At the wedding

Their eyes met and locked for a few seconds and Samantha's world caved in at that moment.

“You!” Ryan pointed his finger as he walked towards her slowly.

“What is going on, Samantha?” Ryker asked coldly while taking a slow sinister glance at Samantha who managed to keep her heads high.

“”Oh, her name is Samantha?” Ryan laughed and licked his lips in disbelief.

This is not happening, Samantha cried silently as she was handed back her flower bouquet by her maid of honor.

“Ryan, what are you doing?!” Mrs Clyde yelled and pulled him away.

“Are you..are you getting married to my brother?!” Ryan fired with his eyes on Samantha while being pulled away by his mom.

“Do you know her? What's going on?” Sophia and Claris asked in surprise.

Ryker tried to maintain his cool as he took a slow glance at Samantha again.

“Do you know him?” He asked in a slow but angry tone.

“I..I..I don't,” Samantha answered quickly.

“Why did you drop your bouquet at the sight of him?” He continued in whispers.

She felt her heart jump into her stomach immediately but she did all she could not to show fear. She could still see Ryker's eyes on her face, and she tried to keep a straight face

She knew the Clyde's family too well, they wouldn't tolerate any sort of nuisance. It's over, she thought to herself as she swallowed hard.

“Ryan, why are you bent on destroying everything the Clyde's family have ever worked so hard to achieve?!” She heard Mrs Clyde yelling at Ryan.

“Mother..I..,” he tried to explain.

“What? You wanna tell a lie about Ryker's bride just to ruin his day?” She asked angrily.

“Why would I?” He defended himself.

“Ryan, just leave!!” Claris yelled in his face.

“Who invited you here, you good-for-nothing son?!” Mrs Clyde yelled, hitting him the more.

He moved away from his mother and sisters who were yelling at his face and he took a final glance at Samantha whose gaze was buried on the floor.

“As usual, I guess I'll miss the family photos,” he said and wore his sunglasses before walking out.

“Oh, thank goodness!!” Mrs Clyde cried and took hold of Ryker's hand.

“Take hold of your bride,” she said with a smile.

Ryker looked at Samantha who was still nervous and she raised her head as soon as he took hold of her hand again.

“I'm so sorry for the inconveniences,” Mrs Clyde said to her.

Samantha nodded with a wry smile as she took hold of Ryker's arms. At intervals, she looked back to see if Ryan was still watching.

“Look here,” came Ryker's voice as they both stepped into the hall.

She turned to look at him and she could see the dark stare he gave her.

“If I ever find out you're telling a lie..,” he said and paused.

Her heart skipped and she held onto her wedding dress tightly.

“Nevermind,” he swallowed back his words and heaved a sigh.

She pinched herself and heaved a sigh of relief before continuing the walk with him.

As soon as they were pronounced husband and wife, the whole family headed home. Samantha couldn't bear the thought of Ryan being her brother-in-law. How come she never knew about him? She had always believed Ryker was the one and only son of Mr Clyde. Where did Ryan come from? She thought and wiped the sweat off her brows as she was led into the foyer alongside Ryker.

She looked around the house with fear written all over her body, hoping for Ryan not to show up.

“Are you okay?” Mrs Clyde asked, sensing the fear all over her body.

“No..um.. I'm fine, ma'am,” she replied with a forced smile on her lips.

“You can have your seat, we'll have a little discussion about the rules of the Clyde's family,” Mrs Clyde said with a serious look on her face.

Samantha nodded and took her seat beside Ryker who was already seated.

Sophia and Claris sat beside each other and Samantha could see the intimidating stare they both gave her.

“I really appreciate the fact that you showed up to be my son's bride,” Mrs Clyde started with a smile.

“It's my pleasure, ma'am,” Samantha replied.

“But there are conditions to meet if you really want to continue in this family,” she continued.

“I'll follow all the rules, ma'am,” Samantha said confidently.

“Great, you look submissive,” Mrs Clyde smiled with satisfaction.

“I was brought up that way by my mother,” Samantha explained.

“We didn't ask for your family story,” Claris interrupted with a disgusting look on her face.

Samantha gulped and tried to keep her cool.

“Now, Sam,” Mrs Clyde spoke, crossing her legs stylishly. “Rule 1, the Clyde's family would not tolerate any form of disrespect from our daughter-in-law. Rule 2, Your role is only limited to being a full-time housewife. You mustn't engage in any form of employment as the Clyde's family will cater for all your needs.

Rule 3, You mustn't question any activity going on in the mansion and you should learn to stick to your boundaries as any form of poke nosing or gossiping would not be tolerated. Whatever happens here in the mansion, die here in the mansion. Rule 4, you must be submissive to your husband in everything, and never get on his nerves. Rule 5, No form of deceit would be tolerated. I'm I clear?” Mrs Clyde asked with full authority.

“Yes..yes..,” Samantha stammered, wondering how she could survive with all these rules.

“You heard number 4 clearly. Don't get on my nerves,” Ryker repeated with a smirk that sent shrills all over her body.

“Yes..yes..sir,” she replied.

“Great. The maids will accompany you to your room,” Mrs Clyde said and Samantha nodded nervously.

She stood up slowly and followed the two ladies in blue uniform waiting to accompany her.

She was led up to the large staircase by the maids who were carrying her luggage. As soon as they turned into the large passageway, a firm hand grabbed hold of her and pulled her over.

“You!” His aggressive voice yelled in her face.