Five Days Countdown

Before I stepped into the back of the sleek Maybach, Grandmother pulled me into a tight, warm embrace. Her withered hands clung to my shoulders, her frail body trembling slightly against mine.

"Do not forget everything that I have taught you, Maya," she whispered into my ear, her voice barely audible above the low hum of the luxury engine.

"The roots, the bark, the timing... keep it close to your heart. You will need every piece of it” she added with her shaky voice

"I won't forget, Grandma," I promised softly, hugging her back tightly

“You promised to make me proud, don't forget that” she reminded

“Worry not, grandma. I'll surely make you proud” I added

Grandmother nodded with a knowing look in her eyes, releasing me slowly.

As I opened the car door, Father turned to Mother with a smug, satisfied expression.

"You were right, darling. Bringing her out here was the best decision. This is why the girl child isn't built to run companies or maintain a family hierarchy. They belong in a home, taking care of a husband. Selling her off like this is the only real value she can ever bring to our family line”

Martin scoffed, letting out a sharp laugh as he adjusted his designer sunglasses, “Make us proud? Please. She’s just a bargaining chip for my contract, Grandma. Don't give her high expectations”

I said nothing and quietly getting into the car and lowering my head, playing the part of the humbled, broken daughter.

The long drive back to England was filled with loud, boastful chatter. Martin sat in the front passenger seat, gesturing wildly as he detailed all the ways he planned to spend his cut of the multibillion-naira contract. The custom sports cars, penthouse apartments, and high-society parties. Periodically, Mother and Father would interrupt his bragging to turn around and lecture me on how to behave in front of Lord Noah.

"You speak only when spoken to," Mother instructed coldly.

"He likes quiet, obedient women. Make sure you smile, keep his wine glass full, and don't embarrass us” Martin supportes

"This contract seals our family's dominance for the next decade," Father added, staring at me through the rearview mirror.

"Do not ruin this for your brother" Mother sternly warned

“I understand” I answered

When the Maybach finally pulled up the long driveway of our family mansion, my heart skipped a beat. The entire estate was covered in lavish decorations. White silk drapes hung from the grand balcony, workers were setting up massive floral arrangements along the lawn, and high-end catering trucks were parked near the entrance.

A wave of shock washed over me, not from fear, but from the sheer absurd irony of the sight. They hadn't just arranged a meeting but the entire wedding preparation was already in full swing.

"Surprise," Martin sneered, stepping out of the car and smirking at my stunned expression.

"Why waste time when Lord Noah wants the papers signed and the ceremony done immediately" Mother gushed in happiness

"The wedding is in five days, Maya. So get fitted for your dress and get ready” Father said coldly as he walked past me toward the front doors.

“This means a lot to our family, so I had the best event planner to handle this” Mother smiled widely

“It cost us a lot but it's nothing compared to what we are about to take from Noah” Dad also grinned in happiness.

“Five days?” I mumbled. A slow, chilling smile threatened to break across my face as I stared at the grand, white wedding arches being built on the lawn. They were rushing to marry me off to an old billionaire in five days, completely oblivious to what was written in the stars.

Five days from today was the exact day the sky would bleed red, the ancient vaults would shatter, and the apocalypse would begin.

“Keep building your wedding stage, Father because on my wedding day, the world falls and I take my crown…’I thought, touching the hidden pouch of medicinal herbs tucked securely inside my jacket.