MONTHS LATER

It was barely six months after Vanessa's death that the Clyde's family had gone searching for a new bride.

Samantha stood in front of the tall Mansion's gate, looking at the address book in her slender hands. She had earlier applied to be Ryker Clyde's bride through the application form she had found online.

Just yesterday, she had received an email of invitation to the Clyde's mansion as she had been selected for review. Her excitement knew no bounds as soon as she received the email, and here she was, standing in front of the mansion.

She tucked her short brunette hair behind her ears and adjusted her short flare red dress which suited her petite body perfectly.

What would it be like to be Ryker's bride? She thought with a smile as she gained entry into the mansion worth millions of dollars.

"It's heaven on earth," she gasped, looking around the beautiful surrounding area.

The clattering of glasses and laughter was heard as she gained entry into the building.

A small party was taking place at the foyer and she took her seat at an empty table. She could see men and women of caliber, discussing and laughing as slow music played in the background.

"Miss Samantha Houston?" A smooth male voice called behind her.

She turned and saw the middle-aged grey headed man in black suit and bowtie standing behind her.

"Yes, I'm Samantha," she replied sharply and stood up immediately.

"The family is waiting to see you. I'm Mr Aiden , the man who approved your application form," the man informed her.

"Oh, thank you, Mr Aiden," she replied humbly with a broad smile on her red thin lips.

"You can come with me," he motioned with his left hand.

Walking into the spacious and luxuriously furnished chamber, she held her breath for a moment as her eyes fell on her soon to be groom, Ryker Clyde.

His long smooth black hair was wrapped in a low bun, suiting his very handsome oblong structured face. Donned in a green coloured Chinese collar-suit, he was looking strikenly handsome with his legs crossed together majestically.

Her eyes never left his face and she could see him whispering a few words to his mother who smiled a bit.

"You can leave, Aiden, we'll take it up from here," Mrs Clyde motioned to Aiden who nodded and gave a slow bow before walking away.

"Have your seat," Mrs Clyde ordered calmly.

Samantha made a nod before helping herself to the single sofa beside her. She gulped as she caught sight of Ryker Clyde, gawking at her body.

His charming grey eyes had never left her from the moment she took her seat. She looked away from him and adjusted herself on the sofa, trying to make herself comfortable.

"You seem to be the lucky girl," Mrs Clyde said with a smile as she took a sip from her cup of coffee.

"Thank you ma'am," Samantha responded humbly.

"Do you live in the city?" Mrs Clyde asked thoughtfully.

"I'm from the countryside," Samantha replied confidently.

She could see both mother and son exchanging glances and she imagined the thoughts running through their minds.

Won't they accept a girl from the countryside? She thought as her heart began to race.

"Your parents?" Mrs Clyde asked.

"They're late," she replied at once.

"How did you find out about the marriage proposal?" She asked again.

"Through a friend," Samantha replied sharply.

"Do your parents hold any form of status in the State?" She asked again.

"No, they were mere peasants before their demise," Samantha replied once more.

"Great," Mrs Clyde spoke with a satisfying smile.

She looked at her son and made an approving nod.

"Samantha, you're beautiful and I believe you'll make the perfect bride for my son. Meet us at the city's registery tomorrow and we'll get the wedding done!" She said with excitement.

"Thank you, ma'am," Samantha said with a broad smile and she took a quick glance at Ryker whose attention was now on his phone.

"Don't fail us. Everything you need for the wedding will be sent to your address today!" Mrs Clyde said enthusiastically.

Samantha nodded and handed over her address card before walking out of the chamber.

"Flash marriage!" She gasped as she headed out of the building at once.

She picked up her phone and scrolled through her contact.

"Sasha," she called with excitement, walking towards the mansion gates.

"I'm getting married tomorrow," she revealed with a smile of satisfaction.

She was so engrossed with the conversation that she failed to hear the bellowing of the white Ferrari driving with incredible velocity towards her.

She turned and with the speed of lightning, jumped to the green grass beside the walkway.

"What the fuck?!" She hollered, her whole body trembling with fear.

The Ferrari stopped a few meters away from her and a man so hotly dressed in Royal blue colored suit and black shoes, stepped out of the car elegantly.

With his sunglasses on, he walked majestically towards her, taking every breath of her away.

"How can a man be so handsome?" She muttered, almost drooling at his impeccable appearance.

Stretching his huge arms towards her, he said with an amazing yet rude voice, " You should watch it next time,"

She quickly jolted out of her fantasy and stood up from the grass.

"You almost hit me with your damn car!" She fired back, her almond shaped hazel eyes, now burning with rage.

"And what do you want? A compensation? Money?" He asked without empathy.

