THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT

Chapter Twenty Five

Darasimi's POV

Sarah was just looking at me as I called Dad and Raymond. I know she's trying to find out if I'm really happy with my decision. I don't know what I'm doing either, but since the news is all over the internet there is nothing I can do about it. Oh well, there is, and that is exactly what I'm doing. Getting married to Raymond is not the best decision but what can I do? I guess dad and Raymond have gotten what they want. So they should be happy while I sacrifice my happiness for them. But is this really what I want? No! but what I want doesn't matter anymore, sacrificing my happiness for everyone is what matters. But do I have the strength? I know God has left me the choice to make this decision I just hope I don't lose myself.

"Darasimi, are you doing this? I mean we can clear the air and relocate till everything settles down" Sarah asked with concern

"I'm okay and I can do this. All I need is you beside me"

"You know I'm always with you, but dear sacrificing your happiness and yourself is too much."

" I know..." I started but she didn't let me finish before she continued

"Then why are you doing this? To save your family? We both know Raymond is not the religious type, how are you so sure that he will allow you to go to church and grow in your faith in God? Why do you want to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever when we both know it's not even an option to consider in the first place.

I love you Darasimi and that is why I'm telling you that this decision of yours will cost you so much. You might not even have the strength to withstand or fight back. Please count your count."

"You don't understand..." I sighed and said to her

"Then make me understand why you're so adamant on this issue. Oh wait I get it, it's because of the foundation you wanted to start right?" she asked and when I didn't reply she knew she nailed it on its head.

She sighed and came to sit beside me. She held my hands in hers lifted my chin so she could look right through my eyes and said, "My dear God that gave you the assignment will surely make provisions.

She sighed and continued, "You're making the same mistake that Dad made and it shouldn't be so because you know better. The Scripture says, "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." Darasimi, nothing but the truth will set you free. The knowledge of the truth is what sets you free which you know already know and have. But you have to decide if you want to be set free or not." she finished and left for her room

"Hmm, nothing but the truth will set me free. But what about everything that'll be taken away from me, my family, dreams, work and even Sarah my best friend? What she doesn't know is that if I don't get married to Raymond she will be fired and they will make it difficult for her to get a job not only in the country since they both have connections. Sarah is a friend turned sister and I just can't watch her life get ruined because of me. Getting married to Raymond is safer.

I checked what time it is and decided to start getting dressed before Raymond shows up. When it was 12 pm on the dot, I heard the doorbell ring but I wasn't done applying my make-up. So Sarah answered the door instead. I could hear Sarah talking to him in a low voice and even though I couldn't hear what she was saying, I knew she was threatening Raymond. I quickly picked up my purse and phone to save Raymond because Sarah can be scary sometimes. Well, she does that over her loved ones and I'm happy that she still cares even though she's not happy with my decision.

I wanted to close the door of my bedroom when my phone lit up indicating a message. When I saw that it was Pastor, out of curiosity I checked the message.

"Good afternoon Miss Dara. How are you doing? Can you please come by the office any day you are chanced, I and mummy have something important to discuss with you. Take care of yourself ma-Pastor Segun"

I sighed because I know the main reason why they wanted to see me. But it hasn't crossed my mind since the engagement fiasco what Pastor and his wife would think of me now. They're people I respect so much and it breaks my heart that I will be disappointing them this time. I breathe in and out, close the door and went into the living room where I met Sarah glaring down at Raymond who on the other hand was looking somewhere else. He sighed in relief when he saw me and I chuckled because I perfectly understand his predicament. I rolled my eyes at Sarah, who in turn shrugged off her shoulders. I shake my head, waved at her and went into Raymond's car.