The long awaited chapter 52 is here!
I haven't been on wattpad in months! Sorry If I haven't replied your messages, it hasn't been easy on me too.

Some of you will have to go back and read. I'm sorry for that.

PS: I'm fine guys.... Just going through LIFE and Imposed motherhood.😂

Chapter 52

Unedited

Ebonyi

Hours flew by in a blur. The rain had transformed their beach plans into an unexpected experience, something Aunty Abebi or Emmanuel never anticipated. With their moans rising above the sound of raindrops hitting the roof.
Soft moans turn into urgent murmurs and gasps.  They both found their release and her body crashed against him. He buried her face against his chest, breathing him in, forgetting time and place and circumstance and just holding him.

That moment she just wanted to stay there and just rest in his arms forever.She felt something she had never felt for any man in her life and it scared the living daylight out of her.

She was in love with this local man! She has completely lost control of her sense of reasoning and even her body to him.

"I woke up the sleeping dragon and I didn't get burned" She muttered and he laughed with his brow arced at her with flints of pride and a giggle busted from her lips, "Okay, I think I must have gotten burnt a bit but...." She added with gasping breathe.

"I guess it's one of those kinds of burns that keeps you wanting more. If this Is how getting burned feels like then I want to get burned every now and then"

Emmanuel smiled, her words were sparking up things already, "The dragon is awake again. Your words are quite enticing you know?" He answered laughing nervously. "I used to think my words were only meaningful in the court of law or during work. I just never imagined myself awaking anything in a man with it. I mean, look at this old woman sparking up things."

"Ababy, you're beautiful and I love you the way you are. Just like every case you've won with those coated words, you've won my heart already.  I don't have an empire or the best qualification but you make me want to build one for you. You move me in ways no woman has. Her hand came into his own and squeezed and then stayed there, her fingers interlacing with his.

They fell silent then, the two of them in the cool of the weather with their bodies just touching. She curled in his arms, finding solace in the warmth of his embrace.

Lagos

Camera light flashed as Gbadamosi wrapped his hands across Kilahi's upper waist while he lowered his head down at her then he glanced at the photographer.  hope that's decent enough. Should I leave distance in between.  No one should roast me online abeg."

Kilahi along the photography crew laughed while the boss gave him a thumbs up. "Now look down at your fiance romantically." "What's romantically? Look I'm a pastor oh, I dont understand all these carnal language." He joked and she slapped him on the stomach.

"Choicest!"

"What? i'm asking romantically."

She arced her brow and gave him a stern look, "Is that your own romantic look?" He asked and she busted into laughter. "Choicest!" "Sorry. I promise to be serious from now on." He apologize sucking his lips then he exhaled.

"Okay. Define the word romantic, its too carnal for my understanding?"

"Didn't you just use it a sentence?"

"Using it in a sentence is quite different from having a proper understanding of the word."

Kilahi groaned knowing he was only trying to pull legs, "My vocabulary is spiritually built that I can't seem to comprehend the word romantic?"

"Or I should I be asking you."

"I'm a spirit man."

"And I'm a spirit woman too, I'm too spiritual that i can even pass through walls."

Gbadamosi laughed, "Oshey! What should we call you now? Ghost woman, piauwu!" He joked. She hissed and laughed almost at the same, "It's too much nollywood movie that just made you say piauwu! I've haven't said that since I was kid."

"You bring out the little child in me."

"Little child? I never knew there was a big child."

"If you want to correct me, look at me in the face and say it boldly, don't cut through corners."

Kilahi laughed, "Whose face I'm I looking at now, cause I don't understand the corners you think I'm cutting through?" She asked and he smiled at her. "The corner of my heart." "What's the corner of your heart?"

"I don't know.... I just feel like saying rubbish that'll make you laugh."

She chuckled and shook her head, "Why am I even laughing? You're lucky I like you." "I know right?" He asked with a smile. "Why are you staring at me like that?" "Like what?" "Like you're in love with me."

"Oh wait, is it that obvious?" He asked and they both giggled.

"I guess that's what the guy meant when he said romantically."

"Oh wow... Spirit man has suddenly turned carnal."

"You've spoilt me." He teased and she laughed throwing her head backwards then she glanced at the photography crew. "I'm sorry guys... Are we spoiling the picture?"

"Not really. You guys continue what you're doing."

Kilahi returned her gaze back to see him flashing a wide grin. "Let's be serious with this photography session so we can go. It's already promising to be a busy day."  "Sorry. I'm in a playful mood."

"I can see."

"Thirty days and we'll be sharing our vows, feels like it should be tomorrow." He muttered and she felt her breath cease, "Thirty days." She muttered then she heaved a worried sigh.

"Why do I smell fear?" He asked and she chuckled softly.

"It's not fear, I guess I just suddenly lost my breath."

"Is it because of my breath? I ate boiled eggs."

Kilahi chuckled, "You're not even fasting on behalf of the women." "I'm fasting in the spirit." He joked and they both laughed. "Your breath is not that bad."

Gbadamosi laughed, "Ah... Not that bad." He laid emphasis and she giggled looking up at him, "It's not the breath that's making me lose breath." "What is it then?" "Let's just say, the thought of you taking space in my life leaves me breathless, literally and scares me too." She replied and he blushed.

"Are my cheeks red?" He asked and she threw her head back laughing uncontrollably then she moved away from him and faced the camera crew who were still taking pictures, "I'm sorry guys... This man of God is a clown."

"An handsome clown" Gbadamosi replied then he faced the camera crew, "Are my cheeks red?" He asked and everyone laughed again. 

"Continue." The camera man requested, "Will I be putting my hands around her waist still?" "Yes." "You guys are forgetting I'm a man of God." He replied and everyone laughed again.

He moved closer to her then once again, he wrapped his hands around her waist. "Are you comfortable with this?" He whispered and she heaved an uneasy sigh, "Am I comfortable with the fact your hands are wrapped around my waist? You're a very attractive man Choicest so if I'm being sincere to myself, no I'm not."

"You're beautiful too Kilahi and very attractive, if I'm being sincere too. I count myself lucky to wake up everyday staring at this good thing I found. Looking in the eye of the favor I obtained from God. It took years and people wondered why I took so long but it was worth it Kilahi, it was worth every wait. I am privilege to have been blessed with you and I can't wait to be your husband and I can't wait to call you my wife."

"Me too." She blushed.

In the Coker's house, Temi stood by the door side in her mother's room as she watched her mother pace left right as she argued over the phone with a vendor. "Ni gbayen ko? Were you not supposed to have those dress delivered in the morning?"

Hilary and Ossy sat on the bed sorting out some of the spoilt souvenirs. She lifted a broken branded cup towards her future mother in law who quickly gestured for her to discard it.

"Fix it Adeshola fix it!" She barked angrily, "Don't test my patience cause it's wearing thin. Where are my deliveries?"

Temi lifted her fingers at her mother and she gave a nod, "Oh please! Don't give an excuse for your incompetence. You promised didn't you?" She snapped and rolled her eyes.

"Traffic? Oh so we're using that as another excuse now right? You know Adeshola, I don't want to say anything further so I don't sin against God. My birthday party is coming up and I want to be in a happy mood. I'm not going to take any of your shenanigans today."

Temi sat down with Hilary and Ossy greeted  her, "What are you doing?" She asked rubbing her hands over his head,  "Trying to calm your Mom down, she has been angry over the late deliveries." She said in a low voice then she pointed at the broken souvenir.

"And the broken ones" She added.

Mrs Coker continued, "You're sorry? Sorry for yourself! I have never been so disappointed about a thing. Your brand was so hyped, yet you delivered broken goods to me. Do you know how much those things cost?"

"Mom your blood pressure!" Temi chipped in.

"Ugh! I don't care if you take out 50% discount, I'm never patronizing you again." She snapped, " Well sorry for yourself once again." She paused, "Stop thanking me for my patience, I paid for a job, have it delivered." She paused in wait for a response. "Iwo naa thank you!" She ended the call and rolled her eyes.

"Can you imagine these people?" She paused staring at her phone as though she was staring directly at the online vendors. If only she could lash at them physically. "You can't trust anyone this days even with referrals." She added taking her seat at the edge of the bed.

Hilary exhaled, "Ma, I think you should take it easy." "Don't get me started with Hilary. My 60th birthday party is tomorrow." "Exactly why you should take things easy Ma. God forbid, what's the point of the celebration if you're bed ridden?" "God forbid!' "Yes, God forbid! The birthday will pass but you'll be the one nursing the blood pressure afterwards"

"God forbid!"

"I'm sorry Ma, but most vendors have been disappointing people since 1807, especially at the last minute." "What's your point Hilary?"

"Don't hate me Ma but my point is don't prioritize the gifts over your health. Your family care about your health and they'll be there to celebrate you with or without the gift. And with or without the gift, the party will go well, we are going to surround your table and celebrate 60 years of God's faithfulness. A year when God finally reunited the family, I feel that's more important despite the fact that you might feel disappointed."

Mrs Coker nodded, "You're right though.  I'm just going to relax and let the Salome mock me when we run out of souvenirs." "Mommy!" Hilary snapped. "We can't run out... Gosh!"

"Grandma who's making you angry, give their address let me go and beat them." Ossy chipped and Mrs Coker laughed.

Mrs Coker smiled, that was just the comic relief the situation needed. "My dear I would have given you, i just don't want to stress you." "Grandma, are you sure? All I need is the address, I'll just call my soldiers to come and fight."

Hilary arced her brow, "And who are your soldiers?" "Daddy, Papa, Uncle Feyi, Uncle Ere even Grandpa will fight for you."

Mrs Coker laughed again, "I'm glad I have a good support system already but...." She trailed off glancing at Hilary, "You're right, I have a lot in mind my dear, I'm just angry over a lot of thing that I didn't add to plan because of uncertainties and my distance from my family." She replied facing Temi,  "Hey dear,"

Temi gasped In surprise, "She finally noticed me, I was beginning  to think I was a ghost." "Are you not supposed to greet your elders once you come into their room?" "Good afternoon Mom."

