COERCED TO MARRY MY NEMESIS

The bridal chorus echoed through the massive hall as the orchestra intensified the pace of the music with every passing note. I stood at the entrance of the hall, about to walk down the aisle. Instead of the usual feeling of elation and joy during this moment, I was filled with hate towards the man waiting down at the altar for me. A feeling of foreboding washed over me as I proceeded towards the altar to marry my sworn enemy. How did I get here? What could I have done differently to change this outcome? Those thoughts clouded my mind throughout the entire wedding.

Every story has a beginning and mine began two weeks ago.

-

I woke up that late that morning, around 10 am, you could say I woke up at the wrong side of the bed and there was this feeling of foreboding as I got ready for work and it wasn't worry that I'll get fired for showing up late as the company I worked for is owned by my family and is pretty much going bankrupt, a bad review by Forbes had put the company in a pitfall, of all the newspapers to give us a bad review it was Forbes, well long story short I put it away that feeling as nothing.

I got to work, ready to get a mouthful from the CEO a.k.a my dad, for showing up late. To be honest, I graduated a few months ago and haven't gotten the hang of this work-life balance, but I'm confident I'll get the hang of it.

Anyways, I got to work that morning. I didn't get a mouthful, but I saw an unexpected visitor, the patriarch of the Erion's, Aloysius Erion.

Now I wasn't a stranger to Mr Aloysius, his daughter is actually my best friend and he's a long time business partner of ours, but it's unexpected seeing him visiting the company, his last visit was when I was when I was seventeen years old, and that was five years ago, which tells how rare his visits are.

He walked past me, and looked at me with what seemed to be a cheeky grin as we exchanged greetings. I decided not to pry and head straight to my mum's office, I took the lift and went straight to the fourteenth floor where my mum's office was.

As I was about to open the door with the name plate 'The Office Of Yuri Hughes' on it, my earlier feeling of foreboding became stronger and I really knew something was wrong when my dad was also present in her office, usually he'd be in his office and if he wanted to have an audience with her she'd go to his office or they'll head to a conference room but there he was sitting down on the nearest seat, patiently waiting supposedly for me.

This felt like one of those times when I did something wrong and my parents wanted to scold me, they'll both carry these serious looks on their faces. I was worried and had to ask, "Have I done something wrong?"

My mum spoke first, "please take a seat" she said, gesturing to an empty seat.

I obeyed sitting down on the seat opposite where my dad was sitting and then he spoke, "You're getting married."

His statement was followed by an awkward silence. When he said that I only felt two things, shock and confusion. A myriad of questions crowded my mind 'married? how? why? to who? when?'

I had always feared a day like this would come, growing up most of my friends and indeed most girls were betrothed, and this was a recurring theme in most business dynasties, marriage between two of their offsprings in order to fuse business empires and make them stronger financially, and boost their reputations, it's an unfortunate dark side to the rich and famous, I had thought that my family was an exception, my parents had managed to extinguish any marriage proposals but it looked like ever bleak now as our business now hangs in the balance and now depends on this.

I snapped out of my daze, the silence still remained. I decided to break the ice, "Married? how and to whom?"

He looked at me and although he had on his poker face, beneath his spectacles I could see a hint of sadness in his eyes, "Yes, married. To Rhys, Rhys Erion."

Now Rhys was a character, he was many things, your typical rich playboy, basically lives in the night club, runs through girls and treats them as tools, doesn't care about the feelings of those around him, instead surrounds himself with yes-men to boost his fragile ego. In other words, the nicest definition of a narcissist. Is this who I'm going to spend the rest of my adult life with?

This'll be a marriage devoid of love and affection, you're wondering how I can be this presumptuous, I'm not, his lack of redeeming qualities is secret to none, and even more so in school, I went to the same school as Rhys along with his sister Tanya, my best friend. He was two years my senior, and Rhys was what you'll call a bully, he never does anything that won't be in his benefit.

To quench my curiosity I asked, "Is that why Mr Aloysius came to the company?"

He replied, "Yes, as you know this company has taken a nosedive ever since that product review and we are on the brink of collapse." he paused, maybe to see my reaction or facial expression.

"Yes? We've undergone serious backward development and a general distaste in the market for our products." I was unsure where this was going.

He looked away from me as he relayed the next information, "Yes, well Mr Aloysius has decided to help our company out of the mud but it comes under condition, you'll have to marry his son."

