Chapter Five

I can't bring myself to believe what Mum just said. My what!!!!

“Mum, is he really here?” I ask, my lips wobbling as I stare, my eyes almost dropping tears.

“What do you mean? Are you that excited to be in my son's life? So desperate that you are shedding tears of joy at the fact that he is here, huh?” A sharp voice pierces the ear.

Her voice is so disgusting and cold. It sends chills down not only my spine, but my mother's too.

That's a first.

“Um... it's rather the opposite.” I grunt, my face scrunching up in sheer disgust.

My face whips to the other side as the sound of a snack echoes through the air.

She smacked me. Mrs. Stone actually smacked me on our first meeting.

My palm flies to my cheeks as I rub it repeatedly because it actually hurt, but I was confused she did it in the first place.

If I could get hit on the first day, then I would have signed with the devil's associate.

“Such an insolent brat. Is this what you want to give to my child, huh?” She barks, eyes red as her fist clenches besides her.

“I am sorry, ma.” I bit out, lowering my head as a painful tear dropped down my cheeks.

I should have known it's always from one level of pain to another.

Nothing like safe or painless. That's all I will know till death takes me from this world.

“You better get some manners around this one.” She huffs and turns around, marching away.

“If this deal crashes, it crashes with it. Now get your smelly self in here and come meet your husband-to-be.” She smacks me again, pulling me by the ear in.

After making sure I am compliant, she lets go of my ears, then walks ahead of me to the living room.

My body freezes, and my steps come to a halt as I stare at Ann sitting in a wheelchair.

It's him.

The man I saved that night is right in our living room in a wheelchair.

He probably lost the ability to walk. Tears gather in my eyes as my feet move on their own accord.

Reaching him, I wrap my arms around his neck, breathing out in relief.

“Thank you for being okay. I was so worried.” I say, patting his hair.

My eyes widen as my body goes flying to the floor from how hard he pushed me.

“Don't you dare bring your smelly body close to me ever again,” he barks, his eyes darkening.

He looks so murderous that I shuffle back on instinct.

He can't hurt me.

“He doesn't fancy body contact since his accident. I suggest you give him space.” Mr. Stone speaks, his voice carrying so much authority it takes a lot not to tremble at his feet.

“No time to bicker. You are getting married today. Go get dressed; your dress has been placed up in your now old room.” Mum says, shooting me the look that says, ‘Dare me.’

I rush up to my room, not caring about anything or anyone. Tears stream down my face so fast that for a moment I doubt if it's my eyes that are really crying.

Getting married two days after being told about the wedding? This is just so cruel and unfair.

The dress in question is simple but beautiful. Straight and silky with a little bouquet besides it.

Wasting no time, I get dressed and then hold on to the small bouquet given to me as I walk down the stairs.

*

The ride to the registry is extremely quiet, so I decided to watch out of the windows.

I am seething on the inside as I think about everything my parents did to me in my life.

I can't help but peek side glances at the man besides me. He doesn't remember me; neither is he trying.

I don't blame him, though; who would want to remember that? But I still ask him, just in case.

“Do you perhaps think that if you see a picture or I look familiar to someone you once said, then you will remember again?” I said, fiddling with the silk material.

He blatantly ignores me as he goes on pressing his phone with so much intensity.

I just hope and pray that he lets me keep going to school and makes sure I do everything in order to stay.

I can't have my life ruined, especially not by him.

*

“By the power invested in me, I pronounce you man and wife,” the judge says, finally finishing the ceremony.

Roman turns his chair, using his fingers to push his chair forward.

Without thinking, I step in, swapping his fingers around the handle as I begin to push him.

He grits his teeth but says nothing as I move with him outside into the car as we start talking.

“Oh, would you look at that. You both look beautiful in love.“

I almost gag in that.

“Would you stare at how strong she is all day, sending her kids with all the love I have to offer in these words?”

“Isn't that Alfredo lost? Where did he go? You stupid boy. How can you not cover it, damn it? I groan, asking the driver to drive faster.

Roman remains quiet, staring outside without acknowledgement.

I am so tired that a particular bed won't make do. It can't make me sleep, and I need my sleep.

So I turn slowly, hoping to God that I am who I say I am.

“Can I ask you a question?” I start, fiddling with my dress as I stutter repeatedly.

But it seems the bastard not only gets my discomfort; he enjoys it.

“That was already,” he mumbles under his breath.

Chewing on his lips like it's the best food ever.

“What was your question?” I ask again, peeling a particular flesh from my lips that draws blood.

“Can I continue schooling?” I ask meekly, my fingers must not cut me for it. I stop wringing together so much.

“No.”

Just one word, and it crumbles my world. Sends it crashing down.

I can't not go to school. If I have to fight for it, then so be it, but I won't stop school.