His Encounter With A Widow

Somewhere in San Francisco

Flora POV

I was lying on the bed with my legs crossed while my whole attention was centered on the book in my hand.

I heard my door room opened, I glanced up from the novel I was reading.

I couldn't hide the frown that crept on my face, and I looked down to my novel again.

"How are you doing, dear?" She asked as she ambled closer, I scoffed lightly.

She sat very close to me on the bed and placed a hand on my leg; yet I didn't spare her a glance. What does she want?

"Flora" She cooed.

I rolled my eyes and tossed the book aside.

"What's it, Mum?" I asked bluntly, and she sighed; bringing her face down.

"Flora, dear, you should know I'm doing all this for you; you..." "What exactly are you doing, Mum?" I butt in, standing on my feet already.

"Haven't you done enough?"

"You handed my hand in marriage at a very tender age, you gave me out at age Twenty, Mum" I chided, and she lifted her face to look at me.

"And now, my supposed husband is dead for the past three months and again;I was forced to be a widow for the next six months" I continued with tears welling up in my eyes.

She stands on her feet and come closer to me. The tears were now rolling down my cheeks.

"So, tell me, what exactly are you doing?" I questioned calmly and she slowly held my hand.

"Flora" she called, but I removed my hand from hers. I was not in the mood to listen to her sermons now.

"I'm tired, mum," I wiped my tears with the back of my palm. "I'm tired of staying indoors and wearing this ridiculous black dresses," I almost yelled as I pointed at the black long gown I was wearing.

"But you still belong to the Gabriel's dear" she hushed, my expression switched to a quizzical one.

"What do you mean?" I mouthed under my breath. She breathes out heavily before tucking her loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

"Since your ex-husband (Xavier) is dead, you will get married to Ryder his younger brother; the Gabriel's still wants you, Flora" She explained and my eyes bulged.

What?

"Mum, do you know what you are saying?" I asked hoarsely, and she lowered her gaze.

"What have they done to you?" I questioned as I grab her arms. "What on earth did they gave you?!" "Why do you have to trade my happiness with their wants, Mum?" I yelled.

"First was Xavier, and now Ryder?" I shook my head. "For heaven's sake, I'm Twenty-one mum. I'm tired of this marriage stuff." I reminded plainly and she sighed.

"Flo..." She was saying again, but I cut in rudely. "You made me drop out of college all because of that marriage and thank goodness, Xavier is dead; I can start my new life afresh. And now, you are telling me I'm getting married to Ryder again!" I rasped.

"Ryder of all men? You know how much I detest him from sight," I reminded and paused to catch my breath.

"Flora dear, you know I love you" She cupped my cheeks, I chuckled.

Does she love me?

But doesn't love my happiness.

"You will have to get married to Ryder, I know what's good for you, Flora" She said in a convinced tone and my heart sank.

I gently withdraw her hands on my cheeks.

"Whether you like it or not, Mum, I'm never getting married to anybody. Ryder or not," I said sternly and without sparing her one more glance, I slide my feet into my slippers and stormed out of my room.

I stared blankly into space with my arms folded. "Why's she bent on ruining my life?" I mumbled as I made my way to one of the chairs in the court yard.

A little introduction wouldn't be bad.

I'm Flora winters, living with my single mum since a teen. I don't even get to know who my father is, but there's this particular male picture I often see with my mum and each time I tried to say something about it, she cut me off; reasons best known to her.

Not only that, but I was forced into early marriage at age twenty which me drop out of school; and all my mum could say to me was that 'she knows the best' She doesn't really care about my happiness yet, she doesn't like to see me in a sad state.

Sincerely, the man I got married to was not a bad guy, he didn't accept the marriage as well, but I guess he was left with no other choice.

But his family is one of a hell family, most especially his mum and his younger brother, Ryder.

Ugh!

Heaven knows I can't stand the sight of him.

He's a monster;

who doesn't care about what other things of him.

Each time he came to visit his brother, I always tried my possible best to stay clear away from him.

And if I mistakenly bumped into him, that smirk that run across him lips is what I hate most about him.

Gross!

I really miss Xavier, even if though we never acted like a real couple; he was one of the best persons in my life.

But no strings attached, pathetic, isn't it?

I remember the day he wanted to have his way with me forcefully, but when he saw my tears; he has withdrawn immediately.

May his soul continue to rest in peace.

Until date, his death still seems strange to everyone, even their family doctor couldn't detect the cause of his death.

We only live together for a year; and now he's gone.

I'm not happy about it,, but I guess God doesn't even approve our marriage.

"Ma'am" I felt a light tap on my shoulder and I flinched.

Oh, goodness!

"I'm sorry ma'am, I've been calling you for some minutes now" a maid said with a light now, and I sighed. I was really lost in thought.

"What's it?" I asked her.

"Lunch is served, ma'am" She replied, and I nodded.

"I will join you soon" I told her, and she bow before turning to leave.

Yes... I live lavishly.

Everything is being wrapped around my fingers; even my marriage with Xavier was a blast and for a whole week, our marriage was the talk of the towns.

