Kapitel 22: Marissa

Marissa Treshvire was busy in her enchanting garden attending to her newest and rarest collection of flowering plants when she got a call from Mrs. Anna Robinson.

Marissa was known in the countryside of Carlpole; where she lived with her family, for her beautiful and enchanting garden and flower collections.

In her youthful days, she was a well-known horticulturist from a wealthy and influential family. She owned one of the most popular and enchanting natural flowers garden called; Risa Gardens, in the city.

If you wanted one of the most beautiful and rarest bouquets for a special occasion, you would always find them in Risa Gardens.

When she married Rex Treshvier; the Multibillionaire fashion icon, real estate developer, and oil & gas mogul, she decided to leave the horticulture business in other to join and support her husband. Then, she handed over 'Risa Gardens' to her trusted director; Ian, to manage the business and report to her monthly.

Ian would always supply her with the newest and rarest collection, hence her home garden in Carlpole became a legendary garden that she so much adored.

Amongst her recently acquired collections were the; flame-like Gloriosa Climbing Lily and Pineapple Lily, the Golden Lycoris and the orange Crocosmia, the Orange Candle flower, and some rare roses, amongst others.

Also, a section of her garden produced rich and succulent wide varieties of berries, fruits, veggies, and rare herbs.

Her garden had a well-defined landscape design, a central beautifully sculptured water fountain, a shaded walkway path that led to a distinctive seating area, and a magical fragrance due to the beautiful species of flowers.

"Hello Marissa, how are you today? And how is the family?"Anna greeted her in a calm and friendly manner.

"Hi Anna, we are Fine. How about you? I hope my darling, Chloe is doing great?" Marissa smiled at hearing her very good friend's voice.

They exchanged pleasantries for a while before Anna went on to discuss the main reason why she had called.

"Chloe is devastated. She had been sulking seen yesterday's event." Anna said in a soft but firm voice.

"How come?..."

"Well, you already know about Chloe's relationship and feeling for Leon especially as he had already made advances at her,.." Anna paused for a while before she continued.

"At the Cherry Gala Event yesterday, she was heartbroken when Leon ignored her for a lady. This was the same lady that had publicly humiliated her during the Haze Award runway show. As compensation for the disgrace, the lady known by the name 'Ariella 'Porter was fired from her company."

"What!.. hold on a second Anna, was that the same red hair half naked tart that my son was parading last night?" Marissa's forehead furrowed.

"Yes! That is the very same lady."

Marissa breathed in deeply and exhaled with so much pain in her heart.

"Anna, please console Chloe for me and take good care of her and yourself, I will deal with this matter."

Marissa hung up the phone and her mood turned sour, which didn't blend with the serene environment she was in.

How can Leon keep hanging around so many indecent and low moral standard females, she thought? if only he would learn to listen to her more often.

She sat down deep in her thoughts and didn't notice Yvonne coming toward her.

Yvonne had always known her mum to be a lively and cheerful woman. But seeing her seated in that low-spirited state got her worried.

Yvonne's intention of coming around was to check on her mum and get some herbs from her mother's garden.

"Mum, why the dull face? What's wrong?"

Marissa narrated to her daughter everything that Anna told her and how she had seen Leon flirting with the so-called Ariella.

"I don't understand why your brother keeps frolicking with different ladies. Is it so hard for him to settle down with just one lady from a reputable background," Marissa massaged her temple in frustration.

Yvonne encouraged her mother reminding her of the ultimatum Rex had given him.

"What if he brings home the wrong lady? You know your brother's temper and how he doesn't like us meddling in his affairs." Marissa's heart sank in despair.

"Then we will make the life of that lady a living hell until she gives up."

"That's a good plan, Yvonne." Marissa smiled.

...

Ariella returned home after spending almost the whole day at Leon's villa. She had wanted to leave earlier but Leon convinced her to stay back and enjoy herself while he left the city for a business deal that was to take place very early the next day.

Before Leon left, he gave Ariella a tour around the house and showed her, her bedroom. He had given Ariella the choice to move into his villa whenever she wanted until the marriage was finalized. When that happened, she would permanently live in the villa for the duration of the contract. He also instructed John to take Ariella home and attend to her needs pending when he arrived.

