CHAPTER ONE

Flora's POV

In my 25 years of living, I never thought that I would be getting married to the love of my life. While I was in high school, I had a childhood heartthrob, Michael Brooks, who I thought I would be spending the rest of my life with, but he messed up big time. I loved him with everything I had, but he betrayed me. Surprisingly Micheal cheated on me with my high school classmate, who I'm very sure isn't as beautiful as I am.

I've always despised cheaters because they cause nothing but trouble in the life of their partner. Michael was not only a cheat, but also a drug addict, who tends to beat me up whenever he gets intoxicated. He forgets everything and acts unreasonably whenever he takes the hard drugs. We were a loving couple back in the days in high school even with his deportment, until we graduated from high school and the level of his delinquency increased due to his idleness.

Our once loving and admired relationship turned into a very toxic one, which almost took my life. I was so afraid of leaving him back then because he always threatened to kill me if I ever left him.

My life was in jeopardy until I met Stanley. Stanley was the saving grace I had, have, and will always have. He saved me from my previous toxic relationship.

I can vividly remember our first contact with each other. I went to a bar with Michael to celebrate our sixth anniversary. The hangout was going smoothly with gists, laughter, and an easy flow of conversation until Michael decided to get himself high and he continued drinking heavily.

Then he started misbehaving, yelling at me for no reason, and as I tried to caution him without thinking twice Micheal pounced on me heavily with several blows to my face and body.

Who could have thought that the same man I was laughing with a few hours ago would end up causing me pain but because I was used to it, I didn't even flinch one bit even though the pain and fear were suffocating

I endured the pains and torments he inflicted on me until I noticed a tall handsome man holding and beating Michael up.

This is the first time someone actually came to my aid. Whenever Michael beats me, people only stand to look and watch the scene going on. They've never tried to stop him because they were scared of him, he doesn’t leave anyone out who tries to interfere whenever the torture starts.

I couldn’t tell my mum of the suffering all because of the love I had for Micheal, I know that’s stupid but we’ve all done something crazy one way or the other in the name of love.

So when I realized that a gentleman like Stanley actually helped me that day, I not only felt thankful but also, felt my heart beat another kind of rhythm that day.

This man looks so handsome, rich, attractive and hottt. He introduced himself as Stanley Davis while I was still wrenching in pain on the ground.

I later found out he was one of the richest and powerful CEOs in the city which rendered me speechless. He was one of the masterminds behind political activities in the state due to his influence and power in politics.

"Hope you're good?", he asked me that night, his voice so deep and soothing that I nearly forgot how to breathe. He is surely a God-sent.

He later drove me home and asked for my contact information. Hesitantly I gave him and he made sure Michael was arrested and tortured for his domestic violence immediately, and that was the last time I ever set my eyes on Michael again.

And that was how we began a journey we never knew would come this far.

It's been four years since we started our captivated relationship, and now, our wedding is in three days!!! A stranger to a Saviour, and now a soon to be husband

Isn't that great?!!

I thought it only happened in love movies and romance novels, but I happened to witness one myself.

Stanley was everything I have always wanted and prayed to God for. He is a teacher, my best friend, my best companion, and everything I know that is good in this world.

He is my consolation price sent to me from God after the numerous heartaches I felt while I was still with Michael.

gurrrrrrrrrrrr

"Oh my God, I can't believe I'm hungry again!!", I exclaimed after snapping out from my trance state. I just ate not quite long, and now I'm hungry again. Oh my goodness

I ran to the kitchen to go prepare myself something to eat. Getting to the kitchen, I discovered I had nothing left to eat.

"I really need to go grocery shopping soon", I murmured to myself while I was confused and exhausted from the preparation of the wedding ceremony.

“What do I eat now that the kitchen is empty” I thought with a regretful face

While I was still deciding on what to eat, my phone rang and when I checked who it was, Lo and behold, it's Jessica, my best friend who traveled overseas six months ago

Hastenly, and happily, I picked up the call

"Heyyy, Jess, how're you doing?", I asked, my voice tinged with happiness

"I'm good Lora, how about you?", she said

From her voice, it shows a little bit of guilt and happiness simultaneously

"I'm fine", I began. "You haven't been picking up my calls since you left. It's unfair you know", my voice laced with sadness

"I'm very sorry sweetie, work has been hectic over here but don’t worry I'll make it up to you. I promise", she said

"And how exactly do you intend to make it up to me?", I asked her, my voice tinged with curiosity and eagerness to know what she was planning.

She was quiet for a while before she dropped the bombshell “Guess what baby, I'm back!!"

She must be joking right?

"What? Seriously?", I began, my voice sounding so doubting. "You said you'd only come back once you're done with your project, and that's like, 6 months away from now"

"Well, baby, how do you expect me to miss your wedding? ehn?", she said. "Of course, I have to come back to celebrate with my baby Lora on her big day!!

“Silly"

I really can't believe this! Wow!

"Jess you're surely the best!!, you're such a darling, sincerely speaking", I said , my voice cracking because I was on the verge of shedding tears, “this has to be the happiest news today” I thought as I used my hand to wipe away the little tear coming from my eye

I felt so emotional, because I never expected her to come back to attend my wedding. Of course, she's supposed to since she's my best friend, but coming all the way from another country just to attend my wedding was really heartwarming for me. She traveled for business reason, and I'm very sure she must be very busy with that, but she still took out time for me

"You're the best!!", I told her again

"It's okay please, You're making me uncomfortable"

"Oh Jessica, you're really unbelievable", I chuckled while sniffing

I've forgotten Jessica doesn't like it when I thank her. She always says 'Thank you and Sorry isn't necessary in a very close friendship'

But, I must say, in this context, it is very needed.

"So, it's decided. I'm your chief bride's maid", she concluded herself, making me laugh out loud

I'd choose Jessica as my chief bride's maid over anybody, but since she traveled, I had to choose someone else. But, now she's going to be present, the role must surely go back to her

"Of course, you are!!",I told her, my voice tinged with lots of happiness

"Good then", she chuckled

"So baby, let's meet up", she said. “I would be waiting for you at the Skyline bar. Let's celebrate your last 3 nights as a single bitch like me!!"

"Yeah, sure. I'd be there in 30 minutes", I informed her hesitantly

"Alright baby, love you", she told me, her voice laced with happiness

"Love you too", I said then ended the call

Thank goodness, now I would eat out and enjoy myself with my best friend. There is no point going to the grocery store any longer

I rushed to the bathroom to freshen up and went to select the clothes I'd wear to meet up with my darling Jessica

After ten minutes of preparing, I stood in front of the mirror to look at myself with a beautiful skimpy blue gown I wore while humming to one of Sia's songs; Unstoppable.

I looked at myself one last time before I sent Stanley a text message, telling him that I'd be going out with Jessica and I would be back by 11 PM with a love emoji. I'd have loved to call him, but I was very sure he'd be very busy at work. There’s no point disturbing him with calls when he would still read the text.

I left the house in a happy mood once I was very sure I had locked everything properly.

If only I had known that my action that day would descend into a living nightmare, I would have never stepped foot out of my house but fate had other plans for me, in an instant, my once admired world was shattered and crushed.

My life once filled with laughter, joy and happiness was turned into a miserable one filled with nightmares that left a big scar on my life and dignity.