Chapter 5 I'll marry him

Chapter 005

Nicole

As our argument unfolded, Sylvia massaged her temples in exasperation before fixing us with a scornful glare. "Enough with the drama, both of you!" she shouted, jabbing her index finger in our direction. "And you, Nicole! You need to get yourself together! I don't want to see you marry Nathan Monroe while you're covered in bruises and kiss marks!"

"But I don't want to marry him!" I remained resolute. No one could coerce me into marrying a man I found so repulsive.

"Oh, certainly, my dear! Don't try to challenge me!" I hadn't noticed that it was my stepmother gripping me, not Kendra. "I'll arrange a meeting for the two of you to meet and become acquainted..." she proposed with a smug tone, giving my arm a forceful shove as she let go.

''No! I am not doing it!'' I shook my head, narrowing my eyes into splits. The decision that I had made remained unaltered.

''Really?" Sylvia scoffed, pulling out her phone. "You're causing too much trouble! I'm calling the hospital now to stop your niece's treatment!" she threatened. But before she could dial, Kendra snatched the phone from her hand.

"Let me do it, Mom," Kendra said, smirking maliciously at me. "Let's see how long you last..."

Stunned, I stared at her as tears began to form in my eyes. How unfortunate to have a family like this in my life. If only I had the funds for Andrea's medical bills, I wouldn't be here enduring their blackmail. I wouldn't be suffering at their mercy.

I couldn't stand by and let Andrea die. Camille had protected me when the two malevolent witches came to our home. Beyond repaying my sister's kindness by looking after her daughter, I held deep affection for Andrea. I fervently hoped that no harm would come to her, as she was the only family I had left.

"Stop crying!" Sylvia yelled furiously. "I'm sick and tired of all your drama! I want to know your decision now!" As I hesitantly nodded, she raised her hand to halt Kendra from dialing the hospital's number. "Hold on, sweetie. Let's hear Nicole's decision first.."

No longer wanting to be trapped with these two greedy witches, I made my decision as I wiped away my tears.

Taking a deep breath and holding my chin high, I replied, "Fine. I'll marry Nathan Monroe..."

At that moment, I didn't care about whom the man was or what my future held after the marriage. My sole focus was on ensuring Andrea received treatment; she is more important to me than my own life at this point.

Yet, I couldn't help but wonder why Kendra no longer wished to marry him. Was it due to the rumors of his unattractiveness? Or was it because she was pregnant with my ex-boyfriend's child?

I was indifferent to the situation. Provided Sylvia keeps her promise to sustain Andrea's treatment, I am willing to marry the man, regardless of his appearance.

..............**********................

My face was devoid of emotion as I gazed at my reflection. The white dress, a piece from Kendra's previous designer collections, was chosen for me. They refused to spend any additional money, justifying that my future husband was monstrous, and the wedding would be far from luxurious or grand. They described Nathan Monroe as not only unattractive but impoverished as well.

I never would have imagined that I'd end up marrying someone I'd never met. The anxiety was overwhelming. What if Nathan discovers I'm not Kendra? What if, aside from being unattractive, he was also a murderer? The thought that he might kill me upon learning I was his fictitious wife terrified me.

My mind was swamped with thoughts, amplifying my unease. The mirror before me now showed a gamut of emotions on my face: fear, regret, nervousness, dread.

'No, no. Don't harbor such thoughts, Nicole...'

I took a few deep breaths and composed myself. This was the only way to save Andrea, and to be completely free from my stepmother and stepsister's evilness towards me. I would no longer stay here in this house and tolerate their bad attitude after the wedding.

"Nicole, let's go!" came my stepmother's voice from outside my room. I let out a deep sigh before rising from my seat, where I had been in front of my vanity mirror for nearly an hour.

Following Sylvia and Kendra downstairs, I frowned upon seeing my stepsister's appearance. She looked so elegant and stunning that one might think she was the bride. She donned a gorgeous off-the-shoulder old rose gown, embellished with diamonds. Unlike her, who had a makeup artist enhance her beauty, I only dusted on some face powder and a light swipe of lipstick.

I let out another deep sigh as I walked towards the main door, only to be startled by the sight of a line of cars behind a white limousine, with a guard standing by.

Is this the vehicle designated for my transport to the event? I believed Nathan Monroe to be impoverished. How then could he afford such luxurious transportation?

Turning to Sylvia and Kendra, I saw they were just as shocked. Their eyes were wide, mouths agape. "Mom! What's all this?" Kendra shouted, her feet pounding the ground. "You told us Nathan was poor!"

"He is! I'm not sure about this, sweetie. Let's go and see for ourselves. I'm certain these cars aren't Nathan's. Let's see how dismal and shabby their wedding seems to be. Come on, sweetheart!" She took Kendra's hand and hurried her towards the limousine.

The guard promptly assisted them, apparently mistaking Kendra for the bride instead of me.

As I approached the limousine containing Sylvia and Kendra, a guard halted my progress. "I'm sorry, Miss, but the cars at the back are for the guests," he explained politely, gesturing towards the vehicles behind the limousine.

I simply nodded and remained silent as I proceeded, noticing the two women laughing irritatingly while observing me enter the car behind theirs.