered as he drew me in for a longer hug. His happiness was sure plastered on his face.
“I already asked them to prepare a meal for you, come sit beside me!” He said way too happy and dragged me over to the dining room.
On getting there, I’m sure they all saw the surprised look on my face as I was shocked to see all varieties of food on the so-called dining table. It was more like a feast table for a whole community.
“I didn’t know what you would like, so I had them prepare everything a young beautiful lady should like.” Mr Hatt complimented happily as it showed that he was so excited to see me.
“Now aren’t you a nice grandfather? And yes thank you, I’ll also like to eat.” Egon said being sarcastic with a jealous look on his face as we quickly exchanged glances.
Ignoring his comment, Mr Hatt pulls out a chair for me to sit beside him. “I heard your name is Ava, it’s such a lovely name. Please help yourself.” He gestured for me to start eating as he watched for a while before he joined in.
“Thank you sir,” I muttered, truly grateful. It’s been so long I’ve been shown so much attention and love.
“Please call me grandpa.” He chipped in looking so lively. Now I’m doubting he really has any heart issues.
We ate with Mr Hatt passing every food to me so i could have a taste of everything. He’s so loving and caring, I don’t know why Egon is such a nut head towards his grandpa.
“Do you like yoghurt?” Grandpa asked out of the blue with so much care in his voice that it was visible on his face.
“Yes I do but I’m very full now.” I said objecting to eating more. What I ate today was literally enough for a month.
“I have the very best yoghurt and besides you’ll need to eat more, you look frail and I don’t want any of my great grandchildren looking like that.” He uttered firmly but I knew clearly that he didn’t mean to insult me like his grandson who does it effortlessly.
Choking on grandpa’s words as I quickly turned to Egon. “Okay grandpa, I’ll
Take the yoghurt.” Were the only words I managed to utter as images of me and Egon being close taunted me, making my cheeks a little puffy.
“Mr Hatt!” Egon growled. I doubt his grandpa’s words had any effect on him, I’m sure he just doesn’t want us to stay any longer so I wouldn’t flop or cause him any worry.
“Go get Ava some yoghurt very quickly.” He ignored Egon's warning eyes and turned to face me again.
I could see it clearly when he reluctantly stood up to get me some yoghurt, refusing to stress his grandpa that he might really care for his grandpa besides all this.
I mean why else should he go as far as marrying a total stranger just to save his grandpa.
“Ava!” Grandpa called me all too seriously, making me a little nervous.
“Sir?” I answered, giving him my full attention.
“I know my grandson very well and I know whatever is going on now is staged but I need you to do something for me.” He muttered, gripping the life out of me.
‘ What were we thinking when we thought to deceive a smart man like him?!’ I thought to myself as signs of fear creeped on my face.
“I’m sorry sir, he was just really worried about you.” I tried explaining as I sat still with a sorry face.
“I’ve explained to him countless times that I should be the one to worry but that’s that and now I’ll need you to do something for me.” He said.
“Okay sir, anything that’ll help.” I said hoping that he won’t make any drastic decision.
“I can see that you are a very nice and beautiful girl. And I know you are perfect for my son. I want you to promise me that you’ll stay with him even when I’m no more around.” He murmured as he managed to put on a smile.
“Grandpa, I don’t think I can promise that. I don’t really know Egon and he just really wants to help make sure you are better abs besides nothing will happen to you.” I tried explaining as he hurt me to break his heart but there’s no way I could stay with Egon forever.
“We both know I’m not here forever and You can. I can see it already and once you get to know him, you’ll love him.” He muttered as the idea of me falling in love with Egon didn’t entirely scare me.
Refusing to talk or move I just stay still thinking on his words.
“Don’t mention this to Egon, it’s between both of us and I want you to come to me anytime and feel free around me.” He said with a full smile as he held my hands and squeezed them softly, reminding me of the comfort and the feeling of safety I always felt around my dad.
“Does this mean you are going to have the surgery?” I asked out of concern wanting to be sure, knowing fully well that Egon would be glad to hear that.
“So he told you? He only discusses family with people he trusts.” He added, smiling harder. “And you even have his mom's ring.”
“I’m sure he just wanted to tell me the situation at hand.” I said, hiding the little smile that wanted to crawl out.
“Go with Egon and be a good girl, I’ll see you after the surgery. And take care of yourself, I was serious about my great grandchildren being in good shape.” He murmured as Egon walked towards us with yoghurts in his hands.
“I’ll see you after the surgery boy, take my daughter home and make sure she takes the yoghurt, it helps with digestion.” He said standing up.
“Okay Mr Hatt.” He replied, failing to hide his excitement in his voice once he heard that the surgery was going to finally happen.
“Good night grandpa.” I greeted him with a smile as I stood up ready to go home.
“Goodnight Ava, see you soon.” He said with the most excited voice and the sweetest face.
Deep in thoughts about what grandpa said, we drove quietly with Egon happy about the surgery and me thinking of the promise grandpa wants me to fulfil.
The ride back home was faster and we finally got home and came down to step inside.
Getting to finally see details of the house, it was clearly visible from this view that Egon had taste and was bastardly rich.
I never imagined marrying someone rich but let’s see if grandpa’s wish would come true.
“Hey baby!! I’ve been wanting for like forever. What took you so long? I called Dave and he said you probably went to your grandpa’s house. Has he finally agreed to the surgery?” The tiny feminine voice with the most touched up face and designer shoes uttered in a hurry as she rushed to hug Egon affectionately obviously not noticing my presence.
