CHAPTER 5

Your wedding day, they say, is an important event in every young woman's life. But why don't I feel happy? 

Rather, I feel relieved that I have managed to salvage the reputation of my family name from the claws of the media. 

As I sat here, surrounded by my guests, I couldn't help but fix my gaze on Alana, my sister, the trophy daughter of Williams Woods. Her makeup is beautifully done, with just the right amount of elegance and subtlety that perfectly complements her natural beauty.

One who's not a family or a close family friend might not be able to differentiate us because we could pass for twins. The only difference between us was the mark on the right side of my face, a reminder of the mishandling I suffered at birth by a public hospital midwife.

As I caught sight of her, I was taken aback by her pale and unhappy appearance, and a wave of realization struck me. 

Was my marriage to Raymond not what she wanted?

This thought kept running through me as I tried to concentrate on the glass of wine I was drinking earlier on. Suddenly, I heard my father’s voice and jolted back to reality. 

“I want to thank you for giving my Elena this beautiful wedding she deserves. I want you to remember that this is not the culmination of your marriage but the beginning of great memories.”

“Raymond I listened to all the promises that you made to Elena and I hope that you fulfill them. I only want to see my daughter happy because that is the dream of every parent. Congratulations”

His words amazed me because he knew that those promises were made up. But I could tell that he was passing a message to me and Raymond.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  

It's been two long hours since we said our last goodbyes to the last guest at the party. Of course, we were made to put up a smile. We tried to stay happy on the surface, but deep down we were exhausted.

To the rest of the world, we seem like a perfect couple. Our wedding was picture-perfect; it looked like it was planned by heaven itself. 

Still, in my Kleinfeld dress, which is one of the best bridal accessories stores in the city of Network, I sat down on a seat that was made for just the bride and groom. 

This seat, meant only for the bride and groom, makes me curious about the new life I've ahead and the uncertainty of the world I have worked into. 

              RAYMOND POV

Every time I met her eyes, all I saw was a life sentence

“Why does my father keep doing this? Does he hate me enough to marry me as if I were some kind of property”?

Well, the deed is already done, I said to myself

I just have to find a way to avoid her, that's all. At least the house is big enough so I just have to prevent our paths from crossing.

Just as I was having our final words with the planner Daniel, when my chauffeur walked up to me saying “Sir your car is ready, would you want to leave now?” 

"Yes, please. Thank you." As I was about to leave the event, I heard a familiar voice calling my name. I turned to see Elena, who looked upset.

As she confronted me her eyes were mixed with hurt and anger. “You planned on leaving me?” she said. 

Leaving you? I replied as my mind went blank. I couldn`t remember agreeing to leave with her

I realized that being married is going to be more complicated than I thought. 

              ELENA’S POV

On our way home we passed a short road that led to St Cyprian's Orphanage. It was a place where I always felt at peace. 

As I sat there, memories of the past came knocking, bringing a sense of comfort and hope

I remembered Amaya talking about her sweet, fairytale-like 16th birthday party where she would wear Cinderella's ball gown with a huge castle cake.

Sadly I haven't heard or seen her since I was adopted 2 decades ago. I said to myself, “I hope she had her party with everything she desired” 

Suddenly, a voice interrupted me as I was lost in thought “Prepare the car by 8 am tomorrow I have a meeting to be at”. 

I turned around to see why the car had stopped and realized we had arrived at Laurence's residence. 

“Welcome to the Laurence family’ Make Yourself Comfortable. The stewards have prepared one of the master bedrooms for you and Raymond”. 

“The family dining is over there, the kitchen and the store are over there, the laundry room. The rest would be introduced to you as time goes by”. Said Mrs Laurence. 

I watched as she walked into one of the hallways in Laurence and slowly disappeared from my sight. 

Just as I was about to take a seat in the luxurious Laurence mansion when one of the Stewards approached me. 

With a polite tone, he addressed me as "ma'am" and informed me that he had been instructed by Mrs Lawrence to guide me to my matrimonial bedroom. Without hesitation I followed him into the hallway I saw Mrs Larresnce walk into.

The hallway leading to the master bedroom was amazing, everything was orderly and beautifully decorated.

As we entered the bedroom, I wondered how much money Mrs Lawrence spent to sort everything out, our matrimonial bedroom was a sight to behold.

Without further delay, I quickly took off my wedding dress and headed straight to the shower to wash off the day's activities. 

However, as I was about to retire for the night I was surprised to find that Raymond had carefully marked his area of ​​the bed. It was funny and I wondered what else he had planned for our first night as a  couple

 As he looked at me it was obvious that he wasn't thinking about sharing a bed with me.

"Do you think I'll sleep with you? " You're not even up to my standards. How do I tell my friends that I married the black sheep of the Woods Family? 

What did my parents promise you? What would you stand to gain from ruining my life? Why did my father choose a lowlife like you as my bride? He said.

I couldn't help myself as he spewed nonsense at me.

I didn't realize it at all when I shot back at him. ''I swear, I'd rather be anywhere else than here, dealing with some over-pampered child who thinks he owns the place''

''I never asked to be your wife, but just like you, I'm stuck in this because I didn't have a say''

''Sure, I'd be happy to be your partner just on paper, but that's as far as it goes. I never imagined my matrimonial life turning out with a truckload of trouble like you''.

As I whined and complained I'm pretty sure that all he wanted to do was to shut me up and end the flow of complaints coming from my face.

"Well, I gotta say, I'm glad we understand ourselves,” he remarked with a sly grin.

“Out in the world, we can put on a show, in this house, you might as well be a ghost to me,” he muttered as he turned over, and drifted off into sleep.