Chapter 7

• Ashely and Drea froze on the spot immediately they heard Ashely's mom's voice, and they both turned slowly facing her. Ashely's mom was seated in the hospital wheelchair supported by a nurse.
• "Mom, what are you doing outside?" Ashely queried her, diverting her question as she strolled close to her while Drey followed suit.
• "I woke up and I didn't see both of you, I was already tired of lying on that bed the whole day, this elderly woman needed some fresh air" Her mom whined like a baby.
• Ashely nodded at her motioning to the nurse that she would continue from where she stopped.
• "Besides who is getting married?" Her Mom asked again, holding them with her stare.
• "Emm….Mom we need to have a conversation" Ashely stuttered.
• "Okay, but what is happening?" Her Mom asked, glancing at her.
• "I will tell you what is happening but I need to introduce you to someone first," She said, wheeling her mom to where Alan was seated, leaving Drea behind.
• She breathed heavily before saying "Mom this is Alan my husband and Alan this is my mom your mother-in-law" She heaved a euphoric sigh of relief after she had introduced them to each other.
• "Is marriage a joke to you Ashely, how can you get married without telling your mother or did he force you into getting married to him?" She bellowed at her furiously as if she sensed that this marriage had something to do with her treatment.
• "Mom I wasn't forced into this marriage besides I and Alan have been together for a while so we decided to get married since there was no point wasting time when we are in love with each other" Ashely lied while hooking her arms around Alan forming all lovey-dovey.
• "Yes Mom we truly love each other and if you can give us your blessings we would be very happy," He said, fluttering his lashes so that he would look somewhat cute in front of her Mom.
• Ashely stared at him almost in disbelief holding herself from not scoffing at his pretentious attitude.
• Ashely's Mom stared from Ashely to Alan looking very speechless. She called out to Alan while he bent to her level.
• "Don't you ever hurt my only child, you better treat her with love and care, or else I will hunt you myself" She warned him, dragging his ear.
• "Ahhh" Alan screamed in terror, confused as to how a sick person could hold so much force.
• "Mom you are hurting him,let go" Ashely gaped, separating the both of them.
• "Are you okay?" She asked Alex after much struggle to separate him from her Mom.
• "Mmm, Mom don't worry I won't hurt your daughter " He acknowledged.
• "When is the wedding?" She asked them.
• "Immediately after your treatment Mom, the doctor will commence treatment immediately, you will finally be fine," Ashely said smiling.
• "This marriage has something to do with my treatment right?" She asked suspiciously.
• "No, Mom Ashely didn't even tell you were sick. I figured it out myself and I decided to help my mother-in-law" Alan replied almost immediately feigning annoyance towards Ashely.
• "I already said that I am sorry baby, I didn't want to burden you with my personal problems," Ashely said nibbling on her lower lips while Alan stared down at her lip gulping his saliva.
• "I need to rest and process what you have just said to me, please take me to my room," Ashley's mom said interrupting the little intimate moment going on between them.
• After taking Ashely's Mom to her hospital ward they both walked down to the parking lot because Alan wanted to head home.
• "When are you moving in?" He asked, his hands tucked in the pocket of his trouser.
• "I can't leave my mom yet" She tried to reason with him.
• "I will arrange a conducive house for your mom and I will hire a caregiver to take care of her after she returns from the hospital so move into my place latest tomorrow," He said in a stern voice with no room for excuses.
• "Okay I will move in tomorrow" Ashely replied succumbing to his words.
• "Very well I will send a driver to you, I have done my part of the contract and I hope you do the same, I am not someone you should play with" He reminded her as his face hardened.
• Ashely nodded while Alan got into his car leaving the hospital premises.
• "You look drained, are you sure you don't want to take a nap?" Drea asked from behind her, placing her hand on Ashely's shoulder to support her.
• "No I am fine" She waved at her as reality of what she had done dawned on her.
• *********************************************************
• 'You are married?" Sean asks in astonishment.
• He drove by Alan's house after he heard he didn't go to the office today only to receive the mind-blowing news that his friend was now a married man.
• "That's my marriage certificate and my wedding ring, it's real bro," Alan said, flashing the ring in front of Sean.
• "I can finally get my contract with the European groups, that contract means a lot to my company" Alan declared.
• "I am happy for you bro, but I can't see our bride anywhere," Sean said looking around the house in search of Ashely.
• "Point of correction, that's my wife and her Mom is currently at the hospital, she will move in tomorrow," He said protectively.
• "My bad, lover boy" Sean raised his hands in surrender.
• "Does Auntie know?" Sean asked, referring to Alan's Mom.
• "She doesn't know yet but trust me she would be the most excited when she hears it, she always wanted me to get married,I finally granted her wish" Alan exclaimed.
• "And I remembered she always wanted grandchildren as well, what if she starts asking for them what will you do?" Sean asked worriedly.
• "I never thought about it, but one thing is certain I can't birth a child now" He replied seriously.
• "You have to sort it out, since your wife is coming to live with you for two years nothing is guaranteed especially when you are already gushing about her" Sean mocked him.
• "You won't be able to resist her if you meet her Sean, she is a walking beauty but I will have it sorted out" Alan voiced out.
• "Bro you should consider her when doing anything, it can only make it fair for both of you" Sean cautioned him.
• "There is nothing to consider, she is going to feel good regardless" Alan stated walking over to the wine bar to pour himself a drink after the stressful day.
• "Man that's harsh, how do you think she would feel?" He questioned.
• "Who cares about her feelings anyway?". Alan said chuckling at his question
• "You need help," Sean said with astonishment on his face.
• "Bro chill, it is not even a real thing" He laughed dryly offering him a glass of wine.
• "What is not a real thing?" A tiny voice asked.