CHAPTER ONE

PATRICIA.

What is life without having to enjoy it in your prime? Marriage shouldn't be the ultimate.

I sat on my giant bed, waiting for my dad to return home as soon as possible. I couldn't wrap my head around what was going on.

How could there be a letter requesting for marriage with me? From someone I do not know? It was totally impossible.

There was only one person who could clarify things and that was my dad. The sound of the car horn jolted me out of my thoughts and I quickly stood up, rushing to the door.

"How was your day?" Dad asked with a smile on his face but I frowned instead. He seemed to be unaware of the letter on his desk.

"I saw a letter on your desk. It said I would be getting married soon. Is that true?" I asked, worriness about setting in. I earnestly hoped it was a prank.

My Dad searched for the said letter on his table. He opened it, and studied the content of the letter. He breathed out, and looked up.

“Yes my daughter, you will be getting married to the multi billionaire, Ignatius.” He replied.

This was surprising. How can my Dad hide this god forsaken news from me? I had to go through the letter before I found out myself. 

“I had to find the right time to tell you knowing fully well that you won't buy the idea. Don't worry everything will be fine.” He said. 

My Dad stood up from his Chair, and came to hold my shoulders. He looked into my prying eyes. “How could you do this to me?” I asked him.

“What I am doing is for us to be okay, and for you most especially to have a better life. My company is in debt.” He said with a pitiful look.

So since Ignatius is interested in you, and owing to the fact he has a striving company, I agreed to his request of marrying you. I scoffed at what he said.

It was as if I'm in a dreamland. Why are all these happening now? What will I do? I have plans for myself, and my Dad wants to destroy everything for me because of a wealthy man?

I moved backwards from my father, feigning with annoyance. A sob escaped my lips,  and I felt hot tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.

“You never had my interest at heart. Why will you concede to this without confiding in me. I'm human for crying out loud.” I said, almost raising my voice.

He was speechless for a while, his eyes staring into space. The beep of his phone brought him back to reality. 

“Excuse me, let me take this call.” He said with pleading eyes as he raised the phone to his ears.

If anyone had told me I would be getting married soon, I would have given the person a slap on the face. Right now, I'm not even ready for this thing for marriage.

Where should I even start from? I don't know who Ignatius is nor what he looks like. How can you develop feelings for someone you barely know? This is really hard to take in. 

My father's footsteps alerted me, and I stared at him with a straight face. “Who was that?” I asked inquisitively. 

“Your husband called to inform me that he will be coming to the house in two days time. So prepare yourself to receive him.” He said reluctantly, not minding the fact that I am hurting. 

Arrgghh… My screams could turn down the whole building. “I'm not getting married to him, and that's on period.” I confidently blurted.

My legs carried me to my room, and tears rolled freely from my eyes.

***

“Babe, why will your dad ask you to marry someone you barely know? He can't be serious.” Lila said as she raised her eyebrow, her voice laced with skepticism. 

“My dear, he is serious about this. I was shocked when I read the letter, and had to wait for my dad to come back home.” I replied as I heaved a sigh.

“So what are you gonna do about it?” Lila asked. She emptied the fruity juice into a glass cup, and handed it over to me.

The coldness of the juice calmed my nerves, and I emptied another one into the glass cup. I had to find my way to Lila's place to cool my head.

I'm not really interested in marriage or being in any sort of relationship for now. Why can't my father understand that? I can actually work hard, give some money to him so that he could pay for the depth his company owe.

I gazed into space, imagining myself with a family. The kids running around the house. How will I cope with all of these? 

“What about Kelson, ain't you guys a thing?” Lila asked, grinning from ear to ear.

“He's my lover, and best friend. We ain't in any form of relationship.” I said while I felt a blush rising up on my cheeks.

Lila turned my shoulders to face her, and looked into my eyes searching for answers, “Are you sure of what you are saying? What stopped you guys from dating?” 

“I'm telling the truth. You know I won't lie to you. Actually, he asked me to be his girlfriend but I refused.” I said intertwining my fingers.

“Why refuse him when you love him?” Lila asked inquisitively. 

“I'm still watching him though. I don't want a situation where I will be dating, and breaking up unnecessarily. I want to date once, and marry once too.” I said, already feeling pity for Kelson.

“You know, you can't find the right person if you don't give people a chance.” Lila said, holding my hands. “You see, life is a roller coaster. You need to be in a relationship, and find out if that person is actually worth it.

“And if you find out something silly in the course of such a relationship, you quit and it goes on like that. Although individuals differ. Lila advised, a warm smile spreading across her face.

“Thank you so much for your advice, and for being a good friend.” I said. My heart was filled with gratitude. 

“You are welcome. I wonder how he'll react when he finds out you are getting married, considering you have insisted on staying single for now.” Lila reasoned, standing up from the sofa.

“Oh, you mean Kelson. I'm not getting married yet, and I refuse to go through with that marriage arrangement.” I blurted, getting annoyed just when I remembered that I was arranged to be with a lunatic.

“Okay, if you say so. What are you up…” Lila was interrupted by a caller tone from my phone. 

“Hello, who is on the line?” I asked with curiosity written all over my face.

“What!!!”