"You're so clumsy, phew!" She slammed and walked away from him.

She walked hastily towards the mansion gates and could see his car trailing her.

"Why is he stalking me?" She asked herself while increasing her pace.

The car zoomed towards her and obstructed her space. He stepped out again, and she sighed in frustration with her hands on her waists.

He took off his sunglasses and she was able to get a perfect view of his oval structured face, coupled with a perfect set of blue charming eyeballs which sent sparks all over her body.

"What..what are you doing?" She stammered, moving backwards.

"This conversation isn't over yet," he said firmly as he stopped in front of her, his 6 ft stature, intimidating her.

"What do you want from me?!" She snapped.

"Get in the car, I wanna have a ride with you," he ordered, putting on his sunglasses while walking to the car like a runway model.

Her heart skipped, and she looked around the mansion briefly, hoping no one would see her talking to this strange man.

"And why would I want a ride with you?" She scoffed.

"Because no lady would resist it," he said proudly, his thin cupid bow red lips, wearing a smirk.

"Don't keep me waiting, let me compensate you," he smiled charmingly and leaned beside his car.

His flirty smile ignited her whole body in flames, and she tried all she could to resist the offer from this handsome devil standing in front of her.

"I don't need your ride, back off!" She managed to speak and began walking away.

He made for her immediately and his strong arms pulled her back swiftly. Before she could realize, she was already on his thick, well built chest.

She began to gasp for breath with her eyes darting all over his chest. All she could imagine was taking off his shirt, so she could have a perfect view of this godlike body before her.

"Shall we?" He whispered slowly above her face.

She feared dragging this conversation further so as to avoid being caught by members of the Clyde's family .

He seemed somewhat adamant and the only solution was to accept his request, she thought and answered sharply, "Yes we can,".

**

Back in the chamber, Ryker and Mrs Clyde were seen, discussing in low tone.

"What do you think about her, mother?" He asked calmly.

"We don't have time to think, son. She is the only girl on the list and our goal is to have your legitimate heir as fast as possible.

We're running out of time, your brother is back at the mansion and I hope he leaves soon. I'm scared he might begin to poke his nose around and find out the truth about your father's will," Mrs Clyde said fearfully.

"You don't have to worry about Ryan, I'll make him leave as soon as possible. My main concern is, what if my new bride fails to bear me a child?" He asked worriedly.

"She won't fail. Vanessa was the problem, you don't have to worry," she assured him with a pat on his shoulder.

"And what if she actually fails?" He asked again.

Mrs Clyde swallowed hard and let out an exhale.

"She'll get the Vanessa treatment," she said as she rubbed her palm over her nape tiredly.

"You know we can't get rid of her, mother! It's still too early to do so as it might arouse suspicions from the public. And the longer we wait, the lower my chances of inheriting Clyde's possessions," Ryker said with fear.

"Be positive, son. Nothing will stop you from inheriting Clyde's wealth," she assured and patted his shoulders before stepping out of the chamber.

It was a beautiful evening as they both stepped out of the Ferrari parked in front of the clubhouse.

She couldn't believe she had accompanied Mr handsome to a clubhouse after so much pleas from him. He seemed new in town and doesn't know his way around.

"So here you are, I beg to take my leave," she said with humility and turned to leave.

"Stop," he ordered from where he stood.

"I..I need to be home," she stammered, trying to avoid those captivating blue eyes.

"I know. But your job is not yet done. You'll come with me as my woman," he said firmly while giving her the usual killer looks.

"What?!" She cried, looking baffled.

"Yeah, I don't want girls flocking around me. I came here only to have a drink, not for pleasure," he explained calmly.

She didn't know why she felt so good, knowing he wasn't here for the girls; and the fact that he asked her to be his woman tonight, made her feel even better.

"Are you in or not?" He asked calmly.

"Um..," she stammered, trying to find her voice.

She hated what he was doing to her. He was rude yet charming, and had his own way of getting what he wants, she thought.

"I.. I've got a big day ahead tomorrow, plus I don't club," she managed to speak while keeping her head high.

"I'll pay for whatever you need to get done tomorrow, plus, you don't have to drink with me. All you've got to do is sit beside me.

Don't worry about home, I'll drop you home," he continued in the most endearing voice that swept her off her feet.

"Yes.. I'm in," she answered sharply and pinched herself at how fast her response was. "I've messed up," she cried within herself as she walked behind him while they both headed into the clubhouse.

She was getting married tomorrow, and she didn't know how she got stuck with a man she knew nothing about. She enjoyed walking alongside him with all the sexy girls glaring at her with envy.

