A Night to Enternity

•CHAPTER ONE•

A wedding to undo..

Frozen in shock, I felt my eyes turning on their own with my breath caught in my throat. The room's warmth were no where to be found and all it was replaced with were the icy chills that seeped mercilessly into my bones.

Could anything be more shattering and nightmarish than stumbling upon a shocking truth exactly three days to your wedding?..

Just when the wedding you've been dreaming of is less than 72 hours away!!!!!!

My hands quivered as I stared at the lines in the letter I was holding.

'Since we couldn't afford to pay our debts, we've agreed to your alternative proposal – Give out our only daughter's hand in marriage to you. However, we need to deceive her into thinking she's marrying your son. She'ld never consent to marry someone of your age sir. I know you have no son but getting pictures of someone young and handsome will do. All we have to do is declare his false trip and convince her that he'll be coming home on the agreed wedding day'

Those dreadful words echoed in my head like it had been read out to me..

I couldn't be wrong!, That handwriting belonged to my father.

His damn signature is another evidence that the letter was his!!

"My parents are marrying me off to a man old enough to be my grandpa and not his son as they had claimed!" I screamed inwardly in both horror and shock..

"They had lied to me all this while" my lips shivered.

No..

Nooo!!

Someone wake me from this dream!..

I knew Gerald had no wife but I never knew about his intentions to marry me!.

Damn, I was his daughter's age mate!

My breathlessness intensified and my head began getting filled with glimpses of memories of how I'd spent my time admiring pictures of Gerald Bills' so-called son who doesn't even exist..

Oh yeah, the picture owner exist but the mentality that he was my groom had been an illusion I never suspected!

Arrgh!

"That old hag is my groom!" my mind worsened matters by recounting..

Oh heavens.. this can't be real!

So what?..

My boasting to my friends were useless?!

Wait.. the calls! They've all been with Gerald who possibly changed his voice systematically..!

"No wonder he had always refused a video call!.."

I grabbed my cloth tight, feeling my heart's terrible racing as everything began getting clear in my messed head..

"I'm doomed!" I mumbled breathlessly as the words dad said to me a few weeks ago rang in my head..

"It's no longer a news that we are indebted to the Bills family. The only alternative is to have a permanent merge with them and so, you'll be getting married to Gerald Bills only son, Derek to cover up our debts. " he had slipped the picture of the most handsome man I'd ever seen in my hands..

And the stupid me had jumped on the offer, smiling sheepishly like a bloated goat and thinking I'd gotten the tall, rich and handsome man of my dreams!

How could dad do this to me?..

Even mum?!

"My son, Derek would be returning to Russia on the agreed wedding date and you'll be meeting him at the altar.."

I'd been blinded by excitement and some damn feelings I grew that Gerald Bills words never bothered me.

"Gawd..." I gulped hard, grunting in disgust as I thought of his yellowed-teeth and irritating coughs..

That old man has been my groom all this while!,

Arrgh!

"Adele?.." I suddenly heard a familiar voice say from the door and I quickly slipped the paper into my pockets, turning towards the door.

There was no way I was going to expose my discovery..!

Not until I successfully stop the wedding from holding..

As expected, Jemimah walked in. She was my supposed to be my sister in-law, Gerald's daughter.

Apparently, she was aware of the mischief!...

I mean, she was the only child of her father!

"Hi Jemimah.." I forced myself to fake a smile

"Dad informed me of your presence when I called" she said and still with the forced smile, I nodded.

"Yeah. I came to give him the bill of expenses drafted by the event planner and since he wasn't home, he asked me to drop it in the letter box in his study room" I explained, trying my best not to show the hatred I'd now grown for their family in the last one minute.

"Oh, okay. I need to show you something" she replied, grabbing my wrist and pulling me out of the room.

"Your shoes got delivered already and you need to try them on" she informed as we walked towards a room located at the end of the lobby..

To hell with the damn shoes, I'm definitely not going to walk down the aisle to wed an old man!.

"Oh Adeline, all thanks to your curiosity to know what's written in at least, one of the hundreds of letters in that box, else you wouldn't have known this!" A voice in me winced and I pressed my lips together.

"Dad and mum must pay for this. This wedding mustn't be held!" I thought.

"Zara heels as demanded.." Jemimah smiled as she pulled me to a seat in the room, unsealing the shoe box.

The shoe fitted me perfectly but surprisingly, I didn't like it a single bit, certainly because of my new discovery.

"You'll surely make a good bride Adele" she smiled, staring at the elegance of the shoes in my feet.

