Forced Marriage (Episode 38)

Chapter 38

"Can I ask a question Miss Lauren?"

"What is Amanda?" Lauren asked standing at the balcony looking at the day view of the city with the sun lightning up the entire place.

"How did you do. I mean everything you did. You're successful, a single parent but yet happy?" Amanda asked with curiosity. She had always admire Lauren. For her work, how she does things. It was very unique. 

"The trick here Amanda is to always put yourself first. Let me tell you a short story I've never told anyone before." She took a sit so did Amanda. 

"My life was perfect, beyond perfect. I studied, finished high school, University, found a house instant and my dream job of becoming an air traffic controller. All those things came to me at once. I didn't even struggle to find money, it was like everything was stated, written down and placed in a safe box for me, " she started off. 

"Wow, if only my life could have been like that, I'd be the happiest person ever." 

"It was, until I met a stranger in my house, who claimed that it is his house. And claimed me as well. He threatened my family just to force me to marry him."

"Why didn't you report him?" Amanda asked curiously.

"I had nothing while he the everything. He is a billionaire, young, handsome, smart. And he chose me. He chose to make me his wife but I refused. Eventually I agreed trying with all my might to protect my family. After getting to know him better, I fell in love with him. Not knowing that was my punishment. Things were great and I was about to announce my pregnancy to him until I got a call that changed everything. A call which made me see everything with my own eyes. I saw him with his ex girlfriend, in bed."

"Why would he cheat on you after forcing you to get married to him. If he wanted to make his girlfriend jealous or made want him back, he could have made it into a contract. He is a fool to. I mean you're clever, beautiful and many girls look up to you. You've inspired a lot of girls here."

"I thought so too. But it happens that I was wrong. I let myself fall into a trap that I already knew about."

"Is that why you left without telling anyone about your pregnancy?"

"Yes."

"But how does it feel now. Like, don't you sometimes wish for your old life. And your parents as well."

"Sometimes I think about him, wonder how life would have been if we were still together. But I want nothing to do with him. I'm Aurora's mother and father. I will do anything for my daughter to protect her. Anything."

"Well I'm really glad that I met you miss Lauren." 

A call interrupted the two's conversation.

"I'll go check on Aurora," she excused herself while Lauren looked at her phone. It was Harper video calling her. With wasting time, she answered.

"Hello."

"Lauren dear, how are you," Harper asked her with a smile.

"I'm good. Aurora too."

"That's good child. I saw your message saying you will be coming back soon."

"Yes, we're flying tonight,so we will probably arrive day time according to your time zone. The meeting will be held in a few days, so I wanted to make Aurora feel welcome first. And find someone to stay with her in case somethings take more of my time."

"Alright dear. Do you want me to arrange for someone to pick you up at the airport?" 

"No, we're good. But I'm sure you already know the reason why I sent you a message."

"Ahha, him. He won't be a problem. I've bought a small cabin where you can stay with my granddaughter."

"Thank you." She hung up and again,she stared and the view of the city. Hoping that her past will not haunt her.

.....

2 years had passed. Lauren gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Aurora. Things hadn't been that difficult since she left the city. She felt more blessed and as if life had given her a second chance in life. But sadly, she had to go back. Back to where she came from.

Amanda helped her pack everything and she headed to the airport with her daughter.

Walking with pride. Showing the people around her that she was capable of anything. With one hand holding her daughter, and the other pulling her suitcase.

She landed at the airport and breathed in. Grasping the fresh air of the city.

"Aurora?" She called out and her daughter looked at here.

"This is our new home, okay baby." 

She looked around the erea then looked at her mother. 

"No baby. Not this place, but you will know the entire place very soon."

"Soon?" 

"Yes, soon. Now let's go eat." She took her stuff and placed them on the cab, told the driver an address where he must deliver them, then she picked up Aurora and left. 

People admired her. While others spoke. After all, the rumours never end. The gossips will always stay.

Looking around, Lauren's got fixed on someone familiar. Someone she would never forget. A smile crept on her face as she looked at her child. 

"Come here baby," she said and Aurora came to her. She leaned and made her face the direction she wanted.

"See that lady there?" She pointed out and Aurora nodded in approval.

"Go say hi to her."

Without wasting time, little Aurora ran to the person she was told to go. She pulled her by the cloths to get her attention, making Lauren giggle at what her daughter was doing.

..

"Hi, hello there little one." Ruby looked at the little girl. Confusion settled in her face when she look at her.

"What's your name baby girl?" 

"Aurora," she answered looking at her. 

Ruby looked at her. She had never seen her before, nor one of her mom's friend had ever introduced a child named Aurora. A picture of Lauren appeared in her face. At the same time, she shook her head in denial.

"Aurora where is your mom?" 

Without wasting time, she pointed out to Lauren who gave off a smile to her.

Ruby picked Aurora up and approached Lauren. She had many thoughts in her. Questions circling in her head. Wondering how, why, who. It all explained the nausea she was having and why she fainted that very day. At the same time, she remembered that the doctor didn't mention anything about her being pregnant. 

"OMG, am I really seeing you. Or am I dreaming?"

"You are not dreaming Ruby. Come sit." 

"It's been two years. You left without even saying goodbye. And Aurora. Why didn't you say that you were pregnant, or are you married to someone else?"

"I'm not married."

"It means that I'm an aunt? Say hi to auntie Ruby, Aurora," she excitedly said. But still, she had many questions to ask. 

"Auntie Ruby." 

"She's still learning to speak. But she grabbed everything quickly." 

"I see. You should totally come to dinner at home. I'll inform mom, dad, Marcos.... You know what. Make it a dinner celebration. Invite your parents as well."

"Sounds good, but we can't come." 

"You're worried about seeing Danny again. Don't worry, he hasn't been home for one and a half year. I tried talking to him and sent messages, but he never replies. He just sends Ryan to help me instead. Please. You should come." 

"Alright. We'll come. Maybe weekend."

*To be Continued!*

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