"You will?" 

"We will?!" Paula exclaimed, shocked. I guess she is worried about her new polished nails. 

"We are her friends," Erica glared at Paula who was already examining her nails, afraid of it getting ruined.  "So of course, we should be able to help her with her house chores." 

"Okay. As soon as she is done with her house chores, she can go wherever she wishes to go. She should be home before ten, or else, I will make sure she sleeps on the streets or perhaps Mrs London, our neighbor's house till the next morning." She threatened, without batting a lash. 

       I trembled slightly.

     Will she really do that? 

"Yes ma'am." 

    My friends helped me with the other house chores, before helping me with something to wear and off we went to a club. 

"Your birthday is all on me!" Erica, the rich one amongst us all, yelled and they all cheered happily.

  I smiled. 

    They are always looking up for me. They are the friends one could ever wish for. These three were the only ones who helped me those times I needed help the most. 

   Twelve years ago... I quickly shake my head, not to remember those horrible times. 

  We all went straight to the dance floor, since we don't drink, and we have never tried to. I was dancing my heart off when I felt something hard wrapped around my stomach.  I felt my inside curl, cringed out. 

Turning, I saw a drunk nigga dancing behind me with his right arm wrapped around my stomach.

Who the hell...

He danced, hovering behind me like a mosquito. A big smile plastered on his face, revealing his dirty set of teeth. 

"Move away." I tried to push him off, looking for my friends who seem to be engrossed with the music, dancing on stage. There were crowds on the dance floor. I think that was the reason they weren't able to observe the drunk in front of me. 

"Beautiful lady. You are so beautiful I could fall." He praised like an old-time asshole, his arm wrapped like an asshole he was. "Let's go dance...wait...or, let's kiss. You look delicious tonight." He crackled, turning me around like a pice of trash. 

Let go of me, you drunk! 

I wanted to scream, but no one would hear me.

He was stronger, I tried to push him off, but wasn't budging. He held me tightly, trying to have his dirty mouth on mine. 

Suddenly, I saw him pulled off, thrown on the floor like a piece of rag. 

I saw a silhouette of a man, standing in front of me. He was guarding me away from him. 

His broad shoulders stood right in front of me, his dark coat I could see, but not his face. 

"Who the fuck are you?!" The drunk snapped at the man, nursing the cut on his forehead. I can't see his expression, but the drunk sure was upset for what he just did. 

"Go away." 

"And who are you?!" He thundered back, drifting all attention to him, then my friends ran to me. 

"What's happening?" Erica asked, staring at the man and the drunk.  

"Here." The man in front of me threw a bundle of dollars at him, and quickly, he caught it like a cheap he was, before fleeing happily. 

He turned around to look at me. 

What the fuck!  

Standing in front of me was this extremely fucking handsome guy. 

Good gracious!

Quite tall and extremely handsome. His dark charcoal eyes glimmering at mine, even in the dark. It felt so much that I have been sucked into the dark hold of his eyes, and his dark hair, If I could run my fingers into it as he thrusts into me. 

Gosh, I can't believe I am starting to think dirty.   

"Are you okay?" 

Instead of replying, I stood still smiling widely at him like a psychopath. 

"Handsome, right?" Paula whispered to my ear, and slowly I nodded. 

"You should be careful next time, miss." He added, smiling back at me. I nodded back at him as he walked away leaving me lovestruck. 

Oh no! A real crush. 

My friends were also caught staring and giggling as he walked away. 

"Damn it girl!" Erica snapped bluntly. "You should have asked for his number. The dude is as tall as a hunk." 

"Um," I quickly shook the dirty thoughts off my mind. I was already thinking about running my cold hands around his back, planning to... "I don't think we should talk like that?" I turned to look at them, "And where were you guys?" 

"Dancing our chills out, of course. It's your birthday." 

"Shouldn't I be the one dancing the chills out? But instead I was the one who got arrested by a drunk man, saved by that handsome hunk of a dude." Great, I am starting to fantasize about him again. 

Of course, I couldn't agree-less the guy who saved me was a hunk. A darn handsome hunk. 

"That's good then," Lilian's tone got higher than before. "On your twentieth birthday, you got saved by a handsome hunk. Normally, said by the gods, it's a good omen. I'm very sure you are gonna have a nice guy who is gonna take you out of that tight burden you call home." 

I raised my brows, "Really?" 

"Okay, common. Enough of the hunk or whatever. Let's go party!" 

"Yeah!!" We all cheered together. 

I got home that night to meet the whole family seated in the living room. They seemed engrossed in having an intense conversation before I walked in, because the whole room somehow felt heavy. Nobody was smiling. 

Should I go out or stay? It was really getting uncomfortable. 

I looked at them all, wondering what was wrong.  

"Oh, there she is. Finally." That was Nala. "I hope you enjoyed the party today." She teased. But her glare was saying otherwise. It was murderous. 

"Mom, what is wrong?" I asked, still standing. 

Father called instead. "Selena?" 

"FATHER?" 

They were quite hesitant, stared at me for a while before saying, "You are getting married tomorrow." 

