THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT

Thirty One

Raymond wakes up with a smile on his face. Yes, it's his wedding day. Well, tell me a groom who wouldn't be happy on his wedding day? Not this one!

"Wow, I'm getting married in a few hours," he said with a smile on his face. It was short-lived by the ringing of his phone. Guess who the caller is, Albert his cousin. Out of curiosity, he answered the call.
"What do you want?" He asked immediately he answered the call
"Whoa whoa, Mr Tiger calm down" Albert replied on the other side with a chuckle
"Albert, what do you want?"
"Can't I congratulate my cuz (cousin) on his wedding even though I had to find out from the tabloids?" He sighed and then continued,
"Cuz, congrats. I wish you a happy and fruitful marriage."
"Goodbye"
"Wait, hmm... Raymond, I just want to know that I'm sorry for the past. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. Let's start afresh! I'm not interested in the company, it was never mine, to begin with in the first place. No more competition and I'm sorry for making you feel like an outcast in your father's house. We can start as friends but then I hope it's not too late to start afresh?" He asked
"Guess what? It's too late!!!" Raymond replied and hung up
"Urrgh..." He shouted and tried to slam his phone against the wall but then he remembered that he can be called anytime if his attention is needed, so he dropped it on the table and went to take his bath.
"So, not only are you egoistical but you also find it difficult to forgive and let go of the past. Raymond, what exactly is your problem?"
"Oh please, not you again! Dealing with Albert is enough trouble for the day"
"Wow, you mean asking for your forgiveness is trouble? You better don't give your past a chance to ruin your future as a result of your unforgiving spirit."

"Blah blah blah"
"Urrgh..."

It's few minutes to 10 am and Darasimi is ready to walk down the aisle in the arms of her father on the journey to become Mrs Raymond.
Her mother is seen hugging and at the same time telling Dara that she can still back out.

"Mum, I'll be fine but I want you to promise me that you'll take care of yourself"

"I will honey but you know there's still time to back out"

She sighed and reassured her mum that everything will be okay. The duo were still in each other's embrace when Mr Adetoun came in. Wura and Sarah excused them both to give them privacy.

"Darasimi, omo mi atata (my lovely child). I'm sorry if it seems I'm being harsh on you. I just want you to have nothing but the best. I want you to always remember that I love you and nothing can change that" he said and hugged her. Dara in return replied with a sad smile.

"Are you ready to go and meet your hus..." He was cut off by the ringing of his phone. On checking who the caller is, he excused himself and left the bride alone.

By ten o'clock, music is being played while Raymond waits at the altar for his bride. Everyone was sitting while the reporters stayed at the back to capture every moment. The ring bearer came in, followed by the flower girls who looked so adorable in their gowns. When it was the bride's turn to come in on the arms of her father, the music changed but then there was no bride in sight.

Raymond tried to calm his racing heart but alas, his worst nightmare came to pass, "THE BRIDE IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!!!"

Mrs Adetoun fainted when she received the news from her husband that Dara is nowhere to be found. The man even thought that she was aware of her escape but when she fainted in his arms he knew then that there was trouble in his paradise and he was the cause of it all. Deciding not to start the blaming game yet, he quickly rushed his wife to the hospital, trusting that Raymond will take care of the rest.