A love foretold: A fate unravelled

"No Father. I can't move in with him, I barely know him" I screamed on top of my voice feeling the dryness of my throat.The atmosphere in the room was filled with so much tension. Mother's expression was troubled but I didn't care.

Father approached forward towards me and when he held my hands, I steeled myself "You have to. It's what we have to do. Sweetheart, our company is folding. I'm sure you know what it means".

Could the day get any better? Father must have known this was going to happen to have made decisions so quick. Just yesterday, I was overjoyed about attending my sister's wedding and now I'm being forced to be the bride.

Father had tricked me, same as a mother. At that moment,I was filled with feelings of rage and disappointment.

How could he plan to sell me off?

He had already made arrangements without my consent.

I swiftly removed my hands from his and turned to my mother.

"Mother, did you know about this? Did you know that your husband, my father is trying to sell me off to a stranger? "

"Silence!!!" Father ordered. Mother didn't answer any of my questions, I was uncertain as to why she couldn't utter a word.

There I stood, face to face with my father, our expression reflecting a mix of emotions.

There I stood staring into the eyes of the man who had already laid out plans for my future, announcing my arranged marriage to me meticulously. Father looked dead serious and he never changed his mind on anything

"Mother, say something!!! Please you can't do this father."

Seeing that my father had a stern look on his face, my eyes became wet, my voice quivered and I pleaded, hoping that my father would have a change of heart.

A feeling of hate crept into my mind as I thought of my mother's despicable silence, I couldn't describe what I was feeling at the moment. I was mixed with emotions.

As I stood there, facing my father, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, I respected him and the decisions he made for the family, but on the other hand, I knew that this was my life, and I wanted to make my own choices. Despite his seriousness and unyielding nature, I knew that I needed to speak up and make my voice heard. I stood tall and confident, ready to take charge of my future, no matter the consequences.

"I will not do it . I'm sorry Father but this isn't your choice to make. I will not marry whoever it is and that is final!" i don't know anything about him and he is Lydia's boyfriend not mine". I had never spoken to my Father in such a tone and I had never slammed the door shut on him or walked out on my Father.

Growing up, I looked up to my father at all times, he taught me wise words and taught me to navigate my world out in the cold hands of the world. He imparted wisdom to me. I respected him a lot and I wanted nothing more than to be like him.

I wouldn't ever marry someone I haven't ever had a conversation with. I was determined not to go back on my decisions.

Standing behind the giant door that I had just slammed shut, I could hear my parents discussing. I placed my left ear gently on the door, hoping to make something meaningful out of their conversation but it seemed even the doors were against me.

_____________________________________________

The sun filtered its way into my curtains, I lay down on the bed running mad with thoughts. It was almost Evening.If not for the despicable news father had given to me and the dumb decision my elder sister, Lydia had made overnight,we all would have been at the wedding reception now celebrating.

I rose from my bed and stared at myself in the mirror with a determined gaze,I gave in to my weakness and disappointment. Tears streamed down my cheeks, my shoulders shaking with each sob, I buried my face in my hands, trying to muffle the sounds of my crying, even as I wiped the tears, more came.

Father had seen me as a liability and a second option and not his daughter. I felt betrayed.

Why would he do this to me? I do everything to please him, I make myself look perfect and now this is his way of getting rid of me?

As thoughts kept creeping into my mind, I thought of Alexander and his family. I thought of what State they would be in.

Alex loved my sister and this would break him apart. He was a ruthless man and he loved Lydia only.

Thoughts couldn't just stop filtering their way into my mind. I was only 23. I wanted my life to be fulfilled, I yearned to explore the world, meet people, fall in love, and share intimacy with the man I love and now, Father was one step away from jeopardising my dream life

As I thought of the imaginary world I had created for myself, I sobered up and wiped away my tears.

"A lot of things can ruin my life but certainly not this"

I remembered my mother's silence and it made me realise. Mother and I weren't close, it was always just me and Father, I was a daddy's girl. Perhaps all that was the reason she kept mute when Father was making the atrocious plan of selling me off.

