Chapter 10 chapter 10
Chapter 10 chapter 10
In Love with the CEO
Chapter 10
Author:
ALEXANDER
She’s giving me a look that really makes me laugh, but when I see her mother’s smile, I think to myself that one’s as bad as the other. Both are just as greedy. The saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” holds true with these two. At least the mother doesn’t pretend—she shows who she is. But the daughter, who spends her time playing the saint, you’d give her the good Lord without confession, but she’s a real money-hungry devil.
Flashback
The day after my meeting with Alex, I decided to visit her mother to get a dowry list since I didn’t think it was fair that she’d have the minimum required by law, given the huge favor she’s agreed to do for me.
I wait for her to leave for work and knock on their door. A fairly young woman opens it, and I’m not sure if it’s her mother or someone else.
The woman opening the door: “Are you looking for someone?”
Me: “Yes, ma’am, I’d like to see Alex’s mother.”
The woman, frowning: “That’s me. How can I help you?”
Me: “May I come in, please?”
She seems to think for a moment before letting me in. She asks me to sit down and takes a seat across from me.
The woman: “I assume you’re the young man who wants to marry my daughter for 10,000 FCFA and a kola nut, is that right?”
Me: “Technically, yes.”
The woman, cutting me off: “And you’re not even ashamed? You want to show me you speak fancy French? You think my daughter is the kind of girl you give a dowry of 10,000 FCFA for?”
Me: “That’s why I’m here, ma’am. Your daughter asked me to bring the bare minimum, but I didn’t think that was fair, which is why I’m coming to see you behind her back to get a dowry list.”
The woman, settling back comfortably in her chair with a smile forming on her lips: “Oh, my son, you should’ve started with that. Call me Dédé. She’s the only child God gave me. She’s a very independent and hardworking girl. You see, I’m getting a bit old, and I don’t work. My daughter takes care of everything here. She handles my needs, everything. If she gets married now, I’m wondering how I’ll manage to live decently.”
Me, pretending not to understand: “What do you mean, ma’am?”
Dédé: “I’d just like you to guarantee that if my daughter marries you, I’ll be able to keep living decently and not lack for anything.”
She’s direct, that’s for sure. This woman has no shame at all.
Me: “If it’s about money, don’t worry. You’ll never lack for anything. I’ll send you a monthly sum to cover your bills and let you live as you do now. I can even find you a small house in your name.”
Dédé, satisfied: “No, no, I’d prefer to keep living here. If I move, she’ll suspect something and might refuse the marriage. She’s a very stubborn girl.”
Me: “Okay, no problem. What should I bring for the dowry, then?”
Dédé: “Before we talk about the dowry, I’d like to ask for something else. You see I’m getting old, don’t you? I have back problems, I can’t bend down. I need someone to help with household chores. My daughter takes care of everything here. If she leaves, you see, I won’t really be able to keep the house clean.”
Me, trying not to show my anger: “Alright, no worries.”
Dédé: “Okay, for the dowry, you should bring wax fabrics, liquor, wines… alcoholic drinks in general for the men in the family, shoes, jewelry, evening bags, money with the kola nut. Some even go further—car, house, and so on. But you mustn’t forget the ring; that’s very important.”
Me: “Is that all?”
Dédé: “Yes, yes, that’s all.”
Me: “Alright, ma’am, I have to go. We’ll see you Friday at 11 a.m.”
Dédé: “One more thing. My daughter mustn’t know anything about what we discussed here, okay?”
Me: “Okay, that works. Have a good day.”
Dédé, smiling ear to ear: “Have a good day too, my son.”
I get up and leave her there. She doesn’t even try to hide her joy. Everything she asked for, she’ll get. But I hope her daughter behaves well once the marriage is celebrated, or she’ll quickly lose that big smile she’s got.
The mother and daughter are the same—gold-diggers. They’ve given me their price, and I’ve just bought these diamond chasers.
