A SURPRISE

I walk down the stairs, my wedding gown flowing thoroughly with each step I take. I think of what I am going to say to mom, and my urge to see her increases. I really can't wait to tell her what I am going through in this house.

The maids help hold my gown as soon as they see me, and they can't stop singing my praises as I advance the stairs more. They keep praising me for being too beautiful and winning the heart of their boss, and if only they knew the story behind all this shit, they wouldn't be praising me but crying on my behalf.

The maids crumble off as soon as they see Mr. Grumphy. He walks towards me with this evil smirk on his face.

"Pretty soul," he whispers into my ear, standing only an inch away from me, his breath falling only on my neck as he retrieves his step backward.

"My lady. I want you to wrap your hands around mine because I wouldn't want my family and yours to find our little secret. " And yes, if you are harboring the urge to say anything stupid to your family members, you better cut it off now because if you dare, I swear I will slutter you," he whispers, and I can feel my chin strengthen in fear.

How does he know about my plans? "I am not going to say anything to anyone," I stammer out, trying hard to hide my fear that is about to betray me.

"It's for your own good, Mira. "It's not like I am forcing you not to because you will be the one to pay for the consequences," he grunts. Forcefully, he pulls my hand into his and acts like a gentleman as we walk down the stairs. Devil.

"Mum!" I screamed with excitement upon sighting her.

"Oh wow! You look so good, mom. "You have really changed." I spill honestly, not wanting to disengage from the hug we share.

"I miss you so much and have always wished for this day to come, and honestly, I am so happy it's already here. You are looking so beautiful."

"What I really don't understand is the reason why you and Arnold decided to have a court wedding—not like he can't afford an expensive and lavish one," she says with a sweet pout.

"Come on, mom!" We just wanted something simple, and we just wanted to make an exception." I lie. I'm hoping it will go a long way toward convincing her.

"Well, I'm not just happy about that; that's not the main thing, honey." I am just happy I can see you again, and why haven't you invited us over all the while or even called?" She asks the question I have been trying to avoid.

"Emm! I am planning on inviting you all over, mom, and the reason I am not calling is because my phone has issues." I lie in fear after remembering Arnold's threat. I am scared he is going to do as he has said.

"Oh! I am so sorry, honey. "How have you been coping without a phone?".

"I am coping fine, mom, and as you know, I am not someone who really likes being on the phone".

"That's not nice to say now, Mira. I know you are not a phone type, but we still have to keep in touch anyway, and lucky you, Mira. I have an extra phone with me," she said, pulling out a phone, which she handed over to me.

"Oh wow! I don't expect this; thanks so much," I utter, pulling her in a hug excitedly.

"It's nothing, darling; at least we are going to speak to each other more often."

"You know, baby," she says, holding my two hands, "it's just a few days you have been away, but it seems like years to me already. You know, baby, I really don't know how to thank you for everything you have done, and I know you are not really happy deep down."

"I know you don't want all of these, and you never wanted to get married to Mr. Arnold, but you did it for my sake." "Trust me, baby! I feel ashamed that I was the one who put you in all this mess at first. I sincerely apologize".

"Don't say that now, mom; today is my day, and we are supposed to be happy and not regret anything. I am happy here, mom, and I did not complain to you about all these things, so you have to be happy also, and besides, Arnold is a very rich man, and he is taking care of me, okay?".

"Are you sure, baby?".

"Of course, I am doing very well, mom, and I appreciate you coming over here today and all of you also," I say, turning to the rest of my family members who are sitting not too far from us and observing everything that has been going on between me and mom.

"Thanks, Mira; I am proud of you," dad says, pulling me into a hug that I don't want to let go of.

"Sister Mira. I hope you are doing great, huh?" My little brother is already sitting on my lap.

"Yes baby. I am great".

"So when are you coming to visit us?" he asks with a pout.

"Very soon, baby. I will be home soon to visit you all and take you on an outing."

"Awnn! "That's so sweet of you, sis," he spills excitedly and pulls me into a warm hug.

"Ma! "It's time for all of you to go to the court to finalize the wedding, and Mr. Arnold's family members are already here," a maid interrupts and, with a bow, walks away.

"Ok. I believe we all heard her; we need to get going already," I say, standing on my feet and excusing myself from them. I need to go cry my eyes out for lying to my mom and my entire family.

Unknown pov.....

The room ignited darkness, and not even the brim of a light could be seen except for the little candles around it.

He grunts after taking a dip sip from his cigarettes, and knowingly he puffs the smoke to the face of his guard, who scrambles to breathe.

"You say the wedding is today, right?" He throws it to his guard, who just gives a little nod, trying hard to stay far away from his boss. He wouldn't want to be wasted.

"Does Arnold think I am a fool or what? that I wouldn't find out that he is getting married today,probably the reason he decided to do a court wedding, silly jerk".

"Get your men ready; we are giving him and his wife a surprise today," he says and gets on his feet.