"Of course but definitely not to your father, never!," I replied within me.

"I need to get going now, I have to meet the fashion designer to wear my dress and confirm its fitting before the designs are being finalized" I informed, getting up and pulling off the shoes.

My discovery made the house seem suffocating to me and I just couldn't wait to be out..

"Oh dear, I would have loved to come with you but I just got back and I haven't made dad's meal yet. He doesn't eat from the maids you know" she pouted childishly and I nodded..

"It's fine, no qualms" my response contrasted with the 'I don't want your company, either' on my mind.

I left their house after forcing myself to give her a warm embrace and on getting to the parking lot, I wasted no time in driving out immediately.

My heart didn't for a second stop racing and I could feel my body shivering lightly at the feeling the discovery gave..

How could everyone be this mischievous?!..

I couldn't dial anyone's number, not even my best friend's because the discovery was so embarrassing.

All I could do was drive with tears streaming down my face..

..and then, turn on the music to have some beats ram inside my messed skull.

I was shattered, pained and broken. My mind worsened matters by reminding me of the letter's content and how my efforts to have a better wedding had gone in vain..

"Unlucky me.."

The music suddenly stopped after a while and switched to the breaking news session but I wasn't listening until a part of the journalist's words attracted me.

"... and has now declared that his marriage of ten years be divorced due to his wife's infidelity sex video that went viral and threatened to destroy his reputation"

I knitted my brows, while a little part of me wondered why those words refused to stop re-echoing in my head.

"Wait.." I suddenly muttered aloud, losing my focus on the road in bits.

"Divorce.."

"Infidelity video.." I muttered again

".. went viral" my eyes slowly widened as an idea popped into my head.

Oh my..!

"I can stop the wedding by making a sex video of mine go viral!!. He'll definitely want to cancel the wedding because of his threatened reputation!" my gaze expanded more.

"Perfect!!" I screamed out a bit, laughing out loud and wiping my fucking tears.

Damn!

Why didn't I think of this before?

"I can do it right?.. having a nightstand with someone is better than being forever trapped with an old man!. I can do it!" I nodded, smiling sheepishly.

At this point, my mind was literally not on the road where I was driving. My brain was the only thing doing the job.

"But what happens to your own reputation? You're definitely not going to disgrace yourself publicly, will you?" a haunting question suddenly came and my smile slowly faded ..

I sighed in defeat..

"Messed up.." I hissed, driving with one hand as I waved off the plan.

My phone beeped a few seconds later and i looked to check it, ready to transfer aggression to anything unworthy of my attention.

"To hell with you all"

I hissed again, tossing it away on seeing that it was a message from a business group. Dad had added me to the group to help him on an ongoing project with his investors and yes, Gerald was also included.

"It's high time I left the group. Dad can't keep using me as a pawn!" I sighed out, picking the device again..

But then, a voice came around..

"What about sending the video to this group? It's better than making it go viral on social media. Gerald's business partners are there and it will definitely threaten his reputation.. no one would like to attend his wedding"

My eyes flew madly wide..

Wait..

"Oh heavens, why am I this smart?!!!!" ..

"Perfect!!!!!" I grinned, giggling.

"You know what, I need to drive to the hotel now, I need an escort for the task tonight!" I said out, taking a sharp turn thoughtlessly..

And that was it..

The foolish action of mine that made me hit a car.

"Fuck!" I shrieked at the loud bang..

•CHAPTER TWO•

Confronting the aftermath

I guess 'bumping or getting into an accident with someone understanding' should be a prayer on its own..

'Cause..

I'd really been apologising for the past three minutes but this tall arrogant dude wasn't ready to let go..

"Does it look like I care? When you knew how weak your financial strength is, why didn't you drive like a normal person? You're getting me a new car and that's final else I will charge this case to court" he threatened and for some seconds i was in awe..

For Pete's sake, the worst thing that happened to his car is the damage of his full light bulb and now.... court?!!

What has it gotten to do with that?...

I sighed in frustration.

"I just told you I'm sorry, can we please talk about fixing this. I can't afford a new car and this is not a crime, anyone gets into an accident" .. I was really getting pissed but trying hard to remain calm.

"Well, disobeying the traffic rules is a crime" he retorted.

I scoffed.

"If you aren't contented with me paying for your car's repair, then I'm sorry, you'll have to suit yourself" I finally lost my polite skills and spoke rudely with a careless shrug..

I can't keep begging in vain right?..

He scoffed..