End of Flashback
Alex gets up and heads off somewhere, I don’t know where. Her mother stands to follow her, but I tell her to let me handle it. I’m not going to tolerate this insolent little girl’s behavior once we’re married. She’s going to serve as a mother figure for my daughter, so these spoiled child tantrums need to stay here before she steps into my house.
I follow her and end up in a kitchen. She’s facing away from me, so she doesn’t notice my presence. I can’t help but admire the beautiful sight before me, which makes me forget why I’m here. Her long hair cascades down her back, the sheer fabric of her dress revealing the curve of her waist, her voluptuous hips seemingly designed to give pleasure. I feel drawn to her like a magnet. I gently press myself against her, making her jump.
Alex, turning her head toward me: “What are you doing?”
Me, replying: “I’m just playing your game.”
Alex: “What are you talking about?”
Me: “You came to the kitchen so I’d follow you, didn’t you? Well, here I am.”
Alex, turning to face me: “What’s your problem, seriously?”
Me: “My problem is I don’t like disrespect. You can’t just leave us hanging in the living room and come hide here when you know full well we’re here for you.”
Alex: “You know what respect is? Do you think I’m some kind of merchandise? What are you playing at? What’s all this?”
Me, smiling: “The dowry, isn’t it? Didn’t you tell me to bring a dowry? I did it. Aren’t you happy?”
Alex, trying to hide her anger: “What part of ‘bring 10,000 FCFA’ didn’t you understand?”
Me: “You’re going to be my wife, so you deserve all this. Did I answer your question?”
Thea: “I hope I’m not interrupting the lovebirds. Come on, set us free so we can leave.”
Alex tries to pull away, but I force her to stay in the same position. I’m the one who sets the rules, not her.
Me, turning to Thea: “Go ahead, we’re coming.”
I wait for her to leave before turning back to Alex.
Me: “Let me tell you, your impulsiveness needs to stay here. Don’t forget there’s a little girl counting on you to take care of her. I won’t remind you again.”
Alex: “If it’s for Julia, you don’t have to worry. Can I go back to my guests now?”
Me, taking her chin: “Of course you can go, but I want to see you flash the most beautiful smile you’ve got and accept this dowry as humbly as possible.”
I step aside to let her pass and watch her disappear down the hallway. I feel like I’m finding every possible excuse to be near this kid. I eventually join them in the living room, where they’ve resumed a lively discussion. I take my seat next to my mother, waiting for the ceremony to continue.
Mom: “I hope everything for the dowry is there.”
Madame Dédé, smiling ear to ear: “Yes, I see you’ve thought of everything.”
Mom, delighted: “I’d like to know if you agree to give your daughter’s hand to my son.”
Madame Dédé, turning to Alex: “This man sitting in front of you, do you know him?”
Alex, in a small voice: “Yes, Mom.”
Madame Dédé: “He’s brought all these gifts because he wants your hand. Can I accept this dowry?”
Alex, glancing at me for a moment before answering: “Yes, Mom.”
Madame Dédé: “My daughter has agreed, so I grant you her hand. He can put the ring on her.”
I see Thea bouncing around, clapping excitedly, my mother beaming with joy, and William with a sly smile. I stand, take her hands in mine, and slip the ring on her finger before kissing her without waiting for her consent. I have the right—she’s mine now.
I sit back down and urge her to sit next to me. That’s her place now.
Me, turning to her mother: “We’ve decided to get married on Sunday. It’ll be a small ceremony with witnesses.”
My mom: “Why so soon? At least give her time to find a dress and let us plan the celebration.”
I feel her squeeze my hands tightly to show her disagreement, but the day she signed that contract binding us, she lost that decision-making power. I want to get this marriage business over with as soon as possible.
Me, turning to my mom: “Mom, we’ve discussed it at length, she and I. We’re very eager to become husband and wife, aren’t we, darling?”
Alex: “…”
Me, squeezing her hands: “Aren’t we, darling?”
Alex, biting her lip to keep from shouting: “Yes, my love…”