*EPISODE 6*
(MY SOULMATE)
When they arrived at Vanessa’s parents house, they were warmly welcomed and ushered into the sitting room where the two families chatted happily. While they discussed, Chris requested a moment to speak with Vanessa. They both excused themselves and stepped out to talk.
Standing outside, Chris took a deep breath and said, “Vanessa I really do not want to do this.”
“Do what exactly?.” Vanessa asked totally confused and curioused.
“Getting married to you Vanessa. I just do not feel that this right. I mean, how do I force myself to live with you for the rest of my life when I do not even love you?.” Chris questioned almost losing his mind.
“Chris i can’t believe we are having this conversation over again. I have told you countless times that I love you and I don’t care if you love me or not. I’m ready to spend the rest of my life with you. And that’s all that matters.” She said.
“Really?. Even if we will keep living as strangers for the rest of our lives?.” Chris asked totally surprised.
“Chris. Our parents also got married through this same process. And guess what?. They are still living together in harmony. So ours won’t be different. I assure you that with time, you will get to love me more than you have ever imagined.” She said placing her hand on his shoulder.
Chris angrily hit Vanessa’s hand off his shoulder and with a serious face, he said,
“I’m sorry Vanessa. I’m not going to be bound with you forever. I won’t keep shut and watch my parents force a woman I do not love on me. I’m going in there to oppose our marriage.” He said turning to go.
“Why are you doing this?. You’ve never put up a fight against us getting married even when you didn’t want to. Why the sudden change of heart?. Do you have someone else in your heart?. Chris What’s going on?. Will it be a crime if you got married to me?. Am I really that bad?.” Vanessa asked breaking into tears.
Chris couldn’t help but turned to Vanessa who was shedding uncontrollable tears before him. He took few steps closer to her and held her hands in his. Then in a low tone he said,
“No Vanessa. You are not a bad person. Infact you are one of the amazing and beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You’ve been my childhood friend and I adore and respect you as I would to my younger sister. And that’s why I think you deserve a better man. You deserve someone who will love you forever. I only see you as a friend and as a younger sister. And my good wishes are with you at all times. I just hope you realize that I do not deserve your tears. Hate me all you can but believe me, this is what’s best for the both of us. The truth is that I’ve found happiness. And I pray and hope that you find yours too.” Chris said.
“Tell me the truth Chris. Who is she?.” Vanessa asked with tears in her eyes.
“That doesn’t matter Vanessa.” Chris said shaking his head.
“It matters to me Chris. I want to know that woman that has taken my place in your heart.” Vanessa insisted sobbing bitterly.
Chris wiped off her tears and held her cheeks in his two palms.
“Vanessa. That doesn’t matter. What matters is that she makes me happy. And I want you to be happy for me too.” Chris said smiling sadly at her.
Vanessa broke into more tears crying profusely. Chris felt pity for making her cry that he was left with no choice but to console her by embracing her.
“It’s okay. Vanessa. You will be fine. It’s just a matter of time.” Chris said tapping her gently on her back.
The both families were still chatting happily when Chris walked in holding Vanessa’s hand.
“Awwn…. they’ve even started practicing public display of affection.” Chris mother said clapping and the rest burst into laughter.
But Vanessa’s mother noticed the sadness in her daughter’s eyes. She stopped laughing at once and stood on her feet asking,
“My child. What’s with the sad face?.” She asked walking up to her.
“Chris what did you do to Vanessa?.” Chris’s mother asked dropping her cup of wine on the table.
“Mom, dad, I have something to tell you all.” Chris began.
Vanessa gave Chris a pitiful and sad look hoping to prevent him from talking but he ignored her and went on.
“I’m sorry to announce to you all that, I’m against this marriage.” He said.
“What?.” They all chorused totally confused.
“Hahahaha. Son, you must be joking right?.” Chris’s mom asked trying so hard not to believe what Chris just said.
