Chapter 6

As the voice reverberated in Elma's ears, her heart skipped a beat. She turned around, only to find Gael's mother, Mrs Edgar, making her way towards her with an air of disapproval. Elma braced herself, knowing that trouble was looming around the corner.

Mrs Edgar's eyes blazed with anger, her words piercing through the celebratory atmosphere. "Elma, how dare you? How could you just run out on my son's wedding? Don't you realize the disrespect you've shown to our family? Do you even know who we are?"

Elma felt a wave of anxiety wash over her, but she stood her ground, determined to defend her actions. "Mrs Edgar, I understand that my sudden departure may have seemed disrespectful, but please believe me when I say it wasn't intentional. I was overwhelmed by emotions, and I needed some time to collect myself."

Mrs Edgar scoffed, her tone dripping with scorn. "Collect yourself? This is a wedding, Elma. You don't just run away because you're 'overwhelmed.' You should have thought about that before agreeing to this arrangement."

Elma's voice quivered slightly, but she held her composure. "I understand your frustration, Mrs. Edgar

Before Mrs Edgar could retort, Gael stepped in, his voice firm yet gentle. "Mother, please. Let's not ruin this day with unnecessary arguments. Elma had her reasons, and I trust her judgment. We're here to celebrate our union, not to dwell on past grievances."

Mrs Edgar's gaze shifted to her son, her anger momentarily overshadowed by a flicker of surprise. Gael's unwavering support for Elma seemed to catch her off guard. She took a moment to compose herself, her features softening slightly.

"Gael, you can't possibly be defending her after what she did," Mrs Edgar protested, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Gael's expression remained resolute as he placed a reassuring hand on Elma's arm. "Mother, Elma and I have had our share of challenges, but we've also had moments of understanding and connection. I believe in giving this marriage a chance, and I hope you can find it in your heart to do the same."

A silence fell over the courtyard as the tension hung in the air. The guests watched with bated breath, unsure of how Mrs Edgar would respond. After what seemed like an eternity, Mrs Edgar let out a long sigh, her rigid stance softening, and she left that side angrily.

As Mrs. Edgar left, Gael turned to Elma, his eyes filled with determination and reassurance. He squeezed her hand gently, offering her a comforting smile. "Elma, everything will be fine. I know it's been a challenging day, but we'll get through this together. You're not alone in this, remember that."

Elma's shoulders sagged with the weight of the emotions she had been carrying. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I hope so, Gael. I just... I didn't expect things to be so difficult."

Gael pulled her into an embrace, holding her tightly. "I know it's been tough, but we've come this far. I’m so sorry for all that has happened. I will surely make it up to you. I promise.

As they slowly separated, Elma mustered a small smile. Gael's words provided a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil. She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "You're right, Gael.Dont worry its all good. Lets just get this done and over with"

Just as Elma settled into her seat, her eyes caught sight of her best friend, Chloe, making her way towards her. A surge of relief washed over Elma as she waved Chloe over, a mix of emotions welling up within her.

"Chloe! Where have you been?" Elma exclaimed, her voice tinged with both relief and concern. "I needed you earlier. It's been... overwhelming."

Chloe's face softened with sympathy as she approached, apologizing for her absence. "I'm so sorry, Elma. Work held me up, and I couldn't get here earlier. But I'm here now, and I promise I'll make up for it. Don't worry, my dear friend, we'll get through this."

Elma wiped away a stray tear, grateful for Chloe's presence. "Thank you, Chloe. It means the world to me to have you by my side. Today has been tough, but maybe you're right. Maybe there's still room for some good news."

Chloe's eyes sparkled with excitement as she reached into her bag, pulling out an envelope. "Well, you're in luck, my dear. I have some fantastic news for you. Brace yourself!"

"It's... it's a letter of acceptance!" Elma exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and delight. "Chloe, you have been promoted! I’m so happy for you!"

Chloe beamed, her joy matching Elma's. "See, Elma? Good things are happening! Today might have had its challenges, but this is proof that brighter days are ahead. You have so much to look forward to, my dear friend."

As Elma took in the news, a sense of renewed hope washed over her. The insults and judgments from earlier began to fade into the background, replaced by the anticipation of new beginnings. She realized that this marriage, while a contract on the surface, held within it the potential for growth, love, and unexpected blessings.

"Chloe, you're right," Elma said, her voice filled with determination. "This is just a contract, but it doesn't define our future.

