Leaving

"MARriage? You're getting married, Drix?"

I withdrew my attention from Stephan and to the location of the voice, which was my mom's. She's still on her wheelchair, staring at me with an unyielding gaze, and I bit my lower lip. Hard.

Stephan looked from the handshake and gave me a toxic smirk, "Good luck with that too, " he laughed, exiting the building.

"I'm sorry, don't mind him. I—"

"You're getting married, Drix?" She repeats her question.

I never intended that she'd find out this way, I wanted to take things like I planned; one at a time, but I guess I wasn't the only one with plans regarding this.

She wheels her chair up to me, her stern gaze not leaving my being.

"I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you tomorrow after you have enough rest, "

"Who is she? And how did you meet? I want to know everything," she urged, nudging me to sit and get talking.

The domestic staff are already setting the table with meals strictly recommended by the nurse to aid my mom's recovery.

I don't even know where to start. I don't even understand her current expression. She looks amazed and at the same time, she's smiling like she's happy to hear the news.

"Please don't get too shocked, "

"I am already shocked so just go ahead, tell me everything about your fiancée, "

I sighed as I gathered the words together to say, "Camilla Dunwoody, "

Her eyes popped wide open and her brows knitted in confusion, I carefully pray that this doesn't cease her breath because of the complexity of the situation at hand.

"I-I don't know what to say but Camilla? How did that even happen? How and when?"

"Well, we bonded while you away —"

"And you want to get married? "

"I don't believe in dating or courtship, it takes too much time," I answer, blatantly.

"Time? You don't even know her? Does her family approve? How is it even possible that Camilla would have affection for someone let alone love? "

"She's human, mom. Of course, she could have feelings for someone, she made sure your surgery went well after all. Those flowers that came everyday were her doing, they weren't from your colleagues,"

She fumbles with words for a moment, "What?"

"Camilla is the investor who helped with the app," I explain, "I now have a proper job because of her and no, I'm not attracted to her because I feel obligated to just because she helped, she's way more than the person people painted her to be. She's better, " My tone is calm, as I'm trying to make sure she doesn't get overwhelmed.

My mom shut her eyes as she grasped the information that I had just given her.

Well, not all of it wasn't true. I barely know Camilla, but here I was speaking like a love struck bachelor who's only goal is to be with his lover. Since I can't tell her about the contract, this is the best that I can do.

"And her family?"

"We'll be seeing them in a few days. Camilla would be here tomorrow to have your blessings as well, "

"Are you sure this is what you want? "

"I've never been more sure in my entire life, "

She paused for a while, then sighed, "Okay then, I don't mind meeting her tomorrow, "

My heart leapt for joy, "Thank you so much, "

"I just want you to be happy, dear, " She said, with a beam as she held my hand softly.

…..

The next morning, I foolishly got up late. I haven't had enough sleep since forever and the anxiety of whatever today would hold made it impossible to sleep despite the soft bedding.

I drag myself out from the bed with a long yawn, my head banging like Big Ben and my sight is blurry. Furthermore, I rub my eyes as I inhale the sweet peaceful wind that brushes past my skin as I grab my phone from the desk to check my phone if Camilla got my text; she hasn't replied.

Indecisively, I dial her number but get no response from the other side, it's already 11 am so I have to convince mom to move the meeting until the evening perhaps. I don't have any hope that Camilla will come here in the morning or even at noon.

Dragging my legs downstairs, I venture out to look for my mom and to my surprise, she's in the living room sitting on her wheelchair with a young woman elegantly seated on the couch, her legs are crossed, and she's carefully sipping a cup of coffee with an expressionless gaze. Camilla.

I proceed to approach them but halt by mom's words.

"I'm so sorry if my son has been bothering you, I understand if you wish to call off the wedding. Ms. Dunwoody, "

Camilla glances at her as her painted lips curled into a lopsided grin, "And why would I? "

"Cause, err… Drix is just recovering, I don't think he's capable enough to handle marriage right now moreover he's out of your league. I know you intend to meet your parents soon, but if they find out his financial status and background, I doubt if they'll give their consent. I want my son in a home where he is comfortable and not intimidated by the people around him, I don't want him to face humiliation, "

For a moment, it feels like the blood in my system drains out completely, I can't believe that my mom had things like that to say. Thoughts flood my head immediately, what if they don't approve indeed? What if just like her, her family members are horrible and merciless people? I didn't consider this but come on, it's just five months.

"It's okay, I understand, " Camilla responds nonchalantly.

Was she going to end the deal?

"Thank you so much, I —"

"But, I don't care. You're beating around the bush Ms. Anderson, I wish to marry Drix Anderson and what I want to hear are your words of approval which in simple terms means giving your blessings, "

My mom is taken aback, but she manages to gather her resolve. If there's one thing I've learned about this woman I'm about to marry, she wouldn't hesitate to use her power at her disposal neither would she hesitate to treat everything like a business meeting.

"Marriage isn't only about saying I do, it involves family too —"

"Mom, I'll be fine, " I affirm, making my entrance before either party says anything that would worsen the situation. "I haven't even met her parents yet, if you're scared, then I understand, but I know that they'd give their approval, "

Mom's eyes narrows, her gaze piercing in disapproval, but she collects her emotions and gives us a smile, "Fine, I guess we have a wedding to plan,"

"Thank you," I smile.

"I guess my job here is done, I'll see you at the wedding," Camilla announces, standing up to take her leave, and before I could say anything else she's out. My mom gives me a stare that states 'are you sure you want to continue with this?'. Sighing, I follow her behind, and luckily, I grab her wrist at the entrance of the building, restraining her from going any further. I pull her all the way to the garden to avoid being heard by anyone in the house.

"Let me go, " She ordered, and I released her wrist from my grip.

"What are you doing? "

"Leaving," She stated, folding her hands.

I scoff, "Really? You're leaving?"

"Did I mince my words? You needed me to convince your mom about the wedding, I just did, what else do you need? Should I hug her and kiss her feet in gratitude? " She snapped.

"You could do anything aside leaving because this isn't what any daughter-in-law would do, "

"Oh, I'm sorry if I haven't read the handbook of being the perfect daughter-in-law and wife for a five-month marriage. It isn't permanent, so why would we create bonds? "

I move a few steps back, "How about I do the same thing to your family, then? I could walk out of your grandfather after he gives his approval, "

"You wouldn't dare.. " she starts but trails off afterward.

"Go ahead, finish your sentence, Ms. Dunwoody after all, wouldn't it be wise if we both dropped off clues that the marriage is fake. I get that she was your former employee, it seems so weird to accord her respect, but she's human too, just like your grandfather and your parents. I don't care if this so-called marriage is on your terms or whatever, but we equally need it and—"

"Fine. I'll go back, let's have tea or whatever,"