THE BLACK MARRIAGE
© Ralph Angel
EPISODE 35
Mr. Williams stood by the massive window of his extra large house.
Guards stood motionless in strategic positions but all their faces were stony. Andy’s dad now felt a measured level of regret for what he did to Jessica. The poor girl did not deserve the kind of treatment he had given her. Andy’s confession of love, coupled with Jessica’s disappearance made him know that what he had seen when he visited them was not a drama. If what he had glimpsed that night hadn’t been a drama, which he doubted now, then, he was sure that Jessica must have feelings for Andy also. Frankly, he had never seen Andy as devastated as he had been for the past week; it was like replaying the tapes of Andy’s reactions when he found out that his wife-to-be was dead. He wanted his son to be happy – that was what he promised his wife – but all he had succeeded in doing is add to his sorrow.
Mr. Williams drank from his cup slowly. He should make things right immediately they find Jessica. He prayed in his heart that she was safe and not in harm’s way, if not, he won’t be able to forgive himself. Andy would surely never forgive him if anything happened to Jessica. Even if he found Jessica, how would he make things right with her?
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Andy’s hold on Jessica’s arm slackened as he stared at her, horrified.
He just could not believe she had just mentioned the seven lettered word like it was nothing. ‘What is going on here’ he mused. Several emotions crossed his face; bewilderment, hurt, anger.
Jessica saw these expressions and she felt her heart sinking. She never wanted to cause Andy any pain but right now, she was not even sure if Andy had feelings for her. Why would he? She is nothing but a nobody who agreed to marry him for 20 million Naira while he is the most eligible man that ever walked the surface of the earth. Every woman had their eyes fixed on him, wanting him, no matter the cost. Apart from being so distractingly attractive, he is also terrifyingly wealthy with a capital ‘W’. How would she be able to keep up with him? It is obvious that she and Andy are both from two totally different classes, and even though she had had a taste of what it would feel like being rich when she was small, that does not seem to apply to this situation because, compared to Andy’s wealth, that still passes as being poor.
“Sit” Andy said instantly, snapping her out of her thoughts.
She turned puzzled eyes to him. “What? I am not-” Jessica murmured.
“Sit down Jessica, now” Andy rarely showed his controlling side but when he does, it can be a little scary.
Jessica felt like a five year old when she finally sank her butt on the bed, gazing a bit angrily at Andy for making her feel so little. Andy grabbed the tray filled with food and put it in front of Jessica, carefully keeping his face blank.
“Eat up” he murmured, staring straight into her eyes. “All of it. We would have this discussion when you are through” Andy marched out of the room.
Jessica stared at the food in total confusion. Just seeing Andy had brought back part of her appetite but she doubted she would be able to finish half of the food set before her. Swallowing gently, she picked up the extremely big chicken and took a bite. It tasted so good that her stomach growled in response.
She picked up her fork eagerly and scooped the fascinating fried rice into her mouth. A m**n of delight escaped her lips as she became instantly aware of her empty stomach.
The fried rice had so many ingredients and colours, exactly what she needed after a hunger strike. She smiled dryly but the pain she felt overshadowed her, almost making her lose her appetite.
Knowing that Andy would not be pleased, she struggled to eat as much as she could manage. When Jessica could not take more, she was surprised that she had eaten a bit above half of the food. She picked up the chicken and peeled off the meat from the bone. Jessica wondered why the food tasted incredibly sweet. She assumed that it was because she had been starving herself for a few days.
The door opened and Andy entered. His presence almost choked her and she focused on taking in a deep breath. Her throat suddenly felt dry and she picked up her glass of orange juice, draining it at once.
“Thanks” she murmured.
“You did not finish it” he said, gazing at Jessica without revealing anything. He looked strained and agitated but his stance was firm and strong. Jessica felt that he was revealing his business-like stance, using it to cover the awkwardness.
She swallowed.
“I have had my fill”. She stated.
Andy looked like he also needed the same treat but she was not sure if she should say it……….
To be continued…