Okay?

I stared are them all wondering what they meant by that. I was a little bit confused by what they actually meant. Wasn't Nala the one getting married? What does this have to do with me? 

"Married?" 

"Get ready tomorrow. Your wedding gown will be delivered to you tomorrow morning. Tomorrow morning, the driver will take you to church." Mom stood up. "Happy birthday sweetheart." Mom concluded before heading upstairs.

Nala sneered at me before leaving, while father looked at me one more time before leaving with mother.

Though, I was still confused. 

This must be a joke. A funny joke which I was Infact, laughing. 

"Ahahahahah!" 

But it seemed not to be a joke.

The next morning, my door was being banged hard, and hurriedly I got out of the bed to get it, only to see whom I never expected this early morning. 

Mom holding a white box. 

She hurriedly walked into my room. 

"We don't have much time at hand, Selena. You have to wear this." 

I stared at her, wondering what she meant.  

"What are you doing standing? Go take a bath already. We can't keep the Fernandez waiting."

But who the hell is the Fernandez? 

Is he or she a client from the company? 

But I thought she wouldn't be going over to the company until a few days after Nala gets married to her fiance? I thought that's how it works. 

Perhaps it was more important than the wedding. That's what I thought.   

I went to the bathroom to take a short bath, went to meet my mother who was placing a strange white gown on the bed. 

I stood by the bathroom, stared at the gown, then at her. 

That's a wedding gown. I have attended so many weddings with mom, and of course, I can recognize a wedding dress very well. 

The dress doesn't look my size. I am short, it should be for Nala. 

"Common now. Do not keep waiting there doing nothing." 

I was still lost. 

I went to meet her, picked up the gown. "Mom, this is Nala's dress." 

"Of course, but we already told you last night. Nala isn't getting married, you are, and you are also getting married in the next few minutes. Exciting, right? Common" 

I felt my world being crushed the minute I heard that. 

Married?! 

"What are you doing there standing?!" She drew my hand, trying to take off my towel, but I held it firmly. "Wasn't Nala the one who is supposed to get married? Why me?" I was staring at her, unbelievably.  

"I just told you Nala isn't getting married, you are! And besides, we already discussed this with you yesterday. Stop acting as if you are just hearing it now. Now, wear your undies and get prepared." 

So it was real. 

"No!!!" I yelled at her. "I am getting married to one one. Why should I get married to a man I have never met before?" I disagreed with her. I actually thought it was a joke until, 

 She slapped me hard across my cheeks. "Shut up! You will get married to the Fernandez's son. You have no right to say NO to my orders. Is that clear?!!" 

I held my cheeks, as tears flowed out like water. 

She threw a glare at me, picked up the dress and threw it at me. 

She forced me to wear the dress, and made me put on a pair of sneakers since I had no shoes.

*

The church in front of me. 

I sat still, staring at the church ahead. 

How come this is happening to me? 

The instant I got out of the car, towards the church, I felt the whole world crumbling on my head. 

I am actually getting married to the man I have never met before in my entire life. I don't even know his name or know if he is an old wrenched man. All I know is that my life is really getting destroyed. 

There were people in the church, just a few or less than ten, including the priest. They all had their eyes locked on mine as I walked down the Aisle gently.

I saw Nala also seated with them, smiling widely at me. 

I really will be getting married to the man I have never met in my life before. 

I stood by the spot the man standing by the pastor led me to. 

Scanning the people seated, I stole a glance at my mom. She was smiling so widely that I could clearly see her white teeth. 

She is happy. 

And my dad, he wasn't smiling, nor could I read his facial expression.  

It was strange. 

The door to the church burst open, A man stepped in. 

He was the only one who stepped in before the door closed. 

He was different. Well, he had that appearance that made him stand out in the church. He was fair, with beards all around his chin. His brown eyes contrasted exceptionally with his toned face. I could see the hint of frustration and unsatisfaction in his eyes, which disappeared as soon as it showed. And overall, he doesn't look innocent.  

He stood right beside me, a smile overtook his face as he grabbed my hand. He placed his lips at the back of my hand. Lifting his head up to look at my face, I quickly withdrew my hand, irritated with his stare.  

Should I run away? Far away from here? 

I felt hopeless. 

Every eye was on me. Some were smiling, some with a natural expression - I couldn't read their faces, while some had a grin on her faces - Nala and her friends.  

I wasn't listening to the priest, until when the vows was recited. 

"For better or worse...for rich, for poorer, till we grow older...." 

The fuck! He is already an old man! 

He inserted the ring into my finger, but I was hesitant to do the same. My hand was shaking nervously, holding the ring. 

He was still smiling at me, waiting for me to insert the ring into his finger. 

All eyes were on me too, waiting for me to do it. 

"Darling?" 

At last, I did it. I inserted the ring into his finger. 

"Kiss the bride!!" I could hear a loud shout from the small people in the church. 

It was Nala.  

"Kiss the bride! Common, don't be shy!" 

"Common darling." He took a hold of my chin, and at that instant my lips touched his, I quickly withdrew from him, holding the urge to hit him across the face. 

