Coerced

Chapter 24

Mara's POV

Today is my marriage with one of the top billionaires of this country and the most pursued handsome. A few years back, if someone had told me, I would be the wife of a charismatic entrepreneur who would mint millions in an hour, I would have laughed in their face and guided them to a psychiatric hospital. But sometimes fate guides us to one of those most unexpected situations. At times they are good and at other times they are bad. I never expected my mom to die so soon. She was healthy from mind and body and I also did not expect a famous mogul like Shannon Cladnevis to marry me.

Putting on the necklace Shannon's mom gave me the last time when I went to their place, I looked at myself in the mirror. I was putting on a white laced gown which had sequins from below the bust area to my ankles. It had a sheer neckline which looked very beautiful when I wore the necklace and earrings according to the Clandevis custom. 

My phone buzzed and another message popped on the screen from Shannon. "Baby, just one picture of yours.... to see how you look." He pleads through the message. It was the sort of Shannon which I had never seen before. The Shannon I know is authoritative, always in style and completely in rule wherever he stepped. Love can make a person imperfectly perfect in many angles. I bite my lip to arrest the smile. 

"Hello handsome, we are just one hour short of getting spliced for a lifetime.  Patience pays, and moreover we are not supposed to speak or look at each other before we tie the nuptial knot." I snigger and press the send button. 

It is nine in the morning and till now I have received 364 text messages, 790 voice mails and 122 phone calls from my romantic chevalier.

Dad had been granted permission to be out of the hospital for today by his doctor after my repeated persuasion that I will not exert him and give his pills on time. There should be someone to bless me on my special day, right?

Shannon's parents have been very cooperative and supportive towards me and my family. All the preparations for the wedding from the bride and groom's side have been taken care of completely by them without a hitch.

My dad comes inside my room holding hands along with my brother. "My princess has grown to be a beautiful, young woman." Dad remarks and cups my cheeks in his hands. As he gazes at me, wetness pools in his eyes. "Had your mother been living today she would have been so happy for you." He tells me, connecting his forehead with mine. 

Sinking in the significance of the moment my own orbs gather in tears reaching his frail hands. "Dad, a part of mom vests in you.  She is there in your heart and in all our hearts, alive, smiling and very happy to see you hale and healthy once again.”  

I look into my dad’s eyes with perpetual happiness.  “It doesn't matter whether I stay married or not, I am always your little girl and we can be together whenever we want.  Shannon is an understanding, smart and caring man..." I promise you my needs will be looked after.

"You forgot me sissy. I'm also here." My brother pumps in his gaze flickering between me and dad in curious glances. Both of us role-in-the-aisles and I bring my brother close in my arms. "Will you promise me, you will take care of dad in my absence?" I kiss his soft cheeks while asking. 

"Yes" he marks in resolve and lays his smaller hand in mine to guide me out of the room. Dad takes over after that, holding my hand in his hand at the marriage venue.

We started taking our vows. His knee brushed mine and electricity shot through me with the least of the subtle contact. It had been more than a week since we last saw each other because the bride and groom weren't allowed to visit one another before marriage. The minister was addressing the guests. Shannon bent down a little and asked me, tipping his head sideways. "Are you fine cupcakes?"