CHAPTER THREE

PATRICIA.

I was checking my account balance to know if the money there will be enough for my Dad's medical bills. Why would my Dad's company venture into debts? That was uncalled for.

Mr. Macaulay had given me a cheque earlier at the hospital to withdraw some money from his bank. On getting there, I was told that the bank had closed for the day.

Why will they close this early? I wondered. It is not upto 4pm and they are already closed. What's really happening? I muttered to myself.

I dialled my Dad's digits to tell him about the current situation of things, but his phone was switched off.

Something is utterly wrong somewhere. I had a second thought about the arranged marriage that would take place if I had accepted, so I waved it aside.

That marriage won’t hold whether the universe likes it or not. What sort of problem is this? Maybe it's the will of the Almighty that I should end up with someone I barely know.

I'm yet to see him and he hasn't given me a call or made an attempt to see me. At least if not for any other thing, then it will be for us to get to know ourselves. 

Such a clown. Who does he think he is…huh? I huffed.

I tried checking on other branches because we don't have just one branch over here. Guess what. I discovered that they are closed for the day.

It's funny but not funny. What are they even celebrating today? I raised my head trying to think of one. Today is not even a public holiday.

I thought of telling my Dad to borrow money from one of his relatives or probably the supposed man he had arranged for me. 

My Dad won't even hear of that. For Mr. Macaulay, it's better I agree to the arranged marriage. Which I know won't be happening anytime soon.

I must do whatever it takes to get this money withdrawn even if it means travelling out of this place to get it.

As soon as this thought came to me, I ventured on a journey immediately. Not upto two hours, I arrived at my destination. 

While I was scrolling through my phone, the new headlines caught my attention. I clicked on it and it read, 

“The Century Bank in the continents had gone on a three day break due to a reason best known to them.”

What should I do now? I asked myself oblivious of what was happening around me.

I made up my mind to give it another try. But before I will do that, I will have to do my research. I wouldn't want to go there and end up disappointed. 

“Thank God.” I said while I raised my hands in total surrender.  It was shown that the bank to the place I want to embark on was on a seat.

Upon getting there, I wanted to tear up. Why are all these happening to me right now?

Are journalists now giving out false information on the internet or what?

Tears were indeed pooling from my eyes. My Dad’s surgery is in two days. I wished for a miracle.

I made up my mind to accept the invitation of marrying the multi billionaire. I took the next train to the city, from there, I took a cab to the hospital.

When I got to my Dad's ward, I saw him with his phone on. What tricks could he be playing with me? I thought. Maybe there was a power outage.

That aside, I went over to my Dad's bed to tell him about my decision to marry Ignatius. He was so excited at the news.

He gave me a peggy hug and the next minute we disentangled from the hug due to my phone ringing.

“Hello wh…” I was interrupted by the strange caller. 

“We would be coming to the house to pick you up. Get ready and do not bring any used clothes.” The mysterious caller said. 

“Who was on the call with you?” My Dad asked, tilting his head to look at me.

“I don't really know.” I replied. I told him everything the caller said. 

“That should be from your husband to be.” He said.

***

The next day, some men that looked like bodyguards came with their Hillux to pick me up. One of the men opened the right door for me and I entered.

We drove off. I arrived at a big mansion and I was greeted by the maids who were running helter-skelter to attend to their duties.

I'm yet to see the man I was getting married to. And the wedding day was fixed to be tomorrow. That's the day my Dad will be operated on.

Supposedly, I will see my husband tomorrow. Absurd right?

The D-day had finally come and I was attended to by the maids. Each and everyone of them had different skills. 

They made me up and dressed me for my wedding. Everything was screaming Luxury or nothing.

I looked at the mirror and couldn't believe the beauty that I exuded. I wish my Dad was here to see his princess. 

I stepped down from the car and sighted my Dad. He was here after all, but how come? I thought. 

Wasn't he supposed to be getting some rest after the surgery. And the surgery was too fast. Well that's a question for another day.

What matters most was that the surgery went well and that Mr. Macaulay was here to walk me down the aisle.

I rushed to hug him and at the same time careful not to awaken his wounds. 

We were set at the church door. He held my hands as we were fully ready to hand me ive to the man arranged for me.

Immediately, the two doors made of iron bars opened, ushering us inside the church. When I looked up, my heart shattered into pieces at what I saw.