<I'm jealous of all the people who haven't met you.>

|Jadesola|

LONG CHAPTER (4700 WORDS) BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT.

Saturday, July 3, 2021

RESUME WORK when you have your apology letter on my desk.

Ha! Even if aliens were swarming the earth, frying people's brains and the only way to destroy them was by apologizing to Kian, then I guess planet Earth would be a thing of the past, its segmented pieces floating in space. Yes, I was that selfish. His order, hilarious as it was, was far from amusing, a poor attempt at a joke.

Like a true deviant, I had gone straight home after that. Did he really think my body was his to play with? To run his dirty fingers through? The bastard probably did, considering that I'd never displayed any form of resistance.

Annoyed with myself for letting him cop a feel, I'd refused to turn up for work yesterday as well. And of course, the arsehole had never called for his assistant but what did I expect? His precious ego would burst if he dared to even check up on me.

He must have reported to Chloe instead, because she had rung me yesterday, inquiring whether I was alright in the head.

"What the hell are you doing Jadesola? You're going to ruin everything!" Chloe hissed. Her always steady voice was frantic, tinged with worry.

But I shrugged, although I knew she wouldn't see me. "I really don't care at this point. I'm tired of him. His never-ending orders, do this, do that, Miss Jadesola. Don't even get me started about how he doesn't even pronounce my name right, how he's always touching—"

I caught my words in time, unwilling to go further. Fuck, I'd almost casted myself.

"Yes? He's always touching what exactly?" Chloe prompted. A mental picture of her at her desk, stress lines etched to her temple, face tightened in anger, had a sigh escaping my lips.

"Nothing. The man just pisses me off. I'll start work again on Monday." I rested my back against the door of my room, the hard contours of its handle digging into my skin. Truly if I had my way, he wouldn't see me in that office for a year.

"You'd better. No one else is going to pay that huge amount of money if you don't suck it up so ignore the man and work. You're nearly there, Jade. Don't let trivial matters like his actions annoy you."

"Yeah yeah."

After a few rundowns of how Chloe had steered the debtors off my path, we clicked off the phone call. Then I slumped against the door, misery and fury washing over my entire body.

My inability to tell Chloe about my ordeals through Kian's touches, stemmed from the fact that I was ashamed, humiliated. I'd let him run his hands down my body, seeking, searching as he took from me. That strong determined woman I was, had fled, and a weak woman who responded to his touches, stood in her place. A weak woman I once had no idea about.

Trembling hands cradled my face, fatigue seeping deep into my bones. Not only that, Chloe would blow a casket. She would be appalled to hear those sordid details and as my lawyer, who knew what lengths she would go to make Kian pay? A horrible scandal that would fling me and my family, head-on, to the media? No, I'd been on the news lately, I didn't want another helping.

That was 24 hours ago. At the moment, to destress, I was eating garri and ofe oha. An Igbo delicacy, it was a relish. Thickened soup, filled with an assortment of fishes, meats and vegetables. Very mouthwatering. Times like this, I was glad that for the short term, I'd called a halt on modeling while I worked for Kian. It had its issues— foodwise; picky eating, detoxification, and tasteless foreign dishes and all were annoying. Back then, I had to hide from my agent just to enjoy any Nigerian food I grabbed my hands on.

I placed a ball of garri dipped in the oha into my mouth and swallowed, my thoughts backtracking to Thursday.

"Nne, how is the meal?"

My attention snagged off from thoughts about him, and came into the present. I let my eyes slide across my mom's figure. Skin the darkest shade of burnished caramel, weaved hair the color of midnight, she was my exact replica. Clad in a printed wrapper, she stood across the kitchen table, near the door, a makeup kit clutched in her hands. Where was she heading to?

"Very delicious, Mom. See." I licked my fingers off to show her just how much I loved her cooking. "The soup di nnor mma. I can't remember the last time I had food this tasty."

My mother smiled broadly, lips stretching to reveal pearl white teeth. "You're welcome honey. When you're done eating, biko come inside my room so you'll help me dress up. Inu?"

"Yes ma," I called after her retreating form then returned to my meal.

Staying at my apartment had been stifling, killing my vibes. So on a whim, I'd escaped and arrived at my mom's house. She'd welcomed me with warm arms even though she'd been suspicious, shooting prying questions about my job and boss at me. Needless to say, I'd hidden the truth, choosing to craft white lies until she'd gotten off my case.

I pursed my lips, inhaling deeply. The actions I had to take just to survive. All because of two bastard idiots. Le sigh. I exhaled.

After eating, I rinsed the plates and ambled to my mother's room. The door was ajar, the sight of my mom as she was at her vanity, slathering cream over her upper body, a calming view. I watched her for a while. The bravest woman I'd ever met, she was the embodiment of love, my African queen. She meant the whole world to me and I made it my sole aim never to displease her.

