003: Abrupt Rejection

Brian_

“Mom! Dad! Anyone home!,” I asked as I walked into the silent sitting room. Hardly have I finished my statement when someone ran into the room and immediately hugged me tightly. Without even looking I knew it's my younger brother Brad.

“Hey, stop hugging me so tightly. I told you to stop being so childish. Men shake hands not choke each other like you are doing right now,” I said as I forcefully released myself from his hug. He smiled revealing those cute dimples I wish I had.

“What are you doing at home anyway? Aren't you supposed to be in college now?,” I asked, checking my wristwatch.

“Yo! No man, Be in college and miss your...,” he couldn't finish his words cause my parents walked into the room and dad shut him up.

I looked at the three of them wondering what they were hiding from me. Finally, I walked up to mom, kissed her on the cheek and greeted dad.

“Dad, you wanted to see me. Is it something important?,” I asked. Dad cleared his throat and said,“ I hope you canceled your plans for today cause we would be going to meet your future wife and in-laws.”

I stood with my mouth agape for a while before saying,“Dad what do you mean future wife?”

“Don't you think you've kept the media entertained for too long. I'm tired of seeing your face with different ladies in magazines and tabloids so I fixed your marriage,” dad answered. He sounds ridiculous to me.

Marriage... Getting tied down with one p***y when there are a lot of p***y for me to enjoy. I refuse to be tied down to one stupid marriage. “Dad, I don't agree to this marriage,” I answered curtly.

“Then I'll freeze the premium account. Let's see what you will do without it,” he threatened me.

“Dad, what will it take to give me full ownership of the premium account?,” I asked, willing to bargain with anything for that account.

“You have to agree to this marriage and settle down. I don't want to see you die as a bachelor. We need grandchildren. Then you can own the account,” dad replied. I sighed desperately, pulling the soft strands of my hair in frustration. I can do anything except get married.

I looked around the room searching for help when I saw my brother smiling at me. He seems to be enjoying my argument with dad. The idiot even got popcorn to enjoy the show. I looked at the popcorn in his hands and gave him a YOU-ARE-SO-DEAD look.

Then I looked at mom and pleaded,“Mom please... Please talk to Dad... I'm not ready to get married.”

Mom smiled and said,“Why don't you meet with your bride first and decide if you want to get married or not? I trust your dad's judgment.”

I sighed. It seems like there's no way out of this. “Okay, I'll just meet up with her. You won't force me to marry her if I don't want to,” I said and mom nodded.

“Then go and get ready. We are leaving now,” Dad said and I left not before dragging Brad to follow me.

“Mom! Save me... Brian is gonna kill me,” he kept on shouting as I dragged him out. Mom just laughed and said,“Brad stop being a baby...”

****

Writer_

Mrs Helen walked into Ivy's room and was shocked to find her unprepared. She just laid on her bed wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

“Ivy, why aren't you dressed yet? Your in-laws will be here soon,” she said looking at the abandoned royal blue dress beside Ivy. Ivy sighed and sat up on the bed before looking at Mrs Helen with teary eyes.

“I don't want to get married. Dad didn't even tell me the name of the guy I'm supposed to be marrying. Even so, I still don't want to get married,” Ivy said, trying hard not to cry. Mrs Helen went over to her and hugged her.

“You don't have a choice honey. We don't have a choice. I can't do anything about it. I'm just a servant here. I don't have a say in this,” she told Ivy who shook her head.

“You are not a servant. You are my mom. I love you like I would have loved my mom,” Ivy replied sobbing quietly.

Mrs Helen smiled and cleaned her tears,“Honey sometimes we don't need to fight. We just go along with whatever wave life throws at us... Who knows what might happen?.”

Ivy hugged her again as she said,“No one knows where our happiness lies. You might just find yours now.”... Another maid came and knocked before informing them that the guests had arrived, making them cut their conversation short.

****

Brian_

I looked around the mansion before looking at the man who ushered us in. He led us straight to the dinning room where a couple was already waiting for us. My parents greeted them and I realized they are my in-laws.

So my brother and I greeted them politely. And we sat down waiting for the bride to come. I frowned in displeasure. Who is she to keep me waiting like this? My parents had already started discussing it with the other couple.

“Hey bro, smile. Don't chase your new bride away with that face,” Brad said, making me glare at him. Why did God not make me an only child? Life would have been easier without this brother of mine.

The sound of the door opening stopped me from pinching Brad. I turned to look at the bride. As soon as she came in, I opened my mouth down in shock. Abruptly, I stood and shouted,“Dad I reject this marriage...”