Sitting alone in my room, I felt the weight of unfinished tasks and unfulfilled dreams coming down on me, it seemed insurmountable.

The thoughts of eloping from my father's house crept into my mind slowly like a virus taking over a computer system. Thoughts of starting my own life tip-toed into my mind like a delicate whisper gaining control like wildfire.

In the moments of my weakness, a knock echoed through the silence of my room. As the door cracked open, there stood my father.

What the hell does he want from me now "

"Emma" His voice was firm, laden with expectations "Difficult choices are ones we make every day, I expect you to gear your place in this situation very easily. I care for you as much as I care for my family's reputation. Make me proud". He stated standing tall, stelling with a mean face which portrayed his seriousness.

"You can't decide my life. I already made my decision. I will not move in with him" With each defiant word that escapes my lips, I felt a surge of empowerment cursing through me. I realise it was not about going against his wishes, it was all about me gaining control over my life.

Father stood at a distance, his gaze fixed upon me, his hands neatly tucked into his pockets and he maintained a gentlemanly posture. Father was studying me.

"Emma" His voice now calm as he spoke my name."Whatever plans you have going on in your head, Think twice darling, You read the letter your stupid sister wrote and no one in this house isn't aware of the alliance going to be formed if two families are united."

He turned his back and was about to exit the room but stopped halfway to the door "Make sure you're ready in a few minutes,you will be meeting your soon-to-be husband" He stated and made his way to the door.

I felt overwhelmed by mixed feelings, I couldn't hold my tears back. I buried my face in the white pillow and cried, with muffled sounds and a broken heart.

I knew I had to find a way to heal and move on, but at that moment, all I could do was cry and try to make sense of the pain I was feeling.

Sitting down there on my bed, clutching my feet close to my heart, I questioned my sister's absence and why she would make such decisions. I felt so much hate towards her and it made me shed more tears.

Soon enough, the door opened and a driver came, a man in his late forties dressed in a well-tailored dark-colored suit, and wore a hat on his head."Miss, would you like to be walked to the car?"

I stood still and accepted whatever fate unraveled, with a heavy heart, I bowed my head and let more tears stream down my cheeks, I walked slowly and wobbly towards the car and there I knew I would never return to the comfort of my home or enjoy the warmth of my room ever again.

FIVE HOURS AGO.

The sun filtered through the windows, illuminating the penthouse suite with a bright glow. I was brushing my teeth in the penthouse suite about to get into the shower when I heard it. Loud, panicked, and arguing voices.

Ugh! Not again.

Everyone had been going berserk and arguing over everything. The flowers, the food, the wedding dress, the arrangements and I couldn't help but find it amusing because everything was perfect. Mom and sister were both professionals in making everything look perfect. The event planner must have been popping pills to stop the migraine from my sister and Mother.

For months, all everyone could discuss was Lydia's wedding, including me, I was excited l. I found the thought of spending the rest of my life with someone very romantic. What can I say? When you meet that one person, you'll want nothing more than to spend the rest of your life with him or her.

I thought of finding my soulmate, I giggled and smiled. I had managed to find my soulmate. My boyfriend, Lucas, was everything I could want in a man. He was romantic, sweet, hardworking, and honest. Butterflies formed in my stomach thinking about Lucas.

I stood in front of the gigantic mirror in my room examining myself in the long blue dress my sister had picked. Of course, she picked it. It was her wedding and there was no way I would show up without letting her know what I would wear. The dress did a pretty good job of concealing my curvy hips and making me look thin just like Lydia.

I and Lydia didn't look alike in any way. She had a striking resemblance with Mother while I took the face of Father. I put my long dark hair into a ponytail. My curly hair dropped over my shoulders,

The dress was fitted at the bust area, The neck area revealing only an appropriate view of my cleavage, the dress had a tight corset, and a tiny bow down at the hips area. It was hard being in the dress as I had a little difficulty breathing but what could I say, I felt gorgeous.

Lydia takes after Mom in taste.

Still staring at myself in the mirror for the hundredth time, My door kicked open and a line of people matched into the room stopping at my track, it wasn't just any people it was my parents and Lydia's in-laws or should I say "Our- in laws".

