The wedding was finally over; following Victor to his home, which was just a few steps away from his family house, she trailed behind him like a shadow, silent and submissive; the air was heavy with a sense of dread, and she could feel her heart beating like a caged bird. Her gaze was fixed on the floor, afraid to meet his eyes, for fear of what she might see in them.
Victor halted when they got to the sitting room; he pulled off his suit and smashed it hard on the floor, yelling loudly and startling her. His face was a mask of anger, twisted into a snarl of hate. His eyes blazed with a furious intensity, like two coals in a dying fire. He loathed his new bride with every fiber of his being, resentful of the marriage and the trick pulled on him, he felt stupid and humiliated. As he led her into their home, he felt his rage rise like a tidal wave, threatening to wash away any shred of humanity that remained in him. " When do you plan this?", She could hear the hatred in his voice and shivered in fear, " Plan what?", " Don't play dumb with me", he yelled," when did you plan to trick me, whose plan was it?", " What plan are you talking about?", " Alice is supposed to be here, not you". oh, so this was it, the reason for the anger; it wasn't me whom he wished to marry; it was Alice, of course. What was I thinking? Who would want a lady like me? I was so carried away in my fantasy to face the harsh reality. He jolted her out of her thought by grabbing her chin roughly, " Don't think you've won; I can never like not to talk of loving such an ugly duckling, I'm going to make Alice mine, so you better make yourself invisible," he dropped her chin roughly and walked away angrily. Clarisse winced as she felt the pain in her jaw, she pulled off the heels and squatted on the floor right on the spot. Tears streamed down her cheeks freely, she cried with heartache as the feeling of rejection never gets old. She was a fragile creature, lost in a world of darkness, and the weight of her new husband's cruelty pressed down on her like a leaden blanket. ************************* Clarisse looked at her belongings; they were probably the smallest belongings a bride could ever have; she didn't wish to put on back her old clothes; they were old and worn out, but she had no other clothes to wear, and she couldn't keep on wearing an oversized wedding gown. She sighed and pulled off the gown, went to shower, and after that, she put on one of her old gowns. She sighed and sat on the big king-size bed, not sure if it was safe to lie down on the bed, it looked so big and comfortable that she was tempted to jump on it but she felt like she was going to stain the bedsheet, she can't even remember the last time she slept on one. She heard a knock at the moment and jumped on her feet. " Who's that?". A maid walked in and bowed slightly which she returned. She looked at Clarisse and furrowed her brow seeing the type of cloth she wore, it looked old with lots of patches, " on the order of Mrs Arthur, I'm to guide and show you around the house then bring you to the big quarters for dinner", " Big quarters?" She asked, not understanding what she meant. " Yes", "O..okay", she answered and followed her out, " What's your name if I may ask?", " Alicia", " Wow, that's a nice name, can I call you Ally instead", " As you wish ma'am", " Clarisse, that's my name", " Okay, ma'am", " I mean.. call me Clarisse, I'll prefer that", " I'm sorry but we're not allowed", " Don't worry, you can call me that when we are alone", " Okay miss", " Clarisse", " Yes...", It wasn't comfortable for her but she appreciated the gesture. She showed her around, showed her where the kitchen was, and every other thing she needed to know. Clarisse gets to know that Victor stayed in the same compound with his family but in a different building; they all have their breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the bigger building where his parents and siblings stay, which means she'll get to see the family every day and for some reason, it made her feel uneasy. " It's time for dinner," Ally said and took her to the dining area before leaving her to herself; she wished she would stay, but now she had to take the next step. She got to the room and felt all eyes on her. They faced their meal without saying anything, and she got confused about whether to keep standing or go and take her food and head to her room or sit and join them, but she wouldn't. That seemed rude. " You're already late for dinner, are you going to keep standing there?", She heard her mother-in-law's voice say harshly, " No mum", she said and walked towards them but Noely's response made her halt halfway, " Mum? Who's your mother?", " Huh?", " From what I heard, they are dead, are you seeing ghosts?", " I'm... I'm sorry ma'am", she apologized and bit her lips hard, looking at her feet. " Ugh! I don't care about how you do it, I don't want to feel your existence in my home", she dropped the cutlery and walked away, " It stinks here." Bree eyed her and left the dining room. " You guys made me lose my appetite", Arthur followed. The only person left at the dining table is Victor and his fury. He sprang up and walked briskly towards her, grabbed her hair as tight as he could, and dragged her back to their apartment. " Ahh! Stop! Please stop! It hurt!", She cried holding his hand and begging him to stop but he was deaf to her, not until they got inside before he pushed her to the ground spraining her ankle in the process. " What did I warn you about? Didn't I tell you to make yourself invisible?". Clarisse remained on the cold floor