Confusion and shock slowly turned into rage, disgust and distrust. I looked at my mum and she couldn't maintain eye contact with me, she had a guilty look in her eyes, she could see the wrong in this.

"Surely there's a better way to do this, to get financial assistance?" I asked, looking to and fro my mum and dad.

My mum responded this time, "No investor is willing to risk that kind of money in a dying company and we're not getting any loans given our reputation, believe me if there was a better way, we would have gone for it but there isn't, so now you've got to do what's best for the future of our family and this company and get married so we'll get our feet of the ground"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing, and decided I needed to process this. I excused myself and headed to the bathroom to clear my head, while washing my face I made a decision that I wasn't going to get married to that man, Rhys.

He was the last person I wanted to get involved with, given his personality and now I had to marry him? I think not. I quickly texted Tanya, my best friend and Rhys's sister about everything going on and prayed she'd come up with anything at all that could save me from marrying her brother.

"It's already been agreed upon, you're getting married and that's settled." My father lifted two fingers, "Two weeks, you're getting married in two weeks, so prepare yourself." My dad dropped the bombshell after my return from the restroom break.

I was speechless, that soon? That's unreasonable. I felt like a pawn, like a tool in all of this. I couldn't stand for this. I'll run away, I'll show them, they can't just impose what they want and I'll follow. I have to wait and bide my time then when no one's expecting I'd make my move.

I wondered what was taking Tanya so long to reply. I really can't have this. I stormed out and headed to my office. I had to clear my head. I crashed on my chair and went through my phone. Tanya still hasn't replied so I called her.

"Married? Rhys? Two weeks? This isn't a prank is it?" I told her about what just transpired in my mum's office and she was bamboozled, just like any other person that just found out that their best friend was getting married to their brother.

"Yes, married, and in two weeks, to Rhys, I'm as shocked as you are." I sighed, reclining further into my chair.

"So what are you planning to do?" She asked, concerned laced in her voice.

"I'm running away, that's what." I answered directly.

"Where would you go?" She asked and to be honest I hadn't figured out where I'd go... yet.

"I don't know yet but I'll think of something." I replied,

"Okay, I'll talk to you later, I've got to address something here." and with that Tanya ended the call.

I got off work earlier than usual, because I couldn't concentrate given the drama that ensued earlier. I went straight home, laid on my bed and deep in thought, I fell asleep, I fell asleep for God knows how long, only to be awakened by a knock on my door. I peeked through the peephole and found my mother standing before my door.

What did she want? I glanced at the table clock on my nightstand and by the digits displayed I saw it was 10 pm. It's not like it wasn't normal for my mother to be in my room by this time but what's she doing here?

I let her in, and her first question was, "How are you?"

How was I? I couldn't believe she was asking me that.

"What do you think?" I replied, as we stood in the middle of my room. " I am being forced into marriage, and to Rhys of all people, Mother. I don't have a say in all this, I feel like a tool, a bargaining chip, that's what you and Dad see me as."

She replied "You know that's not true, you have to think of the business as well, not just yourself, think of us. As it stands we are deep in debt, not that the business is paying any of it, this is a way out of our current situation. Besides, how bad could it be? It's not like he's the devil himself."

I replied "He is, he really is, mum."

I couldn't believe my ears, how bad could it be? Was this really my mum sitting in front of me? She may have the same face, but her words do not match the personality saved in my mind.

Was this how fast people abandoned their morals and values when in danger or peril, when given the easy way out?

"You asking me how bad could it be is a bit hypocritical when from my point of view you chose dad, you weren't forced to get married to him, you told me how much you hated the status quo of big families and how they view women as nothing more than a bargaining chip, in order to expand their business empires. You've stated, for years, your distaste for it and now you stand in front of me, trying to take me into accepting it?" I ranted.

"This is different!" She exclaimed, her face turning beet red. She seemed sad, almost like she pitied me.

"How so?" I continued, knowing I just struck a nerve. "How so? How is this any different from the others? Are you just trying to justify yourself? Make yourself feel better?"

"That's not it" she said now tearing up "You know that isn't it!" she exclaimed, her voice cracking in the process. "We don't have a choice, this is our only chance, we have to take it, or forever sink in the depths of indebtedness, we can't just pass up this chance, I know it's not convenient but you'll have to be a strong woman and stomach it, please." She begged, a single strain of tear falling from her eye.