“Thanks so much babe”, Elma said even as she started feeling better.

************

As the celebration continued, Gael gracefully made his way through the crowd, greeting distinguished guests and expressing his gratitude for their presence. His eyes twinkled with joy as he exchanged warm embraces and shared laughter with friends and family. His heart was filled with love for Elma, and he couldn't wait to start this new chapter of their lives together.

Amidst the bustling crowd, where joyful expressions adorned the faces of countless individuals, Gael's gaze was inexplicably drawn to a figure that transcended the ordinary. His breath caught in his chest as his eyes met the mesmerizing sight before him. It was none other than Kim, his ex-girlfriend, who had effortlessly transformed into a vision of pure allure, exuding a captivating radiance in her chosen ensemble.

Every detail of Kim's appearance seemed meticulously curated to accentuate her natural beauty. Her dress, a masterful choice that delicately hugged her figure, effortlessly highlighted her enviable curves. The fabric embraced her body with a gentle touch, caressing her every contour and creating an alluring silhouette that whispered of grace and sensuality.

The hue of the dress complemented Kim's complexion flawlessly, enhancing the warm undertones of her skin and lending an ethereal glow to her already radiant visage. As the fabric cascaded down her frame, it seemed to come alive, dancing in perfect harmony with her movements, as though designed exclusively for her.

Yet it wasn't just the dress that made Kim so captivating. It was the confidence she exuded, an intangible quality that emanated from every pore. With her head held high and a glimmer of self-assuredness in her eyes, she effortlessly commanded the attention of those around her. It was as though a magnetic force emanated from her very being, drawing all gazes toward her with an irresistible pull.

Her poise was unmatched, as she glided through the room with a grace that seemed otherworldly. Each step was purposeful, her movements fluid and seemingly choreographed. It was evident that Kim possessed an innate understanding of her own body, as if she had unlocked the secrets to her own physicality, and the world stood in awe of her embodiment of beauty and elegance. But it wasn't just Gael who was captivated by Kim's mesmerizing allure. It seemed as though time had momentarily frozen, as the entire room basked in the brilliance of her presence.

As Kim approached him, Gael felt a rush of conflicting emotions. Kim reached Gael, her gaze piercing into his soul. Without hesitation, she took his hand and led him to a quiet corner, away from the revelry. The murmurs of the party faded into the background as they found themselves alone, enveloped in an uneasy silence.

Gael, trying to break the tension, mustered a weak smile. "Kim, it's been a while. You look stunning tonight."

Kim's expression remained serious, her eyes filled with a mixture of hurt and determination. "Gael, we need to talk. You haven't given me a full explanation of what's going on here. Why are you getting married? And why havent you given me the full details of ths your so called fiancee?"

As Gael looked into Kim's eyes, he could sense the hurt and confusion radiating from her. He knew he had to address her concerns, but the loud atmosphere of the celebration was hardly the place for such a conversation and he also didnt want anyone to hear their conversation. . In an attempt to find some privacy, Gael gently placed his hand on Kim's shoulder and guided her towards an empty room upstairs, away from prying ears.

Once they were alone, Gael closed the door behind them, creating a small haven where they could speak openly. He turned to face Kim, his expression serious yet filled with a mix of empathy and regret. He softly placed a hand on her mouth, a gesture to remind her to keep their conversation discreet.

"Kim," Gael began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I understand that you have questions, and I owe you an explanation. Please, hear me out."

Kim, her eyes fixed on Gael, nodded slightly, allowing him to continue.

"The truth is, Elma and I are indeed engaged, but it's not what it seems," Gael explained, his voice laced with a touch of sadness. "Our relationship is a contract marriage, a tool for both of us to achieve certain goals. Elma understands this arrangement, and she has been aware of it from the beginning."

Kim's eyes widened in surprise, her brows furrowing. "A contract marriage? But why, Gael? Why would you enter into such an arrangement?"

Gael took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "I had my reasons, Kim. I made a choice based on what I thought was best for both Elma and me. It's a complex situation, one I wish I could have explained to you sooner."

Kim's gaze bore into Gael's, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "But what about the connection I saw between you two when you both said your vows? Doesnt that mean you too have something up your sleeves?”

"I won't share you with anyone, Gael," Kim said, her voice trembling with determination. "If this is truly just a contract, then it sould stay that way, or else……..”