"Good afternoon. How is the baby?"

Temi rolled her eyes, "What about the one carrying the baby? Is she not a person? I'm fine by the way, thanks for asking."  "I asked after the.." "The baby is fine too." She cuts in raising her nose.

Mrs Coker laughed, "Look at her, already jealous of her own child. This is just the beginning, you might want to start getting used to it." "Happy birthday in advance Mom.  Congratulations, you managed to have all the family here." She said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice but her mother didn't notice.

"Thank you. I wanted you all to converge in my house for the first time. Since I'm no longer the bitter-leafed Aunty Teni, I deserve  to be a host and have a small family party at the house. Your Aunty has been given much privileged to host dinner and parties. Let my nephews also come here too, I haven't talked to them in a long time."

"I couldn't help but notice you said all, but not everyone is here."

Mrs Coker shut her eyes as her heart cringed.  She knew her daughter was going to bring up the whole 'Tanimola' issue.  "Temi...." "Don't even Temi me, I'm not attending your birthday party, scratch that, I'll attend but I won't smile if my brother isn't there. You were supposed to talk to him, why didn't you?"

"I wanted to."

"But what happened? Huh? What happened?"

Hilary cleared her throat and walked out of the room with Ossy.

"Temi..."

"No! Mom I have to be honest, it's not fair that everyone gets to be here except Tanimola!"

"You think the thought didn't cross my mind? It did! My dear it did but I'm scared" "Of what? Didn't you reconcile with Manny and i? Why leave out Tani out of what could have been a beautiful family story?"

"What if he doesn't want to see me?"

"He posted an epistle about you on mother's day. That guy loves and respect you."

Mrs Coker rose up crying , "Why? I see no reason for him to have done that. I've been a horrible person, I'm ashamed of myself! The shame of meeting him to apologize, It won't take away the years of neglect. All those times..." She trailed off shutting her eyes as more tears rained down her cheek.

"That's why I haven't gone. This isn't like Hilary's case or yours, this is a case of a child that I abandoned, a child I raised as mine but then I pushed him away. How am I supposed to walk up to him and apologize? Where do I start from? What right do I even have to stand before him Temi? What right? I don't deserve his love or care, I've been a bad mother and I can't forgive myself for it."

Temi nodded, her mother just raised important points, "What's important is that you've realized where you went wrong."

"I acknowledged the two of you Temi! I called Manny my son, I called you a daughter but my hate for his mother made me push that boy away. I didn't want to see him at any gathering, I ostracized him. How do you expect me to meet him and ask him for forgiveness that I don't deserve?" She sobbed, "You're still raising the same point."

"I can't bring myself to do it! It's not pride. The guilt and shame is on me! I can't bear to look into his face, how do I want to do it? Where do I start to apologize? My sin is worst that what can be forgiven!"

"God has forgiven you Mom, forgive yourself and move on! You should have at least tried, we had Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. One of those days you could have at least talked to him but you kept quiet. You not meeting him is like you still don't acknowledge him."

"Aunty Temi please that's enough!" Tanimola walked in and they both turned their gaze at him. Mrs Coker gasped in surprise then she glanced over at Temi, she felt played.

Temi rolled her eyes, "I just want to push more "  "Aunty Temi, please" He begged then she turned towards her mother, "Since you didn't invite him, I did. If you feel you're not ready to talk to him yet, feel free to kick him out yourself."  She replied leaving the room.

Mrs Coker looked away in shame she walked close to the wall then she leaned against it. "Oh God. What have I done?" She muttered, "With my own hands, I drove a wedge into my own family. Have mercy on me Lord." Tears ran down her eyes then she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Ma.. are you okay?"

"No i'm not." She replied then she hissed, "God! Tanimola, im sorry I didn't invite you. I couldn't bring.." "I heard what you said to Aunty Temi". "I'm so ashame of myself, Tani, I can't even look into your face." "It's fine Ma. You don't have to look at my face."

"Not it's not fine!" She snapped sitting on the bed, "All the apology in the world is not enough. I abandoned you when you needed me the most. Your feelings towards me should be hate. Tanimola you should hate me."

Tanimola sat close to her, "Well, newsflash Ma, I don't hate you. Initially I felt abandoned and angry, I felt lost because the only woman I ever saw as a mother was taking me to stranger's house.  I was young and being separated from the two siblings that I've grown to like." He paused forcing a smile then he continued, "I spent years trying to understand why you did what  you did but when I found out the truth about my real mother and how Dad cheated on you, I finally understood why you're happy somedays and why other days sad."

Mrs Coker sobbed, "I lost the baby in my womb after I disagreed to taking care of you. I saw it as a punishment so I decided to take up the responsibility. I tried to get pregnant again after the last one but nothing happened, not even a miscarriage."

"You had two lovely children"

"Three lovely  children but I was being immature and selfish. One will be wondering what I would have done if I had none."

Tanimola shrugged, "Every man griefs in their own way."  "I couldn't deal with the depression again, I was loving another woman's child, you were slowly warming your way into my life that it hurt so much. There were days I'll hear a voice tell me to drown you in the tub and leave you die. True story Tanimola, there were days I wanted to abandon you when she fell sick in the hospital. Instead taking your life, I decided to take mine. Thank God for God! After I attempted suicide, i feared that I'll end your life, even the life of my children if I continued.  Part of me wanted to keep you, I hated that part so much. I had to let you go! The children got angry but I didn't care, I buried my emotions and blamed you and your mother for how my life turned out. How my happiness was ruined." She confessed shutting her eyes.

" I hated your mother so much! I never knew her but I hated her guts to sleep with a married man!  Truth be told, I still hate her after all these years. I pray God's love be shared in my heart so I can stop bearing this grudge against her and....  I transferred it to you dear. I don't deserve forgiveness, but I beg you from my heart, please forgive me Tanimola." She paused clasping her palms then she knelt down before him.

"Ma don't..." He begged then he knelt down before her too.

"Let me. No amount of sob story can be enough to erase the lost year but I'm ready to start afresh." "Please rise up Ma." He begged but she disagreed with a continuous shake of he head. "Mo f'Olorun oba be e, dariji mi. (I beg you in the name of God, forgive me.)"

Tears trickled down his eyes as he watched his mother sob without control.  "I already forgave you Ma, all these years I've tried to see from your perspective."

Mrs Coker shook her head sobbing hard, "No excuse is enough, don't create one for me. " "It took a whole lot to accept a boy from your husband's mistress into your home, but you did."

"I didn't want to."

"But you did. You sat and watched my infant head, you bore the cross after the one's whose womb I lived in died, you spent sleepless night on my behalf? You're the only mother I've ever known, the one in whose hands I took my first walk. I remember my earliest memory with you, brother Maniola and Aunty Temi. My guys were my first family."

"Do you think there's a chance we could be one again? Please?" She asked and Tanimola smiled, "I'll love that Ma." He replied and her heart fluttered with joy, "Just like that? You're not going to give me a tough time, days, weeks, months"

"You're right? Maybe I should give you a response next month." He answered and they both chuckled.

"I'll understand if you want to make me suffer some more. I don't deserve to get any my children's forgiveness so easily. I should earn it. I feel like God is giving me all these on a platter of gold, sometimes I wonder who I am that he's mindful of. A mindless creature like me."

"There were days I would dream or imagine us having dinner together as a family."

"I guess today's that day then. Tanimola, I know I didn't invite you formally but do you mind having lunch with us? If you don't have anything doing?"

His eyes became heavy with tears after the invitation. "I have work, I have somewhere to be and.." he trailed off watching Mrs Coker's face contort in disappointment. "Oh" "Just kidding Ma. I don't have anything doing! Even if I had, I would have cancelled."

She let out a soft chuckle then she exhaled in relief. "Thank God! What would you like to eat? Would you like to take a drink instead?" "Anything you offer me is fine." "Feel free to go into the kitchen, make yourself at home."

Tanimola embraced her.

There's something about Nigerian wedding reception that make every single woman envious and wonder when they'll be privileged like the lovely bride who had a stunning green and yellow lace gown. Brenda watched the bride's family and friends gathered around her, their faces beaming with happiness and love as they danced under a grand flower arch.

The venue for the wedding was a sprawling garden with winding pathways, towering trees, and vibrant blooms in every shades. She didn't think there were Nigerians who were interested in those kind of weddings too.

She assumed it was a white thing until she walked into the party. She fed her eyes with the beautiful sight of guest with their unique traditional attire and aso-ebi with vibrant colors and intricate designs and style.

Brenda wasn't really digging the Bride's dress, to her, the bride looked more like a well watered Sunflower. She was also dressed in a green and yellow flower pattern dress too but the Bride paired the yellow bead and feathers were giving a "Peacock" look.

She wasn't sure if the bride was going for a bird or flower look.

Ad these thoughts crossed her mind, she made rhythmic leg body movement to the Afrobeat song that was creating a lively atmosphere.

She suddenly felt the urge to sneeze. The sound was muffled as she quickly covered her nose and mouth with an handkerchief she pulled it from her purse just in time. Despite her efforts to suppress it, the sneeze still managed to escape, drawing a few curious glances.  She has been sneezing since the inception of the reception.

Perhaps she was reacting from allergies from one of the flowers or plants. It wasn't her first time having such allergies. The last time was on a field trip, she had itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing fits. She hated the fact she was sitting alone, sneezing like a diseased goat!

She couldn't help but fiddle with her phone. She couldn't help but wonder where her blind date was. After an hour, excitement bubbled within her! Perhaps the guy didn't show up. Or maybe he bailed at the last minute; whatever the reason might be, she appeared grateful to God for the fortunate event that made him miss the party.

She sneezed again and a man sat close to her with a smile, "Bless you." He replied and she turned over with an half smile. "Thank you." She replied cringing her brow. She didn't like the fact the guy sat without permission- She thought it was rude.

