Chapter 2 *LAYO*

I wasn't sure how I made it out of the hall.

One moment, I was standing Infront of Tony, suffocating under the weight of his betrayal. The next, I was at the back seat of mum's car, staring blankly at the blurred city scape rushing past the window.

Everything seemed to be happening so fast, like an illusion. I always dreamed about my wedding day, how grand and beautiful it would be, completely the opposite of what has occurred.

Mum sat beside me, radiating barely contained rage. She barely liked Tony, little wonder why. They always said, "A child can't see what an adult sees while sitting, even when he stands". This saying played out so well in my case.

"Disgraceful ", mummy muttered under her breath for the fifth time. I could understand, I feel so terrible for putting her in this position.

I felt like someone had scooped out my insides and left only an empty shell. I've never been this numb my entire life, I honestly just wanted to vanish.

Mummy's voice hardened,

" Do you know how humiliating this is?

The whole of Lagos was there, watching, gossiping. Do you think they'll ever forget?"

My jaw clenched, and my fingers tightened. This was Mum's problem, always thinking about Lagos gossips. I honestly didn't care who forgets or who remembers. Like I myself could ever forget.

I couldn't even tell what hurt me most, the shame of being rejected at he altar or the fact that I didn't see it coming.

Tony had promised me forever. He had told me he loved me even till this morning, he had made me believe in a future that never even existed. Yet, when I looked into his eyes today, he was a total stranger.

My stomach twisted, and I forced myself to swallow the nausea.

Mummy exhaled sharply,

"We need to do damage control oo.

The media will eat this up."

The ringing in my ears were too loud that I could barely hear mummy. Then suddenly, the car lurched to a stop, snapping me out of my thoughts as I blinked twice. We were Infront of mummy's house, her large pristine mansion in Ikoyi. The driver stepped out to open the door.

"Come inside, we need to talk." Mum instructed.

I didn't want to talk to anyone at the moment especially not mum. I just wanted to be alone.

" No, mum." I responded calmly.

"Excuse me," her eyes narrowed.

"I.... I just need to be alone mum," I forced myself to speak.

Mum scoffed, "Alone? Alone to do what exactly? Sit in self pity??

You don't have that luxury, Layo. People are watching. You need to show strength."

This was the part I hated most, mummy being so concerned about people and telling me what to do. Even though, I hate to admit she was right.

I swallowed against the tightness in my throat, " I'll be fine, mum".

Mummy paused her lips, she was clearly unsatisfied. After what seemed like eternity of staring at me, she exhaled and waved a dismissive hand.

"Do whatever you want. Just don't do anything foolish, Layo.

I had nothing to say back but I was relieved she didn't press further.

I remained in the car letting the driver shut the car as the vehicle pulled away releasing a shaky breath.

••••••••••

My apartment was eerily quiet when I walked in. Completely different from the excited atmosphere I left hours ago.

I ripped of the wedding gown, tossing it onto the floor as it burned my skin and felt like a curse.

Collapsing on the bed, I broke into tears. All of a sudden, it felt like the gates of my eyes snapped open and the tears I've been holding all day poured out. I felt empty.

Perhaps, Tony never loved me. He should be given an award for player of the year because, he was so smooth with his games. To lead me on till he shattered me at the altar?? On our supposed wedding day??

Even though I was clothed, and in my confined room, I felt naked. Exposed before the world.

My phone buzzed on the night stand but I ignored it.

It buzzed again, and again.

I reached for it dreading what I could possibly see.

Missed calls: 10 from Mercy, 3 from Tony, 2 from Mum

Messages;

Mercy: "Babes, are you okay? Please call me"

Mercy: "People are already talking. Don't go online."

Mercy:"Layo, please talk to me."

My stomach twisted violently. I obviously didn't need to go online to know what's happening. My disgrace was already trending.

Attempting to turn off my phone, another notification popped up.

It was Tony.

Sitting up quickly, I hurriedly cleaned my eyes with my hands to see clearly.

Tony: I'm sorry.

I had no idea when I laughed out bitterly.

I anticipated an explanation, maybe he could tell me it's a prank and our wedding has been shifted, something like that. But rather, he sends me a pathetic apology?? Sorry? That's all he had to say after publicly humiliating me, after tearing apart everything we've built??

My fingers tightened around the phone as I forced myself to set it down.

I wanted to reply him, cursing him till he regretted his existence, but no, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Pulling the covers over my head, I closed my eyes tightly hoping to will the world away, or probably bid it farewell.

But, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't when I felt like someone else.