After that first strain of tear fell, more strains followed and before I knew it, my mother was crying. All her frustrations came pouring out, it took a while to get her to stop.

In order to make her stop, I finally told her that I'll think about it, at least rationally, her countenance did change, she stayed for half an hour more before leaving, she left me a paebaek on the table and disappeared into the night.

I sat there looking at it with contempt, by the time she had left, I had already made up my mind. There's no way I'm getting married to that man, but I can't let them know, I'll pretend it's alright, till I find a place to go.

Patience is a virtue which I had nonetheless.

-

"You may now kiss the bride." The voice of the cleric echoed round the hallowed ground and Rhys leaned in, just as we were about to kiss, I woke up, sweat-ridden.

It was just past two in the morning I grabbed a glass of water and pondered about what was coming in the near future, in less than two weeks I have to get married, if it's going to be anything like the nightmare I just had, I know I'll forever live in regret, I have to change this outcome, I eventually went back to sleep, hopeful that I don't experience that nightmare again.

I awoke around nine in the morning and decided not to go in to work today. I had a slow morning before I decided to go see Tanya to discuss and weigh my options.

Initially, I had wanted to meet at a restaurant but Tanya said she wouldn't be able to make it to the restaurant, so we agreed to meet at her house instead. To my distaste, mind you, it meant my chances of running into Rhys were distastefully high.

I don't want to have to encounter him but nonetheless, I drove over to the Erion's residence to meet with her.

When I got into the house on my way to Tanya's room, I ran into Mrs Erion. I was greeted with a warm smile, I was actually on good terms with her, she's a kind woman. I now wonder how her son grew up to be like that.

Curiosity took the better of me and I decided to ask; "How do you feel making me marry your son?"

She didn't answer, instead she dodged the question trying to change the subject, "Tanya's waiting for you." she said.

Well, I guess it didn't matter since I wasn't getting married to him anyway. I decided to take my leave and head towards Tanya's room.

"How've you been, wife to be?" She teased as I entered her room but I wasn't having it.

"I'm not in the mood for these jokes, we have a pressing matter to attend to," I sighed, tossing my purse aside as I plopped down on her bed, "We need to take care of this quickly, I've started getting nightmares."

"That bad, huh?" She asked, plopping down next to me.

"Yeah, I need to get away from here, A.S.A.P." I replied, rubbing my temples.

"Any idea where you're escaping to?" She asked with a serious look on her face.

I shook my head "I really don't know yet, I'm still thinking, I was hoping you'll come up with ideas, it can't be anyplace our families have influence or will think to look."

She pondered upon it for a considerable amount of time before shaking her head "No, I can't think of a place."

"I'm starting to have a feeling that deep down somewhere in your heart, you want me to marry your brother."

"No, I mean... come on, girl. I want the very best for you, and Rhys- as much as he's my family, isn't the best I want for you. And why would you even say that?"

"I don't know, you're not giving me any ideas, maybe?" I sighed again, letting my back fall on her bed. I palmed my face trying to come up with options. When Rhys suddenly barged in with an irritated look on his face.

"Ugh, it's you!" I groaned, rolling my eyes as soon as I saw it was his figure in the room.

"The feeling is mutual." He replied sharply, turning to Tanya he muttered, "No wonder mum wanted me to come check in on you." Even his voice irks the hell out of me.

Tanya sighed, "You two would make an insufferable couple."

I smacked the back of her head and she began to laugh for successfully triggering me with her stupid remark.

"Why are you here anyways?" Tanya asked, rubbing the back of her head.

He took a deep sigh and responded with irritation evident in his voice, "Did you not hear me earlier, or did you lose more brain cells?"

This is the man I'm supposed to marry? It doesn't help that we've grown up together nor the fact that I've known all his girlfriends and how he treats them all like trash. This guy had zero respect for any woman that wasn't his mother. I could go on and on for days about a list of reasons why Rhys was a terrible choice for any woman and his collection of red flags.

Not sparing us another glance he left the room, slamming the door behind him. I fell back on Tanya's bed, palming my face, "Tanya I'm doomed." I cried as she took me into her arms.

"There, there, I'd offer to help you out but I don't have any ideas either, maybe you should just marry him, it can't be that bad, even if it is you could divorce him later." She caressed my back and cooed.