Mother, Father, Aunt Mary, Uncle Donna, The in-laws, and Lydia's fiance, Alexander, were all in my room. I wanted to bring up the question of privacy but I waved it immediately on seeing the expressions on their faces. Mom looked scared and utterly pale like she was going to collapse at any time, my aunt and uncle looked disappointed and worried, and Alexander looked angry and bitter. I could see him grinding his teeth from a distance. My dad wasn't one to worry about little things so if anything managed to get him worried, it must have been a huge problem.

Oh No! Something bad has happened" I thought to myself while examining everyone's face.

"Mother, Father What is it?" I questioned with my heart racing like I had run a marathon race expecting anything.

Silence took over the room. It was as if my parents were ashamed to answer my question. At this point, Mother was wiping her eyes and she had started her usual silent sob. I stared at everyone expecting someone to say anything at all but Their mouths were shut.

After what seemed to me like forever, it was my uncle who spoke. The last person I had expected. While he was about to speak, I noticed one person was missing from that gathering, Lydia.

Maybe she's getting ready. I thought to myself ignoring the fact that the bride wasn't with us.

"Pumpkin, we went into your sister's room and found this," He said and my aunt raised a card gesturing for Me to take it. The card was red and white, and also thick. It was the invitation card.

Why was I being given the invitation card to my sister's wedding on her wedding day? It was strange but I opened it and right at the back of the wedding card was a written note. I recognized it immediately as my sister's handwriting, it was neat and perfect just like she would want everything to be.

I'm truly sorry but yesterday night, I came to realise that going on with the wedding would be a huge mistake for me. A life-threatening decision. I don't love him and I can't marry him. I'm going away for a very long time. Please don't try to find me and don't hate me.

I let out a gasp from my lips, feeling shocked and dismayed. I felt lightheaded and I was breathing so fast I had to loosen my corset a little bit while still trembling with the note in my hand. I thought this must be some sick joke that everyone was playing but no one showed any signs of a joke, they were all hurt and shocked as I was.

My mind raced with so many thoughts, unable to answer any for myself. It was as if I had been given a brain teaser. My eyes met Alexander's face, his eyes were red and his face looked pale. His fists clenched as though he was keeping himself from hitting someone or something.

Do men cry? Did Alex cry?

Why would Lydia do this to Alexander? What did she mean she never loved him? Where is she? Did she write this?

Lost in My world of thoughts, I was called back by my mom's shaken and distorted voice."Emma, Baby, I know this sounds stupid but we have a wedding to attend in less than six hours with over two thousand people attending"

I stared at my mom thinking that the woman was still in shock and as a result couldn't talk straight. A wedding to attend? Or was there another wedding happening around us? I was holding a note that clearly stated that the bride had eloped and mom was still talking about a wedding to attend.

As if examining and reading my mind knowing what answers I need, Father spoke "We can't call it off sweetheart, we can't cancel the wedding. If we do we'll be humiliated and our companies could be on the verge of a huge downfall"

Father spoke as though there was something struck on his throat. I stared blankly at him. I stared at him like a goat because I couldn't understand or figure out where the whole wedding-to-attend thing was headed.

"Baby, you're the only one who can help us out right now. Please"

It was only a matter of time before I was being walked down the aisle by my father, my eyes facing the ground trying as hard to hold back my tears. The long veil covered my face and the corset revealed my shape. The dress was huge and long. It was my sister's wedding dress.

I couldn't concentrate as the wedding traditions were happening. My father held tight to me and parted when I stood in front of Alex. He gave me away. Leaving me to make the biggest decision of my life.

Vows were exchanged, and the lies were concealed. I had always dreamt of the day I would get married but now I know better.

Why me? Lucas, please forgive me. I love you so much.

I thought to myself hoping the words would somehow reach him.

I had switched off my phone. Lucas had called me not more than seventy times and I kept on hitting the red button. Each time he called, and I canceled his call, a part of me would die. I felt nothing at that moment except shock. I was under the normal circumstances in which a human would behave. I had tried my sister's number a million times and I kept going straight to voicemail.