"That seat is reserved for someone."

"I didn't see a name or is there?" He asked turning his head backwards to check if there was a name on the chair then he returned his gaze at her. "See! There's nothing so..." He sucked air from the atmosphere then he shrugged carelessly.

"It's a free seat then!"

"The seat is reserved."

"For who?"

"I don't want to come off as rude but i believe that should be my business. My business, not yours!" She replied and a smile etched on the guy's lips. He smiled as he listened to her speak, captivated by the smooth British accent that danced off her tongue. He couldn't help but be drawn to the unique blend of cultures that she embodied. She was Nigerian, yet her accent carried hints of the elegant British pronunciation that added depth to her words.

"Is it for a man? Perhaps your boyfriend?"

"Still my business. What happened to courtesy? Aren't you supposed to seek for permission before jumping to take a seat in a place you weren't invited to?" "In a Nigerian party?" He asked laughing out loud and she felt stupid.

"Not every Nigerian is barbaric."

"Every average Nigerian is opportunistic."

"Where's the opportunity?"

"I saw a free chair."

"Oh wow... Perhaps you're the chairman of the occasion. You can as well seize all the chairs." She snapped with a straight face and he let out a laughter.

"Okay that's funny. You're fiesty too, I love it"

Brenda grimaced, "Now I'm irritated."

Tommy laughed throwing his head backwards. , "I'm sorry, I know I was supposed to ask but I couldn't resist sitting close to a beauty like you." "I'm not clinched on that line." "I know. It's really not my finest line but I won't mind being the 'Beast' privileged to sit beside this 'Beauty'."

A scoff, almost a laughter escaped her lips. She didn't expect that a lame line will break her walls. They both chuckled afterwards. "See! You just laughed to the lamest line in the entire planet."

"I can't believe myself too." She answered and he smiled. "I don't mean to sound too forward but i'll like to know you better and I guess I've created a bad first impression already. Forgive the Nigerian in me. My name is Tommy, OluwaTomisin." "I'm Brenda, other name is Anu, it's a very long and annoying name that I can't pronounce."

"I know. My mom refers to you as Anu, she was so sure I'll like you and she was right."

Brenda blinked, "I'm lost." Her eyes rolled in thought trying to add all pieces together. She couldn't shake off a feeling of familiarity that lingered in the air. She wondered if she had met the young man before, but her memory failed to provide any answers. It was as if a mysterious fog veiled her past encounters.

As she pondered over her vexing thoughts, a sudden realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. "Oh fuck!" She exclaimed, Oluwatomisin! That was the name. Tommy was the man her mother had arranged for her. The name echoed in her mind, triggering a flood of memory that had been buried. She hoped to God that he bailed. She didn't know much about him except that he was well-educated, rich and came from a respectable family.

Tommy had a warm smile on his face after she showed realization. "You're the Oluwaoluwa something I'm supposed to meet." "OluwaTomisin but you can call me Tommy for convenience." "Wow."

"Yeah I know. You didn't expect I'll be this good looking."

Brenda chuckled, "Shut up!" She snapped playfully and he chuckled, "I actually checked your pictures out," He confessed. "That doesn't sound fair, it's not a blind date when you don't have your own blindfolds on." She replied and he smiled, "That's where the fun is. I just never envisioned you'll be this beautiful in person. Your Facebook pictures didn't do you any justice. You look stunning."

Brenda chuckled, "Flatter much," "I speak as I'm led to, you can call me Mr sweet mouth though. If you don't mind..." He paused looking down at his buzzing phone as it vibrated in his hands.  "If you don't mind, can you be my date for the day?"

"For the whole day?"

"It can transcend to something more after now, i don't mind. I really won't mind." He answered with a grin and she looked down at his buzzing phone. "You might want to answer the call."

He groaned and lifted a finger, "Hold that thought... I'll be back." He replied walking away then she quickly reached out for her phone. She had friends to call but she found herself calling Kilahi instead.

The sound of music resounded from the Kilahi's end. "Where are you?" Brenda asked creasing her eye brow and Kilahi laughed mumbling words that made no meaning to her. "I didn't say anything funny." "You're not even funny." Kilahi replied and Brenda gasped feigning hurt.

"Thank you for the unnecessary revelation." "I was just laughing to.." "I didn't ask." Brenda snapped back at her, hoping to hurt her feelings too.

"I'll make you listen anyway." Kilahi snapped and she held her laughter.

"I was laughing to Gbadamosi's dance move. We are at the Coker's house and he wants to challenge me to a dance off. I told him to challenge his ancestors not me."

Brenda chuckles,  "Can you dance?" "I can't answer that question for myself, dance is in the eyes of the beholder. In my eyes, with the way i dance, I can open a dance academy to teach people but in someone's eyes, I might just be doing left and right church moves so let's leave my talent for another day conversation."

"I never asked for the conversation in the first place." "But you enjoyed it, you even laughed" "I chuckled." "You should pay for entertainment, I'm sure you're not doing anything interesting and I just made you laugh."

"Ouch."

Kilahi laughed, "Just whinning you. I hope you know I wasn't been serious." "Shocker." She replied sarcastically. "You should meet Hilary, sometimes you need to meet people that will whine you once in a while. Life should not be rigid everytime. So what's up?"

Brenda sighs, "Nothing interesting since my life Is always boring according to you." "Calm down, aunty Brenda, take a chill pill." "Did you just call me Aunty Brenda. " "I'm in a good mood."

"I can see. I'm sure the reason starts with a G and ends with a I" "It ends with a D, the person is GOD... don't give that big head credit. God Is the source of my joy." 

Brenda laughed, "God and Gbadamosi, the two Gees in your life." "Something like that. Enough talk about me. What's going on?" She asked and Brenda sneezed again.

"Bless you. Are you okay?"

"Kilahi?"

"Huh?"

"You're a freaking talkative." "Accepted. What did you call me for? Isn't it to talk? Are we supposed  to do sign language over the phone?"

Brenda chuckled, "What have this igala girl done to me?" "Maybe it's your ancestors that are Igalas, I'm not even from Kogi. I'm Igede!" "What's the difference?" "And you're also a Igbo girl," "I'm not." "What's the difference? We're all one Nigeria now.'

"Okay I get your point..... You're not Igala, you're Igede." She agreed and Kilahi laughed. "You and your British accent, it's you're Igede for me."

"Will you just shut up? I don't know what you've done to me. I have friends you  know but here I am calling you." "Cause I'm special."

"Whatever!"

"Are you at the wedding already? Have you seen your date?"

"Yep."

"Okay.... I guess the blindfold has been removed. How does the person look like? Sorry, let me rephrase cause look doesn't matter, it's the personality and heart that matters. How is this Oluwasomething?"

A sharp chuckle escaped  Brenda's lips, "We started on a wrong note," "This one Is sounding like she's in love already." "I am not easy to get to. I mean he had a lame line, the lamest actually, he called me beauty and himself Beast."

"Is this the part I say 'Awn?'"

"If you were close I would have thrown a slipper on you." "Better be Dunlop slipper, if it's a Crocs, depending on the kind of Crocs, prepare to take me to a five star hospital, I won't accept less."

Brenda laughed and sneezed again, "I'm allergic to the flowers, I've been sneezing like..." "Sorry. Ehya, ajebuta and their issues." "Really? You just called me an ajebura" "Even your ajebutter is missing a T. Ajebura, look at your head."

Brenda tightened her fist, "What in  the fuck.." "No f language in our conversation. I only speak several languages, dirty ones are not part of it." "What did you eat?" "True oh! I haven't eaten anything like seriously. So where's this guy?"

"He just left. He had a call, perhaps from a girlfriend."

"Welcome to assumers club, let me give you my right hand of fellowship. He might be a business call." "Let's just assume until we find out the truth. He might have a girlfriend."

"And he's on a blind date."

"You don't know men and what they'll do to satisfy an average African parent. Gbada did the same."

Kilahi exhaled in defeat, "You're right though. Parents can be persistent sometimes." "All the time, how did I get here? Through mom's persistence. She even gaslighted me into waiting. Urgh!"

"Maybe God wants you to be there. Who knows?"

"You think Tommy might be my Nigerian Prince?" "I didn't say so." "Kilahi, I'm leaving Nigeria after the birthday party ." "I'll miss you too," "Argh! I didn't say I'll miss you."

"You don't have to insist, I know you'll miss me."

"I'm going to avoid you right now and just..."

Kilahi cleared her throat, "All I'm just saying is, sometimes, God has a bigger picture and plan for us, his plans and purposes for us is usually picture perfect, even though it doesn't look like it. Time, chance and places, theses are tools God uses to actualize his plans.  We just need to be sensitive enough to take note of the indicators to know whether to turn left, right or just pause for the next moving vehicle before an accident occur. It's people who turn without taking note of indicators from God that end up in the ditch. I'm not going to take note of them for you."

Brenda exhales, "I don't know what to say." "I'm not saying he's not the one." "I'm saying be open-minded and study the guy." "Okay..... Okay. For the record, he's not bad looking."

"On the scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best"

"8" She replied and Kilahi shrieked then Brenda noticed Ugo shaking hands with a man. He was dressed in a red and gold Isiagu blouse, black trousers and a long cane.  "The fuck!" She blurted out, "Language Brenda! Language."

"What the actual fuck?!" "Really?"

"You won't believe who i just saw."

"Who? Your charming with his actual girlfriend?"

Brenda let out a soft chuckle then she scoffed afterwards, "No!" She groaned rubbing her fingers against her forehead. "Oh my God. God knows I don't want any other additional wahala... I've been through a lot already. How many wahala does a girl have to go through in one day? What the ...heck...heck, I wasn't going to say fuck" She replied consciously and conscientiously.

"It's funny when you say wahala in a British accent." "Trust me when i call this one wahala. Remember when I told the story of the guy who came in to alleviate the situation with that horrible smelly guy only for him to fan the whole situation to flame. I must have mentioned it to you."