Everyone stood on their feet, clapping for us. 

My life is doomed. Selena is over.

After a week...

I have been in this house a week now, and I could boldly say, since the time I married Mr Fernandez, I haven't laid my eyes on him. He left me with his chief servant the same day I stepped into the house as his wife. Now, I feel like an abandoned good left in the house to be taken care of by an old woman. 

Nanny Elsa had been so good to me. She treated me much as if she was taking care of her own daughter. At times, whenever I needed someone to talk to, she would always sit there beside me to listen to whatever I wish to say. She would tell me 'It's okay, everything happens for a reason'. She would hold my hands tenderly and talk to me. Her presence makes me feel so much at ease. At least, for now. 

But at times, I get scared. I am always scared the boss is going to come home to claim me as his wife. I am scared he is going to treat me indifferently and make sure I go through hell, and it has been a week now - I am scared.  

I walked out of my room, ready to go to the dining table to have my breakfast when I saw something unusual. The maids were going to and fro, making sure everything was well tidied.

I was lost for a while, then instantly came to a realization. Is this boss back? 

I felt my legs turn into jelly, my hands soaking cold, sweat on my forehead, infact, I almost forgot how to breathe. 

This is not happening! 

I found my way sluggishly towards the dining room to meet Nanny Elsa and some of the maids working tirelessly. There were several delicacies on the dining table, as if they were aiming to impress a powerful figure who must be coming over today. 

"Nan...Nanny? What's going on?" I had to summon the courage to ask, "Why are there so many foods?" 

"The young boss is back home." 

"Sorry, who?" 

"I heard my father got a new wife." I heard a thick voice behind me. 

A young man walked to me, a pair of black irises devoid of emotions, his jet black hair swept to the side, his chin shaved neat, he was also more of a hunk than a natural man. 

Then I realized the man standing in front of me was the same as the man who saved me at the club a day before my wedding.  

I cannot believe this is happening. 

I was caught staring at him as he took a seat in front of me. 

"Ma'am Selina!!!" I didn't realize Nanny had been calling me until the last shout which rang in my head. 

"Y..yes, yes?" 

"Please, take your seat." 

"Yea...yeah...sure. I...sorry...I will." I ended up saying gibberish, before I finally took a seat three chairs away from his. 

He was the first to pick up the cutleries, without saying anything. 

He took a bite from the steak, lifted up his head to look at me, caught me while I was intensely staring at him.

I quickly took away my eyes, turned my concentration on the meal.  

"Interesting." I could hear him mutter. 

Wait, what is interesting about this? I precisely met the man I never knew was the son of my husband. Does that mean I am his stepmother? But he looks so much older than I am his stepmom. I am short, small, and most especially, I am twenty. He looked like he was in his late twenties. 

I picked up the glass of water in front of me, then gulped it at a go. 

"Are you scared?" 

"N...no!!" It came out in a yell. I quickly covered my mouth, embarrassed. 

He clicked his cup with a spoon, "Table manners please." 

* 

After breakfast, he was the first to leave the dining area. After I was sure, he left completely, "Why didn't you tell me Mr Fernandez has a son?" 

"I had..." 

I didn't allow her to finish with her words, "And why didn't you tell me he was coming today?" 

"Ma'am Selina, I didn't know he was even coming back to this house, it was a surprise, and I am really sorry, I should have told you he has a son." 

"He is really Mr Fernandez's son?!" It was still unbelievable. 

"Yes he is. He has two other daughters too." 

So, I am really a stepmother. I stood up from the chair, and quickly found my way out of the dining area. 

"Hello." 

I took a halt when I  heard that deep voice right behind me. I felt my heart fleeing out of my chest, and my pulse retaliating. I don't really feel myself anymore. 

I slowly turned around to see him standing by the stairs, holding a glass of wine I was sure he picked from the bar. 

This man, I once had a strong crush on him when he first saved me from the claws of the drunk man. I thought if I would see him again, perhaps we would be friends, definitely not this kind of way. I never expected him to be the son of the semi-unknown man I married. 

He gently walked down the stairs. I swear I felt my throat tied. 

"Calm down beautifully." He chuckled. "Hi." He stretched his hand forward, waiting for me to accept it. "I am Adrian." 

I gently nodded, accepted his handshake, still speechless. "I will be glad if you can tell me your name too." 

"Selena. My name is S...Selina." 

"Selina, nice name. I guess we will be seeing ourselves more often now, stepmother." 

No...he shouldn't call me that. I am just twenty. I am too young to be a grown-up's stepmother. 

"Selina?" I could hear his voice in my head. I lifted up my head to look at his face, then at our hands which were still together, "You seem lost. What were you thinking about." 

"I...just nothing. Nothing. I am thinking about nothing." Oh no, gibberish again.  

"Right, okay." Then did I let him go, a smile appeared on his handsome face.  "I..um...I need to go now. I have...some...somethings to sort out." 

"Okay, I will be seeing you later then."

"Okay." I fled up the other stairs into my room.