He's like the hottest dude in town, all the girls in the club were crazy about him. He hated how they crawled up around him, and she loved how she stood by him, wading them off. She enjoyed the attention so much that she got carried away by the moment.

They reclined at a table, and drinks filled the table in no due time.

"Who's having these?" She asked, irked by the sight of so many alcoholic drinks.

"They aren't yours to take, stick to your water and beverages. That's what suits you," he said with his usual killer smile as he opened a bottle of whiskey.

"Don't dare me," she warned, grabbing a bottle on the table.

"Don't try to impress me," he smirked, gazing at her face.

"Try me," she challenged and took a glass.

She became drunk at the third glass and she stood up immediately and grabbed him by the tie around his neck.

"I need a dance," she whispered into his face, her breath reeking of alcohol.

Without hesitating, he took her to the dance floor and they both had a crazy and erotic dance.

As the dance grew intense, he stole her away from the dancefloor, into a quiet passage where they both shared a deep passionate kiss.

"I want you tonight," he said amidst pants as he broke free from the kiss.

Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him and their lips locked again as he lifted her up from the floor.

*

She felt migraines as she opened her eyes and looked around the dim room. She flinched at the sight of the able-bodied man lying at the other side of the bed. She quickly recalled her encounter with the man from last night and her heart skipped.

Raising off the duvet from her body, she bit her lips bitterly, seeing she was naked. She swung out of the bed immediately and grabbed her sling purse which was lying on the floor. Looking at the time on her phone, it was 3:30.am already.

"Fuck!!" She cried, realizing her wedding was just a few hours away.

How dare she have a fling with a strange man on the night before her wedding? She thought as she dressed up as calm as possible to avoid waking him up.

She tiptoed to the door and took a final glance at him as he slept gracefully on the bed.

" I hope we don't meet anymore," she said in whispers and sneaked out of the room.

*

It was dawn when he woke up and he couldn't believe she was gone.

"How dare she?" He fumed, searching from the bathroom to the closet.

Last night was pleasurable and he couldn't have enough of her. He knew she was at her drunken state but there was something amazing about her.

"A virgin," he mumbled to himself.

He sat on the bed devastated and hoping she would appear anytime soon. His phone rang and he looked at the caller ID and sighed.

"Where are you, Ryan? We're about to leave for Ryker's wedding," a calm female voice sounded from the phone.

"The Clyde's family are about to have a flash marriage?" He scoffed, scratching his stubble beard.

"Get your ass here. We're having a family photo and you don't want to miss it like you've missed the rest of them," she warned.

"I won't," he assured and hung up.

He thought about the girl from last night and sighed.

"I'll find you, no matter how long it takes," he said confidently as he picked up his jacket from the bed.

**

The limousine arrived in front of the registry hall and men in black suits opened the door for the bride to step out.

Samantha stepped out in full glamor, accompanied by her chief's bridesmaid who arranged her train on the floor.

She walked majestically towards her groom, Ryker, who was handsomely donned in a white three piece suit, with his dark long hair styled in a low bun.

He had his sunglasses on and his eyes never left her as she walked towards him, her face wearing a wry smile.

She lowered her gaze to the floor as she saw members of the Clyde's family standing behind Ryker, gossiping in low tones.

Mrs Clyde came forward, elegantly dressed in a short black fitted dress and black heels.

"Thanks for coming, my dear," her red full lips broke into a smile as she looked into Samantha's eyes.

Samantha nodded wryly and returned her gaze to the floor.

"We can now proceed," Mrs Clyde urged, turning to Ryker whose handsomely built face was stiff and cold.

Samantha heaved a sigh as he took hold of her hand, and she could feel her stomach churning within her.

They were about to step into the building when a familiar voice interrupted them, "Sorry, I'm late,".

They all turned to see Ryan, second son of the Clyde's family, adjusting the button of his black suit as he walked regally into the gathering.

Samantha's eyes bulged, and her bouquet fell off her hands as he took off his sunglasses and she recognized him as the man from last night.

Their eyes met and locked for a few seconds and Samantha's world caved in at that moment.

"You!" Ryan pointed, as he walked towards her slowly.

"What is going on, Samantha?" Ryker asked coldly while taking a slow confused glance at Samantha who managed to keep her heads high.

""Oh, her name is Samantha?" Ryan laughed and licked his lips in disbelief.

This is not happening, Samantha cried silently as she was handed back her flower bouquet by her maid of honor.

"Ryan, what are you doing?!" Mrs Clyde yelled and pulled him away.

"Are you..are you getting married to my brother?!" Ryan fired with his eyes on Samantha while being pulled away by his mom.

"Do you know her? What's going on?" Sophia and Claris asked in surprise.

