THE BRIDE’S TEST
EPISODE 5
Bryan drove away from Ella’s mom’s shop, feeling sad and heartbroken. He couldn’t believe what he saw – Ella hugging another guy and telling him how much she missed him. Bryan felt confused and didn’t know what to do. He went to his dad, Mr. David, for help.
“Dad, I need to talk to you about something,” Bryan said, his voice shaking.
“What’s wrong, son?” Mr. David asked, looking worried.
“I saw Ella hugging another guy at her mom’s shop. She said she missed him. Was she pretending to care for me all along?” Bryan asked, feeling angry and sad.
Mr. David looked surprised. “Bryan, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. That guy might be Ella’s friend or brother. You should have talked to her before jumping to conclusions.”
But Bryan wasn’t convinced. “No, Dad, she’s not what she seems. I need to move on with my life. I can’t find a woman like my mom.”
That evening, Ella visited with the same guy she hugged earlier. When she arrived at Mr. David’s house, she was shocked to see Bryan standing without his wheelchair, making a phone call. She and her brother (the guy she hugged) went closer to Bryan, and Mr. David came out of the house.
Ella was surprised and hugged Bryan. “Wow, you can stand now?” she said. But Bryan pushed her away. “What are you doing here?” he asked gruffly.
Ella replied, “What kind of question is that?
You even brought your boyfriend to my compound – how dare you!”
Bryan said.
“Does it mean you can now see?” Ella asked, confused.
Bryan replied, “That doesn’t answer my question.”
Ella explained, “He’s not my boyfriend, he’s my elder brother. He’s been away for a long time and just returned this morning.”
Mr. David intervened, “Why don’t you come inside and let me entertain your brother instead of arguing here?” Ella agreed.
As they entered the house, Ella’s eyes remained fixed on Bryan, her mind racing with questions. How was this possible? Just yesterday, he was blind and wheelchair-bound, and now he was standing and walking like a normal person.
Mr. David invited Ella’s brother to sit down, and they all gathered in the living room. Bryan’s eyes avoided Ella’s.
“So, Ella, your brother has been away for a while, I see,” Mr. David said, breaking the silence.
“Yes, sir. He’s been working abroad, and we haven’t seen him in years,” Ella replied, her eyes still fixed on Bryan.
“I see. Well, welcome back, young man,” Mr. David said, turning to Ella’s brother.
As they chatted, Ella’s mind continued to wander. She couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off. Bryan’s sudden recovery, his strange behavior… it all seemed too suspicious.
Suddenly,an idea struck her mind.
Ella’s eyes narrowed as she gazed at Bryan. “Come outside, we need to talk,” she said, her voice firm but controlled. Bryan followed her, his eyes avoiding hers.
As soon as they stepped outside, Ella demanded, “Why did you call my brother my boyfriend?” Bryan shrugged, “Never mind.” I’m sorry about that.
Ella’s expression turned fierce. “Snake! Snake! Snake!” she shouted, her voice echoing through the compound. Bryan’s eyes widened in fear, and he took off running – his legs moving swiftly, without any hint of paralysis.
Ella watched him with a mixture of anger and amusement. After a few moments, she called out, “I’m joking, Bryan! There’s no snake!” Bryan slowed to a stop, his chest heaving with exertion. He turned to face Ella, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.
“It’s time you told me the truth, Bryan,” Ella said, her voice cold. “You’ve been lying to me from the start. Why?”
Bryan took a deep breath before speaking. “I’m sorry, Ella. I was testing you. I wanted to know if you really loved me for who I am, or if you were just after my dad’s money like all the other girls.”
Ella’s expression turned livid. “You went too far, Bryan! You made me worry sick about you, and it was all a l!e? I can’t forgive you for that!”
Bryan fell to his knees, his eyes brimming with tears. “Please, Ella, forgive me! I was desperate to find someone who truly cared for me. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Ella’s face remained unyielding. “You should have thought of that before you f@ked your accident and played with my emotions. I’m leaving, and I don’t know if I’ll ever come back.”
With that, Ella turned and walked away, leaving Bryan kneeling in the compound.
Tbc