But I do not want all this, I want to explore.

I want to be free from all this craziness.

"Gosh!" I drew in a long breath and stood on my feet.

I think I'm starving truly, I thought as I strode into the dinning room.

Flora POV:

The following morning

I came out of my room and shut the door behind me. I was walking down the hallway when I saw my mum approaching me; I rolled my eyes and halted my steps.

Not only that, but I avoided her throughout since our last conversation yesterday- and I was glad she got the message.

"Good morning Flora" she greeted with all smiles as she stood in front of me, but I only nodded and look away from her face.

"Ryder is here to see you" she announced as I walked past her, I retreated my steps immediately. "I didn't hear you" I turned to her, she sighed. "For goodness's sake, Mum; I'm still a widow!" I thundered and she slowly brought her face down.

"Why on earth is he here to see me?" I inquired coldly and she lifted her face.

"Just to pay you a visit and that's all dear" She replied calmly, I just huffed as I counted two steps closer to her.

"You've done enough mum, don't think you can ever force me into getting married again; you will regret it" I threatened with clenched teeth and I watched as her eyes dilated in surprise.

Good.

I turned my back against her;

and finally walked down the hallway.

Ryder POV

I sat patiently on a single couch in the living room-waiting for her.

If you ask me why I was here, I really don't know, I just wanted to see her face, I guess.

She never smiles to me, but I can watch her gladly all day smiling with another person; that's how much I like her.

She's not aware though because I never express it; besides, she was my late brother's wife, so I have to respect that.

It hurts she ended with my brother, but what can I do? Xavier was the first child; he had to get married before me.

Flora's mum and my mum were close friends, and I've had my eyes on her since the very first day her mum brought her to our mansion.

Well... It's all good now since my brother is gone; I can have my Flora for myself alone.

I glanced up to the stairs and saw her climbing down the last stairs.

F**k!

Until when was she going to stop wearing those black dresses- I thought with a secret eye roll and adjusted my gray shirt.

I watched her back as she strode out of the building, my brows creased, confused.

Hold on... She didn't see me, or she decided to ignore me?

The thought of her ignoring me shattered my heart; no one ever does that to me.

I'm Ryder Gabriel.

I sprang to my feet and motioned to the door.

I pray she says she didn't see me because I want to start acting being nice to her and that includes the reason I'm here this morning, and if she says she deliberately ignored me; then I might lose it.

Likewise, I got to the facade of the building and looked around for her.

And my eyes landed on her back-standing very close to the garden. Good.

I marched towards the garden; trying my possible best to control my anger.

"You didn't just ignore me, did you?" I asked her immediately I got behind her.

She turned to me and stare at my face for some seconds before taking her eyes back.

What the?!

"Flora, I'm talking to you," I said sternly as I grabbed her arm and she turned to me with rage. "What's your problem, Ryder?" She roared as she yanked her arm from my hand and I took a step backward, my eyes widened.

What's wrong with her?

Where did she get the gut from?

"If you really think I'm going to get married to you;then I'm sorry to inform you that you are wrong, I will rather die being a widow than to end up with someone like you" She rasped, and my eyes bulged upon hearing that. Getting married?

"Flora" I called, but she has already turned and left.

I stood rooted as I watch her back till she stepped into the building.

What was that?

What was she trying to say?

Getting married to me?

Oh, no... I guess she was affected by her widow state.

Moments later...

I barged into the living room furiously.

I still can't believe Flora could talk to me in such manner.

I saw her sitting on the long couch- watching the TV screen.

I scoffed softly and made to ascend the stairs. "You are back?" I heard her voice, but I didn't stop.

Isn't it obvious enough that I didn't want to greet her. "Ryder" She called me as I took a step inside.

Gosh!

What's her problem?

"I have something important to tell you," She stood on her feet and beckoned me to come closer.

I rolled my eyes and slowly walked fully into the living room.

"Son" She cooed,, but I just stared at her, wondering what she was up to.

She's my mum,, but she deprived me the motherly love any child could wish for and gave it all to Xavier.

She doesn't love me because I never listens to her, who cares though.

And now that her precious son is gone; I don't understand why she's acting all nice to me. "Uhm... You see" She started, I watched her with my hands in my trouser pocket.

"You will be getting married to Flora in the next few months" She declared, and I scoffed, looking elsewhere. Hold on...

'If you really think I'm going to get married to you;then I'm sorry to inform you that you are wrong, I will rather die being a widow than to end up with someone like you'

Flora words reeled through my mind, I stood properly as I faced Mum again.

"What are you saying?" I asked her coldly, she breathes in and breathe out.

"Your dad and I suggested you should get married to her, since your brother is no more" She told me, but I only watch her speechlessly. So, Flora was right all along.

"Then why are you just telling me, don't I have a say in this?" I inquired.

"The same way Xavier was not allowed to make his choice, you want me to go through that also, isn't it?" I added, trying not to yell. She smiled. "We know what's good for you son; Flora is the only girl for you, she's a sweet girl, right?" She said, beaming with smiles, I just huffed and turned my back.