Ryker tried to maintain his cool as he took a slow glance at Samantha again.

"Do you know him?" He asked in a slow but angry tone.

"I..I..I don't," Samantha answered quickly.

"Why did you drop your bouquet at the sight of him?" He continued in whispers.

She felt her heart jump into her stomach and she did all she could not to show fear. She could still see Ryker's eyes on her face, and she tried to keep a straight face.

She knew the Clyde's family too well, they wouldn't tolerate any sort of nuisance. It's over, she thought to herself as she swallowed hard.

"Ryan, why are you bent on destroying everything the Clyde's family have worked so hard to achieve?!" She heard Mrs Clyde yelling at Ryan.

"Mother..I..," he tried to explain.

"What? You wanna tell a lie about Ryker's bride just to ruin his day?" She accused him.

"Why would I?" He defended himself.

"Ryan, just leave!!" Claris yelled in his face.

"Who invited you here, you good-for-nothing son?!" Mrs Clyde yelled, hitting him the more.

He moved away from his mother and sisters who were yelling at his face and he took a final glance at Samantha whose gaze was buried on the floor.

"As usual, I guess I'll miss the family photos," he said and wore his sunglasses before walking out.

"Oh, thank goodness!!" Mrs Clyde cried and took hold of Ryker's hand.

"Take hold of your bride," she said with a smile.

Ryker looked at Samantha who was still nervous and she raised her head as soon as he took hold of her hand again.

"I'm so sorry for the inconveniences," Mrs Clyde said to her.

Samantha nodded with a wry smile as she took hold of Ryker's arms. At intervals, she looked back to see if Ryan was still watching.

"Look here," came Ryker's voice as they both stepped into the hall.

She turned to look at him and she could see the dark stare he gave her.

"If I ever find out you're telling a lie..," he said and paused.

Her heart skipped and she held onto her wedding dress tightly.

"Nevermind," he swallowed back his words and heaved a sigh.

She pinched herself and heaved a sigh of relief before continuing the walk with him.

As soon as they were pronounced husband and wife, the whole family headed home.

Samantha couldn't bear the thought of Ryan being her brother-in-law. How come she never knew about him?

She had always believed Ryker was the one and only son of Mr Clyde. Where did Ryan come from? She thought and wiped the sweat off her brows as she was led into the foyer alongside Ryker.

She looked around the house with fear written all over her body, hoping for Ryan not to show up.

"Are you okay?" Mrs Clyde asked, sensing the fear all over her body.

"No..um.. I'm fine, ma'am," she replied with a forced smile on her lips.

"You can have your seat, we'll have a little discussion about the rules of the Clyde's family," Mrs Clyde said with a serious look on her face.

Samantha nodded and took her seat beside Ryker who was already seated.

Sophia and Claris sat beside each other and Samantha could see the demeaning stare they both gave her.

"I really appreciate the fact that you showed up to be my son's bride," Mrs Clyde started with a smile.

"It's my pleasure, ma'am," Samantha replied.

"But there are conditions to meet if you really want to remain in this family," she continued.

"I'll follow all the rules, ma'am," Samantha said confidently.

"Great, you look submissive," Mrs Clyde smiled with satisfaction.

"I was brought up that way by my mother," Samantha explained.

"We didn't ask for your family story," Claris interrupted with a disgusting look on her face.

Samantha gulped and tried to keep her cool.

"Now, Sam," Mrs Clyde spoke, crossing her legs stylishly. "Rule 1, the Clyde's family would not tolerate any form of disrespect from our daughter-in-law.

Rule 2, Your role is only limited to being a full-time housewife. You mustn't engage in any form of employment, as the Clyde's family will cater for all your needs.

Rule 3, You mustn't question any activity going on in the mansion and you should learn to stick to your boundaries, as any form of poke nosing or gossiping would not be tolerated.

Whatever happens here in the mansion, dies here in the mansion.

Rule 4, you must be submissive to your husband in everything, and never get on his nerves.

Rule 5, No form of deceit would be tolerated. Am I clear?" Mrs Clyde asked with full authority.

"Yes..yes..," Samantha stammered, wondering how she could survive with all these rules.

"You heard number 4 clearly. Don't get on my nerves," Ryker repeated with a smirk that sent shrills all over her body.

"Yes..yes..sir," she replied.

"Great. The maids will accompany you to your room," Mrs Clyde said and Samantha nodded nervously.

She stood up slowly and followed the two ladies in blue uniform waiting to accompany her.

She was led up to the large staircase by the maids who were carrying her luggage. As soon as they turned into the large passageway, a firm hand grabbed hold of her and pulled her over.

"You!" His aggressive voice yelled in her face.