Replaced Bride

Scarlet

Finally, the day of Chole's marriage is arrived. I am really happy for her. Xavier is the perfect husband for her. A big canopy was set up for the reception of the marriage-party. It was tastefully decorated with paper buntings. A big-gate was got ready. Special arrangements were made for dinner in the adjoining shamina. I go into the room to check upon Chole, but she is nowhere to be seen. I checked everywhere. Her wedding dress is nearly kept on her bed and underneath it is a note, which turns my life upside down. I start to read the note

Dear Scarlet,

I know you will be the first one to look for me. I am really sorry, I just couldn't do this. I cannot marry Xavier. I love him, but I don't want to marry him so soon, when I am not sure about my feelings. I hope he understands. This marriage is a business deal and I cannot do this, until I am sure of my feelings for him. I know Dad will hate me, but I hope you understand. I know you might be thinking I am a coward, but this is the only option I have.

Your sister

Chole...

Tears started streaming down my face. I never imagined Chole would do this. My thoughts were shattered by the knock on the door. It was Dad. I didn't know how I am going to face him. I kept my face down.

" Scarlet, where is Chole? Everyone has been waiting for her" , he said.

" Dad I- I mean she is not here", I stammered

" What do you mean she is not here. Tell her to hurry up"

I walked forward and handed the note to him. His eyes widened looking at the note. Just when he opened his mouth to speak something, Xavier stood there. The last person I expected.

Xavier looked worried and he took the note away from Dad. He stood there frozen.

"Where is she ?", Xavier spoke with his eyes void of emotions.

His face looked blanked and his eyes were furious.

"Son I am sorry about what my daughter did. Please forgive us. I will handle everything and tell the guests that the wedding is off, but please don't cancel the deal. My whole business will collapse.", my dad spoke with disappointment and hurt evident in his voice.

" I wont cancel the deal", Xavier spoke.

I was shocked and bewildered.

" Thank you so much", my dad

" I have one condition"

" I will do anything"

I was quietly watching their conversation and just when I turned to leave the room. Xavier's next words turned my world upside down.

" There will be wedding today. I will marry Scarlet"

I turned and looked at him with shock. I couldn't form any sentence.

" She has still not graduated", Dad told.

" I don't care. If you want the deal, I will marry her or you will be destroyed. Decision is yours", he spoke with venom in his voice.

Tears started swelling in my eyes. I couldn't believe what was going on.

" okay I agree. If that's what you want. She will marry you", dad said with no regret in his voice.

I fell to the ground not believing what going on.

" Dad I cannot marry him. Don't I have the say in this. I will not marry him.", I spoke raising my voice .

" I am afraid you don't have any say in this. You will have to marry or else I will sell your mother's house"

I didn't believe that the person standing in front of me is my dad. My mom's house was the last memory of her and it meant the world to me. Both the men seemed stranger to me, who cared only about the. The hatred for Xavier increased. I never imagined he will do this to me. I came back to my senses, when I heard my father shout my name.

" Get ready in 15 mins. You have no other choice."

With those last words dad left the room, leaving me shattered.