I plonked myself tiredly on the bed and lay on my back. Of course, Xavier was the only person they can easily boss around unlike me; I really don't give a damn about them, so I can easily turn them down.

But here is a chance; I mean, I've always wanted Flora for myself.

I smiled broadly as I thought about the whole thing again. "Get ready for your new husband to be, Flora" I muttered to myself as I rolled to the other side of the bed.

Stella POV:

"How have you been, Stella?" Marigold asked, immediately, we both settled down on a settee in the living room.

"I'm okay" I replied sweetly, she nodded with a big smile on her lips.

"Let me get some refreshments before lunch would be served" I say to her while standing on my feet, she shook her head. "No Stella, those can wait, right now, we need to talk" She said, and I just shrugged before returning to my seat.

"What do we need to talk about, Marigold?" I asked her and she adjusted on her seat.

"What else Stella? It's about Flora and Ryder," She said impatiently, my countenance change instantly. "Marigold, don't you think about what people would say? Two brothers got married with same lady? Let's think about it carefully," I tutored, and she frowned.

She half yelled, "What are you saying, Stella?"

"People should feel free to say whatever they want, I don't give a damn!" She rasped and I sighed. "Hold on, Stella, I hope your promise is still intact?" She asked in more like a whisper, my eyes popped up.

"Don't you dare forget that, Stella, otherwise..." She snapped her fingers and stood on her feet. "Flora is getting married to Ryder, whether you like it or not," She said through gritted teeth.

I just stared at her dumbly and after shooting me a final glare; She picked her blue purse and stormed off.

I breathed out heavily immediately, she slammed the door hard behind her.

Oh my goodness!

Did she still have that in mind?

"I'm sorry Flora, but you will have to get married to that criminal son of hers," I mumbled and sighed loudly.

Flora POV

I trembled on my feet after eavesdropping to all they just discussed, but held on to the big round pillar I was hiding behind, preventing me from tripping on my feet.

I watched my mum's back as she muttered the last part to herself. Oh, no!

I carefully tiptoed over to the stairs, ascending the stairs slowly, pulling my black long gown a little.

I lay flat on my bed as I gaze at the ceiling.

Why does she have to agree to this? Why?!

I released a big sigh, I didn't realize I was holding, 'If you feel it would be better not to do this, then you should run away.' My subconscious mind whispered and I sat upright.

Of course, yes, I really want to run away from this madness-

but how?

The gatekeeper would definitely be a problem.

Before I was forced to marry, he never allows me to step out unnecessarily.

Such an old fool.

I looked around my room and my eyes landed on my mirror drawer. I sprang to my feet and strode to the drawer, i pulled it open.

Yes! I found it.

This would definitely help; it's sedation pills.

My mum gave it to me some months back when I had complained to her that I couldn't get enough sleep.

I placed my forefinger in between my lips while I stared at the pills in my hand.How do I give this to him? Uhm mm "Yes!" I yelled happily as an idea crept into my head.

In the evening...

I silently opened mum's room door, I peered my head inside. Oh, She's sleeping already? Awesome.

I carefully closed the door and took the stairs, "Do you need anything, ma'am?" A maid asked as I approached the kitchen.

"Get me two glasses of orange juice" I ordered, and she bow before turning away.

I walked into the dinning and sat on one of the chairs; I just hope this works.

The maid returned after a short while with the two glasses of orange juice.

She placed the tiny tray in front of me and stepped back a little.

"You can leave, thanks" I told her, she bow again before leaving.

Some moments later,

"Flora you should go in now, it's getting late" The gatekeeper urged me in his dozing state, I chuckled softly and shook my head, negatively.

I gave one glass of juice to him, the sedated one actually, and kept one for myself.

He was surprised at first, but I told him I just wanted to have a moment with him.

And without hesitating, he gulped the whole content at once, and I smiled triumphantly to myself.

Good job Flora.

You are leaving for good tonight..

"So tell me more about yourself Mr. Carson" I requested, he brushed his face with his right hand and sat properly. One would know he's fighting the sleep. "Mr. Carson?" I called as I glanced at black gate, but he only 'hummed' as he slowly dozed off. I jumped on my feet and smiled broadly.

I adjusted my ponytail and tiptoed to the gate direction; without looking back.

I slowly pulled the gate open; and after giving the house and the useless gatekeeper a final glance, I stepped out of the compound.

Without glancing back, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me into the dark night; cursing the long gown loudly.

I really didn't know where I was heading, but I was glad I've left that house for good.

After I've ran for some time, I got to the main road, I stopped running to catch my breath. Why does everywhere seem silent? I mentally spoke,

Oh, no... Not even a single person?

A car should approach already.

I kept darting my eyes everywhere; feeling petrified already. I stomped my left foot on the floor as I exhaled exasperatedly.

And it was just like an answered prayer, I heard the sound of a car and I swiftly turned to the direction. Thank goodness. This opportunity must not slide. I thought as I ran to stand at the middle of the road, suppressing my lips in a tight line.

The car honks repeatedly, but I didn't budge, I stood rooted at the middle of the road, and the car screeched to a halt. Eventually.