While Rhys is an arrogant and unfiltered idiot and I'd never agree on anything he'd ever say, he wasn't wrong about one thing- Tanya's brain cells are missing. How could she even say that to me?

I got off her bed, grabbed my purse and left her room pissed with her following right behind me, "I'm sorry, I didn't think you'd take it to heart."

"Yeah, of course you didn't." I stormed past Mrs. Erion who had a confused expression on her face. Usually, I'd traditionally greet her goodbye but today I didn't feel like it. It seemed rebellious and not like the good daughter I'm supposed to be but who cares about being good when the people I'm being good for are against my happiness.

I drove to my favorite spot in the city, a small bridge at the very end of the city. It was an old brick bridge that showed signs of collapsing but I went on it regardless. This area was secluded, closed off for construction which for years hadn't begun.

The small river beneath it was as clear as crystal and it mirrored my reflection almost perfectly.

I stared at my reflection for a while, till ripples began to blur it and I realized what were causing the ripples were tears falling from my eyes.

"This is not the life I imagined for myself." I sobbed as my phone began to vibrate in my jacket pocket. I reached in for it and when I saw it was Tanya calling I turned off my phone.

I was still mad at her for her statement earlier.

-

It was 9:15 pm on my digital watch and I still sat on the bridge, not wanting to go home or anywhere that reminded me of home. Maybe, I could relocate here, buy a camp van and live in it, find a job, live a totally normal life. Even if it'd be less than my life at home, it'd be better.

I heard footsteps approaching, who could be here by this time? It couldn't be a robber, could it? What was I thinking staying out here too late, and I forgot to bring my pepper spray with me.

The footsteps came closer and closer and my heart kept beating faster. I palmed my mouth to avoid making a sound till whoever it was left while making a silent prayer that they didn't find me.

"You know my life would be better if you don't do things that make it miserable for me." A voice spoke from beneath the bridge and I recognized that irritation. What was he doing here?

"What do you want, Rhys?" I groaned, rolling my eyes as if he could see it in the dark.

"To drag you home with me." He stated, his shadow still standing beneath the bridge.

"How did you even find me?"

"It was easy as pie, now get off that bridge." He snapped.

Annoyance began bubbling inside me, "You don't tell me what to do." I hissed.

I heard him take in a deep breath and in a low but pissed tone he threatened, "Cerise Huges, get off that bridge or I'll get you off of it my way."

"I'd like to see you try." Was my response and he made his way up the bridge. I shifted my position to make it hard for him to lift me off the bridge if he tried.

But what he did instead was to push me off the bridge and into the water. The bridge wasn't high off the river and the river wasn't too shallow either.

When I emerged from the water, I took in all the air I could because I had forgotten to take in air as I landed in the water.

"Are you... crazy?" I yelled, in between coughs. "You could've hurt me!"

"Well, you're not hurt are you?" He asked, his tone void of any concern, almost like he expected I'd be alright even after almost attempting to drown me.

I navigated my way out of the water, and when I came to the surface, he was standing before me with his hands pulled out in front of him.

"What?" I spat, glaring at him.

"Your keys, I'm not letting you get in my car dripping wet like that." He sighed.

I hesitated but knowing this psycho, he could do worse than shoving me into the water again, so I just gave him my keys.

"You know life isn't all so terrible when you do as you're told." He said, giving me a light pat on my wet hair.

I followed him back to my car and he drove us back to his house.

"Why are we going back to your house?" I asked when I realized he skipped the turn to my house and was taking the route to his but I was responded with silence.

When we arrived, both of our families were present which was not an abnormal thing to witness but it was awkward given my current situation.

I was chewed off for staying out too long and causing everyone to worry about me, it was even worse that I had my phone turned off. It was agreed that I'd stay with the Erion's till the wedding incase I tried to make any decisions and by that they meant incase I tried to run away. Apparently, Tanya had told them of my plan to escape out of paranoia when she couldn't get a hold of my line.

As I made my way up the stairs to the designated room given to me Tanya followed behind me.

"Cerise, I'm sorry I just had to... I was worried." She apologized, yet again today.

I turned to her, tears forming in my eye, "You're supposed to be my best friend Tanya." With that I walked into the room, locking it behind me.

I sat on the floor and cried silently. There had to be a way out of this, there's gotta be a way.