I leaned against the door, one foot crossed against the other. "Hmm, mama the mama, this one you're dressing up. Where are you going to?"

"A wedding." She stood, hoisting down to rub another dose of lotion on her legs.

A smile present in my voice, I teased, "Osheyy, enjoyment woman!"

"Yes o!" She laughed, soft and untied her wrapper, leaving her in her underwear. Granting her privacy, I promptly tipped my face away, choosing to let my eyes settle on the opulent interior of her room. Then back onto her clothed form, when I could no longer hear the shuffling of her body inside the dress.

"Jadesola, come and help me zip this up." She'd tilted her rear view towards my direction. A purple gown, overlaid in diamond stones and gold engravings decked her form, shrouding her in a wealthy, royal air. Jewels adorned her neck and wrists, the light glinting off its crystals.

"Omo, mumsi is not here to play." I closed the door and zipped her up while complimenting her, my tone of awe, "Ife mi! Slay mama, killing them with looks! Ah! Legodinu asa nwa na! Your gown is so lovely, Mom."

"Ehe na." She smiled, an infectious grin and twirled around, showcasing off, her hands gripping the sides of her gown and flaring it wide. "If I don't rock it by this age, when will I?"

Pure happiness and glee rang off in the room as we both laughed loudly, shoulders quivering in mirth. Done laughing, my mother lowered herself on the seat and I got to work.

I loomed ahead of her, as I brought out her makeup accessories. "So whose wedding are you going to? Anyone I know?"

"Yes, love. It's Olayinka's wedding."

Taken aback, I paused in my search for a concealer, my lips rounded in an O. "Olayinka?! Oh my goodness, I never knew she was even dating someone sef!! Big congrats to her. Is it traditional or white that she's doing today?"

Mom hummed, a throaty response as she closed her eyes for me to start applying concealer, "White. Omego traditional."

A smile of joy curled by my lips, excitement buzzing in my blood. A relative from my mother's side, Olayinka, was my second cousin. We'd only met like thrice but from the little I deduced from our meetings, she was a nice lady and hearing this good news made me truly glad for her. 

I took my time, working in the bronzer, concealer, lipstick on her moisturized face, all the while inquiring of my other kins, "What of Olayinka's mom, Aunty Sasha and Grandma? I'm very sure that they will be singing praises up and down by now."

"Yes ni, who wouldn't? Ah ah na, Jade." Mom glanced at my reflection in the mirror, pinning me to an amused stare. "And wo wa okay o. In fact, don't ask me any questions again. If you want to see them, come and join me."

"Ah, Mommy. Stop playing. I'm asking because I'm curious. Besides, even if I want to follow you, with which clothes kwan? I don't have anything as beautiful as yours." I wriggled my brows in a suggestive manner and placed the final touches of blush on her cheeks, then propped a hand beneath her chin, tilting her head to and fro to ensure that all was perfect. Then, I helped her attach the bone-straight wig onto her head, flourishing the look with a black headscarf.

"Your girl is done." I retreated, my hands falling away. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

I watched as she admired my handiwork in the mirror. She appeared, striking. Regal. The eyeliner, lipstick, foundation, all came together to define her face in a beautiful way.

Mom's lips, red and glossy, stretched into an attractive grin. "I love it. Thank you dear. Please get me my shoes by the corner, let me put them on."

I did as she bid. Rather than let her stress, wearing her shoes herself, I bent to swathe the equally purple heels over her feet.

"So as I was asking, are you coming with or not?"

"I don't have anything to do so yes, I would like to. But only if I have an elegant dress like yours," I joked and buckled the right shoe, fastening it on her ankle.

While I jested, there was also the intense desire to go with her. It had been long, five months to be exact, since I last saw my grandmother or any of my relatives. Also, when was the last time I even went to a wedding? I couldn't recall. Besides, attending one, enclosed in its gaiety and merriment, would help to take my mind off certain people. And of course, there was also an abundance of carefully prepared Nigerian dishes to think of.

"You have one." Mom shifted her other foot forward.

My eyes widened as I switched my attention to it, treating it with care as I'd done to the right. "Since when?"

"Since I had a gown ordered for you from Nigeria."

"Really?"

A mischievous grin played by her lips. "Yes."

This wily woman. She'd probably planned this from the start, wanting to see my reaction. African mothers.

Straightening up, I embraced her, her arms enclosing me in a motherly hug, the soothing and delicious scent of her fragrance burying me in a warm cocoon. Then, I kissed her on the cheek, lightly, taking caution not to ruin her make-up. "Thank you Ma."

"Always." She patted my back before shooing me away, "Be quick and go dress up. It's time to party!"

