Novel Storm
31
Los Angeles, Sebastian
I couldn’t help but notice that something was off from the moment my mother offered to help Mia with her clothes. My mother was notorious for her protectiveness over her possessions and her aversion to anyone touching or trying on her things. It was a peculiar gesture, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt, assuming she wanted to bond with Mia, especially with the presence of unwanted guests like Gavin Bonehead Campbell, who sat across from me in the living room, wearing a sour expression.
I couldn’t deny feeling a mix of sympathy and frustration toward my cousin, Calypso, who had chosen to be with Gavin. She had seen his interview, which should have been a glaring red flag, but she seemed to have overlooked it. Everyone had their own problems to deal with, and it was clear that Calypso and Gavin were caught up in their own drama.
As I sat in the living room, contemplating the unusual presence of Pastor Frederick, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something unexpected was unfolding. My mother had only ever invited the pastor when there was a religious event or ceremony, and today had started as an ordinary day. My curiosity grew as I wondered what could have prompted his visit.
The pieces of the puzzle fell into place when my mother reappeared in the living room, followed by Mia, who was dressed in white. Realization hit me like a tidal wave, and suddenly everything made sense.
My heart raced, and my eyes widened in astonishment. I had never expected that Mia and I would find ourselves in this situation. I exchanged a quick glance with Mia, and her expression mirrored my own disbelief.
“Pastor Frederick,” my mom began, addressing the man with a sense of gravity. “She’s ready. They are ready to get married.”
My mouth fell wide open and Mia’s eyes widened in shock, and she stuttered in disbelief, “What?!”
As the tension in the room continued to rise, I ground my teeth in frustration. I couldn’t believe my mother had orchestrated this situation, pushing Mia and me into an impromptu wedding. It was a ludicrous turn of events, and I was determined to put an end to it.
“Mom,” I hissed through clenched teeth, my patience wearing thin. “Cut this bullshit out.”
Pastor Frederick glanced between me and my mother, clearly perplexed by the sudden discord. “Are they not getting married?” he inquired, unsure of the unfolding situation.
My mother responded with an unwavering determination, “Oh yes, they will get married.” She then turned her stern gaze toward my father. “Tell your son to behave.”
Mia’s expression transitioned from shock to anger as the truth of the situation began to sink in. “What is this? Are you guys out of your minds?” she exclaimed, her annoyance evident. “I don’t want to get married.”
My mother regarded Mia, a smile on her face as she declared, “You make a beautiful bride.”
Mia rolled her eyes, exasperation in her voice. “I don’t want to be a bride. Why are you pushing pregnancy on us when we clearly don’t want it? Would you rather have your son in a loveless marriage?”
My mother took a deep breath, visibly trying to contain her frustration. “You are pregnant with our son’s child. Marriage is a requirement. The baby’s future will be at stake otherwise.”
Mia scoffed and fake laughed. “I’d rather walk to hell and hold my baby’s hand on the way than get married.”
A collective gasp filled the room at Mia’s bold statement. Even Pastor Frederick seemed taken aback as he muttered, “We are in the presence of Satan herself.”
My father, growing increasingly irritated, grabbed me by the upper arm and whispered sharply, “Get a hold of your lady!”
“She doesn’t want to get married, and I don’t either,” I retorted in a low voice, frustration evident in my tone. “We will go home.”
But then my father uttered the words I had dreaded. “Then you can step down as CEO from the company.”
I couldn’t believe he had actually said it. “What the hell, Dad?” I exclaimed, astonished by his ultimatum.
My father’s expression remained stern as he reiterated, “I’m serious.”
“And who would take my place?” I challenged, not believing that there was a viable alternative. “Patrick has his own life and doesn’t want anything to do with the company.”
My father scoffed, his resolve unwavering. “If you don’t marry that girl, the company goes to Campbell.”
The pressure in the room was suffocating, and my father’s ultimatum hung heavily in the air. He was willing to hand over the reins of the company to Gavin Campbell if Mia and I didn’t proceed with the wedding. It was an unthinkable situation, and I couldn’t believe he would resort to such drastic measures.
“You don’t even know Campbell,” I retorted, exasperated by my father’s stubbornness.
My father remained resolute. “Well, then I will get to know him when he takes over the company.”
I couldn’t help but feel a growing frustration with my father’s unyielding stance. I could see Gavin, with a self-satisfied grin on his face, reveling in the turmoil he had caused. The thought of him benefiting from this situation made my blood boil.
As the pastor patiently waited for our response, I massaged my temples, trying to come to terms with the impossible choice before me. It was a lose-lose situation, and neither option was desirable.
“So, what is it going to be? Are we getting married today?” the pastor inquired, his gaze shifting between Mia and me.
“Yes,” I reluctantly uttered, my voice heavy with resignation, at the same time Mia emphatically said, “no.”
She turned to me with incredulity in her eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. “Sebastian?”
I stood up from my seat and walked over to Mia, leaning in to speak softly into her ear. “My company’s at stake,” I confessed, my voice laced with regret. “I don’t care,” Mia whispered back, her determination unwavering. “Marriage is a big deal, and I don’t want it… at all.”
I sighed, knowing she was right. Marriage was a significant commitment, and neither of us wanted to enter into it under these circumstances. But the weight of my father’s threat, coupled with the presence of my scheming ex-husband, made it feel like we had no other choice.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.
“Believe me, I don’t want it either,” I admitted, my voice pained. “But please, let’s pretend. I don’t want your boneheaded ex to enjoy this drama. Let’s just end it.”
Mia locked eyes with me, and I could see the internal struggle within her. After a tense moment, she reluctantly agreed, her voice filled with resignation. “Fine, let’s get married.”