I WILL GO

MIRANDA

I had no idea what was going on there but seeing the look on the faces of my family members, I got an uncomfortable feeling. The woman was about to speak, possibly to explain whatever the hell was going on, however, I did not give her the time to do so.

I couldn't go through the back because my mum was right behind me, so, I passed the woman and bolted out the door. I stood outside briefly, and came up with an idea; rather than to Collins, I would run to my cousin's for the time being, until I understood what was going on.

I heard footsteps behind me and began to run without looking back.

"Please, don't abandon us when we need you the most," I heard a familiar voice and stopped.

My mom walked up to me and turned me so I could face her. Tears kept falling from her eyes as she cried, "Please, Mira. Go with the woman and do whatever she says. This is the only thing I have ever asked of you."

"That's a lie, mom," I replied. "You've asked me to do a lot of things over the years. This though is outrageous. Husband? Is this some kind of prank or is this a game? I don't like it, not in the slightest."

My mom was about to go on her knees when I held her arms and stopped her. I was shocked by her actions and it only made me realize the severity of the situation.

The woman reached us at this point and asked, "What is going on? Is the young girl not willing?"

My mom who had her back to the woman, wiped her tears and looked at me. My dad and brother came out as well and all stared at me silently.

My mom's gaze was on me as she waited for what I was going to say.

"I will go," I finally said sadly and my mum hugged me.

"We really need to leave, it's getting late," the woman said.

"I should get my phone and a few other things," I told them, and wanted to go back inside.

Perhaps my mom did not trust me to come out so she said, "Don't worry, I'll send them all to you. Just go, there's no time."

I waved my family goodbye and got in the back seat with the woman who seemed really happy. The car sped away and the driver stopped at the airport.

We both got out of the car and the woman led me toward a private jet. We got in and the plane flew away. I closed my eyes, trying to make sense of what was going on.

I didn't know where I was being taken, all I knew was that I was going to meet my husband.

"Husband!" The word was so strange to me. What about Collins? What about my heart? I didn't think I could live without him. How would he feel if he learned that I left just like that? I was supposed to go back to him, we were supposed to make love.

My eyes shot open as a wave of determination consumed me. No, I would not become weak or give up on my love. My parents somehow owed this woman and she used the opportunity to force me to become the wife of God knows who? But I was going to teach them a lesson.

I gave myself a week. I would be apart from Collins for a week at most. I hated them so much, especially the so-called husband of mine who chose to get a wife forcefully. I would trouble him so badly that he would be forced to send me back out of his own volition. My parents would be free from the debt and I would reunite with the love of my life.

I heaved a sigh of relief. It was a perfect plan. I just wished I had my phone with me to tell Collins everything. The plane landed three hours later and a luxurious car picked us up.

When we arrived at what I learned was my husband's house, it was already very late. I was amazed at how beautiful the house was. It was a palace, one I couldn't wait to leave.

We were welcomed in by the butler, a man in his late forties named Sammy. He served me a bowl of fruits under the woman's instructions because my stomach kept crying for help. While I ate, he had a meeting with the woman which lasted for half an hour.

Once they were done, she led me into a bedroom. It was bigger than my father's house and so beautiful. She showed me the wardrobe and said, "Everything you need, from limited edition clothes to bags and shoes has been bought for you, including jewelry.

Sorry, I didn't seek your consent. I just got so excited after seeing your pictures that I got your measurements and went on a shopping spree."

I merely nodded in acknowledgment while she continued, "It's very late so your husband must already be asleep. You will see him in the morning. I'm leaving the mansion now, I need to head back home. Sammy will take care of all your needs. Just have him call me if you need to speak to me."

"Are you leaving me here all by myself?" For some reason, I felt the woman was easier to deal with because she was soft-spoken, or was it all an act? In any case, I couldn't trust anyone.

Thinking I was scared, she hugged me and said, "You'll be fine, my dear. You're a big girl and your mom told me you are very brave, that's why I chose you. Your husband, Hazel Duke can be a little difficult sometimes, just try to understand him and you two will get along. Goodnight, dear."

As she walked out of the room, I scoffed, "Get along my foot."

I locked the door and sat on the bed regretting that I left my phone behind. I wanted to hear Collins' voice before going to bed.

I laid back on the bed, thinking of how to make my stay as brief as possible until I fell asleep.

When I opened my eyes, it was already morning. I got up and yawned. I had recurring gastric ulcers and always had breakfast once I woke up from sleep.

I walked toward the mirror and stared at my reflection. My hair was unkempt and my makeup was smudged all over my face. In summary, I looked fairly hideous. However, my appearance was the least of my problems.

I strode out of my room and yawned as I looked around. There was no one in sight.

"What the heck?" I cried. "How would I eat?"

As though he could sense my presence, Sammy appeared. I smiled at him meanwhile, he looked shocked to see me. He finally smiled and said, "Good morning, ma'am. Hope you had a pleasant rest?"

"Good morning, Sammy," I replied. "I am so hungry. Can I have some food?"

"Of course. Come with me," he replied.

I followed him to the most spacious dining room I had ever seen. The dining table was long and fancy and looked really expensive. It looked like it could accommodate fifty people and made me wonder how many people lived in the house.

"The maids will serve you shortly," he told me. "And your personal maid will be arriving later. If you need anything, do not hesitate to let me know, ma'am."

I smiled, "Thank you, Sammy. When are they bringing the food?"

Just as the question left my mouth, more than four maids arrived with different trays of food. I began to salivate while they set the food on the dining. They all seemed surprised to see me but I couldn't be bothered with them.

I began to dig into the most delicious food I had ever had in my life. While I was still eating, I heard a loud voice exclaim, "What?"

I looked up and saw a man decked in an expensive suit approaching. He was tall, had a well-toned body, and looked handsome too. Was he the husband I was forced to marry? He wasn't as good looking as Collins but he was okay and seemed to be in his early or mid-thirties.

With his looks and his wealth, he could get a good woman of his choice so why did he have to force me? Could he be a loser? Was he deaf and dumb?

No, he couldn't be dumb because he just spoke. What was it then?

He stood on the other side of the table and stared condescendingly at me. The anger on his face was palpable but I couldn't tell why.

"Sammy!" He suddenly thundered making me almost drop my spoon.

Was he mentally unstable? Why was he yelling?

Sammy quickly appeared and bowed, "Good morning, Sir."

Pointing his finger at me, the man asked Sammy, "How dare you let a beggar into my house?"

My eyes widened as I dropped the chicken I had just picked up. I got up, slammed my hands on the table, and exclaimed, "Excuse you!"