THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE

Judith’s POV

I’m not convinced that agreeing to marry Nathan is the best thing to do. I’m not sure of what I want, but I’m definitely reluctant about getting married. Marriage is no child’s play, and it takes a lot of hard work and commitment, which I’m not sure I can put in.

I shared the news with mother and Vanessa, and they were all delighted about it.

“I’m so happy for you, Judith. I’m glad you are finally moving on”, mom said excitedly. “You have my blessings, my baby,” she said before ending the call.

“Oh! My girl is about to be a wife”, Vanessa screamed. “When is the wedding date?” She asked with a sense of urgency.

“Calm down, Van, he hasn’t even proposed yet; he just wants to know my opinion about it”.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“And what is your opinion girl?” She asked calmly.

“I don’t know, Van. I honestly don’t know”, I said in a confused tone. “I love him so much but marriage? I feel skeptical about it”.

“I know, girl, with all you’ve been through”, she said compassionately. “But you know you deserve happiness, so do what makes you happy”, she concluded.

We discussed other topics before finally ending the call and bidding each other goodbye.

**************

The thought of meeting Nathan’s family made me so anxious, I had heard of his father’s strict personality and his step mom’s cocky attitude. John hates me; anytime he comes to the office, his attitude shows rage and disgust. He must have been so annoyed that he sustained bruises because of me. The only whom I had known and loved was Jessie.

I got dressed in a blue cotton dress with a gold medium heels and a gold purse. I had a light make up on, made my hair in a ponytail and sprayed my cologne as I took a look at the mirror before dashing out of the house.

“Let’s go see my future in-laws”, I thought as I kissed the kids goodbye before dropping them off at Granny Theresa home; an elderly neighbor whom the kids stay with anytime I’m not around.

“I’m almost at your house” I typed in a text and sent to Nathan while still driving.

I got to the house; it was magnificent mansion, one that I hadn’t not seen in a while. The environment exuded wealth and class. I met him outside, smiling broadly, waiting for me with a flower bouquet. I alighted and walked towards him.

“Hi baby”, he said as he moved closer to me, giving me a peck and handling the bouquet to me.

“Thanks”, I said as I inhaled the flowers’ fragrance. “I’m so anxious right now, I hope your family will approve of me.

“They definitely will. To see you is to love you”, he said as he held my hands and led the way in. I looked around the living room and it looked like paradise-well-furnished and clean.

“Hello, sir”, I greeted courteously.

“Hello, young lady”, Nathan’s father answered. “Take your seat “, he said while pointing to a nearby cushion.

“Thanks so much, sir”, I said as I took the seat.

“Father, this is the woman I love and would like to marry” Nathan said.

“Love her? I don’t know my son could be a lover boy”, he said as we all burst out laughing.

“Hello Jud”, Jessie called immediately she came in and extended a hug.

“Hello Jessie” I said as I took the hug. “It been a while, how have you been?”.

“Very well my dear. I had several business trips, but I’m back for now”, she said excitedly.

“Hello father”, she said as she bent down to give him a peck. I could tell they had a good father- daughter relationship. Something I never had, since my father died when I was younger.

“Dinner is ready”, a chef announced politely. We all moved to the dining hall, which was as beautiful as the living room . John and a very beautiful elderly woman- Nathan’s -stepmom, joined us without even taking a look at me like I was invisible.

“Hello, ma’am. Hello John”, I greeted.

“Hello”, she answered coldly, while John didn’t say anything; he just sat down to eat.

“Ma’am, this is the woman I love and want to get marry”, Nathan said.

“Oh, good for you”, she answered unconcerned.

“Mom” Jessie said giving a look that said, “Why are you like this?”

“Well I don’t like her and I won’t pretend to”, she said, giving me a cold stare.

“Can we please eat in peace?” Nathan father said, which made everyone quiet.

I was starting to feel embarrassed about the whole situation. I think Nathan could see through me when he flashed me a comforting smile. The food was nice but I wasn’t enjoying it; I just wanted to leave the mansion.

“Where do you work?” Stephanie asked.

“I work as Nathan’s PA”, I answered.

“Huh, you were working as an assistant for him, then you coerced him for yourself”, she said, making a disgusting look.

“Stephanie, I don’t appreciate the way you talk to my guest”, he said with a frown.

“Oh so you call me by my name now instead of mother”, she said while dropping her spoon.

“Mother? Have you ever acted like a mother to me? I know my mom, and she is definitely not you”, he said rudely.

“Can you all stop this nonsense?” Grey roared.

Everywhere became silent again. They all seem to be afraid of him. He only says few words but nobody dares to disobey him. We all ate silently unlike my house where our small dining table showcased love and togetherness as a family.

After dinner, I offered to help clear and clean the table even when Jessie and Nathan disapproved. I was in the kitchen with the maids when Stephanie called me to the garden saying she had something to talk to me about.

“I know you were the reason why Nathan gave my son bruises some months back, you are not just a gold digger; you also cause troubles”, she sighed and scanned me. “I don’t why Nathan seems to be head over heels for you, but trust me, and run, dear. He is after your body, you whore. When he is done with you, he is going to push you aside, and pick up a more befitting girl”, she said while giving me a hateful look.

I just stood there as she spoke ill and tormenting words to me, like she just hated my existence. A tear escaped from my eye, and I ran into the living room, I scanned the living room and couldn’t find anyone.

“Okay, I have had enough. Let’s get out of here. I can’t continue to stay where I’m hated and unwanted”…