sobbing. " Count your days 'cause I'm going to kill you very soon", he threatened. This is the worst wedding night.Just as the family wanted, Clarisse became invisible; she doesn't go out from morning till night, and the only time she goes to fetch food is at midnight, knowing that's the time with the highest probability that she wouldn't come across any of them. She avoids Victor the most, sleeps all the couch every night, and vanishes into the store room very early in the morning so he won't see her as he ordered, she would come out of the store room or closet after she confirmed he had left for work and when it's 12 in the night, she switched off all light as instructed of him so he wouldn't see her when he comes back. She kept living like this for about two weeks until one night. A night she would never forget. Victor was having a nice time in the club with Klaus, enjoying the feeling of the women's bodies around him, he was having a blast when he sighted a figure that resembled that of Alice. He pushed one of them off him and quickly stood up, following the figure whose arms were wrapped aro
(A month later) The Percy family stood around the hospital bed; Ashley sat beside their grandfather, tending to him and changing the stockings. He was rushed to the hospital due to a heart attack, and his son and grandchildren all stood beside him, looking sad. " How are you feeling now?" " Very bad, I feel like I'm about to die", " Stop saying that", Chris and Ashley said almost shouting, " You're not going to die, and stop scaring us", Chris mumbled but he heard, " It's the truth, and let me see my grandchildren before I die", " There's no way you'll see your grandchildren before you die", " Gael!!", They screamed his name and Chris hit him hard behind the neck, " Ouch! Why do you hit me?", " Say something like that again and I'm going to break your head", " Not like I'm not telling the truth", he grumbled, "At least let me attend my grandson's wedding before I die", " I'm always ready to get married, grandfather; mum is the one delaying". The grandfather
Clarisse's eyes flickered, moving slowly on the bed, her eyes opened to see the white ceiling, and the smell around was familiar, she looked around to see the drip being passed to her." You're in the hospital", she heard a feminine voice say, " Fainting around on the street like a homeless cat, I don't know what rumor you're trying to spread, that we're maltreating you?", Bree said irritatedly. Clarisse turned to look at her, she was the only one present with her in the dimly lit hospital room.Bree wanted to say something when the doctor came in." How are you feeling? Mrs Arthur?".Mrs Arthur? That sounds odd and a reminder she's married to the Arthur's family which she doesn't like." Can..you...just call me... Clarisse?", Her weak voice said," Oh, okay, how are you feeling? Clarisse?"," Weak, I feel so weak"," That's understandable, you've shown all symptoms of Malnutrition and that's not good considering the position you were in?"," Position? What position?", Bree asked mov
One of the maids looked around mindfully before entering the Lamborghini car, slamming the door carefully, she bowed after sitting beside the woman reeking of wealth and authority, sitting next to her in a privilege she might never get in her lifetime again." Good afternoon, Ma'am"," Good afternoon, how's it?"," They've changed the woman your son is getting married to"," What?! What do you mean by that?"," Apparently, their biological daughter turned down the proposal of marrying your son, ma'am".Sharon scoffed and laughed, " I'm damn sure it's because of the rumors, no offense, that makes it perfect, I was never in support anyways, thanks for your hard work"," But"," But?"," Yes ma'am, he's still going to marry from their family"," What do you mean?"," I told you they've changed the daughter he's marrying"," Oh yeah, I forgot you said that which other daughter do they have?"," Mr. Ferdinand's brother's daughter, he's her new father since her parents died"," From the inf
" Huh? What happened to your dress?", Ashley was surprised to see her mother's dress changed, " but I must say, this one looks better and more beautiful, who's did it for you?", She asked admiring the dress," My daughter in law"," No way!", She chuckled, " wow! Can't believe that big head's wife-to-be will be someone with a skill, a nice skill"," I was surprised too", she relaxed back on the couch, dropping her purse beside her and kicking the heels off. A maid quickly came forward to pack it and take it to the room where it belonged." But why is your mood sour, is she not beautiful? don't worry, your son is a heavenly god, his handsomeness alone is enough so worry not, they won't give you ugly grandchildren"," It's not that"," Then what is it?"," I was angry when I saw her"," Why?"," The way she looks broke my heart into pieces, I was so angry that I wanted to yell at her and ask why is she not taking care of herself"," I don't understand"," I don't know, what did that fam
" Hi laws", Patricia waved at Sharon but she rolled her eyes in disgust. She whispered to her daughter, "Had I known I'd have come and pick her up by myself and doll her up, what is this?", she said referring to the lonely lady at the alter," I can tell immediately she's not their daughter, their daughter is not even present here"," I don't care if she's present or not, I'm very angry right now", she whispered.Clarisse stood at the altar, stood blankly at the flower in her hand. Not like she's throwing it to anyone, who would want to catch a flower from a woman like her, a woman who's getting married to another man just in few days after her divorce? She sighed dejectedly, trying hard not to listen to the murmurs, though there was nothing new, it just hit differently. She knows they're laughing and pointing at her oversized wedding gown, and her oversized heels and probably also gossiping about her divorce and shamelessness. Her eyes welled up in tears, why is her life full of p
