Chapter 2

“What are you doing here” I say in surprise, “how did you get my house address? are you stalking me now?”, I know he’s my boss, but doesn’t an employee have rights.

“I’m here for my response” Nek says ignoring my questions, as he leans unto his car.

“Response…what response”, it dawns on me that I forgot, I’ve been so busy helping my parents out with their restaurant, that it slipped my mind.

“Don’t tell me you forgot” Nek says as he slowly comes towards me. Why does he look so handsome in casual clothing, my mind wanders, he always looks nice but in casual clothing he looks extremely hot?

“I totally didn’t forget” I lie, “I’ve given it some thought, can we have this conversation while sitting down?”. He nods to show his approval and I lead him into my parents’ restaurant.

I look at his face, he’s surprised, my parents are quite rich, they have 9 restaurants in different locations in Yula and it’s always crowded, I’m quite smug to be honest “let’s sit here, I’ve considered your proposal, and I’m not doing it because of money, my parents already have that, I’m doing it for my independence” I say

Nek looks at me with bored eyes “I understand you’re doing this for your independence, I brought the contract with me, please go through it and sign it”.

“Alright” I scheme through the contract; everything looks in place to me, 2 million dollars would be deposited into my account for each year, making it 10 million dollars, I’m quite content: I sign it and return the contract to him.

“Don’t be late Mrs. Cellos, we’ll be getting married tomorrow at the marriage registration office” why does him calling me Mrs. Cellos make my heartbeat so fast. I nod and offer a stiff smile as I watch him leave.

I leave for my house, after that meeting, I’m in need of sleep, “hi mom, where’s dad” I yell as I enter the sitting room, the house smells like meated rice, my favorite, but I’m too nervous to eat.

“He’s gone for a short walk; he’ll soon be home; do you want to discuss anything with him” mom says,

“Not at all, just asking”, I say as I head to my room, it doesn’t take long before I fall asleep.

 I have this weird dream where me and Nek are getting married, we are surrounded by family and friends, and it’s Neks turn to answer to the priest question “will you take Taina Seneca as your wife”, Nek looks at me and starts laughing.

I wake up from this horrific dream with a start, “Gosh, what kind of dream is this, I hope Nek’s not tricking me”.

Today is the day I get legally married to Nek, I’ve always dreamed of my own wedding like every girl would; I’ve always imagined being madly in love with my husband, having a fairy tale wedding, but I guess that’s not exactly in my fate.

I take extra care to look good today; after all I’m going to be a bride, even if it’s not a real wedding. I wash up taking more time than usual; I decide to settle on a light pink floral dress, I’ve never thought of it from this perspective, but this gown makes me look like a bride, I wear my makeup light, I don’t want Nek to think I made an effort.

I’ll allow myself a compliment today, “you look very beautiful Mrs. Cellos”, I smile to myself.

I skip downstairs “morning mum, dad and annoying pest”, I’m happy today for a strange reason, so I won’t berate my brother any further.

“Where are you going” my brother smirks

“None of your business “I reply as I throw a throw pillow at him, brothers are always nosy or maybe it’s just mine.

“Taina, do you have a date? is that why you’re dressed so pretty” mom says smiling

“Yes, mom I have a date and thanks for the compliment”, that’s the best I can say, I definitely can’t tell her that her only daughter is getting married for money. She’d kill me if she found out.

I hug her, run out, and walk to the Main Street; I’m waiting for a Taxi, when suddenly a black Benz parks right beside me. I’ve seen movies like this where girls are kidnapped and shoved into the car. I’m not an easy prey I think to myself; I move forward, the car moves too, I move backwards the car reverses too.

 “This driver wants to kidnap me” I shout as I walk a bit faster; I can’t tell who’s in the car as the windows are tinted. The windows are rolled down, “Get in” Nek says with a slightly amused face.

“I’m sorry” I say as I get into the car, “I thought you were a kidnapper”

“If I wanted to kidnap you, you’d be long gone. You need to do better with your safety” Nek says as he signals to the driver to move.

“Sure” I absentmindedly respond, Nek looks quite different today, he looks handsome than usual; did he get a clean shave, no that’s not it, his hair is styled different today. 

I was getting disappointed thinking I’m the only one who made an effort to look nice, but it looks he also tried, “I was tired of my previous hairstyle, don’t think too much of it” he says as though reading my mind.

“I wasn’t thinking of your hair style, the world actually doesn’t revolve around you” I snap back, what’s his problem, he’s so full of himself. He doesn’t even bother to respond.

The car finally comes to a halt, Nek steps out and comes to open the door for me, I’m a bit surprised; I didn’t think he could be a gentleman, but I don’t allow my surprise to show. It might just be a facade since we are at the marriage registration office.

“We have to act like a couple in love, don’t think too much of it” he says as he holds me hands. I was right after all; It’d be nice to punch him in the face, but I steel myself and move elegantly.

I manage a smile as we enter the office, we are greeted by a round man with perfect dentures. “Good morning “I reply, it’s a pleasure meeting you, are you the one officiating the wedding?”.

He smiles “Not at all, the pastor’s inside, he oversees the officiating of weddings; I’ll be taking care of the documentation, please have a seat while you wait”, I smile back at him, Nek frowns at the man, and instantly his smile disappears.

“What’s that about” I ask as we sit, but Nek completely ignores me. I’d love to say it was jealousy, but I’d be getting in over my head, won’t I?