"Have a nice day.." I added and proceeded to leave but he grabbed me by the arm and stopped me.

"Where do you think you're going?" his eyes darkened.

I exhaled, swiftly taking a look around.

"You're causing a scene, let go. I can't purchase you a new car because of a minor accident" I tried snatching my arm from him but damn.. this dude was much stronger.

"Then pay with a service" he was a bit calm this time.

I raised a brow.

Service?..

"Do I look like a delivery girl or a car washer or a -"

"Concord hotels, 9pm tonight" he cut me off before letting go of me roughly.

For a second.. just a second, I was confused and when I realised what he meant, I gasped.

"Are you.." I wanted to cuss but immediately, I remembered my intention to sabotage my wedding and my eyes widened.

Wait..

"Fuck, I could use him!!"

Perfect!

"I really could!" I smiled.

Oh heavens, everything's been working out well!

I was lost in my world of thoughts that I didn't know when he got into his car and drove off until his retreating car made a loud sound..

My lips curved into a grin..

"Plan has a good hope! I satisfy you, you satisfy me too"

I walked back to my car, ignoring the stares from others.

"Men's heterosexuality can be an advantage sometimes.." I smiled.

I pressed my lips together as I settled behind the steering wheels.

"I'm about to lose my virginity" a saddening thought crept in..

I ignited the car's engine with a deep exhale..

"At least it's better than marrying an old man." I rolled my eyes..

I was definitely not going home. I wasn't ready to meet my so-called parents and so, I drove down to the mechanic shop, intending to go to the amusement park after my car's repair.

I'll be needing some refreshing moments before tonight's pain-pleasured fuck.

Oh yeah!..

A camera!

"I need to get that!"

•

~THE NEXT MORNING~

Was it the period of longer days and shorter nights or my exhaustive slumber after that pain-tinged, pleasure-filled night with Mr. Arrogant?.. Either way, morning arrived sooner than expected.

Damn, my middle was as sore as.. fuck!

Last night was something I didn't want to think of. That dude was a beast in bed!..

But I did it..

I just had to endure and release moans to make it look like an intentional intimacy since it was secretly being recorded.

I stretched my hand while still booting slowly like an old computer, but Mr arrogant wasn't on the bed and there were no sounds of the running faucet either..

"He's gone" I mumbled sleepily, stretching on the bed with a yawn..

"I don't need you anymore, anyways.." I grinned.

"The camera!" That was the echo from a voice in my head that kicked me out of the bed immediately.

Without hesitation, I threw off the duvet and rushed to the wardrobe, reaching for the camera I'd secretly placed on its top last night when Mr. arrogant was using the bathroom..

"Hmmph.." I exhaled deeply in satisfaction, pressing some buttons on the device..

All thanks to the room's dim light that was on during the intimacy, the video was certainly going to be clear enough.

I sucked in a deep breath, ignoring the voice that reminded me of how shameless it was to give a stranger my virginity..

"Well, well, well.. at least, it's to get a better life and cancel a shameful marriage" I told myself, transferring the record to my phone..

"I guess it's high time I gave love a chance, I'm definitely not allowing dad to choose for me after I get out of this mess" I thought again, slowly walking to the bed.

Without further ado, I cropped out the most convincing part of the video and sent it to the business group with the caption 'Last night was cool babe' to make it seem like I'd mistakenly sent it there..

"Now, let's see how you can marry me when shame and embarrassment envelopes you!" I smirked, putting off the phone after sending it before proceeding to the bathroom for a clean up..

I couldn't walk well due to the pain between my legs and of course, I didn't hesitate in muttering curse words to Mr arrogant.

"Let's not meet again, insane driver"

Those were his words while pounding mercilessly into me last night..

"We are never going to meet, cruel arrogant jerk. We've both used each other to get different forms of satisfaction!" I rolled my eyes, getting under the shower after turning on the faucet.

The sex video didn't capture his face but mine since he was above me and I was the one facing the camera so he was safe.

He had smirked when I showed up last night, arrogantly demanding for three rounds like it's a piece of cake.

Normally, I'd have given him a dose of his medicine for making such demands but because it was something I desperately wanted, I just had to keep succumbing to his annoying wills.

Eish..

I was done cleaning up in less than twenty minutes and then, I headed out of the hotel with the sole intention of heading to the museum where I worked as a librarian.

"My plan would have yielded a result before I return" I thought, still leaving the phone off..

I drove off to work immediately..

