Chapter 6 Roland's POV

I knew exactly how to corner Blair when I proposed my contract to her. She would agree, not for herself, but for her grandmother's sake.

After wrapping up at the office, I decided to visit my mom. She lived at the opposite end of Houston, far from my place.

I remembered the day I moved out. Living with my mother for 20 years had been fine, but I craved independence. She had always encouraged it, especially after my father left us. She had to become both mother and father to me, teaching me to stand on my own.

At 19, I had the idea to start my business. My mother, always supportive, came with me to check out a building in the heart of Houston, along with my best friend Damien. The building, now The Wyatts Fashion House, was the beginning of everything.

As I honked for the gate to open, I drove in and entered through the kitchen, finding my mother in the living room, engrossed in an Asian drama. She had been a fashion designer before opening her own fashion store, where our clothes were now sold-The Wyatts store.

"Mom," I called out, snapping her out of her focus on the TV.

"Roland!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with a grin that always warmed my heart, "I didn't know you were coming today."

"Wanted to surprise you," I said, hugging her. "Actually, I have two surprises."

"What are they?"

"I'm getting married."

There was a brief silence before she burst out, "How? When?"

"It just happened, Mom. You know I told you I'd marry when I met the one. I have now."

"Roland," She began in a serious tone, and I knew I was in for another lecture. "Are you sure? You can take it slowly."

I was surprised. She had always been the one pushing me to settle down. But I understood-she didn't want me to end up like she had. She had married my father young, at 19, only for him to leave her two years later.

"I'm sure, Mother."

Despite her concerns, we started the celebration.

*******

"Roland," Damien called in a suspicious tone. I knew he had lots of words to say to me. "Are you really sure?"

We were at a bar close to my house. Damien had called me out to drink when I announced my intention of getting married to Blair.

"Why do everyone keep asking me if I'm sure?" I replied, slightly annoyed.

"Well, you know," he said, clearing his throat. "After what happened with Sophie, you changed."

Hearing Sophie's name brought back a familiar pain, causing my heart to constrict. I missed her terribly, but there was nothing I could do. Sophie and I had met in College and fallen in love. We were each other's first-first loves, first everything.

Our friends had already picked out wedding dates in their minds, convinced we were meant to be. But then, after graduation, she vanished.

I came home to find her note on the kitchen table, the words 'pursuing my dreams' scrawled in her familiar handwriting. The ink was smudged, as if she had hesitated before leaving it there.

That day, I felt something break inside me, a hollow ache that no other woman could ever fill, settling for meaningless flings and one-night stands.

"I'm getting married to Blair, and it's final." I said, signaling to the bartender to pour me another drink.

"I can't get too drunk. Ziya doesn't like it when I get too drunk." He said.

Damien and Ziya got married three years ago. I was happy for them, but it made me feel more emptier.

I replied sarcastically, "Good for you, Husband."

*******

Three days before the wedding, I decided to visit Blair's grandmother at the hospital to check on her treatment. As we walked into the hospital, Blair nearly collided with me.

"Thank you, Roland," she said from behind me.

I didn't respond. When we reached her grandmother's room, she was asleep. Her surgery was scheduled for the day after our wedding. The doctors had mentioned they needed to monitor her condition before performing the surgery.

"Grandmother," Blair said as we approached her bed, gently taking her frail hand. "This is Roland, my soon-to-be husband."

Blair continued, "I just want you to know I'm fine. I'm doing fine. Trevor will also soon be released. When we are all together, we'll celebrate. Just get better soon."

My heart warmed at the sight before me. I never had the chance to meet my grandparents. My mother said they died even before she got married. "Get well soon, ma." I added.

As we left the hospital, I told Blair, "I've sent money to you-for your wedding gown and other things." I didn't need to buy anything for myself. I had more than enough suits.

"Thank you," she replied politely, her face expressionless. Her respectful tone was unsettling, so I decided not to engage further. I got into my car and drove off.

********

The wedding was simple. Damien stood by my side as my best man, and Blair had Flora, a former colleague, as her best woman. The ceremony was held in a quaint chapel, decorated with soft flowers and gentle lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

"Do you, Roland Wyatt, take Blair Rodrigo as your lawfully wedded wife?" the priest asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, I do," I replied with a charming smile.

Turning to Blair, he asked, "Do you, Blair Rodrigo, take Roland Wyatt as your lawfully wedded husband?"

There was a pause. I nudged her lightly with my foot, guessing she was second-guessing her decision. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she responded, "Yes, I do."

The rest of the day was filled with dancing and celebrations. My mother's happiness was evident in the way she beamed throughout the event. Her smile was so constant that I wondered if her cheeks might start aching.

When we finally returned home, I walked into my room, kicking off my shoes with relief. Blair followed me in, her expression uncertain. Without much thought, I turned to her and said, "You'll stay in the next room, not in my room."

*******