"The one who didn't believe you."

"Yes! When you put it that way, you make it sound like that's the only reason I'm angry with him!"

"Well obviously!"

Brenda rolled her eyes, "One, we met at the salon and he insulted me, even called my Dad my sugar Daddy." "I can't be partial here, I'm sure you must have said something." "A benefit of the doubt is all I ask for." "So you didn't say anything bad to him."

"The prick was flirting with me meanwhile he came along with his girlfriend."

"So you said something bad to him then?"

"I can't remember much of what I said, I mean he called my Dad my sugar Daddy. Do I look like a kind of babe to go around frolicking with men older than my father. I have dignity. All I ask is your support. Women supporting women right?"

"Sorry I'm not in that WhatsApp group for now, I can't judge when the story is one-sided, sorry." She opened her mouth to protest, but closed it again.

Her eyes slowly followed Ugo, she caught a glimpse of his profile again as he laughed with a female who now had her arms wrapped around his waist. They both laughed hard then he grabbed a glass of wine from her gulping it all.

Her belly churned as she watched him.

"Are you still there?" Kilahi asked and she scoffed, "Yes! Have you ever been so disappointed that someone is alive?" She asked and Kilahi scoffed, "That's a terrible thing to wish for?"

"I have this feeling in my belly. l"

"Like butterflies."

"More like hate."

"That's not Christian like, Jesus didn't even hate those who acted like enemies to him. Even at the cross he said forgive them father for they know not what they're doing. That's the perspective we should always have as believers, whenever people intentionally or unintentionally try to annoy us, let's just assume they don't know what they're doing, it helps the forgiving process. It won't be bad to assume he was ignorant, you can't grow spiritually with so much much hate in your heart."

Brenda exhaled, "I just want to avoid him that's just all." She answered only to see her mother now coming in between the Ugo and his friend. "What the fuck is going on?" "Language Brenda!"

"Why is my mother talking to them?"

"Your mom?"

Mrs Arolowo smiled at Ugo, "Isn't this Lota's brother?" "Uh...." Ugo racked his memory to remember the woman in front of him. Her face was awfully familiar but he couldn't make out where he knew her from.

"You can't remember bah?" Mrs Arolowo asked and the lady beside him named Tinuke laughed, "How can you forget Mummy?"

"Her face looks familiar but.. I'm sorry Ma." He bowed regretfully.

"I met you through your sister several years ago, she came to assist a friend's daughter in cooking and you were her errand boy and then again, I met you again during her wedding. Your sister is a very supportive friend of the family."

Ugo blinked his eyes, "Now I remember, what's the name though? " "Mrs Arolowo dear, you're Ugochukwu, I still remember." "Now i feel horrible. Good afternoon Ma, you look dashing Ma." "Thank you dear. Aren't you good looking?" "I'm always good looking Ma." He replied and the Tinuke laughed. "You have a hell of a pride I hope you know." She snapped, "Doesn't change the obvious fact that I'm still good looking." He winked at her and Mrs Arolowo grinned.

"Uncle you were supposed to say thank you and clean your mouth.'

"This one you and Tinuke are together like this.... Is there news?"

Ugo cringed, "Please! Who wants to date this one?" "I don't want to date someone that will end up seeing more vagina other than his wife's own." "I'm a surgeon." "Na so!" "I won't like to date an air hostess too, they sleep with all the pilots."

"Ouch! That's a lie now."

"Since we're tackling ourselves using myth now, do me, I do you, man no vex." "Abeg I vex, which one is sleeping with pilot again?".

Mrs Arolowo laughed, "You guys should kukuma  invite me for the wedding" She teased and Tinuke gasped,  "Mummy i'm engaged oh? who wants to marry this ugly face? " The lady yelled, and he snorts.

"You wish!"

Mrs Arolowo giggled, "I'm not surprised to see Tinuke here but you Ugo, what business do you have here?" "The bride is my colleague." "Really? You work at the same hospital now? Wow, it's indeed a small world. I was there two weeks ago. I didn't even know I could see you and I've been asking your sister about you. How is she? I mean Lotachukwu, the last time I bumped into her, it was in a mall and she was pregnant. I asked about you, did she mention?"

"She didn't."

Tinuke slapped his arm, "You can't even cover up for your sister. UG, you have no loyalty at all!" "Am I supposed to lie?"

Mrs Arolowo chuckled, "It's been years since I've seen you. Wow, you must be a successful doctor now." "Actually" Ugo's brow raised in pride, "More like a surgeon." "Yinmu" Tinuke raised her nose in disbelief, "Your jealousy stinks Tinuke dear." Mrs Arolowo snapped playfully and Ugo lifted his shoulder in pride like a bloated chicken.

"Ah, Mummy! You're giving this  Igbo boy privilege."

"How did tribalism find it's way into this conversation?"

Mrs Arolowo smiled, "I wonder" "Mummy!" "So my doctor, I haven't introduced you to my daughter before, have i? No I haven't." "She's here."  "Oh wow! She is?" Ugo scattered his eyes aimlessly while Tinuke raised her brow in shock, "Brenda is here in Nigeria? I thought she left for London already"

"Not here oh."

Ugo kept looking around, "I don't even know who I'm supposed to be looking out for but I'm sure she'll be as beautiful as you are Ma."

Mrs Arolowo smiled, "Let me show you two to her."

Brenda blinked her eyes on seeing them walking towards her. "Fuck! Why are they suddenly walking towards me?" "They?" "Mom and the trouble maker that just doesn't want to let me be. Is he following me? Is that it?" "That's an expensive accusation and I have to go now. This kind of long call, it's not even WhatsApp call. I have to resume future daughter in law duty so... Bye bye, fill me in with the rest gist. Just take a deep breath and try not to blow things out of proportion."

Brenda exhaled, "I'm not promising." She replied ending the call. 

Her heart raced faster as he approached them, she didn't understand why, maybe it was fear of overeacting. She couldn't help but acknowledge how magnificent  he looked on that Isiagu dress and the black cap. It's not everyday she admires a man on the native Igbo dress but this one was absolutely stunning! From the fitting to every detailing, he definitely had a knack for dressing elegantly. He was definitely making a stunning statement with this outfit.

Ugo smirked as he approached Brenda's table, thoughts ran through his mind. Could Brenda be Mrs Arolowo's daughter? The question answers itself cause they were obviously walking towards her and from Tinuke's excitement, Brenda was definitely the one!

Mrs Arolowo smiled, "Brenda dear, come here!" She demanded but Brenda remained glued to the chair. "Oh my God Brenda!" Tinuke screamed and hugged her, unfortunately Brenda couldn't respond with the same enthusiasm.

She didn't remember her!

Tinuke moved back and laughed, "You don't even recognize me anymore, I'm always introducing myself every time to you. It's well, nice to meet you. I thought you were in London." "I will be going back soon, this Sunday or Monday hopefully. I'm sorry, I can't seem to remember you."

"Then I'll reintroduce myself again even though you'll still forget me"

"I'm sorry."

Tinuke shrugged, "There's no biggie, I'm not one of those village people that will hold it against you. I'll gossip about it but I won't hold it against you.."

"Thanks." She replied sneezing loudly with her palm hovered against her nose.

"Bless you." Everyone chorused and she looked up at Ugo.

"Are you sure you won't check yourself, you've been sneezing since you got here. Thank God there's a doctor here. Brenda I want you to meet Dr Ugo, he's Lota's brother. I know you don't remember people much, Lota is Temi's friend. You were all on her bridal train."

"The pregnant one?"

"Weren't there two pregnant women on her train?"

"The fair and funny one?"

"That's Lota. Someone finally remembered, this is her brother Ugo. It's funny to meet him here, I have been asking his sister about him for a while. Ugo meet Brenda."

Ugo stretched his hands at her but she refused. "I'm not in the habit of deceiving myself, you can take your hand and shove it into another interested hand, not mine cause I'm not going to pretend like we're cool cause we're not. We're so not cool." She snapped to her mother's shock.

Mrs Arolowo cleared her throat, "I take it you two know each other." "Yes Mom." "Is he....." She trailed off giving off a suspicious look, "Of course not Mom! I won't be caught dead with this one. He's the one who accused me after defending me from that woman beater."

Mrs Arolowo's eyes widened in realization, "Oh. I thought you were once acquainted."  "No Ma'am, I don't date women like her, no offense." Ugo replied subtly and Brenda gasped, "Offense taken!" "Brenda!" Mrs Arolowo whispered.

"Mommy, i clearly didn't insult him."

"I didn't either." Ugo replied.

Brenda scoffed, "Barely a minute into talking to you again and I feel like punching you in the face already." "If that will be enough to take the consistent anger away, sure. Are you always this angry? I don't think there's a time I've ever seen you calm... Well, except the first five minutes of our conversation at the salon until you ruined it all."

"I ruined it? You left your girlfriend in the salon to hit on another woman. Shame on you!" "She wasn't even my girlfriend!" "Clearly! Since you hit on everything on skirts." She snapped turning towards Tinuke who laughed lifting her finger to reveal her engagement ring.

"I am off the market." She replied dropping her hands while Brenda sucked her lips in shame, "Oh. Sorry, you had your arms around him the other time" 

Ugo sniggered, "Wait, were you watching me all these while?" "Oh please! I had better things to look at?"

Tinuke gave him a look to keep him
look shut, "UG is my personal guy, he's a lady's guy so I don't blame you for thinking that way but he's not the type of guy" "To not hit on everything  in skirt, after all that was what she said."  Ugo snapped peering  at Tinuke who was now rolling her eyes.

Look at someone she was trying to help! He's even adding fuel to the fire! But why does she sense a chemistry brewing?

Brenda scoffed, "Until proven, this  guy is no more than a fucking womanizer, a prick and egoistic sideliner."

