CHAPTER FIVE

The relationship saga hit Ciara so hard and pierced her heart like a dagger. She got so engrossed in her thoughts and forgot where she was.

"Fuck you bitch. Watch where you going. I almost got you killed. If you're so tired of life, go jump into the Atlantic Ocean. Don't get me involved in your mess,” the man yelled at Ciara for standing in his way.

"OMG! I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking. I never knew there was a car behind me,” she apologized. It took her some minutes to finally regain consciousness.

“Sorry? Did you just apologize? Apologies, my ass.” The man angrily stepped down from his car and rushed to Ciara.

“ I almost got you knocked down. Of course, you know what that means, right? I'll be spending Christmas in jail. Why don't I show you how sorry you should be?” Dragging Ciara by the ear and pulling her hair, he warned. “Don't try this shit with me next time because If you do, your folks will be planning your funeral. You pathetic bastard. Get the fuck out of my sight.” He screamed and tossed her to the ground like a common thief.

Amidst the oppression happening, no one came to rescue Ciara. Everyone looked away as though it were nobody's business. Quietly, she stood up and walked home without a fight. She decided to let it go for her peace of mind.

Walters has already ruined her day with the relationship saga. Adding this stranger to her problems will only worsen it.

"What happened to you? Why are your clothes stained? Did you fight with someone?” Kelly asked after seeing his daughter come back home with her clothes stained In mud.

"What do you care? Just let me be. You aren't concerned about my feelings.” She ignored her father and went straight to her room. Minutes later, she showed up again. “ Call your friend. Tell him I'm interested in the arranged marriage,” then she went back inside without allowing her father to ask questions. He was excited but stunned about his response. She has no idea how long he's been waiting for her to say that.

“It's a bit overwhelming. Last time I checked, we almost came to blows when I told her about the arranged marriage. So what changed? I thought she mentioned her relationship with Walter. Did he break up with her? I need answers!” Kelly echoed and rushed to her room, hoping to find answers, but he let the door shut.

“Ciara, please, I want to have a word with you. Open this door,” landing a hard knock on the metallic door, Kelly requested for her to step outside, but she refused.

“Leave me alone, Dad. I wanna be left alone. I thought you wanted this to work. Satisfied now? You don't care about me. Just go. I don't wanna see you,” weeping like a young widow, she denied her father to come see her.

“Don't say that. Of course, you know I care about you. I did this for us. To secure your future. I don't want your kids to suffer impoverished.” Highlighting his reasons for cajoling her into accepting the arranged marriage, Kelly begged. He tried all he could, but she wouldn't step out. After pleading for minutes, he gave up and left her doorstep.

"I feel so stupid and guilty. Am I making the right choice? Would she regret it?” Those were the questions that chorused his mind.

Searching through his heart, Kelly knows he screwed up, but he has no choice. The deed has been done already. If he had a second chance, he would have allowed Ciara to make her decision. But it's too late now! There's absolutely nothing he can do to stop the wedding from happening.

“You can't go inside. The CEO gave strict instruction not to allow any visitor to come in,” the secretary said, blocking the door entrance.

"Have you gone nuts? You do realize whom you're talking to?” The visitor boasted.

“I'm only following strict orders, sir. If you don't comply, I'll be forced to call security to come bundle you out of this office like a common criminal. Do the right thing and leave immediately!”

“Now I am convinced you have the IQ of a toad. Friendly advice for you: Go visit the rehab because it's obvious you're sick.” The stranger pushed the secretary away and forced his way inside the CEO's office.

"Dad, what's going on? Why would you ask your secretary to stop me from coming to see you? I have never been so embarrassed in all my life. What have I done to deserve this?” Dexter cried.

“Sir, I tried to…” The secretary attempted to explain when George halted her with an upraised hand and dismissed her.

"Hey, son. I'm sure you got the info. I thought you would be behind bars now for refusing to pay at a local store. Haha haha,” laughing mischievously, George mocked his son.

“Wow! So it's you? You froze my account. I can't even purchase anything. Dad, you're worse than the devil himself. How could you do that to your first son? Heir apparent to your billionaire empire,” slamming the desk with his hands, Dexter sparked outrageously.

"Soon, you'd be excommunicated from my affairs while your brother, Derek, will take your position as the heir apparent. But you can stop that from happening. Just say yes and marry Kelly's daughter, then I'll put an end to this torment. Her father, my friend, just called. They'll be joining us shortly. His daughter just accepted. Isn't that beautiful?” George beamed.

"Quite typical of a poverty-stricken family. I didn't expect her to decline the offer. Okay, I am. I can't sell my birthright to Derek. I'll marry his daughter,” grumbling, Dexter accepted.

“Good! That's the shit I'm referring to,” George was elated and praised Dexter for making the best decision. Shortly after, Kelly walked inside with his daughter, Ciara.

"Ah, ah! Look who we have here. My in-laws. We were just discussing you before your arrival. Come have your seat,” George welcomed them while Dexter was unbothered and bent his head to focus on his phone.

Immediately he raised his head, and he screamed together with Ciara. “You? What the fuck are you doing here?”

"Have you two met before? Both Kelly and his friend stared at themselves and asked.

They were wondering what was happening. Neither Ciara nor Dexter were ready to speak up.

“Someone should start talking now before I send you two out of my office. I am not talking to myself, am I?” George slammed the desk in frustration.

"Fine, I'll talk," Ciara finally agreed.

"Your son almost knocked me down with his vehicle today. I got home with my clothes stained with mud. He also assaulted me in public. Sadly, no one could do anything.” Ciara narrated as Dexter leaned forward and almost punched her in the face. It took the intervention of Kelly to stop Dexter from gifting Ciara with a black eye. They are already sworn enemies, yet not married.