Chapter 4

Vivian's pov 

"Hell no! Evelyn ma'am, how can you ask me to do such a thing?" I fumed, widening my eyes in horror.

The restaurant is empty already. 

No wonder Evelyn ma'am had sent Lauren to get something I consider irrelevant in the first place. Is it to discuss this trash with me? I thought angrily.

It was almost unbelievable to me as I stood bewildered, tapping my feet rapidly. 

"Vivian dear..." Evelyn started, patting my back.

"No, I'm not going to do that. That's ridiculous", I cut in.

"I'm not going to be a replacement bride for anyone, and that's final" I said, with tears forming.

"Think about your mother" Evelyn ma'am said, and I sniffed. 

She raised a finger to wipe my lines of tears and continued in a shaky voice. "She needs a lot of money for her surgery and there's no way to realize such an amount, you know that". 

This reality stung and I cried the more.

I stammered and searched for words. ""I... I... don't....,"

"I know it's a very tough decision dear, but you have to do this for your mother" She said, making soft pats at my back.

I looked at her and sighed. This woman stood solidly behind me and my sister when our mother became hospitalized. 

I remember how she was so heartbroken when my mum got hospitalized and how she had offered me a job at her restaurant to earn a living.

To say "No" to her, I thought, would be a show of ingratitude and the older woman would be disappointed. I'm pretty sure she wants the best for me, but how the hell would I marry someone out of the blues.

"I don't even know this man we're talking about" I blurted.

"Listen Vivian, it's not forever. It's only to get enough money for your mother's treatment, and you'll be out of the marriage for good. She probed and suddenly burst into tears.

I was touched and moved and perplexed all at once. 

I don't know what to do. Everything feels like I'm dreaming, and I need to wake up from this nightmare. 

She then broke into tears, and it was my turn to comfort her. "I'm sorry for putting you through so much Vivian".

"It's okay, Evelyn ma'am. I'll think about it".

"No, no," she protested. 

"It's okay, you don't have to do it" I saw a flicker of hope in her eyes and knew she didn't mean het words.

"Trust me dear, I'm not being selfish". She continued, nervously playing at her nails.

" I'm just scared that I might never see your mother again. I really want her to live. She's a good woman who has suffered all her life, and it hurts that I could do nothing."

I could see through her genuine words. 

"It's fine" I assured. "Let me think about it first, and I'll get back to you" I said, having a feeling that I might never get back to her.

In the street, on my way home, I passed Lauren who was returning with the items she was sent to get.

We exchanged goodbyes, and I was about five steps away before the thought struck me. 

I immediately acted on impulse and found myself shouting after Lauren.

Yes! I would ask for her opinion. She's someone I can trust, I reasoned.

"Lauren, what do you think of someone acting as a replacement bride?" I asked, studying her intently.

She frowned and shook her head slowly.

"It's ridiculous, Vivian."

"Why would anyone want to act as a replacement bride?"

"Only if it's a do-or-die situation" she added with a wave.

I dimmed my eyes to allow that to sink and repeated in my mind "Only if it's a do-or-die situation."

"Thanks Lauren, you go along. I'll catch up with you tomorrow"

My mum's condition is a do-or-die situation, I thought sadly as I trudged home.

"Does that mean I should...? I trailed off, my head banging loudly.

*** *** ***

Collins Pov

When I got to my office and was told what happened, I flared up and phoned dad.

It's enough to be humiliated at home, but extending my humiliation to my workplace is what I wouldn't tolerate, I fumed. My eyes are red with anger.

It took a while for him to pick up. The moment he picked up, I blurted "What was that I heard about you sending your men up here dad?" 

"Afternoon to you too, son" he replied, and I could sense his mischievous time. 

I gritted my teeth and rolled my right hand in a fist. "I'm not interested in your humor dad, I only demanded an explanation!" I shouted. 

I noticed a slight jerk at the door and paused.

"Is anyone there?" I called but got no response.

Maybe no one was there, I thought.

"Dad, please do not meddle with the affairs of the company. It won't be good for us" I said, trying to be calm as possible.

"The last time I checked, Collins, you weren't the chairman of that company, you have no right to lecture me on what to do?" he replied, obviously angry.

"My grandfather started this company and I won't mix business with pleasure or personal interest!" I retorted, banging my fist hard on the table.

"He was my father, Collins. My father, I hope you remember that?" He countered and I let out a snort.

"It wouldn't be nice having this conversation over the phone, son. How about you come home, and we settle it over dinner" he said, and ended the call.

Damn! I fumed. I was frustrated, and he knew it and teased me about it.

I stared at the document in front of me. I know he won't back off about providing a replacement bride for me, which was what made me come up with my own plan.

I've met with my lawyer to provide certain terms and conditions I know my dad wouldn't agree with. That way, I would be free from him and his goddamn arranged bride, I thought, smirking.

I clutched the document and made for the door. If only you knew what's in stock for you dad, you wouldn't propose a resolution over dinner, I thought, half smiling.

I opened the door and I saw Helen, a worker at the company. She gasped as she saw me and let her eyes fall immediately.

Has she been eavesdropping? I wondered. I know she has an eye on me, but eavesdropping on me is like crossing her boundaries.

"What is it that brought you here?" I asked calmly, tucking my hands in my pockets.

"I... I'm...sorry sir, I was..." she trembled.

I checked my wristwatch, the time was running, and I had to catch up on dad early. The battle is going to be long, and I won't let her interrupt my plans.

Straightening up, I glared at her and said "I can't deal with this, report to my office first thing tomorrow morning." 

I didn't wait to hear her "Yes sir, I will", as I marched out graciously, passing by ladies who stole glances at me and passed comments among themselves.

You all should go to hell! I thought, not minding them.

I got into my car and zoomed off. My mind went to the lady I had splashed water on earlier.

I was too angry to apologize to her then, and now I wish I can see her so that I can at least apologize to her.

Then I blurted impulsively, "Wait, didn't she look like the lady I almost hit earlier?"