Ugo rolled his eyes, "Again with the anger, what's  your issue?" "I don't have one." "Geez! I wonder where all the anger is coming from. Your mom is a calm person, it's hard to believe this apple fell from this tree."

"Fuck you!"

"Brenda!" Mrs Arolowo snapped, "Really? We're in public" "Mom, you heard him."

"He clearly didn't insult you. Now compose yourself.""

"Now you're taking his side Mom."

The smug that formed on Ugo's face sent Brenda's blood boiling. "Wipe that smirk off your fucking face!" "Will you tone it down?" Mrs Arolowo asked, "Again, we're in public." She whispered afterwards while flashing fake smiles at people.

"I really don't want his wahala again, I just want to have a peaceful day. Is that so hard to ask for?" "I haven't even done anything."

"Really?"

"Okay, what did I do?"

"For someone one who doesn't wait to hear one's  side of the story before judging, I won't want to waste my spit."

Mrs Arolowo finally realized how Brenda knew him. "Is he the one?" "Yes! The arrogant man who judged me wrongly." "You were throwing fits." "The least you could have done was ask why! I don't even owe you any fucking explanation."

"I didn't know he...."

"Oh save it! Cause you didn't ask damn it!"

Ugo sucked his lips then Mrs Arolowo gave Tinuke a look, "I think we should leave these two alone to sort out whatever  problem they have." "Don't! I'm scared I'll kill him if he makes me angry."

"I'm shaking in my pants already."

Brenda raised her brow arrogantly and he sniggered to her irritation. "You two are adults, sort things out. I'm sure Ugo didn't mean any harm." "Mom you're supporting a stranger over your daughter."

"Ugo isn't a stranger."

"You probably met him once, I know it's a Nigerian thing to feel like you've known each other because one acquaintance or the other, it doesn't change the fact he's a stranger."

"Talk to him."

"Who said I want to?" She snapped at her mother, "I didn't  ask for an introduction in the first place. For next time sake, you should  probably ask me if I'm interested in an introduction rather than imposing it on me!"

Tinuke held Mrs Arolowo by the shoulder, "Let's leave them." She whispered and they both left.

Ugo scoffed, "That was rude but I shouldn't be surprised should I?" "Fuck you!" "Your mom deserves an apology." "Will you shut the fuck up? What's it with you? I never asked for an introduction."

"If you didn't have a better way to say it, you could have keep those lips shut."

She took a deep breath and her  allergies started to act up. Her nose began to itch, and she felt the urge to sneeze. Embarrassed, she excused herself from the crowd and found a quiet spot in the garden. When Ugo approached her, she was wiping her nose with an handkerchief. She groaned on seeing him then she felt a pang of shame hit her, she wasn't comfortable blowing her nose in front of a guy.

"What are you doing here?"

"It seemed like you needed help? Are you okay?"

Brenda covered her palm over her face then she sneezed again, "Bless you." He replied and she turned back in shame, "Can you not look at me?" "Why? Because  you're the first woman in the world to have a sneeze? Don't feel too important, as a doctor, I'm taking a huge risk coming close. Who knows maybe you should be quarantined." He teased and she turned towards him angrily. "Oh God! Why did you follow me?" She asked and he paused taking in the beautiful rare sight.

"I was... Um.... Your Mom."

Brenda groaned then she stomped her feet, "Isn't it your fault? Do you have to come in and make things worst?" "Do I make things worst?"  "That shouldn't be a breaking news to you or is it? You know what? You have a way of getting into my skin, you're a bad rash." She snapped then she sneezed twice, "Bless you." Ugo replied.

"Thank you." She responded unconsciously then she tightened her fist."See I don't want your wahala this afternoon, it's a hot afternoon as it is and I don't want you adding to my headache."

Ugo sniggered again, "You just said wahala with a British accent." "Do you have a problem with that?" "Must everything about you be a problem? That was an harmless comment."  He replied dipping on of his hands into his trousers while one hand rested against the cane.

Brenda exhaled, "I don't respond well to bad rashes."
Well this bad rash happened  to be good-looking too! She couldn't  even deny it to herself. His dress was gracefully tailored to perfection. The intricate embroidery along the collar added a touch of sophistication, while the delicate red button on it added a hint of beauty. The dress embraced him like a second skin, it even accentuates his physique.

She had to blinked out of her thought. Where was she again?? Yes, bad rash!

"I don't respond well to girls with bad character too, hence the reason I reacted the way I did." "I don't have a...." She trailed off, 'You can't make conclusion based on two times we met. That's a hasty and bias generalization." "

"You mean four times?"

"You must be delusional, we've only met twice."

Ugo chuckled, "The four times I met you, you weren't in a good mood." "You must be sick to think I'll believe that." She paused lifting her head to observe his look. Damn was he serious, she was beginning to believe him.

"Are you serious? Okay, where?"

"I must be sick right?"

Brenda's eyes lit up with interest, "Obviously because it's unbelievable! We've only met like... The first time we met was at the salon and then..."  "I better keep it to myself." "Can you just be mature for some seconds? We're two adults."

"Oh now you know." He asked laughing hard cause the interest and rising anger in her eyes was evident even though she was trying hard to tone it down. "A little maturity won't hurt would it? I asked a simple question, you didn't have to make it bounce back."

"Have you heard the saying, what goes around." "Yeah, it comes biting your ass. The question here is, how in the world did your encounter with me add up to four?"

Ugo stared and said nothing, he was enjoying her oblivion. "Cats got your tongue?" "Say please!" "Oh wow, so much for maturity." "You're not even asking nicely."

"How nice can a girl be?"

"Maybe when you start to act like a proper lady."

"Screw you."

Ugo chuckled, "You can't be nice even if your life depends on it." He snapped and she scoffed and took a deep breath. "End of discussion. I'm done!"

"Apologize first."

"For what?"

"All the insults have received."

"Insults? I was the one insulted by you."

"First at the Salon, when I walked in, you called me a noisemaker, you transferred whatever anger you were feeling that moment towards me and my friend. I wasn't even angry about that.."

"Oh wow, that explains the numeration at the beginning of your sentence." She chipped in sarcastically and he chuckled.

"Two, you called me a two-timing douchebag"

"Cause you were!"

"You're doing it again."

"You stepped on my toes."

"How? By asking if you remembered me?"

"You were clearly hitting on me while your girlfriend was metres away from us. And you also called me a name that I can't pronounce.."

"Because you were jumping into conclusion. "

"Are you trying to deny you two aren't intimate? You two looked like...." She sneezed softly, "Bless you" "Couples." She completed  dropping her hands.

"At least even though she was. She's young enough to be my girlfriend. You're sleeping  with a man old enough to be your father."

Brenda scoffed, "I'm not going to stand and listen to you insult me." "Why? Are you ashame of the fact you have a sugar daddy?" "Fuck you."

"Why do you have one then? Why does a beautiful woman like yourself need a sugar daddy?"

Brenda wanted to raise her voice to speak but the compliment in between silenced her, "I don't have a sugar Daddy." "Who is he then? A distant Uncle you're fucking?"

Brenda slapped him on the face then she stomped out but he pulled her close. "I'm sorry, I went out of line." He exhaled with a scoffed, he had no idea why he said that. Then he took a few seconds to observe if anyone saw the slap. People were not gathered there, the loud music toned down the sound of the slap.

"I went out of line. It was unnecessary."

"You think?" She snapped then she rolled her eyes searching for her date, "You know what? I don't want to have this conversation with you right now."

"Why are you running away from it if it isn't true. I mean you had him arrest Jack." "Say what?"

"Jack.... The one who harassed you at the gym. "

Brenda scoffed, "I didn't have anyone arrested." "Well rumour has it you did, I mean not directly but through a certain man named Mr Arolowo, the man you were clearly with, shalewa remembered the name and I've seen you with him before at the gym once."

Brenda blinked, she had questions and thoughts running through her mind but the most pressing was how a man was arrested without her knowledge. "Are you sure he was arrested"

"He was jailed for two days."

"Oh my.... I swear to God, I wasn't aware he had him arrested. I complained to him, I didn't think...." "Chris said the man doesn't joke with the women in his life including his side chicks."

Brenda shut her eyes, she wasn't sure whether to be ashame that moment because  of his father's public display of promiscuity. "I'm not a side chick." "What are you then?"

"My name Is Brenda Arolowo, doesn't that tell you something?" She snapped and his eyes widened in realization. "Oh... Is he your Dad?"

"No, he's my sugar Daddy, that explains why we share the same surname.  I told you he was my dad from the first day we met." "I didn't believe you because you didn't believe me as well, it was immature  I have to admit and I'm sorry."

Brenda rolled her eyes, "I need to make sure it was Dad who had him arrested. For all we know he might have made trouble with someone else." She paused, "Dad would have told me."

"And what would you have done?"

"I was pissed at that fool, not enough to have him sleep in jail. I'm not a bad person." She answered but the indifference on his face ticked her off. "Think whatever you want!" She snapped dialing her father's number.

"I didn't even say a word."

"You didn't need to." she replied, her voice filled with defiance. Ignoring his bewildered expression, she focused on dialing her father's number on her phone. The familiar ringing echoed in her ears until a warm voice finally answered, "Hello sweetie"

"Hello Dad."

"How is my princess doing?"

"Not so great Dad." "Is anyone hurting you?"

Brenda glanced at Ugo, on second thought, the man looming in front of her was hurting her feelings. "That's not why I called Dad. Remember the guy that almost harassed me?"

"Don't tell me he tried something funny again."

"No. Did you in anyway get the man arrested?" "Yes I did." "Why?" "I had to teach the bastard some lesson."  "Without letting me know. I deserved to know. How did you figure him out? I didn't exactly show you a picture."

"Why are you asking?"

"A man slept in jail."

"For harassing you. He's lucky I didn't take his matter beyond that. I could have made him serve time." "Dad, you could have told me. Geez! No wonder everyone at the gym was staring at me like I killed someone's mother. Argh!"

