"And remind her of this," Mrs. Anozie added gently through the phone. "Developing Eros does not mean engaging in premarital sex or anything that could lead to it, like kissing, inappropriate touching, staying late together, or cohabiting. Do you understand, honey?"
"Yes, Mom," Olaedo replied quickly, her voice soft. "I'll go tell my friend now. Greet the boys for me, please. Bye, Mom."
Tu tu tu
She ended the call before her mother could respond.
The moment the line went dead, Olaedo leaned back against the wall, feeling her strength drain out of her. Her mother's words kept circling in her mind, a marriage without love and open communication is a no go. Financial stability mattered, yes, but not more than love, trust, and understanding.
Her thoughts turned to Chibuzor. He offered stability. They could manage Philia, friendship and partnership. Communication might come with time. But love? True love? That, she wasn't so sure about.
No responsible and mature person would rush into something as serious as marriage...
She gave a bitter chuckle under her breath. I guess I'm not as mature as I thought.
Her voice trembled as she whispered, "I'm sorry, Mom. But I have to do this, for the family, for my employees, for my company, and for myself. I can't lose everything I've worked for since I was seventeen."
She took a deep breath, went to the bathroom, and splashed cold water on her tear streaked face. The reflection staring back at her looked composed again, businesslike. She patted her skin dry with a handkerchief, squared her shoulders, and walked back into the private lounge.
Inside, Chibuzor sat with one arm resting against the couch, scrolling on his phone, his jaw tight with impatience.
"That woman," he muttered under his breath. "All she had to do was say no instead of leaving me here for an hour. And me, the bigger fool, actually waited."
Before he could stand to leave, the door opened and Olaedo stepped in, her expression calm but resolute.
"I'm sorry I kept you waiting," she said evenly. "I had things to sort out. I agree to the contract. Where do I sign, and when do we register our marriage?"
Chibuzor froze. He wanted to make a sarcastic remark, but then he caught sight of her red eyes.
She cried? His brow softened for a fleeting moment. Is marrying me really that bad?
Without saying another word, he reached for the document beside him and slid it across the table. She signed it quietly. Then, still without speaking, he stood, picked up his keys, and gestured for her to follow.
Within the hour, they were at the Federal Marriage Registry.
Thanks to Chibuzor's influence and connections, they bypassed the usual waiting period for notices and verification. What should have taken weeks was reduced to a few swift signatures and formalities.
When it came time for the marriage ceremony, the registrar and witnesses stood waiting for them to exchange vows.
Chibuzor groaned inwardly. Of all the parts he wanted to skip, this was the most troublesome. Unfortunately, he couldn't. His grandfather might have believed the rush in filing and skipping verification was out of sheer passion, but skipping the vows? No one would buy that. Especially not the vows, those sentimental words people cherished as proof of love.
It was the one moment the world expected him to confess his feelings and make the bride shed a few tears of joy.
Then it hit him. He had completely forgotten to tell Olaedo to prepare hers.
Suppressing a sigh, he decided to go first, to give her time to think of something.
He cleared his throat dramatically and faced her with an expression so serious that the witnesses straightened their backs.
"Miss Anozie Olaedo," he began smoothly, "it feels like I just met you today, and yet here we are. Love works in mysterious ways indeed. You are useful to me in so many ways. In fact, you complete my quest and protect me, even from my own family members. I won't say that I love you, because I know you already know how I feel about you. To a successful partnership in marriage."
He signed the end with a faint, knowing smile and exhaled silently.
I've lied enough in the past ten days, he thought dryly. But that? That was brilliant. Not a single lie in there.
Olaedo, meanwhile, stood there fighting a different kind of battle.
Her brain scrambled for an emotional response as the registrar turned to her expectantly. She squinted hard, trying to summon tears. Sad movie scenes? Nothing. Starving stray puppies? Still dry. She even pinched herself under her dress.
"..."
Ugh. What kind of bride doesn't cry on her wedding day? she scolded herself. It seems I'll have to work on this later.
Finally, she straightened and spoke clearly.
"Chibuzor, you are a man I respect. I have looked up to you since I was younger, and you've inspired me to be who I am today. There wouldn't be a me without you, and I'm so glad I found you in this life. To a successful partnership in marriage."
The witnesses nodded politely, too politely.
Chibuzor blinked, momentarily thrown off. Is she… giving me a motivational speech? he thought. She sounds like she's presenting an award, not marrying me.
Still, something about the tone of her words tugged faintly at him, there was honesty in her voice, even if everything else was a performance.
Meanwhile, the witnesses exchanged discreet glances, their expressions mirroring the same quiet doubt.
Something about this wedding didn't feel right, but none of them could quite put their finger on what.
"Maybe this is how the rich confess love," one of the witnesses thought, clapping awkwardly.
Another muttered under his breath, "Useful? Quest? What is this, marriage or a video game?"
Still, the words sounded sweet enough on the surface, so polite applause filled the room.
As the clapping faded, one bold witness leaned closer to the registrar and whispered, "Are we sure they're in love? I've seen more chemistry between oil and water."
The registrar gave a tired shrug. I just want to finish this and go home. My bed is calling. And these two, showing up when we were already closed? They're truly made for each other.
He almost barked in frustration but stopped himself when he noticed their expensive clothes and calm, powerful airs. With a forced smile, he buried his irritation and waved the staff into motion. If these two wanted to get married after hours, then fine, he'd marry the "great Buddhas" himself.
Once the signing was done, the couple was ushered to a photographer who looked like he'd seen it all, except this.
He adjusted his old camera and gestured at them confidently. "Alright, newlyweds, let's see some love! Closer, please."
But what stood before him nearly made him drop his camera.
Chibuzor stood like a stone statue, back straight, arms stiff, expression unreadable. Olaedo mirrored him from two feet away, equally frozen, both of them radiating the same awkward tension as two strangers forced into a school photo.
The photographer blinked twice. What on earth am I looking at?
Deciding to help, he assumed they were just nervous. "Okay, okay," he said with a chuckle. "You're in love, remember? Sir, put your hand around her waist. Ma, you can rest your hand on his chest, look into each other's eyes."
Neither moved.
The silence stretched so long the photographer could hear his own heartbeat.
He sighed under his breath. At this rate, even mannequins would look more romantic.