Shadows of revenge

Chapter Ten

"We are getting married in two weeks."

Cindy could not believe her ears. Two weeks? That was too sudden. What was the rush all about? And she hadn't told her mother about everything that was going on. How could she explain all of this? Why was Max doing this?

“How come you're just telling me about this, Max?” Tonia's voice forced her out of her reverie. By now, they were all seated and had been served tea.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I wanted it to be a surprise for you. We've been in a relationship for six months now.” Cindy choked on her tea.

“Cindy, dear, are you alright?” How could she be okay when Max had just told a blatant lie? Six months?!

Cindy looked at her and stuttered, “I’m fine.”

“Did you agree to this arrangement?” Tonia looked at her questioningly.

Cindy glanced over at where Max sat, sipping his tea and staring at her as if he wanted her to lie too. “Yes, Mom. I agreed to it.” She had to cover for this jerk who was throwing surprises she disliked her way. She just had to. After all, they’d be married soon.

Tonia smiled. “It’s alright then. As long as you both agreed to it.”

Agreed, my ass!She never knew about these things, let alone agreed with them. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves down as she dropped her teacup. “Mom, I’m surprised Max never told you about this until now. We concluded about the wedding a month ago,” Cindy said, smiling.

—

Max observed Cindy from the top of his teacup. He wanted to see her reaction and if she'd be foolish enough not to say she agreed with it. He wanted to torture her a bit and give her a glimpse of how life as Mrs. Cindy Anderson would be like.

He knew she was vexed with what he did but could not utter a single word about the conspiracy. She shouldn’t be foolish enough not to take the bait, he thought. He liked that her mind worked and agreed with him.

However, when she decided to drop her teacup, the next words she said had him choke on his saliva.

“A month ago!”

He coughed violently as his mother offered him water.

“Now what's wrong with you two getting choked up like your systems are in sync?” Tonia queried.

In sync? This was not synced at all, Max thought. Is she crazy? Why would she say such a thing? He could see her smile as she said, “Are you alright, Max?” Concern and worry plastered on her face.

The sly b***h! She did this on purpose. We will see who gets the last dance, he thought to himself.

When Max finally calmed down, Tonia dropped her question. “So, Max, you've planned your marriage for over a month and didn't bother to let me in on it?”

“Sorry, Mom. I didn't want to stress your mind and heart; your health is more important to me.”

“Nonsense!” She slapped her hands on the table. “Who said I was sick?”

“Sorry, Mom,” he pretended to be really sorry.

“Cindy dear, you shouldn't be like him. You should always let me know about important things like this, okay?”

“Yes, Mom,” Cindy smiled at her.

“Mom! That’s conspiracy!” Max protested.

“Shush!” she hushed Max. “Cindy, how about your parents?”

Cindy paused before saying, “My father is no more, but my mother is alive and well.”

“It’s been so long, but accept my condolences.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“And you? What do you do?”

Cindy hesitated before saying, “I work as a part-time nurse in a private hospital.”

Tonia was taken aback. She thought her son would get married to a powerful heiress who ran an empire based on his personality. But he wanted to marry a part-time nurse? She glanced at her son; something was definitely not right. Anyway, as long as he was happy, she was okay with it. And Cindy seemed like a nice girl. “That’s actually impressive. I guess I will not have problems with my health any longer since my would-be daughter-in-law is a nurse.”

Cindy felt bad about the whole thing, but Tonia's words relieved her worries. “Of course, Mom. You can rest assured that you're in great hands.”

“That’s lovely. Can I be with you while you try on your bridal gown? I hope your mother doesn't mind?”

“Not at all. You can come with me. I'd be glad to have you there.

Max was getting tired of the female discussion. He stood up and said, "Alright, ladies, it's getting late, and I should be taking Cindy home now. Could we postpone the small talk for some other time?"

"Max, you're being rude and ill-mannered."

"Sorry, Mom. But I really have to go."

"Alright, Cindy. We should talk some other time," Tonia said as she stood up.

"No problem, Mom," Cindy replied, also standing.

"And do not forget to let me know when you're getting your wedding dress," she added.

"I won't forget," Cindy smiled warmly.

"Alright, goodbye. Send my greetings to your mother."

"Goodbye, Mom." Cindy prostrated respectfully. "I will."

"Goodbye, Max. See you tomorrow. Ray and I will be here for dinner."

"Okay. Thanks for giving me a heads-up," she said as she walked them out of the house and waved at them as they walked to the car.

Max opened the door for Cindy to enter the car and then turned around to the other side and got in as well. The driver started the car, and they drove off.

Tonia went inside after their car disappeared from her sight. She thought about her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. It was weird that Max chose her, but whatever the reason was, she hoped it was good. She wouldn't get in the way of the marriage; she just wanted her son to be happy.

And she wanted grandchildren.

•

Cindy looked out the window, her expression like a blank page of paper. "Why did you say that to your mother?"

There was silence for a moment before Max replied, "I want us to get married as soon as possible," giving away no emotions.

"And you didn't think I needed to know I'll be getting married in two weeks before my proposed fiancé's mother knows?"

"It doesn't matter. Inform your mother about this."

Cindy laughed angrily and bewildered. She must be losing her mind. Just like that? He must think he's God. "When will you see my mother?"

"I'll arrange a meeting with her this weekend. I'll inform you a day before I visit."

Why was he being so cold? Was it because it was an arranged marriage? "Okay." She pressed her lips together, holding back anything else she had to say. "When will you be free to go with me to the bridal shop to select a dress?"

"Next week."

"Okay." That was the last word she uttered until she was dropped off in front of her house.

What a jerk!, she thought to herself. Condescending pig! She cursed inwardly as she opened the door to the smell of fried chicken.

"What's this great smell?" she asked, smiling. But the sight that greeted her wiped the smile off her face.