"No one harasses my daughter and goes scot-free."

"I'm so pissed off Dad, you could have told me."

"Sweetheart, I'm too busy at the moment to deal with your tantrums." "Tantrum?" She asked then heard a female voice from the other end.

"Dad, where are you?"

"In a meeting. I'll call you back." His voice went high pitched then he ended the call.

Brenda squeezed the phone fuming with anger. She didn't need a soothsayer to tell her where her father was. He was definitely with one of his numerous side chicks.

That cheating.....

"Hey." Ugo pulled her out of her thought. The weight of her father's deception burdened her, casting a pall over her countenance.  "Are you okay?" He asked and she folded her hands in guilt.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to push past the pain. Guilt  overwhelmed her. "I didn't know he was arrested much less jailed for two days."

"I thought you planned it all."

"Yes! Because I'm an evil bitch." She uttered in a sarcastic tone, the weight of her words lingered in the air. It was a moment that could easily shape one's perception of her.

"You don't even know me."  She added.

"You know what they say about first impressions, much less, four bad impressions." "I've literally only met you twice in my entire life."

"I've met you four times."

"You said you saw me in the gym with my father. Could that be one?"

"Yes. You were punching a bag and you seemed pretty much angry." "Was I supposed to smile and punch?"

Ugo chuckled.

"Stop laughing, it's not funny. You probably thought I was with my sugar daddy. Was that after or before the Salon?"

"Before the salon."

Brenda scoffed. It finally dawned on her why he wanted to know if she remembered him that day. "Was that why you asked if I remembered  you? How was I supposed to remember you? I didn't even see you that day."

"I didn't ask because of that day, it was because of the first time we actually met."

She gasped, "That wasn't the first?" "No." He replied shaking his head. "I'm confused now, when?" "Maybe after I get some quality apology. " "That makes the two of us. You said some pretty nasty things too and I admit it, I did too." She trailed off watching Ugo smile admittedly.

After a long pause he cleared his throat playfully. "This is the part where the apology comes in or the part you allow pride set in? Pride actually has the power to control the lips from being down to earth."

"No one asked you."

"I know... Just trying to create a point."

Brenda scoffed recalling Kilahi's advise, she exhaled and rolled her eyes. "I'm....." She trailed off, "As much as I want to withhold but for God sake, I'm going to have to say I'm sorry."

"For?"

This time she groaned in frustration, "The fuck! I already said I'm sorry, what does it matter? Why do you have to make life more difficult that it has to be?" "Gives the apology weight. I'm an African man." 

"Should I make it written too? Perhaps a formal letter?" She asked sarcastically and he laughed. "Sarcastic much?" "Whatever, let's just get this over with then. I'm sorry for being rude at the salon and for the several insinuations that I made and I'm sorry for slapping you a while back."

Ugo chuckled, "Nah, I deserved that, I went overboard." "I thought African men were supposed to be egocentric and love their respect." "Respect is reciprocal, I spoke out of turn because of what I already had conceived in mind already about you and your sugar Daddy and reciprocated it with a well-deserved slap."

"Why does it matter to you?"

"I only wondered what a beautiful young woman like yourself could be doing with a man old enough to be your father. I just couldn't balance the equation so.... I had questions and i guess I answered it on my own by creating my own assumptions to clear the suspense in my mind. Apology accepted and I'm sorry too. One, for rolling in the same mud as you because you assumed Shalewa was my girlfriend and...."

Brenda cuts in with a scoff, "Wow, so I'm the pig now." "You didn't hear it from me." "Really? He's not even denying it." She chipped in and they both laughed.

"Two," he picked  up from where he left off, "For letting that conception of you being rude cloud my judgement at the gym. I didn't even know he touched your ..."

Brenda scoffed, "Well you didn't ask in the first place." "Yeah... Like I said, my judgement was clouded and it was unfair of me to think you were at fault."

"You called me an attention seeker."

Ugo sniggered, "Because you were blowing things out of proportion, I asked for a name and you assumed it was lame a way of asking. I was being civil." "And I was the barbarian speaking in thousands. I don't like people saying I have anger issues."

"How do you explain your frequent outburst and foul language?'

Brenda rolled her and eyes and he lifted his hands in surrender, "That's the whole point of the apology. I already said I'm sorry and I mean it. My reaction was fueled from assumptions." He replied and she exhaled folding her hands.

"Okay. Apology..... not accepted."

He widened his eyes in horror, he didn't expect to hear that, "Really? That's not fair, I accepted your apology."

She chuckled softly, the response was quite  satisfying. "I feel I shouldn't  serve your the apology on a platter of gold. I should probably make you work for it." She replied hiding  a smile and a grin etched on his lips.

The first time can be neglected, the second time might be a coincidence,meeting her a third and fourth time might he fate calling out to you.........

Shalewa's words resonated in his mind.
What is the Lord saying??

Perhaps this was just the time to be a friend. She looked beautiful. Was it the dress or it was just her stunning appearance, or the radiance of her outer beauty. Her dark complexion that glowed under the sun. Her smooth skin was a blend of warmth and richness that resembled the color of silky chocolate. Her natural hair packed in an Afro, mehn... she looked breathtaking and he couldn't even deny it.

It felt like the other day outside the salon. Like how he wanted to it was her really her hair or she attached another hair to it.  Only to be disappointed by the fact that her inner beauty did not match her outward appearance.

Maybe there was more to her than the outward, getting close to her seemed like the best idea that moment.

"Is dinner enough work?" He asked with a playful glint in his eye, catching her off guard. She blinked, a smile escaping her lips as she processed the unexpected question. Did he just ask her out? She unconsciously bit her lower lip. She obviously didn't see that coming.

The question lingered in the air then she cleared her throat to answer, "Well depends on who's cooking?" "Is that a question? You don't even look like you can boil water." He was toying with her, he could  feel something heating up and abruptly cooling  down the tension that once was.

"Ouch. You sure know how to hurt a girl's feeling."

"Sorry." Ugo chuckled, "Are you?" "No I'm not sorry. I wasn't talking about cooking dinner, I meant will taking you out."

Brenda scoffed, "Are you asking me on a date?" "Wait, did I say that in French?" "Screw you!" She snapped and they both laughed quietly. "Is this your way of pitching your product to a bad market?" She asked and he laughed recalling how he had called her a bad market at the salon.

"If I recall clearly..... You said products like me get expired without being sold off."

"That's why those products usually gets test-run to know their durability." "I hate tests, there's that possibility of either failing or going through to the next round."

"Come on, it's just a date, no one said anything about a marriage proposal." "That wasn't what I meant."

"It wasn't?" He asked and she  blinked her eyes in embarrassment then she slapped his arm.

"I can't believe you! You're very annoying."

Ugo sniggered throwing his head backwards, "Sorry, just pulling your legs." "Clown much?" "Half of the time."

"You should get yourself a costume then."

He shrugged reluctantly, "I'll still look good in it anyway. I make anything look good." "You're proud." "I've been called a bad rash." "Yes! You get under my skin and you give me a terrible itch!"

"What's your response?"

"Won't your girlfriend be worried about his boyfriend going on a date with me?"

Ugo chuckled, "Is that your own lame way of asking me if I have a girlfriend." "I'll hate some girl dragging my hair because I was caught talking to her boyfriend." "Who? Tinuke?" He asked pointing aimlessly.

"No the other one from the salon."

"She's my best friend's girl and also my best friend in a kind of way.". She instantly threw in a suspicious look, "Not in that kind of way" He replied and they both chuckled.

"I'm waiting for an answer."

As the gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers through the party, Brenda sneezed again. "Stop sneezing, I can't be blessing you for free." He replied and she broke out in giggles . "You're really crazy. It's an allergy and I sure didn't come with any allergy pills. I think it's  the flowers. I know it is."

"Rich children can be allergic to anything? Flowers, bees even food. So like this now, one cannot get you a bouquet. You might sneeze over it."

"I love roses. I've never sneezed over one so..." She shrugged,  "One time I went to an Orchard cause I travel a lot. It was a complete disaster. I had a.."

"There you are! " Tommy cuts in from a distance. She turned around to see a him standing there, a friendly smile on his face. "Oh"" she replied, trying to sound more composed than she felt. Just when she was enjoying her conversation with Ugo. He closed in on the both of them. She almost forgot about him! "I've been looking everywhere for you but I wasn't so hard to look for the most beautiful girl in the party."

Brenda chuckled, she was indirectly a sucker for compliments, "Chessy much?" "What's marc without cheese?" He asked and Ugo arced his brow in the absurdity of that line.

What brought Marc and cheese into the conversation? He didn't understand why she was laughing at the lame line. But if he was the one who dished that line, she would have snapped back at him.

"I apologize for taking so long. I had a business call with one of my business partner from Malaysia." "Oh. I had a bad sneeze, I had to come out here to avoid the whole embarrassment of having a spillage."

"Sorry. Who's your friend?" He asked glancing at Ugo,   "Um... His name is..."

Ugo extendedhis hands towards him, "The name is Ugochukwu." Tommy shook his hand, "OluwaTomisi or you can call me Tommy. My friends all over the world call me Tommy. Thanks for filling in while I was away, If you don't mind, my date and I will like to resume our conversation."

"Date?" He asked staring at Brenda who wished she could explain but she couldn't. "Long story Ugo." She said the Ugo with a hint of British accent and he chuckled.

"Hey, don't spoil my name! It's  Ugo."

"I tried U-go"

"It's not only U-go, it's U turn."

Brenda chuckled and Tommy cleared his throat giving Ugo a familiar bro code look for his for him to excuse the both of them. "At this point, I'll go and see who's legs i can pull. Enjoy the party."

"You too." Tommy replied then he smiled at Brenda. "I don't recall agreeing to be your date?"

"What can I say? Men have the tendency of being territorial when they feel threatened. He's not threat enough though." "You think?"