Nothing could be more relieving than being eighty percent done with the nerve wracking process of sabotaging your wedding..

Absolutely nothing!

As usual, work was boring and hectic, having to respond with the usual 'Yes, we have that available, check the shelves for it' after a particular book was being demanded but I managed to get my butt glued to that seat until 5pm, my closing hour..

"Don't tell me to calm down, this is the Ely consortium in question! How the hell do we settle a billion debt within seven days because of her actions!!" Dad's yell at mum welcomed me home.

I took a deep breath, standing right in front of the door and expecting more of the dialogue.

My plan was successful, yes?..

"Finally!" I breathed victoriously, raising my hand to the door's knob. But hey, I felt quite scared to go in..

"The marriage has been ruined, she ruined it and now, Gerald is terribly mad at me. How dare she send it to the group! Do you know what that means, even for me?!"

Dad's voice was terribly loud, perhaps because our neighborhood was void of sounds..

"Calm down honey, what if she was set up or even raped?"

That was mum.

I scoffed, remaining in my position.

"Are you insane?" Dad snapped

" Obviously, in the video she forwarded, she did that act willingly. The moans, the caption and everything doesn't relates with rape! She had a lover all this while and you never knew!" he yelled.

"Oh please.." I scoffed.

Damn the idea dads do have to blame their wives for their children's actions.

I didn't wait anymore, I punched the door's password into it and walked in, bumping into dad's murderous gaze..

"Hi dad" I greeted, spreading my arms for a hug.

I needed to pretend to be unaware first right?..

"If those hands touch me, I promise to cut them off!" He threatened and I furrowed my brows, feigning innocence.

"Dad?.. what's wrong?.. "

"Mum?.."

Oh sweet, I was a good actor!

"What did you do Adeline?" mum asked disappointedly..

"What are you–"

"Where were you all night!" Dad interrupted my saying.

"I worked overnight because we -" I had no idea when dad hit me hard across the face, flying me to the couch.

Fuck!!

"Are you insane?! How dare you lie to me? You spent the night with your lover in a hotel and had the guts to send the video to the business group where hundreds of partners and investors are and now the wedding is cancelled. How do I pay my debts!!" He thundered.

The hit made me grow wild.

"Oh Adeline, it's time to put this man in his place!" a voice whispered.

"So what?!.." I yelled back, slowly getting up from the couch.

Dad raised his brows.

"Were you expecting me to embrace the discovery that I was marrying an old man and not his son?! Tell me! You deceivers!" It was literally my first time yelling at my parents.

Mum looked so shocked and guilty but dad's expression didn't soften a bit.

I guess it's time to gather those savings in my offshore account and start my life because I'll definitely be getting disowned tonight.

I must!

I can't live with people like this else seeing them will keep reopening my scar.

"You think I'll watch you ruin my life, huh?! That old thing has no son and you lied to me. You shattered my dreams!" I yelled again..

"Adele.." mum whispered

"Sending the video was intentional, yes it was. I will definitely not marry someone who's lifespan has almost completely exhausted!" i confidently said to dad's face.

Breathlessness..

Dad remained silent but the hard expression persisted.

"The wedding is cancelled, it's time to pay the debts you owed to invest in some fraudulent activities that never worked out for you" I asserted, fighting back my tears.

"Do you think it's my joy to lose my virginity too, just like that!" I gulped.

And then, I raised my forefinger to his face..

"And before you disown me, I'll willingly strip your name off mine and leave your house tonight.." I proclaimed fiercely, letting our gaze lock for more seconds before heading to my room to get my bags..

I was definitely not spending any more night in here..

I was the victim here, how dare he hit me still?!

"Adele!" mum rushed after me..

But I wasn't ready to stop or listen to her.

I never planned this but some things just can't be controlled.

It's time to start my life..

.. after all, I was a 23-year old adult.

•CHAPTER THREE•

Fiercely determined..

For the first time since morning, I turned on my phone, falling heavily on my bed to release my tears as I got to my room.

Everything had happened so fast..

So damn fast.

Losing my marriage and virginity within twenty four hours was something I wouldn't have believed if I was told a day before..

But then, it's all for good right?..

"Adeline, you can't do this.." Mum walked in and i sighed.

"I don't want to disrespect you mum, please leave" I muttered from where I was laid while the phone began beeping repeatedly.

Annoying notifications.... Well I expected them anyway.

"You are not leaving this house, are you?" her voice portrayed both fear and worry.

I scoffed, sitting up.

"Are you seriously asking me that?" I demanded bluntly.

