Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Our wedding

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Elena's pov

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My morning sickness has abated a little and I can now hold my food without wanting to throw up. Anthony met with my parents the other day and all went well according to plan.

Even though my mum threw some tantrums it was expected as it wasn't easy learning that your only child was pregnant out of wedlock. Though it was quite typical of her to throw tantrums at things she could not control, or change the outcome.

However, Dad took control of the whole situation and insisted that we must get married immediately. Mother wasn't happy with the idea but she also didn't want me having a child out of wedlock, so she had no choice but to give in to the idea. She had given me some conditions before she accepted my marriage to Anthony, though I had not told him about that. He would have to wait till after the wedding.

The whole wedding preparation has been taken over by my mother, I don't mind but Anthony had been complaining about the whole arrangement. At first, he had wanted his mother to join in the wedding planning, I didn't see anything wrong with it and asked my mum to let her join her but mother made me see reasons why she shouldn't, she wouldn't know anything about planning such a glamorous wedding and her ideas were bound to archaic since they are poor folks.

Anthony had flared up when his mother was left out, he refused to pick my calls for some days, till I apologized on behalf of my mom. Now he had started bickering about my mum not implementing his ideas, after all, it was his wedding too. I had pleaded with my mother to at least go ahead with one of his wishes, and with some persuasions from dad and me, she agreed.

And here we are now, in a few minutes I will become Anthony's wife and there is no greater joy than what I am feeling now and I know Anthony feels the same way too.

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Anthony stood elegant and tall in his blue tuxedo, white shirt, blue bows, and black shoes.

As my father walked me closer to the altar, I felt a surge of pride burst through me as my soon-to-be husband smiled down at me. It was truly a dream come true for me.

The wedding reception was a grand affair, almost all the guests came from my side of the family. The rich and affluent members of the society were all present.

My parents were the perfect host, especially my mum who moved around to ensure that all her guests were having a good time and also being fed. It didn't escape my notice as to how mum neglected my husband's family, I knew that Anthony noticed it too but I didn't say anything about it to him, to avoid another argument.

After the wedding, Anthony expected that we go to his flat in a middle-class neighborhood but thankfully my mother objected to that.

"You can't be serious Anthony, Elena is pregnant. How do you expect her to live in lower standards than she is used to?" My mother said,  her facial expression that of anger and disdain.

"So where am I supposed to live with my wife, or isn't she supposed to go wherever I go," Anthony replied, his voice loud and angry just like my mother's own. He turned to face me, his face filled with disappointment. "Talk some sense into your mother, we are married now and should live together."

I didn't reply to him, I loved Anthony but I also loved living in great comfort, before he could say more and weaken my resolve to stay with my parents. My father walked into the room, I could feel the tension in the atmosphere, and I hoped my father would make Anthony understand why I had to continue living with them even after marriage.

"I guess you have been told of our decision to have Elena stay here with us; I also know as a married couple both of you are supposed to live together; that's why we are also extending the offer to you too Anthony." My father said he didn't give room for disagreement.

"The left-wing of this house is hardly used, so we are offering it to both of you. You will have servants of your own and all expenses of running the house would be borne by me." Father was so business-like and this gladdened me. It was such a nice offer and I felt Anthony should be grateful for it.

"I'm sorry father, but I reject your offer. I can sort out my bills."

I felt as though he had punched my stomach, no one had ever refused my father before and I wasn't about to give up on my life of luxury.

"I also have a job waiting for you as the managing director of all my companies in Lagos, like my son-in-law, no one deserves the position more than you."

"I already have a good job, which I love."

"I would give you triple of what they are paying you there and working for me would give you so much exposure."

"With all due respect sir, I just want to go home with my wife," Anthony replied defiantly, I always knew he was no pushover but what my parents were offering him wasn't bad at all, I thought he would grab the offer immediately but as things were going I doubted that he would accept the offer.

"My daughter won't go with you, she will stay here where she will be taken care of by us, you are welcome to stay too whenever you change your mind." My mother interjected.

"Elena, why are you so quiet. Get your things, let's go home."

"I want to stay here Anthony, it's home to me. Please accept their offer." I replied, my voice was choked with emotions.

"You can stay but I'm leaving." He stood up and left the house.

I sat on the arms of the couch Anthony had just vacated, my hands briefly making contact with the large flower point adjacent to the chair.

"Don't worry Elena, he would come back to his senses later. Who can reject such a wonderful opportunity your father presented to him?"

"Are you sure mother? What if it doesn't come back."

"Then we will get you a better groom than him."

I knew my mother hated Anthony but I silently prayed he would come back soon. I didn't want another groom except him.