How did everything happen so fast?

I leaned my burning head against the car window, I was burning at a high temperature. I couldn't stop thinking of what had happened today and I couldn't stop thinking about Lucas.

What would I tell him if I ever got to talk to him again?

That I, Emma Anderson was married to Mr.Alexander Black on the day my sister, Olivia Anderson was supposed to get married. This wasn't making any sense. I should have said No to my mom. A feeling of regret crept into me but nothing could be done to change it.

I hated my sister,My parents,in fact I hated everyone. I had so many thoughts sitting in the car with Alex.

Was my sister also forced to marry him?

Why did she then run away?

I was sitting in the car with Alex, he was also sitting a distance away from me, I was unbothered, his face turned towards the window. I didn't even dare look at him or speak a word because I knew how much he must have hated me at that period. He had also been forced to get married to me, but for what stupid reason?

What is it that both families wanted that they couldn't get from working together.

The car pulled up at the grand mansion that belonged to Alex. Even though I had been there before, the sight of it now made it appear almost like a haunted palace. Despite the migraine that was beginning to worsen, I remained confident and composed. As my vision began to blur, and I felt sweat trickling down my face, I refused to show any signs of weakness. Despite feeling weak and helpless, I remained determined not to embarrass myself in front of anyone.

I felt a tumble and rumble in my belly, and just as I was about to step out of the vehicle, I vomited everything I had eaten in the morning. I felt a warm hand touch me before it all faded to darkness.

_____________________________________________

The room was of significant size, with a bed that seemed to match its grandeur. However, I felt quite small and insignificant in such a spacious environment. Although my migraine had subsided, my body still felt weak. As I opened my eyes, I caught a glimpse of two gentlemen standing at the far end of the room - one dressed in black and the other in a white robe.

At first, my wild imaginations pictured the two men as angels and a demon, perhaps the angel was negotiating with the demon to set me free. The man in black turned and we had a very sharp eye contact.

"She's awake" Reality struck me again, it was Alex still dressed in his suit, and the doctor. Seeing the doctor made me realise I had passed away.

Just great.

"What's wrong Emma?" Alex had walked over to the bed and sat down beside me, he was so close to me and that was the first time I was seeing him up close, i perceived his cologne just as he sat beside me. He had a warm scent just like Lucas. Lucas always had that warmth in him. I waved off the thought immediately.

"I'm fine, just my head" I had managed to speak in between the pain I was feeling.

"You passed out. The doctor said you'll be fine but here take this, it'll make you feel better"

He said holding the pillow up so I could sit up properly. As he helped me sit upright, It struck me as to how weak I was. He held the drugs close to my mouth and made me drink it. That simple act reminded me of my mom and how she would force drugs into my mouth whenever I was too weak and sick to take them on my own.

I felt like throwing up again, I caught a glance of Alex's face as he was dropping the glass cup on the padded table beside the bed, his expression gave it all. His eyes were sunken in and all red, perhaps he had cried, he looked tired and almost as if he would drop anytime.

I thought of Lucas again, he always had that look in him when he would return from work and I would be there to hold him close to my breast and rub his head gently to give him comfort and relaxation. I couldn't do that anymore, at least not to a stranger.

I felt pity for Alexander, he didn't deserve any of this, just as I didn't, I knew willingly or unwillingly, that I was now a part of his life. I felt guilt all over me, I had invaded his world without formal entry and it felt like I was a villain.

How could my sister do this to such a nice and innocent-looking man all because of her selfish desire?

Alex stood up and tucked me into the sheets very carefully, turned his back, and walked out of the room without uttering any other word to me.

The sleeping pills had started to take its effect on me, the room was so dark. Not a single light illuminated, I wondered how one would get so used to darkness.

Perhaps that is what our lives would be filled with at that time. Nothing but darkness. I felt a hot tear trickle down my cheeks as I thought of Lucas and how he would be feeling right now.

I closed my eyes and in less than seconds, it all drifted into darkness just as the room.