THE BLACK MARRIAGE
© Ralph Angel
EPISODE 27
The following day, Andy was feeling too nervous. he hadn’t heard anything from Jessica ever since he left Lizzy’s house the previous day. In a few hours, it would be time for the party his father had organized and he still did not know if he would be attending because there was no way he would attend without his own wife.
He heard a knock on his bedroom door. “What is it Ada?” he called out without checking who it was.
“Someone is here to see you sir” he heard Ada respond.
“Who is it?” he yelled out of anger but heard no response. He stood up reluctantly and moved to the sitting room but his anger dissolved when he saw the person standing there.
“Jess” he breathed.
Jessica felt shaky as Andy’s gaze drove into her. Suddenly, meeting his eyes was not so possible. Andy did not leave where he was standing, at the far end of the sitting room, so she was forced to go and meet him. Standing directly in front of him, she looked at the floor, then his white short sleeved shirt. “The party is today” she said at a loss for words.
“Yes” Andy’s heart was p******g but he looked as calm as the open sea. “Is that why you came”
“No” she turned away from his overbearing presence and walked slightly away. “But I don’t know if I can state why I came. I don’t know if I should put my trust in you.”
Andy placed his hand on her shoulder and turned her. “I know you have gone through a lot Jess, all I want is a chance to make you happy. Please Jess”
“I am scared Andy. I am scared that you would crush my heart like so many people have and I don’t think I can-”
Andy kissed her deeply, stopping her words. She returned his kiss, as the memories of the past few days flashed through her head. There was no doubt in her mind that Andy loved her. His hands shook slightly as he held her, with his heart racing against her chest.
“I would not make you cry again Jessica, I promise” Andy said breathlessly.
“I love you Andrew”
Andy smiled from the bottom of his heart for the first time in years.
“I love you Jessica”
===
The exquisite hall was filled to the brim with people. Andy and Jessica had arrived late because they have been so preoccupied with their newly found love. Their father had sent a driver to pick them up. They both stared at the building with anticipation. They had both decided that the party was very perfect because it would be a means of starting all over again.
Andy smiled at Jessica. “Jess, you look absolutely stunning sweetheart”
Jessica looked at her fingers feeling shy and nervous. She was putting on a short black gown which clung to her skin. It contrasted perfectly with her skin, making her eyes twinkle.
“I got you something” he pulled out a box and opened it. Jessica gasped as she saw the sparkling jewelry in the box.
“Andy” she gasped. She hadn’t worn jewelry for a very long time.
“I saw this when I was returning from Lizzy’s place and I could only imagine you wearing it.” He ran his fingers on it. “May I?”
She nodded and turned. Andy raised the necklace and put it carefully around her neck, moving her hair in order to secure the hook. He put the bracelet around her wrist and put the ear-rings in her ear. She looked breathtaking.
“Thanks” she murmured.
He opened the door and stepped out. He stretched his hand to her and she put her hand in his. “I hope you enjoy your evening my lady” he leaned down and kissed her.
The party was going on smoothly. The crowd was as full as the wedding day, with numerous family members and friends. There was actually no one that Jessica knew that was not there, including her uncle and his family; her friends and others. Andy and Jessica had met about half of the invited guests and were busy chatting with some friends when their attention was drawn to the podium. Andy’s father stood there with the microphone in his hand.
“Hello everyone, I am so happy that you were able to make it today. I was not around for my own son’s wedding but now, I do not feel so bad. I have a surprise for you” everyone applauded him but the smile on Jessica and Andy’s faces vanished when Sonia surfaced.
“Come up here my dear”
“Oh my God” Lizzy gasped as she stared at Sonia.
“This girl here has something to tell everyone about the couple” Mr. Williams announced. He handed over the microphone to Sonia, who took it with a smile. Jessica felt like she could not breathe. Andy was just glued to the ground, staring with horror.
“Hello everyone”
“What are you doing Sonia?” Lizzy yelled.
Sonia ignored. “Hello everyone, I am sorry to inform you that Jessica is a fraud” gasps of surprise followed the announcement. “She pressured Andy into marrying her so that she can make away with most of his money. She planned to penetrate the company in order to escape with 20 million naira.”
Everyone had horrified looks on their faces. “I heard Jessica telling Lizzy this. She planned to divorce Andy once she gets the money.”
She looked straight at Jessica. “Am I lying Jessie?”…………
To be continued…
