Marriage Of Secrets

My perfect wife

Then the day came. The day Karla was to be brought before Anderson Stone. Her grooming was over and his workers thought it was time they met. Karla stood before his mansion office door, feeling awkward. Anderson's servants never stopped adjusting her hair, and adding more lipsticks to her lips. To them, Anderson loved perfect. She needed to be perfect.

"It's time," a servant walked out of the office, and widened the door for her to go in. She did, feeling her heart throb against her chest. She walked the tiny steps she was taught, and tried keeping her head straight. This was so awkward and she hated herself. Anderson smiled at what he saw. He stood up and approached her with his hands in his pockets. Her anxiety quickened. He hovered around her for a while, caressing her hair, and her dangling earrings. She's never been more irritated in her life.

"You are perfect now," he said, heading back to his seat. "Please take your seat. Make yourself comfortable."

She did.

He pulled out some paper works, and began to read through them. The silence was beginning to get heavy, and Karla couldn't make out anything. Should she talk? Was this all they were going to do? Just sit and pretend she doesn't exist.

"We will be getting married next weekend," he informed her, breaking the silence.

She said nothing.

"It will be low-key. I have hired the right pastor for the church wedding, and a lawyer for the court wedding. It will happen at exactly 10am in Peterson Church. The Makeup artist will be at your home at 8am and my chauffeur will pick you up at exactly 9am. Any questions?"

She thought he would never ask.

"Well I..."

"Your opinion is not needed," he rudely cut her short. "Do you have a man in your life or a fiancé? If you do, that will sabotage our plan here. We might need to stop your mum's treatment due to that."

Karla hated the situation he'd put her in. It was as if he knew. He freaking knew that she had a man in her life. If not, why does he have to threaten her like that?

"No," she lied. "I do not have a man in my life."

He smirked.

"I see," he turned away.

Then there came the silence again. He took out a small camera from his drawer and captured a picture of her. Karla has never felt so out of place. Without explanation, he placed it back into his drawer and pointed at the door.

"You can leave," he ordered.

She scoffed, feeling he was dead inside.

"At least tell me why you took that picture," she was getting pissed. "Tell me any freaking thing about you."

"Alright," he agreed, and placed his hands beneath his chin. A smile broke free from his lips which was a rare sight. She'd never seen him smile before. So the guy could smile? Wow.

"I love photography," he explained. "Photography is the best representation of beauty. As soon as I see an epitome of one, I pick up my camera and take a shot."

He took out his camera and snapped her again. She was astonished, unsure of how to react. Perhaps she should take that as a compliment.

"You do not look too bad yourself."

***

"Your mother will need to stay in the hospital for a few more weeks," the doctor said to Karla as she walked into his office.

"Isn't she feeling better now?" Karla was disappointed. "Why does she need to stay here longer?"

"Her heart is weak," the doctor informed her. "We shouldn't take any chances."

Karla nodded with reluctance. Her stroll back to her mum's hospital ward was the most difficult. Each step reminded her of the traitor she was, and how much explanation she had to give later.

"Karla!" She heard a voice she avoided. Her eyes widened in fear. She felt thousands of pins sting her beneath her feet, and her legs froze in its tracks.

"My love! My sweetheart!" His hands wrapped behind her from behind, and her heart sunken. She turned behind her, trying not to act avoidant.

"Gabriel," she called the name of her love. Their eyes keyed into each other and her feelings sprang up in her heart. At that moment, it dawned on her. She loved Gabriel so much. She couldn't do anything without him. Her feelings were beyond one she has ever had for anyone.

"Baby, I finally got the 3000," he showed her the bundle of cash buried in his pocket. "It wasn't easy but I managed to borrow it from my tech boss. I told him my mum was sick, so he didn't hesitate to let me have this."

"Won't he deduct this from your salary?" Karla asked. "It will affect you, Gabriel."

"As long as your mother is fine, I am good," Gabriel sounded selfless. It made no sense how someone can be this good. Karla controlled her emotions and shut her eyes as she forced herself to say the next words.

"We cannot be together," she blurted out. Gabriel's smile disappeared.

"I got the money, Karla," he reminded her.

"I know, but I was able to figure it out myself," she avoided his gaze. "You took too long, and mum almost died. I do not think you are responsible enough. You aren't as reliable as I thought. I want you to leave and never come back here again."

Gabriel laughed sarcastically, staring around for cameras.

"It's a prank, right?" He was still jovial. "If this is a joke, it's very funny. No one breaks up with their partner for no reason. I almost fell for that." His eyes wandered around for the camera. "Where is the camera?"

"There is no camera. I am really breaking up with you," she ordered. "Now leave here and never come back. I do not love you anymore! Why don't you get it?"

Gabriel shook his head.

"No, Karla. I am not leaving. This makes no sense. I tried my best for you. I had to sacrifice my salary for you. Why are you doing this?"

"I do not care what you have for me," she admitted, staring into his eyes. "You did what a regular man would do for a lady he is in love with. Unfortunately, you took too long, and now I am done. Please leave."

Gabriel was speechless. He had a lot to say but his lips couldn't make out words. Unaware of what else to do, he pulled her close for a hug and strapped her in his arms.

"I love you so much, Karla. Please do not do this to me, please! I am sorry. I didn't mean to not bring the cash on time. I promise to work harder and get you the wealth you want. Do not break up our relationship like this," he apologized.

Karla felt her heart shatter. This was getting tougher for her, and seeing Gabriel troubled was the last thing she wanted. She hugged him back, wishing there was a magic ward to turn things around.

"I am sorry," she broke the hug. "This is for our own good. Trust me. I do not want to ever see you here again."

She kissed him on the cheek before walking into the ward, and shutting the door.

Alright! She has crossed the line! She has definitely crossed the line!