Alice groaned covering her ears with the pillow and tried falling deep asleep back and just as she was successfully sleeping back, her phone rang out again with the ringing tone that sounded so noisy." Ugh!!", She groaned loudly and sat up with anger ready to blast whosoever was calling her with insults, " Dani?", She called the name showing on her phone screen out and picked up the call." what's it?", She said tried to suppress her outburst." oh my goodness! Congratulations baby!".Dani's voice was clouded with excitement that makes Alice even more pissed." Congratulations for what?"," c'mon...stop feigning to be pissed, I know you're very happy right now and I'm actually pissed that you keep such a thing from us, me especially, but I guess you just wanted it to be surprising, anyways... I'm so so so... happy for you right now to even be pissed, but I still am", she said and laughed.She felt so happy for Alice that her heart could not contain it but Alice was just confused at a
" who's that?", One of the maids asked Ally as she went back to her duty." just some men", she replied not giving the maid much attention," Oh, some men are already coming to look for you...tell me, is that your new crush?", the maid teased Ally but she wasn't anything, " he is good looking though","You should get back to work, he's not my crush or anything", she replied coldly." tsk, you're no fun", she pouted her mouth and left her.Ally resumed back to what she was doing but her mind was feeling unsettled, disturbed, and guilty." I shouldn't have said that much", she said and sighed, falling back on her butt and scolding herself. She had just told a total stranger things she felt like she shouldn't and that was because she was so angry at that moment that she couldn't caution herself. A few minutes ago" Who are you?"," I'm her friend"," Clarisse does not have any friends"," she does now, I'm her new friend but I feel like I don't know anything about her, she constantly zon
(13 months later) Blue was bubbling with so much excitement that Clarisse couldn't help but chuckle. " Your excitement is above the cloud", Clarisse said and she measured her waist, " I know right ", she confirmed and giggled, " Our bride-to-be ", Clarisse winked at her causing her to blush " She's my bride, "Gael said behind them, and everyone laughed. Clarisse poked her tongue at her, " everyone knows", she teased, " I need to inform you guys again ". " Your waist is small, and your hip is big; you have a very nice shape," Clarisse said to Blue moving the tape rule around her. " Thank you, but make sure my wedding gown is more beautiful than Elizabeth's ", " Elizabeth? The senator's wife?", Clarisse asked and burst into laughter, " yes ma'am ", " I'm serious ", " I know, you trust me right?", " Sure", " Then we're good, I'll make a stunning wedding dress for you", " I know you'll make a beautiful one but I want the one that's more beautiful than hers". Clarisse laugh
" $10,000","$25,000"," $45,000"," $75,000"," $80,000"," $90,000"," $100,000. Going... going..at the count of three, 1, 2, 3", he rang the bell, "sold at $100,000".Blue clasped her hands together, feeling so emotional. That's the smallest amount that her painting was sold, and they're still bidding. She never believed or imagined that her painting would cost that much.Gael grinned and looked at her; his heart felt fulfilled. He looked so happy as more paintings and crafts were placed on display.One of her pants that speaks of undying love that got embraced by nature and death was purchased by Clarisse at seven million dollars.They gave each other a very tight hug when the show was over. " I feel like I'm on top of the sky right now," Blue sobbed, hugging Clarisse." There are beautiful paintings, well done Blue"," Thank you so much".Clarisse broke the hug, " I did nothing, but there are many people over there that you should thank, we'll meet later on"," Sure ", she nodde
( Still flashback)Clarisse's heart tightened after listening to the recorder; she took a deep breath as tears gathered in her eyes. It was a lot for her, listening to a family of hers plotting her death.Christian pulled her closer into his arms and whispered, "Are you okay?".She smiled bitterly and nodded, her chest getting tight and firm, " they were never my family", she said coldly." They killed my parents and now their daughter is planning to kill me"," Would you have gone truly? If I hadn't played this tape", Marissa asked," I would have, I would have agreed to meet her, but where she gets it wrong was thinking I would move according to her plans if she really wants my forgiveness, she'll come to see me, if we have to meet then I'll book a restaurant and I won't go anywhere without telling my man about it".Marissa sighed, " I don't think she'll want you to tell anyone that you want to meet with her "," That's for sure", Ryan agreed," I said I won't move according to her
