The Tie That Binds: A Marriage of Convenience Novel

I glance at myself in the mirror. Who would’ve thought I’d be in this same room in our local church all over again? It’s been almost three years since Daniel and I initially said I do, and it’s surreal how much has changed.

I glance at the stunning dress I’m wearing. It’s exactly what I always imagined I’d wear if I ever got married, and I can’t wait for Daniel to see me in it. I’m even more eager for him to take it off me…

I’m startled out of my thoughts when someone knocks on the door. Vincent enters and he smiles at me. “You look stunning, Alyssa. Your father would’ve been so proud.”

I smile at the thought of my father. That old man was right all along. Vincent hands me a familiar-looking letter and I stare at it in shock.

“Your father instructed me to give this to you if Daniel and you chose to stay married. I thought now would be a good time to hand this to you. He rewrote his will and every single one of these letters every year, you know. He was so scared he’d one day have to leave you without being able to say his goodbyes. He always made sure you’d have a few handwritten letters as consolation. He loved you so much, Alyssa.”

I nod and take the letter from him with shaking hands. Vincent smiles at me and leaves me to read the letter in private. I sink down on the sofa in the dressing room and open the letter carefully.

My dearest daughter,

If you’re reading this letter, then my biggest wish has come true and you’ve finally realised how crazy Daniel is about you. It always used to make me smile whenever he’d gaze at you as though you’d hung the stars and the moon, when all you did was create a slideshow for a meeting. The man beamed whenever you’d offer him a cup of coffee.

I never would have admitted this if you’d chosen to divorce Daniel, because I fear you’d never forgive me. But there’s something you should know, my child. The shares were always yours. I merely instructed Vincent to show you an earlier draft of my will that I created. He didn’t want to, and he told me it’s unlawful and unethical, but I’ll be forever grateful that he chose to honour my wishes in the end. Had you said no to marrying Daniel, then I still would’ve left you my shares. There’s no one in the world I trust more than you, my beloved Alyssa. Never, ever fear that I did what I did because I trust Daniel more than I trust you. I merely wanted to make sure you’d be happy, and I knew Daniel would ensure your happiness if you gave him a chance.

I’ll admit that I’m glad I gambled and I’m glad it paid off. I doubt anyone will ever love you as much as I love you, but I’m certain Daniel is a close second. You deserve the world, Alyssa, and I know Daniel will try his best to give it to you. I hope the two of you will be happy together. I’m relieved you aren’t by yourself now that I’ve had to leave you and I know you’re in good hands. I wish I could be there to finally see you two together. I hope Daniel will always love you the way he did when I wrote this letter, and I hope you’ll always love him the same.

Be happy, Alyssa.

All my love,

Daddy