"Adele, your brother isn't in town and you know it. How do you expect us to be fine without having any of our children around? Consider my feelings please" mum pleaded. She couldn't dare scold me for what I did 'cause she knew she was guilty and I was the victim.

"Did you just say feelings?" I arched my brows.

"Did you care about me and my feelings when you got me betrothed to a man old enough to be even your own father, claiming I was going to marry his son? Besides, you were going to adapt to situations if I married that old hag, do the same now" I glared and she sighed.

"Adele, that decision wasn't my fault. Your father insisted and –"

My phone's ringing sound interrupted.

She exhaled.

"You have a call.."

I spared her a final glance before turning to the ringing device.

The caller was 'Ellen', my senior at work.

I wondered why she was calling for a moment before swiping green.

"Hi?.."

"Ms. Adeline, I've been trying to reach out, your phone has been off" she informed.

"I had a flat battery" I lied.

"Okay. It's a work-related issue" she informed and I batted my lashes with a glint of fear.

"But.. but I just left the office" I muttered, hoping the Pakistan girl who came around to borrow a book hadn't reported me with offensive claims because I couldn't understand her English and attend to her satisfactorily.

"Exactly why I'm calling" she gave a quick reply.

"There's an impromptu transfer order from the headquarters.. Miss Jude from the museum branch in California got transferred here due to her urgent demand for relocation and one person in our branch has to get transferred to go replace her." she began.

I sat up properly, getting interested in her words. I have plans to relocate too, could this be an opportunity?

The call wasn't placed on speakers so mum had no idea what we were discussing.

"You both specialise in the same task that's why we are bringing you into consideration and since you began working with us, you haven't accepted any transfer approval, will you do so this time?" Ellen asked and I immediately nodded like it was a physical dialogue.

"I.." she interrupted.

" If you accept, you'll be given twenty-four hours to make some preparations and

first thing on Friday morning, you'll be leaving in the plane that brings her over. Also, your basic needs will be provided till you fully settle in the new country" she informed.

Gawd..

"I'm in!" I screamed inwardly. This wasn't just going to save me from so much spendings, it was also going to give me a chance to start a new life somewhere else.

"I accept ma'am, I'm fully ready in fact!" I responded quickly and I saw mum stare curiously.

"Okay nice, let's talk about this tomorrow at work" she concluded and I gave a fast reply before the call ended.

"Hmmmmph.." I exhaled sharply, tilting my head backwards in gratitude to the heavens. Everything has just been working in my favour!

"What's the news?". Mum asked, reminding me of the situation on the ground with her voice and I breathed, letting my smiley face fade away.

"It's no one's business" I replied bluntly, getting up and heading to the wardrobe.

I had to start packing now because tomorrow will be a very long day at the office.. – having to pack my stuff, give records of accounts of all books and transactions..

Sighs..

"It will be a very long day"

"Adeline, I know we wronged you but honestly, you've caused a big mess and you know your father's financial strength" she attempted to make me feel guilty and that was annoying..

"Is it my fault that you took loans to bet?"

"Is it my fault that you were too greedy? and You wanted more money?!"

I was forced to yell out those words.

"I'm grown and I can take care of myself without you" I concluded in a calm but fierce tone.

Packing didn't take much time at all since most of my loads were in my boxes and mum kept feeding my ears with pleas till I was done packing.

'Spend the next two nights in a hotel before finally leaving'.. was my sole intention.

"Adele, you can't go.." Mum tried stopping me as I struggled out of the room with my bags.

"You can't dictate my life. If you truly loved me, you wouldn't have hurt me that way!" I raised my voice, ignoring her pleas till I got to the sitting room.

Dad was right in the cellar, drinking himself to stupor and muttering nasty things.

"Don't let me injure you mum, stop dragging my bag!" I warned as I struggled to leave with the bags and her drags.

"Let her go, she messed up with our reputation!" Dad suddenly growled.

"And you think I'm happy to expose such shameful video to people too?, My dignity was messed up with too. Stop playing the victim here!" I yelled in response

"Adele..."

Mum got me more annoyed.

"Let me go!" I screamed, making her flinch

"Klara, if you move an inch again, I'll make you regret it" Dad instructed from the cellar and I smirked.

"Listen to your husband" I told mum and with that, I completely moved out.

I was leaving all behind even after all I'd just lost ..

My friends..

Family..

And even a bigger part of my joy..

But just as the saying goes, some things just can't be controlled...

This was it..

... the reality of I, Adeline Orlov..