Ariella what about settling down for dinner when Denise showed up?

Denise had been super excited during the Cherry Gala occasion yesterday. During the event, she was seen socializing with some of the superstar celebrities. Before the end of the event, she befriended a rich handsome dude who seemed taken by her personality and they both left the Gala together in his exotic car.

Ariella and Denise discussed for a long while, after exchanging pleasantries. Their discussion was filled with so much excitement and more excitement.

When Denise was done sharing her encounter with her newfound lover, Ariella told her about the private jet experience, the Opera House performance, the penthouse suites, and the fancy restaurants. Denise couldn't stop herself from exclaiming in excitement.

"Wow!.."

"He did that!.."

"Aww!.."

Denise's excitement was endless.

Finally, Ariella told her about the marriage contract proposal and the stated conditions. She also informed her that she had accepted to be Leon's wife for six months.

Denise felt uneasy with the conditions in the marriage contract. She had hoped that in the course of the marriage duration, their love for each other will blossom. And maybe the presence of a child would bring them even closer and make them destroy the contract

"Ariella, the truth is that I am happy for you, but I'm also worried. Are you sure about these marriage contract conditions? I feel that both of you are meant for each other. Why can't you both just love each other like normal couples?"

Ariella's smiled at her friend's concern. She reassured Denise that she was certain of what she wanted.

"Yes! love is a good thing but making a name in the fashion world had always been my dream," Ariella pointed out with a determined expression

"If Leon is going to be my sponsor, then I am ready to do whatever it takes to actualize my dream. I have made a promise to Leon and I intend to keep it."

"Hmm!.." Denise's expression didn't change as she foresaw trouble.

"Ariella, I have seen the way the both of you look at each other. The passion between the both of you can ignite a room. I strongly believe that you will fall in love with Leon and everything will go wrong."

Denise scrutinized Ella deeply. She observed that there was no way she would convince her to reconsider as Ella's mind was made up.

"But..., if you decide to choose that part, I will support you with every fiber in me."

Ariella was overjoyed and quickly stood up and jumped on her friend giving her a squishy hug.

"Ella! I can't breathe..." Denise coughed slightly

"I am sorry..., I'm just so happy. Thank you, Denise. I know I can always count on you." Ella's heart was filled with joy.

"So... Do you intend to inform your mum about the marriage?"

"I haven't figured out that part yet. I intend to go see Olivia after the trip to Leon's country home. I think I need her advice on whether to break the news to mum or not." Ella could feel her heart drumming.

"I think your mum will be happy that you're getting married finally, but she will be heartbroken if you divorce your husband after six months."

"Yeah!.." her throat tightened. "Well, we will cross that bridge when we get there," she looked hopeful.

"What bothers me right now is how Leon's family would react to his plans on marrying me. You know how rich people behave. Sometimes they want their children to marry from other wealthy homes. I just pray they don't see me as a gold digger." An alarm rang in her mind.

"Why would you think that way? Denise questioned her in an irritated manner.

"Ella, you listen to me, that family should count themselves lucky that their son is bringing home an industrious, smart, intelligent, extremely beautiful, and charismatic young lady like you," Denise pointed at her with pride.

"Oh, Denise! I love you so much. In my next life, you would be my mother and sister all at the same time." Ella hugged her again and wiped her watery eyes.

"I love you much more my darling, always know that I am here for you, okay?"

"Okay."

Denise and Ariella continued talking about other matters when they were frightened by a sudden buzzing of the doorbell.

"Are you expecting anyone..." Denise looked at Ariella, who shook her head in response.

"Then maybe it's your new chauffeur or Leon."

"It can't be either, I have discharged John for the night and Leon is out of the city; we spoke not quite long before you came around," Ella's heart pounded.

They both stood up and went to the window to take a peek but found no one on the illuminated porch.

Denise walk over to the door and noticed that an envelope had been slid under the door. She picked it up, went over to Ariella, and handed it to her casually.

"I think you have an admirer," Denise teased.

Ella smiled and tore open the letter. But when she read the content, her hands started trembling.

"What does it say, Ella?!"