Chapter 5 Emma's Mockery

Leah didn't get a good night's sleep over the night. She was worried about what Louis would think when he regained consciousness and discovered he was married. Will he accept the marriage and understand that they had no option at that point than to get him married and save his company. Sitting by Louis' bedside, Leah held his hand as a lone tear fell off her eyes. She sniffled. Who would believe that her son, the rich young millionaire in Oak city, has been reduced this pale thin fellow on the bed before her? "Louis I don't know if you can hear me or not, but I want you to know that whatever decision your father and I made on your behalf…." Leah trailed off. She couldn't control her emotions. She felt her voice choking and she sobbed quietly. She took a deep breath and then continued "...yeah whatever decision we made, was taken only for your interest and good. You know how much we love you and our world revolves around you, alone. Wake up soon, son. I am losing it. I don't think I can hold on longer than I have already. Today is your wedding to the eldest daughter of the Grayson's family. I hope you wake up soon and carry out the responsibility of a husband to her and get us a grandchild…" Leah Hayden came downstairs and instructed the servants that the master bedroom be put in order, the bride would arrive that day. They should equally realise that the madam of the house would be arriving and she should be accorded the respect she deserves. The servants bowed their heads and nodded in unison. Leah Hayden, having given instructions, whispered into Louis Hayden's assistant ears, before she left. The servants exchanged glances. Get the master bedroom ready, for who? Isn't Mr Hayden in a coma and from every information they heard so far, he might remain in that condition for the rest of his life. Even life support couldn't help him. Otherwise, he would have been out of coma for a long time now. Pamela sat before the vanity mirror as she was being dressed. She's never seen a bridal dressed in such an expensive and exquisite wedding dress like the one she has on. Her long beautiful wedding dress was decorated with diamond stones all over it. She wasn't told nor was she interested in asking, but she knew the wedding dress would be the best and most expensive one in Oak city. No matter how classical, expensive and impressive the wedding dress is, it meant nothing to her. She was wearing it because she was compelled to wear it. If the wedding was born out of love and happiness, she would cherish every minute she had the dress on her body, but then she was being sent away like a dumb lamp who has no say about itself. Her supposed husband is lying in a coma and she was dressed so elaborately just to be referred to as his wife. "...so gorgeous, you are the bride of the year and the most beautiful bride I have ever seen"Freya declared, walking over and planting a featherlight kiss on Pamela's chin. The latter almost froze. She had never heard her mother say something so amazing about her before. She's definitely pretending before the servants and make-up artist, Mrs Leah Hayden sent to get her ready. They must be impressed that her mother is such a sweet woman. Only she can tell what strings,threats and fury she put up just to get her to accept to be married to Louis Hayden. "Everyone is ready downstairs. They all are waiting for the bride.."Freya announced. "Sure ma'am, we are almost done," the make-up artist replied, taking another look at her eye lashes and lipstick through the mirror. The veil was fastened with a pin on Pamela's hair and made to cascade, covering her face. Everyone was smiling except the bride. She was looking expressionless. She felt she was being sold off and she couldn't do anything about it. Freya, satisfied with Pamela's calmness, smiled evilly and walked out. She was happy things are going well to this point. She only hopes Pamela gets through to the end calmly. Pamela stood up and the wedding dress came into full glare. It was glittering and the diamond stones seemed to be glowing. Some of the servants were taking pictures while Pamela remained expressionless. Thank goodness the veil was there to hide her teary eyes. A chief bride's maid was behind, helping her hold the overflowing Wedding dress. As Pamela stepped out of her room, she met Emma Midway, coming to her room. The scene of the previous day played in her memory within a few seconds and the pain seemed to come afresh, almost overwhelming her. She knew Emma doesn't care about her, not a bit. But she never would have believed that she would condescend so low as to have an affair with her supposed fiance. "Hi sis, congratulations on your wedding" Emma chimed, coming over and hugging Pamela. The latter neither reply nor hugged her back, she stood like a statue. Emma frowned and leaned towards her, whispering in her ears "you have no idea how much of a relief your wedding is to me. Now, you are out of my way and I can do whatever I want openly without considering your feelings. Though, it was not that I cared about your feelings, I'm just trying to be a sister. But wait, did you tell your dear Lucas you are getting married to someone else? Did you leave him because he was too poor to afford such an expensive wedding dress for you? You left him and went after someone who is wealthy and can give you a name and wealth in the society…"Emma was taunting her and at the same time, smiling. Those around were smiling as well. How loving these sisters are. Pamela must have been so lucky to have such people as her family. They love her immensely. Pamela gnashed her teeth. She dares to tell her that she left Lucas and went after another man simply because Lucas was not as rich as her husband to be? She had always known that Emma was mischievous but didn't know she was callous as well. Pamela palm formed a fist and she was shaking furiously. But she wouldn't say anything. Emma must have thought she didn't know anything about her affairs with Lucas and as such, wants to make her the victim and accuse her. Emma saw Pamela's action and how tensed she had become, she smiled more broadly. And holding Pamela's hand she signalled to the servants behind her to spare her few more minutes. They did and moved backwards a little. Emma smiled and turned to Pamela "how are you going to cope now, marrying a man who is in a coma? What's your wedding night going to look like?.." Emma tainted her more and laughed provocatively. Pamela was not ready for another taunting, hence she walked past Emma, towards the stairs. She didn't want to say anything to anyone that morning and if she stayed longer, listening to Emma's taunting, she might be forced to do otherwise. When Freddie Grayson saw Pamela, his heart flooded with guilt. He wished she would understand that he had always been there for her. He had to agree to this union to set Pamela free. He can't stand it anymore to see her go through so much discomfort and hatred from Freya and Emma. He doesn't have much time left. The least he can do for her now, is to set her free from this cage she called a family.