"I know." He replied with a smirk, "You look absolutely stunning Brenda and I will want more than anything to...." He trailed off pulling out his buzzing phone from his pocket.

"Girlfriend troubles?"

He laughed shaking his head, "No. I don't have a girlfriend. Unbelievable but that's just the simple truth. It's business. I have to be in China but I...." He trailed off sending a text message to the caller.

He finally plunged his phone and stared into her beautiful face. "You're a work of art and I won't mind putting you up in my gallery. That might be another lame line but I'm sure everyone will fly across the world to see you. You'll be the center of attraction like I'm attracted  to you right now."

Brenda bit her lower lips then she giggled. "You sure have a way of turning the oldest line in your favor." "Did it work?" He asked and she shrugged and smiled.

"After today, if you're not too busy. I'll like to take you on a date."

Brenda groaned, "I'm leaving Nigeria to London, I'm sorry." "I wasn't planning on taking you to any place in Nigeria. A queen like you deserves to be spoiled. I was thinking a date in any country of your choice, an all expense paid trip on me. I'm quite the traveller myself dear."

"I see you've done your research."

Tommy grinned and she shrugged unsure of her choice. The idea of travelling sounds appealing to her. "I've been stressed these past few days, I do deserve to be spoiled."

"What's our destination?"

"I can't say for now."

He pouts, "Promise you'll give me a call?" "I..." Brenda trailed off, "Don't break a guy's heart. This might have started out as a blind date but i'm really interested in seeing where this leads to."

Brenda bit her lower lip, "Are you  guilt-tripping me?" "No, I just want to hear you promise that you'll think of the handsome King here." "Isn't that charming?"

"Promise?"

She sighed in defeat, "Okay fine, I promise. I'll think of it." "Super. Care for a drink?"

Editi Communication

"Tomorrow is our major concern here at Editi Communication, the world in it's diversities experience change in hope for a better tomorrow and our tomorrow starts now" This announcement blasted off the speakers while Deja made her way into the establishment. Her nerves tingled as she made her way to the receptionist's desk.

The receptionist looked up as she approached then she rolled her eyes. There hasn't been a day she hasn't stopped by that week. Deja noticed the rolling of eyes but she was unconcerned. "Feel free to roll your eyes, I know I've been on your neck the whole week but this is just the beginning."

"Good day Ma. How can I be of help to you?" She asked, her voice friendly and inviting. She was clearly pretending.

"Let's not pretend you don't know how you can be of help to me. Please call for Vincent" She  replied firmly, her eyes fixed on the receptionist.

The receptionist's smile faltered, and she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Ma, I can't do that," she said softly, avoiding eye contact.  "Can't or won't? Please take out that negative word from your vocabulary and replace with 'I can"

She hesitated, "This is not a seminar Ma, it's an organization in case you've forgotten and we have protocols so I won't be able to call for Mr Edolor." "Sorry I don't speak negative, the only language I've decided to pay attention to is positive and affirmative statements like yes and yes."

"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it's going to be a no from my end cause I have specific orders."

"Well, I'm not leaving until I see him"

The receptionist rolled her eyes, "Ma, this isn't necessary." "You just wait, I'll make a scene right here"

"And I might just have to call security on you."

Deja shrugged in defeat then she exhaled, disappoinment  washed over her. "Have a good day then." She chipped in and then walked towards the staircase. She quickened her step, trying to escape being caught, but it was too late. The receptionist fixed her gaze on her, standing in the way to the stairways.

"Excuse me, Miss!" she called out, but Deja ignored her, swiftly darting past and climbing the stairs. She quickly alert the security.

Deja took off her shoes and made a run for it. She had no idea where Vincent's office was but she was ready to try her luck. "How can I get to Vincent's office?" She asked the first lady she bumped into. It was an slim tall American lady, the wife to the company owner.

"Huh?"  asked watching Deja breath fast. "Sorry, Vincent Edolor" She emphasized and the woman creased her brow in thought.

"The new employee?"

"Yes!"

"You're on the right floor, just take your first turn on your right. His name tag is on the door, won't be too hard to find."

"Thank you." She replied and the woman got worried, "Is everything okay?"

"Stop there!" The cyber guys yelled, they saw the whole race on CCTV. Even though her face was becoming a regular one, they had no idea of what she is, so thought it was best to stop her before something tragic happens.

For all they know, she might be an assassin.

Deja shut her eyes regretfully. Mrs Carson hesitated, unsure of the situation unfolding before her. "Mrs Carson, kindly walk away from that woman," a voice urged her, "We don't know what she's capable of." Sensing the tension in the air, Mrs Carson decided it was best to comply with the request for her safety.
Deja rolled her eyes, "I'm not a criminal"" she reassured the onlookers, her voice steady despite the unease she felt. " "That explains why you walked past the receptionist and ran all the way here. For what reason ? Who are you trying to hurt?"

She gasped and rolled her eyes, "Hurt? Yes I ran but it was for a good reason and not because I want to hurt anyone." "We are not willing to take that risk. Step back." The security men, being alerted of the commotion, rushed to the scene, ready to diffuse any potential conflict.

As Mrs Carson stepped back, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being caught in the middle of a mysterious situation. The security man bowed his head in respect to the white woman,  "Ma, we got a distress call about a woman" He trailed off and the Cyber guy pointed at the woman. "Here she is. Please escort this lady out with immediate effect."

Deja rolled her eyes, "Can you guys just give me time to speak at least? You're making it sound like I broke into a bank or I came in with a bomb. I only came to see someone, is it that too much to ask for?"

The security man hissed, "Madam, please kindly follow me out before I use force."

Mrs Carson lifted his hands, "Take it easy on her, let's treat her like a lady and at least hear her out." "She might be a thief, look at her eyes. " "It's you and your entire lineage that's a thief."

"Me?"

"No, me! I know I walked in without  permission but it doesn't give you the right to insult me, I only came to see Vincent. Vincent!" She screamed, "Vincent" She screamed again looking out to see if he'll come out from one of these offices.

Mrs Carson moved close to her, What was it about Vincent that made her break into the place and what information could she be trying to pass to him? "Can you keep it down? This is an establishment." "Ma, have you ever being in love and you just want to do everything to make it right with that person?" She asked watching the woman soften at her response.

"This place be like movie set?" The other cyber guy asked.

"I wasn't talking to you."

"What in the name of God is going on here?" Mr Edith asked walking towards them. He was furious, "What's the whole ruckus about?" He asked looking at the strange face among them.

"Who's this?"

The security man bowed his head respectfully, "Sir, we have a by pass situation, we are handling it as we speak." "A by pass? What are we paying you security for?"

"She by passed the receptionist"

"What if she was armed? What if she was a terrorist and she probably stabbed the first employee she saw?"

Deja scoffed, "With all due respect Sir, I'm standing right in front of you and I'm not a terrorist." "Then what are you? What business do you have here?"

Deja shut her eyes then she opened it, "I know this looks bad and it puts me in a really bad position and I'm sorry but I needed to see someone. One of the things I'm guilty of is being a terrorist in his life without  knowing. When he showed me genuine love, I was blind to see it and now that i realize i really like him, I don't want to let him go even though the rope is feeling slippery and I'm willing on hang on still. A

Mr Carson scoffed, "You created a scene earlier this week right? Does this place look like a movie theater to play this kind of theatrics?" .Mrs Carson placed her hands on her husband's shoulder, "It's actually quite romantic, when you think of it." "If romance is synonymous to disturbing the peace of everyone in this establishment, yes! It's romantic."

"Darling!"

"This is a professional organizations not an entertainment studio. It's unprofessional, how will you feel if i probably fired the person you came here to see?"

Deja clasped her hands in plea, "I am sorry Sir, I'll leave now. I'll go with the security. I only wanted to see and talk to him. He doesn't want to see me or have anything to do with me but I'm sorry. I'll leave."

"Without seeing him?" Mrs Carson asked, "Didn't you come all the way here to see him? I mean this Vincent guy. For someone went through this whole stress, I didn't think  you'll wimp out suddenly."

"Not at the expense of his job. As much as I want him back at the company, I need to be selfless for once in my life and not put my need first. I'm sorry for the disturbance, I'm not promising to stop coming cause I promised Vincent that I'll come every single day until I get a response from him. Please bear with me, but I'll definitely be in my best behavior" She bowed her head and saw Vincent standing from afar.

He thought he heard her voice so he got out to confirm it and there she was with his Boss. Hearing her response was sweet but he was too anger to appreciate it.

Just when he was about to run off, all eyes turned towards him.

Mrs Carson whispered  into her husband's ears then Mr Edith cleared his throat and gestured for him to come close. He approached and he bowed his head, "Sir?" "Are you..." He cleared his throat pointing to Deja, "Familiar with this woman? I want to be sure she's not out for your life."

"I am."

"Personal relationships should not interfere with work." "Sir" "This woman by passed the receptionist in order to see you, i feel this is an unprofessional work ethics but my wife thinks it's only fair you hear her out before she leaves."

Mrs Carson smiled, proud of her husband's  response, "Sorry, I'm quite the sucker for romance."

Everyone went their way land the two of them alone. There was a dead silence between them. "Are you trying to get me fired?" "No. I swear I'm not, I just wanted to see you." "See the same face that once irritated you." "Cab we not go back and forth?" " What do you really want?"

"You know what i want."

"And that is?"

"Your forgiveness. I know I don't deserve it, just find a place in your heart to forgive me. I know I've erred" 

Vincent exhaled, "Can you stop bothering me?" "No! I'm m sorry i can't do that." "What will it take to get you stop coming?" "A date" "Huh?" "Have you had lunch? Maybe we could have lunch and talk"

"There's nothing to talk about and"

"Just one lunch and a listening ear and I promise to never disturb you again." She cuts in, "If after listening to everything that I have to say and you still wish to condemn me, fine!"

"Just one lunch."

"One"  His eyes shifted from her to the wall. "Let me clear my desk." "Please don't leave me out here for long."

