Becoming Mrs

Wedding Questions

Lola's POV

"I'm nervous." Samuel's voice sounded small but Lola could hardly encourage him because she was also nervous. She had always tried to avoid her mother, but there was no hiding this time, and it wasn't just her mother but also the aunties and uncles who have only one question to ask.

'How is your husband?' or 'How are the children?' When they knew that she wasn't married. Yet, she hoped today was going to be different, after all, it was a day to celebrate her Tinu's wedding, and she wasn't here alone.

"It's going to be fine, as long as we played our part well." She whispered back.

Samuel frowned, "That's the problem. It's easier to lie on the phone than to tell a lie when you are face-to-face with someone. My expression can easily give me away."

"I know it won't"

Moreover, she had her backup plan of making this real today. Lola hadn't dressed in the usual 'aso ebi' attire and was glad that she hadn't bothered getting herself one. She scouted the place for a peaceful place to seat with Samuel when a young lady came beside her, "Are you Miss Lola Makinde?"

Confused, she nodded.

The lady smiled brightly at her. "Your seat has been reserved at the front. Please, follow me, ma." Before she could protest, the lady already helped her with her handbag, while Lola followed behind with Samuel. The place was not that crowded, and Lola could understand why. Tinu had made her party strictly by invitation. She had no reason why she did that, but without an invitation card, the bouncer would have thrown anyone out of the party in an embarrassing manner.

The lady stopped at the table with a small reservation named, 'Miss Lola Makinde and family.' What a way to avoid her mother. Lola almost groaned her. Her mother, aunties, and some of her cousins were already seated at the table. The tables were arranged in a circular form, and most of the chairs were filled so Lola had no choice but to sear next to her mother, while Samuel sat next to her aunt.

"Good afternoon, mummy."

Her mother ignored her greeting while her eyes settled on Samuel. Samuel prostrated on the floor immediately, "Good morning, ma."

Her mother nodded in encouragement. "Good. Good. It's nice to finally meet you, Samuel. Sit down."

Harking to her mother's instruction, Lola also sat down. Soon, her mother started introducing Samuel to most of the family members.

"Aunty mi, this is Samuel Akinbowale, Lola's Fiance."

Samuel responded with his own, It's nice to meet you, ma or sir. Soon, everyone started discussing her.

"It's good, Lola. Now, you just acted the way a woman should act. You should not be a slave to money. Don't let money control you. You will see that people will start respecting you now that you have a man to call your crown."

Lola had many points to contradict what the man just said, but she nodded in agreement. "Thank you, ma." It was pointless trying to argue with his mother and aunts; they will always win.

"So, Samuel when do you guys plan to do the same thing we are doing here," Another aunt asked, Lola had never liked this aunt, she was so interested in other's life that she didn't work on managing hers.

"Hmm. We are trying to take it slow, but very soon, ma."

Her mother shook her head, "I already told you Samuel you don't need to take it slow. Money is not an issue here, and time is not on both of your sides."

Lola nodded, "Mummy, I will discuss it with Samuel later, and we will get back to you when we are ready to tie the knot."

Her mother narrowed her eyes at her, "Fine, but I want it soon."

Thankfully, the topic shifted to other things that were not related to her marriage. Lola sighed in relief, but then a hand found hers under the table and squeezed it. She turned to Samuel and grinned. They had pulled it off nicely, and her mother had not been as curious as she had thought she was going to be.

"Lola, one of your sisters just gained admission, and needs funds to settle down in school." Aunt Sarah said.

"Ma, I don't think we should discuss this at a party. Anyone that needs assistance can come and meet me at the office, I will attend to them, but before I go I will drop something for you, guys."

Samuel squeezed her hand again in encouragement, and she smiled. Finally, she was free enough to watch the marriage program. Lola could barely remember the last time she had time for something like this; she was also busy, but it was nice to be here with Samuel and have no thoughts of work.

The couple was dancing, and other people were dancing with them. She heard Samuel clear his throat, "Do you want to dance with me?"

Without thinking about it, she nodded. This might be the opening she needed to talk to him. When Samuel stood up and helped her with her chair, her mother smiled at them. "He is such a gentleman. I can't wait to see my grandchildren."

Lola ignored her, and let Samuel lead her to the dance floor. The band continued singing, until someone whispered something in their leader's ear, and he started showering praises on Lola. Lola smiled at him and started spraying the couple and the band. She had no idea how they know Samuel's name but they started praising him too. Samuel also sprayed the band and Lola. She hadn't felt so free in a long time. She allowed herself to shower his attention on her, while she danced for him barely taking note of others around.

Samuel held her waist her pulled her closer when a stranger tried to dance with her. His action made Lola's heart beat faster. Just maybe there was hope for her to change his mind. Before she could say a word, Samuel pulled her closer and whispered in her ears, "How about we end this contract and make things real?"