Chapter 4: A Lavish Wedding

 Damian's display of wealth

The village square was transformed into a scene out of fairy tale. Damian Cole did not spare expense, wanting to see this wedding with Elsie Nwoko as the most extravagant event that village had ever witnessed. The whole of the square had been stretched by a huge white canopy with flowers cascading and golden ribbons that shone in sunlight. Long trestles were filled with food, and drink, while a live band played several lively music that echoed through the streets. 

Everyone came to the village square for the event in their finest clothes, and eyes wide in awe of everything. Children ran in the square, laughing, chasing each other, while elders sat in the chairs murmuring about how they had never seen anything like this in their lifetimes. The scent of roasted meat mingled with that of freshly baked bread and blooming flowers, created the air of an elaborate celebration; a festival to cherish.

Waiting at the altar, adorned in black tailored suit which complemented his tall, imposing figure, Damian's heart beat fast at the thought of the future bride. He had dreamed of this moment for what seemed like forever - a wedding that will launch him into a new chapter of life full of love, trust, and happiness.

As the ravishing music approached its crescendo, all eyes turned to Elsie as she made her grand entrance at the end of the aisle in a white gown, the flowing material shimmering with every step she made. The dress, Turkish beaded lace with a trailing veil behind it, caught the light while she walked. Her hair was an elegant updo with two or three curls hanging loosely at the sides of her face, and her makeup was natural, enhancing rather than covering up.

As she approached, the breath began catching in his throat, but what mattered to him was that she was everything he had ever dreamed of: pure, innocent, and untouched by the evils of the city. A great wave of emotion rushed over him, and his heart swelled with love and blessedness. This was the moment waited and waited for.

Mama Elsie relished the attention and gifts

Mama Elsie sat on the front row with her lungs inflated at the sight of her daughter down the aisle. The bright and colorful dress she wore was in contrast to those of her guests, and a broad and satisfied smile illuminated her whole face. This was her moment too. Her daughter was marrying a billionaire, and she had every intention of enjoying the event to its fullest.

Even as the ceremony was being conducted, Mama Elsie's mind was already racing ahead with ideas. She looked around the square: around the expensive decorations, the diamonds piled high on another table, and jealous eyes of other villagers. This was only 'the beginning', she thought. Once Elsie got married to Damian, they would next move to the city. And Mama Elsie would be there.

She told the neighbor sitting next door, the one who always looked down on her. "Can you even believe this?" whispered Mama Elsie in a joyful tone. "My Elsie is marrying a billionaire."

The woman nodded with a bittersweet expression. "You must be so proud," she finally said.

As the ceremony rolled on, Mama's mind soared toward dreams of a future. She spent time dreaming about living in a big mansion with quality clothes and jewelry with a luxurious life. No more worries about cash, nor struggle making ends meet- finally, the life she had always dreamed of.

Elsie was taken to the city

The moment the prayers completed and Damian kissed the bride, the audience burst into cheers, making the sounds of applause echo. Elsie's heart raced as she surveyed all those countless faces smiling back at her. She felt that heady cocktail of excitement, nerves, and almost some strange sense of foreboding - the kind of attention she had never experienced before; overwhelming.

Damian took her hand, his strong handshake reassuring. "Are you ready for our new life, Mrs. Cole?" he asked, his voice warm and affectionate.

She nodded but managed a forced smile. "Yes," she whispered, though her heart raced with excitement.

The party was reduced to a moment of sounds, dance, and laughter. Elsie was in a whirlwind of activities with guests, cutting the cake, dancing with Damian, and so many events at once. She did try to entertain herself, soaking up all the day's joy, but a tiny voice in her head insisted that she was stepping into something quite strange to her.

At sunset, Damian led her into his car, a sleek and black luxury vehicle that seemed out of place in the humble village. "Are you ready to start our new life?" he asked, bright-eyed with excitement.

Elsie nodded, even though her stomach was twisted in knots. She climbed into the vehicle, her heart pounding as they left the village, heading towards the city. The farther they drove, the more alien this land seemed to her.

The city loomed over the horizon, promising its skyscrapers and its bright lights to stand in glaring contrast to the simplicity of the village. Her breath catching in her throat, Elsie created an inner smile at the noise that crunched their way through these busy streets. Unsurprisingly, it felt both thrilling and terrifying.

As they reached the doorway to Damian's penthouse, anxiety surged in Elsie. This was her new home, her new life. She could not predict how things would be, but she was certain of one thing: everything would change henceforth.