“I’m serious mom. I don’t want to get married to Vanessa. I’ve found another woman who gladdens my heart.” He said.
Vanessa broke into tears barging out of the room. Her mother followed her from behind Calling her name.
Back at Ogbuefi’s mansion, Chris father demanded to have a word with his son concerning what he said at Vanessa’s house.
“Can you please explain to me what exactly happened at okagbue’s house?. Why did you refused to marry their daughter who has been your friend since childhood?. What exactly is your reason for disgracing me before my friend and his family?.” Chief Cosmas Ogbuefi raged.
“Dad. I’m sorry for not having this discussion with you earlier. It was wrong for me to have taken such decision without talking it out with you first. But the truth is, you wouldn’t have given me a listening ear. It’s just like you and Mom are hell bent on making Vanessa my wife irrespective of how I feel about her. Dad, I don’t love her and I don’t think marrying her is the right thing to do.” Chris said.
“Hmmmmm. I promised myself that the last thing I would do as a father, is forcing my son into marrying a woman he doesn’t love. The main reason why I went for Vanessa, was because I’ve seen how close you both are. And I thought maybe you loved her. Cause you’ve never kicked against the idea of you getting married to her all these years. So tell me, why now?. What made you changed your mind?.” He asked.
“Well dad, I think I might have found someone who my heart beats for. Dad, she’s everything I’ve always wanted in a woman. Her presence gives me joy and peace of mind. I just know that she’s the one for me.” Chris said.
“So who is this lady that made you reject Vanessa Okagbue?. Which household is she from?.” He asked.
“Dad, her name is Gloria Oguike and she’s from a humble home. You’ve met her before. She has been working here as my personal maid.” Chris said.
“A maid?. How are you sure that she’s not after our money?.” Chief Cosmas asked.
“Trust me dad. I’ve been the one trying to convince her into accepting my feelings. She has never for once thrown herself at me or try seducing me in anyway. It has always been me all along. Because I found everything I want in a woman in her.” Chris said.
“Hmmmmm. Are you sure you won’t regret this?.” Chief Cosmas asked.
“I’m sure dad. I’ve never been this sure in my life. Trust me, she’s a very good woman.” Chris said.
“Alright then. I won’t stop you from marrying the woman of your choice. But I will give my blessings only on one condition.” Chris’s father said.
“And what’s your condition?.” Chris asked.
“She must stay with us for at least one or two months. So we can look into her character. At least to be sure that she’s a well mannered lady and not a gold digger.” He said.
“That won’t be a problem dad. She will come stay with us for a month.” Chris said smiling helplessly.
“And don’t be too excited about her staying with us. Cause staying with us does not guarantee that she will end up marrying you.” Chris’s mother said walking up to them.
“Mom?.” Chris called.
“You heard me well son. I knew that girl would bring nothing but trouble into this house. No wonder my spirit didn’t totally accept her the first day you brought her here as your personal maid. I so much despise her for wanting to reap where she did not sow. But since your father has given you his permission, I won’t go against it. But trust me son, I will make sure to make you see every reason why you need to marry Vanessa instead of that gold digger.” She said.
Back at Okagbue’s mansion, Vanessa was still in tears while sitting on her bed when her mother walked in.
“Vannessa why are you doing this to yourself?.” She asked sitting next to Vanessa.
“Mom, what exactly is wrong with me?. Am I not good enough?. Do i not deserve to love and be loved in return like every other lady out there?. Why is my own case different?. Why can’t Chris love me back?. What does that new found lady of his have that I do not have?. Am I not beautiful enough?.” She cried.
“It’s alright my child. Yours would surely come. And trust me when he does, you will be grateful that Chris left the way he did.” Her mother said embracing her warmly.
“No you are wrong mom. Chris is mine. And will remain mine. I don’t care who his new found lady is. But I promise to take back my Chris even if it means getting my hands stained with evil or blood.” Vanessa said in her heart.
