Marriage on Paper

Eight months since the incident, that claimed the life of her husband and unborn child.

Carolyn was locked in the confinement of her room; she hadn't stepped out of the walls of her room. She was nothing like her usual self anymore, and Diana took the opportunity and turned her into her puppet, her weak heart was ruthlessly controlled by her, and Carolyn couldn't think right as she had been drowning herself in the pit of her mystery, but pretending to be fine.

“When am I getting my balance?” A man asked, tucking his hands into his pants pocket.

“You will get the balance after the wedding,” Diana said, smiling in excitement, everything was now under her control.

“Where is that little witch?” She asked her guard.

“Locked up in her room as always.” He said.

“Good, very good, cheers to a good life Diana.” She said, sipping from her glass of wine with an evil grin.

“Sorry dearest big brother, if you're seeing all this from your grave, you left me no choice.” She said and laughed.

_______

The door to Carolyn's room creaked open, and Diana walked in with a fake smile plastered on her face.

“Darling.” She called.

Carolyn turned to look at her with a wide smile. “Mother.” She called, masking up her pain, she stood up and gave her a light hug.

“Oh! Darling, I feel so happy seeing you smile again, you deserve every good thing the world has to offer darling. it's good you are getting over what happened.” She said holding both hands in hers.

“Come sit," she said, turning to sit on the bed, "I've got good news that will excite you even more.”

“Oh! Really? Then let me hear it mother.” Carolyn said, still smiling.

“You are getting married, darling,” Diana said, and Carolyn's smile faded into a frown, she swiftly withdrew her hands from Diana's.

“What happened? Aren't you excited? Diana asked, she acted like she was hurt by Carolyn's action.

“No Mother is not like that, I… I am sorry if I hurt you by my actions, I am just surprised.” She said holding her hands again.

“But mother, why the sudden marriage, isn't it too early? I'm still mourning my husband.” She asked, sounding as polite as she could be.

“Darling, what has happened has happened you have to move on and besides someone like Marcus doesn't deserve your tears. Okay?”

“Okay Mother, is just… I don't want people mocking me”.

"Not when you're getting married to the most powerful man in the city,”

“You don't have to worry about anything, it's just a temporary marriage that will last for just a year, remember I promised to take away that pain, and this… this is what will help take it away, it will also give you the powers needed for you to face the world again, you will be on top while men grovel at your feet begging you for mercy. Men like Marcus of blessed memory.” Daina explained, staring at her intently knowing fully well the effect of that name.

Carolyn thought for a moment and eventually, she gave in.

“Okay then, I will do it, Mother, so long it will take away my pains as you promised.” She said, smiling at Diana.

“Wow, that was quite easy,” Diana murmured absentmindedly.

“What did you say, mother?”. Carolyn asked with knitted brows, jolting Daina back to reality.

“Oh! Darling is nothing; I am just too excited. I can't wait for you to possess all of those powers, " she said, and Carolyn hugged her.

“Thank you, Mom." She whispered.

_______

The morning sun shines gently through the windows into the large, luxurious room. A woman lies naked on the huge king-size bed, rubbing her tub against her eyes as she stirs lazily awake. She looks around the room as if searching for someone. Her eyes catch sight of the man who had kept her busy all through the night, sitting on the couch.

He was indeed a treat to the eyes, having a chiseled jawline, dark brown eyes, a pointed nose, and a muscular body build. He was the spitting image of a Greek God. Having chosen her for the night, she felt like she'd won a medal.

“Hey, big daddy.” She called, climbing down from the bed and she made her way to the couch, wrapping her hands around his shoulder, but he pulled her hand away.

“Get out.” He commanded, in a cold tone and that sent shivers down her spine.

What was she even thinking she had almost forgotten that this man was known as the devil.

He is a ruthless billionaire, mysterious and dark. Everything about him screamed danger. And no one there's to go against him.

“Your deed is done here, so get your things and get out.” He said turning to face her, his piercing gaze on her made her feel hot even with the cold air conditioning.

She abruptly stood up, put on her clothes, grabbed her mini bag, and ran out of the room holding her shoes.

Keith took a deep breath to calm himself, he hated repeating himself and this lady had made him talk more than he usually does.

He pulled out his buzzing phone from his pants pocket, glanced at the caller ID and it was displaying Rex, his younger brother. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he placed the phone on his ear.

“Congratulations Mr President, I am super happy for you!” A cheerful voice came from the other end, and Keith's jaws hardened as he remembered what today was.

“I think you will be better off without your tongue.” He said, standing up, he hated it whenever his brother referred to him as his Highness.

“Calm bro, it's your wedding day, you shouldn't be saying those words as you will soon become a family man. I swear this still feels like a dream to me. And I just can't wait to meet my sister-in-law.” Rex screamed in excitement.

“To hell with you,” Keith said ending the call and he palmed his face.

He wasn't ready for marriage, but he agreed to do this for his grandmother, who was on her sick bed. He had left Keith with no choice when she threatened him with her death if he didn't get married.

He didn't want any elaborate wedding; he just wanted the marriage to be a small gathering of both families and friends, with a priest to join them.

He hadn't even met with the woman his aunt had arranged for him, he doesn't know what she looks like and he doesn't even care. After all, it's just a marriage on paper.