He walked away saying nothing.

In the lively atmosphere in the Cokers patio, voices filled every corner, bubbling with conversations from all angles. Laughter and chatter intertwined, creating a symphony of joy and excitement that was utterly contagious. Amidst the vibrant energy, Hilary 's voice cut through the noise, "Who still needs food?" She asked and Kilahi shook her head. "I would have eaten but I'm watching my weight." She answered munching on dry Kilishi with a playful grin. Her words elicited chuckles from everyone, knowing she was already slim and trim.

Gbadamosi peered at her.

"Look at her head, you that they've trimmed" Hilary answered and everyone laughed then Ossy spoke up,  "Aunty Kilahi said she wants to watch her weight, and mummy should be the one watching her weight, instead it's your guys weight that's watching you"

"With 3D contact lenses" Kilahi added and everyone broke out in laughter
Ere laughed, "I love this boy. Can I take him back to  to Abuja." "With pleasure!" Hilary answered, "After he'll say, mummy you look beautiful the way you are." "Mummy I love you. " He chipped in and everyone chuckle.

"If someone looks at Kilahi's belly you won't know that she has eaten three different delicacies today." Ere chipped in and she gasped, "Ere has finally brought the trouble to my side. I ate just two. God bears me witness, even Gbadamosi bears me witness. "

"Who's your witness? You ate rice, ewedu and amala and now you're eating Kilishi."

"I don't understand, is Kilishi food again?" Feyi asked and Kilahi shrugged, "Please help me ask him" "Kilishi that you can drink with garri." "Zhara brought this from Abuja, am I supposed to reject it? If I see garri now, I'll be so happy but because I'm  watching my weight." She added and Gbadamosi laughed pushing his head towards her corner, "Which weight are you watching for Christ sake?" He asked and they both laughed.

Ere smiled from seeing the two love birds laughing, "God! Who would have thought that Brother Gbadamosi will marry in this lifetime, perhaps maybe another timeline or another dimension or universe but I actually thought my brother will die a monk." He chipped in. And everyone broke out in laughter. Gbadamosi threw a pillow at him. "Not until someone came and swept him off his feet. Please Ma," Ere moved close to Kilahi, "How did you do it Ma? How did you sweep him off his feet? My brother can be difficult"

"What can I say? I just happened to be using a love broom that day."

"Oh wow" Gbadamosi paused facing her, "I was just sweeping carelessly, not really expecting anything then it happened just like that.  I didn't only sweep him off his feet, he swept me off mine." She continued and he smiled grabbing her hand. "I thought Pastors aren supposed to touch hands" Manny teased and Kilahi glanced towards his direction.

"You too?"

Rev Coker and his wife walked into the patio laughing along with Mr and Mrs George. "I hope you all are having fun?" Mrs Coker asked and they all chorused, "Yes Ma." "If you guys need more food, please feel free to ask. Helen will attend to you all." She watching Mr and Mrs George settle on one of the chairs. While Ere attended to them handing them two glasses of  wine then he poured the wine into the glasses.

"Last born is working." Gbadamosi commented to everyone's amusement. "If it was that year, I would have suspected he wanted something." Feyi chipped in, "I was a very hardworking last born." He commented, "You mean the laziest?" Temi asked, "You brothers had to boss you around." "You guys now... My future wife is here." He commented and everyone laughed at him.

Adesuwa smiled, "I wanted to hear more." "Me too." Kilahi added then Mrs Coker called everyone's attention.

"I hate to break this off but I have a few thing to say." Her heart tingled as she processed her thoughts. "I'm more than excited to have you all here. There hasn't been any indoor celebration for 28 years now. I must confess my excitement. I was the party person back in the days, my twin couldn't beat my planning ability. You can ask her?" She teased and everyone chuckled.

"Thank you all for honouring my invitation. Maniola once said to me that motherhood goes beyond delivering that child. It's the nurturing, its the love and moments created and he wasn't right. I have failed to be a mother to my immediate children and to you Gbadamosi, Feyi and Ere. My sister was more of a mother than I was. Even my children call her mom, just because I was hurting. I failed to create time with people that could have helped me heal. I allowed the devil come into my life and snuff out the light putting me in the dark for 28 years. I've been blind for twenty eight years and right now, I'm blinded by this light." She paused sniffling then her husband held her close to her.

"Now I have everything I ever dreamt of, a large family. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone for honouring my invitation. I have the best family anyone can ask for. This moment, this time is an answered prayer for me and I pray like fine wine that the love we have, our relationship, our marriage with get better each passing day."

Ere lifted his hands, "Wait I have a question." "Here we go again?" Feyi muttered giving Gbadamosi a familiar look. "No now... It's not a stupid question. Can't It they call our names in this order, Feyi, Ere and Gbadamosi for a change? Why must it be Gbadamosi, Feyi and Ere, why do you guys have to make it obvious that I'm the last born?" He asked and Gbadamosi searched for another pillow to throw on him.

"Can we toast to this? We should get glasses across " Manny suggested, "Last born do you job" Temi chipped in and everyone chuckled.

Sharon sighted Francis dance with his wife from the kitchen. He wrap his arms across his wife's belly bump then he whispered into the woman's ears. She soon pushed her husband away then she walked into the kitchen letting out a loud sigh.

"The guest loved the isi-ewu. They're asking for more. Special greetings from them sha."

"Thank you. I saw you dancing with hubby. I go love oh." Sharon commented and Ukeme laughed. "Don't mind my husband, he's there goofing around. Can you believe he called me the sexiest woman in the room?"

"You're obviously the sexiest woman in the room."

"I know right?" She chuckled then she shrugged, "I'm  a room that has three ladies already. See their behind and front size, they even have flat tummy, not this watermelon. Of course I'm not literally the sexiest but Francis can goof that way sha."

"Awn. At least he thinks you're sexy and doesn't think your lips are too big to fit your teeth and your teeth looks like bottle openers." Sharon rolled her eyes and blinked her tears in.

"Jesus Christ! What kind of person will give that kind of inhumane comment? Is it Muyiwa?" "I don't want to think about it..."

Ukeme exhaled then she patted her on the back. "I'm sorry. Normally, Muyiwa doesn't have sense. See ehn, men can be that annoying, we've been through those up and down relationship but when your own comes, you'll know."

Ukeme took a walk back into the sitting room when she heard the door bell ring amidst the loud music. She opened up the door with a smile but her face fell on seeing Muyiwa at the door with a gift box.

"What are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too. "

"Save it and I mean it Muyiwa, what are you doing here?"

"I came to delivery goods, didn't Francis tell you I'm now working for one delivery company like that." He replied sarcastically, "Wrong address." She pushed the door but he held It from closing completely.

"Are you serious right now? You know very well I came for my friend's party. "

"Francis never mentioned you'll be coming." "I never knew they shared invites I would have gotten mine. Perhaps my guy forgot to give me mine."

"You know there was no Invite?"

"Then why is there a policewoman before me checking my particulars? PS, they are up to date, do you want to check my ID card too?" He brought out his ID card extending it to her then she pushed the door open.

"Still the same handsome face."

Ukeme rolled her eyes, "Shut up! You're not supposed to be here?" "Wait... Is this heaven? Perhaps I died while driving  here cause if there's one place I can possibly get kicked out of, it will be heaven."

"Hahaha very funny."

"Uk, i know you don't like me but you've never stopped me from entering so what's going on?  Can you just let me in. I heard there's isiewu and this GOAT can't wait to eat it." "Thank God you know you're a goat."

"The other GOAT."

"You're probably here because you know she's here right?" "I have no idea what you're talking about." "Don't play dumb with me. You know who I mean, you referred her to cook for us."

Muyiwa rolled his eyes, "How did.... Sharon and her big mouth." "Don't you dare insult her. Are you trying to put her through pain by referring her?" " Muyiwa have suffered. So I can't be nice in this life again." "Maybe in your next life, newsflash she doesn't want to see you. "

"Breaking news, I don't want to see her too. She can stay in the kitchen for all I care." "Then why are you here?"

"The obvious, to eat goat meat duh?"

"Goat meat that isn't sold across Lagos bah?"

"And  of course to see your pretty face and laugh at your big belly." He touched her cheeks and she shoved his hands off.

"You came to taunt her right?"

Muyiwa rolled his eyes, "This must be a mistaken identity. I'm not the devil, I'm just a man that has made a lot of mistakes and is just trying to make things right." "Make what right?" "Argh!" He groaned and hissed. "Can you just let me pass? I'm sure the scrutiny and examination in heaven is not more than this. The goat meat pepper soup will even get cold. I came with party gifts too." He smiled babyishly lifting up the box.

"Who your party gifts help?"

"I know you love gifts."

Ukeme hissed, "Mbok rest with the gift! This is a serious matter" She snapped then she exhaled, "If you as come close to causing trouble for that woman, I promise to kick you out."

He grinned and tickled her under her arm, "Get out! Be breaking hearts  anyhow, you better change!" She snapped. "Please just come in silently!" She entered.

"A GOAT just entered into the building." He yelled and everyone cheered him on. Sharon stepped in holding a tray containing three soup bowls of pepper soup.

She halted on seeing him, she had a feeling he'll come regardless. Damn it! She cussed within.

Muyiwa grinned, for unknown reason he missed her especially with that ugly chef hat she had on or her ugly hair nets. He missed seeing those ugly hair nets and how he'll taunt her to putting it on.

Damn! He was feeling so nostalgic, memories flashing through his mind.

He moved close to her but she didnt smile, he missed that smile too. He hoped to goof around and make her laugh. "I heard there's everything goated... Goat meat pepper soup suya and isiewu. Which do you have in your hands right now?"

Sharon glared at him and then at the pepper soup. Evil thoughts breezed through her mind. Should she pour the pepper soup on his head or pour it directly on his face?

What's your take on the Chapter?

Don't hate me guys... I am so sorry for the delay!