CHAPTER FOUR

All eyes were on them now as they watched the scene unfold.She had heard many stories about mother in laws and how they were always opposed to their son's choice in women.Always.She'd seen them in all the telenovelas her mum had loved to watch before she got too Ill to watch anymore.

"Don't be worried about my mother "his words had played over and over as she watched the beautiful older woman walk over to them with her entourage of women that seemed judgmental from the looks and stares from around the room.

Her thoughts drifted to the events of this evening...

"I don't understand whey you have to plan this huge party .Its completely unnecessary."she had cried out as she sat in his office memorizing information about the important people that were going to be there at the party he was arranging for them. 

It sounded absurd at first.She had not seen the need to publicly announce their engagement when this was meant to be shortlived.

"I cannot wed without showing my family and people who I would like to marry and what better way to take away the agony of waiting for their approval when you can just shock them with the news"he suggested.

It did make more sense but the nerves were still there.she would be lying to his mother and who knows how many people he had invited to this party.

"Son,who is this?"the older women's soft voice brought her out of her reverie.

She gulped as the woman observed her.Her hands unconsciously wrapped around her thighs where the short dress stopped midway.she hated this dress,she wasn't used to this kind of expensive outfits but he had insisted,stating that she had to look the part if she had to play the role.

As if she had been programmed,her face lighted up in an awkward smile.but if the frown on her beautiful features were any indication,then it meant that she didn't like her at all.Her shoulder drooped a little in silent defeat.

But to her surprise,his mother's features relaxed and a wide smile formed on her lips,her arms stretched out wide and she enveloped her in a bear hug.

She chuckled as she released her.Alina straightened up,making sure to drag the gown a few inches downwards without exposing her chest to the world.Micheal must have sensed her discomfort because in the next minute,he had his arm wrapped around her waist reassuringly pulling her into his side.

She felt his strong grip on her waist as he squeezed to soothe her.She looked up at him gratefully for his silent support at the very least.As if reading her mind,he nodded in response.

His mother watched as the couple exchanged glances and her heart warmed at the sight.She had thought that her highly successful son would never be able to settle down after what had happened to him In the past.She had been silently praying that he would let go and finally settle down and it seemed like her prayers had been answered.they were so in love with each other.

"Finally,there is someone to pin his frivolous escapades with numerous women"his mother joked.

"Yes,ma'am I will make sure of that."she responded as she eyed him in silent humour.

"Mum,why don't you just have a sit,you seem like you've had a few too many drinks and the event hasn't even started yet "he commented.A little annoyed.

He held her firmly and led her toward the couch that had been installed next to the decor at the back of the room.She gave him a hand and she walked beside them as his mother held her hand tightly as if she let go,she would disappear.

After she was seated,he signaled for a waiter to come over and they did a little too fast as she observed.almost like a slave would act towards their master.

"Get me a glass of water and something to help with a hangover "he ordered.

The waiter nodded and scurried away disappearing into the crowd.

Micheal turned to his tipsy mother who had her hand firmly around her own.

"Mum,you have to stop drinking"he cautioned.

"Well,if your 30 year old unmarried son texts you after many months of not speaking and suddenly invites you to an event he organized, it calls for some drinking,don't you think?"she replied,slurring her words.

He sighed and plopped down unto the couch next to him.After a while,she sat up resting her head on his shoulder while she slept peacefully.

Sometime during the whole exchange,the waiter had come by and dropped the tray of what he had been ordered to bring and had been dismissed.

She watched silently as his mother rested peacefully on his shoulder with all her trust and faith put into this one gesture.Her heart and mind called out for her mum.when would she be able to do this again with her mum.she wondered and silently prayed for the umpteenth time that night for everything to be alright and for her mum's surgery to go well.

"Come on,its time to address the guests"he rose and stood in front of her with his outstretched hand,towering majestically over her as his chestnut hair glistened under the bright overhead light.

She took his hand and he led her through the sea of curious people and up the podium.Taking the microphone in one hand and holding her hand in the other,he addressed the crowd.

"I know all of you here,do not know why I invited you here.But let me clear all your doubts.This is Alina Sanders, my finance and my soon to be wife."the crowd erupted in an uproar.There were murmurs and stares from all around the room.She gripped his hand tighter. 

"The confusion is imminent but I do not want this to affect the love of my life.I know I don't need your permission to do this but i felt that this is the perfect and the right moment for us."he ended.

And before she could register what was going on,he had her hand in his and one knee on the floor.She gasped in shock reflexively retracting her hand but he was faster.He gripped her hand tightly,still maintaining his composure and slipped the ring unto her finger.The flashes that escalated after that were insane.

He stood ,shielding her with his body as he stared down into her eyes.His gaze bore deep into her soul.And as if reading his mind,she shook her head.Her hand came up to his chest to stop him.

"No,this wasn't part of the plan"she whispered,Her voice was so low that he barely registered.

"It was...in mine"and with that his lips collided with hers.