Chapter 3: change of plans

Elena’s POV:

My whole family stood in the room, staring at. I could see the stern look on their faces. The guests are waiting, and everybody is beginning to talk. 

Sarah glared at me with intense hate. Her first tightened by her side, and she clenched her jaw. I walked up to her.

“Sarah, we were together. Please tell them I didn’t do anything. Tell them I was drunk. I was waiting for you when a man tried to harass me, and this man in the picture saved me.” I pleaded, my voice trembled, and I felt a huge lump in my throat.

Sarah didn't say a word. She glared at me intensively with so much hate in her eyes.

“How am I supposed to know? I left you to use the bathroom, and you ran off with another guy. Who does that? How could you’ve been heartless to Caleb? He has been there for you through thick and thin,” she voiced out on top of her voice. Her voice echoed in the room.

Her eyes were filled with tears, and she gave me a daring look. 

“Yes, the photos are horrible. His hands were on my back as we were leaving, and I didn’t realise it was this bad. I was drunk and intoxicated. That doesn’t mean anything happened at his place.” I begged, but no one seemed to believe me.

Despite my protest, Sarah’s accusations grew stronger. 

“You weren’t just drunk; your hands were all over him.” She shouted. “You can’t deny that; the pictures don’t lie. I never knew you always had eyes on other guys. I'm sure you lured him into sleeping with you.” she spat.

I swallowed hard, and my eyes grew wider. “I swear nothing happened between us.” I pleaded. “I would never do that. He only helped me. Y’all have to believe me.” I pleaded; my voice was hoarse, and my eyes were already swollen. 

The black mascara was applied to my eyelashes, mixed with tears, and poured on my cheeks. 

My face was ruined; I looked like a disaster. A real disaster.

“I tried to reach you multiple times, Sarah. I passed out when he asked me for my house address. I couldn’t remember what happened after that. I only woke up to find myself in his house. In one of the rooms.” I protested, hoping to get my father to believe me.

“How disgusting. You left with him. Did you or did you not spend a night with him at his house?” Sarah demanded.

“I… I did,” I stuttered. My voice was slightly above a whisper, and I bowed my head in shame. 

“That’s it,” Sarah concluded.

“Sarah, you have no right to treat me this way. You clearly know I was intoxicated, and I begged you repeatedly to head home.” I voiced out. My voice was heavy and filled with rage. 

Zoey, who had been silently watching the confrontation, intervened. “Where did you get that picture? I'm sure there is a better explanation.” She spoke up.

“Who are you to interfere in this matter? You should know where you belong.” She responded to Zoey.

My heart sank as I realised that I had been set up.

It can only be sarah’s plans. I saw my world crumbling in front of me.

My father, who had been listening to the conversation, finally spoke up. “Enough! I’ve heard enough.” He paused and turned to everyone. 

"Please, everyone, excuse us. I need to have a private conversation with my daughter.” He spoke up.

Everyone walked out of the room, and the door was shut, leaving my father and me alone in the room. 

My father was unmoved, and his expression was unreadable. He looked at me with so much disappointment.

“I can’t risk the shame you've brought upon yourself. If this wedding doesn't hold, my family name is going to be the talk of the town. Most importantly, I can’t risk losing the company and going to jail,” he voiced out.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply to catch my breath. “Dad, you have to believe me. It's not true.” I pleaded; my voice was hoarse and my throat hurt.

His lips were pressed into a thin line, and he closed his eyes for a moment before speaking up. 

“I’ve decided you will marry Mr. Nicklaus Coleman today.” 

My eyes widened in shock.