(Flashback)Ryan's words started repeating in her head once again, bringing her awareness to something she had never noticed or something she pretended not to notice. Realizing which relationship she wanted more and which relationship she never wanted to end, she picked up her phone after prioritizing someone she never wanted to think about or imagine losing.She took her phone and dialed Alice's contact; after concluding to meet, she went to take her bath and get dressed before calling Ryan.Praying and wishing he picked, she felt so relieved and happy when he did after the third rang," Hi, Ryan"," Hi", he replied coldly," Can we meet, please? I would come over"," Okay".Her heart ached when he coldly hung up; she swallowed hard, accepting the coldness, and with more desperation, she headed over to his place. After the short drive, she arrived at his house and took a deep breath, exhaling heavily before stepping out of the car.She knocked on his door and he opened the door." He
( very early the next morning)Alice walked out of the house and headed over to where Marissa's car was packed; she opened the door with Marissa's key and reached out for her bag; she opened Marissa's bag and took out the pistol.She smiled heartily at the gun, " beautiful", she uttered and threw the bag back into the car before closing it and heading back into the house.Her stomach grumbled as she stepped in; she went straight to the kitchen counter to make herself a cup of cornflakes and tucked the gun into her back pocket before heading to the room where Clarisse was tied.With her head banging and spinning, she slowly flickered her eyes open to a bright room that nearly blinded her eyes. Slowly, she adjusted her sight to the room light and raised her head to see Alice munching on something; when she took another spoon, she realized it was flakes.Her body felt numb, and she couldn't move; she looked at herself to realize her situation." Oh, you're awake", Alice said, grinning wh
Alice smirked evilly, " Tonight? Can we meet tonight?"," Sure"." Please don't tell anyone that you're coming to see me, especially Christian"," And why that?"," I did the wrong thing towards him also, he'd hate it if you tell him you're coming to see me and he might not accept"," Christian isn't that type of a person, he holds no grudge"," Still," her voice became sadder, " I want you to forgive me and also help me ask him for forgiveness; I'm just scared he'd refuse you to come and see me."Clarisse sighed, " don't worry, I won't tell him", she accepted," Oh, you're such a darling! Clarisse, thank you so much, I'll definitely repay this kindness"," It's okay, let me go and get ready"," Yeah, sure, I'll be expecting you".With that, Clarisse hung up." Hi", she went back to Blue," Hi, done?"," Yeah, yeah I'm done, just that, I need to head out "," Hope everything is okay?"," Yeah sure, I just have to meet someone, I'm sorry we have to cut the conversation, and the moment
" If you're sure she'd fall into the trap then no issue, what do you need, tell me"," I'm going to lure her over to a place I know, I've checked every place in that area, there's no surveillance camera in that area so we don't have an issue getting traced or finding us"," Okay...once you lure her there, what next?"," That's where you come in"," I'm good with knife, I just need to stab her right ?".Alice smirked, "No, there's something else you need to do".Marissa furrowed her brow as she listened to the rest of Alice's plan before smiling satisfactorily and nodding in agreement with her plan.************Clarisse and Blue burst into laughter as they kept chatting and giggling." Honestly, it's so nice to have someone who gets you like no one"," I know right, I've never imagined that I'd be in this situation ", Blue said smiling," I guess no matter how dark this world can be, there are people who are different and special ","And I'm lucky to have met some of them ".Clarisse
On a pair of jeans short and a blue crop top, Marissa sat on the floor with a glass cup of alcohol in her right hand. She sat on the floor with her elbow resting on her knees, staring blankly into space. Her heart felt heavy, her eyes felt tired, and her busy mind kept replying to memories, not just any memory but her memories with Christian.Remembering when he first got enrolled into the school and how they bumped into each other, spilling her milk on her shirt, how he became Ryan's best friend and automatically became hers as well.She remembered how she always stared at him, how handsome his cold face was, how she was always eager and impatient to see him again the following day, and when it was weekend, she'd suggest hangout, which he never agreed to, but she and Ryan would suddenly show up in his house. She chuckled when she remembered the expression he'd give them." Ah", she heaved a deep sigh.Ryan's words started repeating in her head once again, bringing her awareness to s
Marissa stormed into the sitting room in a rage and threw her purse onto the couch angrily." Hey, you good?", Ryan asked moving on the couch," Of course not, I'm pissed", she said walking towards the fridge to get bottles of alcohol," What happened? Did someone upset you?"," More than upset me"," Who?"," Don't worry, just be my drinking buddy for this night", she said placing the bottles on the table." Tell me what happened, if not, I'm not drinking anything"," Ugh! Don't be childish, I called you to come over so that you can be my drinking buddy".Displeased to hear that, he sighed, " I will be your drinking buddy; I just need you to tell me what happened."Unable to keep it from him, she said fuming, "It didn't go as planned, the plan was to ruin the show, ruin the show dresses but she couldn't even get that done, she's so useless"," What, are you talking about?",Fuming, she said, "I want to make her pay, make her know her place, and not touch what belongs to other people.