***

Musa, he started working for my mom when Kian stripped me of my cars, drove us to the venue. At first, I thought it would be the church but apparently, Mom wanted me to meet our people first.

We got down from the car and proceeded into the hotel's lobby. While we waited for the receptionist to admit us in, I took notice of the lavish environment. Screaming money, as expected, lavish and extravagant sofas for the visitors manned the tiled floor, colorful flowers pitched in expensive vases and dazzling artworks decorating the place.

"Ugochi Simisola!" yelled a familiar figure as she dashed down the stairs, flying into my mom's arms.

"Sasha!!" Mother embraced my Aunty, then greeted Grandma who was in tow with her. For the next three minutes, screams, praises, tears, all of joy, streamed into my ears. The said ears in question nearly bled but it was worth it. Totally.

When they were done with their teary welcomes, their focus moved onto me. As my grandmother was fully Yoruba, I greeted her first in Yoruba, tilting my head down in courtesy, my upper body bent in respect, "Ekaaro, grandma."

"Ekaaro, omo mi. Come and hug your grandmother who you've not seen for a long while now." Clothed in an expensive, purple iro and a lace buba, a fancy gele sitting on her head, Grandmother pushed out her hands to bless me. I fell into her warm clutches, nostalgia for my childhood surging through me.

"I've missed you so much," I mumbled against her small body, inhaling her flowery scent.

"Me too, dear. Me too." She dabbed me, gentle and tender, on the exposed skin of my pink, knee length gown. We chatted for some time, asking questions about each other's health and other minute details.

"Ah, Jade, me nko? You will not ask about your favorite Aunty?" My mother's cousin pouted, her flawless facial features cast in a playful frown. Mother and Grandma smiled at her antics.

I laughed and turned to her, noting the gorgeous dress she was attired in, ravishing and beautiful as always. "No na. How can I? Ndewo, ma."

I genuflected.

"Ndewo, omalicha." My Igbo aunt beamed wildly and pecked me on the cheeks.

I returned the favor, gripping her palms. "See as you're shining, congrats Aunty."

I sneaked a look at my mother and grandma. They had begun conversing, leaving us to our devices.

My aunt chuckled, pleased. "Thank you my dear. It's just God. Even you. Is it not my Jadesola of yesterday, crying and always pooping? See you now. All grown up and beautiful. How are you?"

"Thank you, Ma." I couldn't hide my broad yet embarrassed smile. "And I am fine, thank you for asking."

"Good to hear." Aunty Sasha shook her head in agreement, then fixed me to a sad look, forehead creased as she placed a hand, wreathed in bangles, on my shoulder. "I heard about your fiancé and casino though. Tell me, there's no problem abi? Did they later catch that thief?"

This time my smile was tense. Infuriating images of a pretentious Amir and a smirking Kian flickered through my mind's eye, threatening to wreck my mood. "No, he's still roaming around. But don't bother, the casino is not gone, it's just out of function for now."

I knew she hadn't spoken out of spite but I still didn't want her hands on mine. So I retrieved my hold, pretending to adjust the bag against my body.

"Okay, thank God. If you ever need help let me know. I will do all I can. And you see that Amir? It shall never be well with him. Never. I hope that when the police catch him, he'll rot in jail. A president's son for that matter." Aunty Sasha clicked her tongue and rolled her shoulders.

"Thank you. Me too," I echoed, tone empty, as I clutched my the material of my dress tight.

My aunty didn't notice. She'd already whirled in the direction of her cousin and aunt. "Nne, do you want to come and see the bride?"

"So bere?" Mother inquired, cocking an impish brow. "Is that really a question? Yes please. I was even about to ask you sef."

My beloved kins shared a naughty giggle amongst themselves as Aunt directed us inside a room. I surveyed its interior. A flurry of activities went on at once, arrangement of the bridal gown, professionals whizzing past, dazzling objects being hurled from one place to another. It was a warzone, chaotic and nearly draining but a sense of anticipation sparked in the air.

So this is what it's like to be a bride.

Mom chatted with Grandma, who had taken a seat, and Aunty Sasha still. They appeared engrossed in whatever they discussed while my eyes fell on the bride.

She was in the center of it all, under the ministrations of people who attended to her. Older than me, with a gap of four years, my second cousin made a very beautiful bride, her dark almond skin glowing, courtesy of the ring light aimed at her.

"Olayinka!" I whisper-shouted, delight masked in my tone.

"Is that Jadesola?!" Her closed eyes pried open, full lips extended in an attractive grin.

When she took me in, she made to stand up but I was quick to say, waving my hands, "No no. Don't even think of it. I'm coming closer."

Olayinka relaxed as I veered towards her. The make-up artists gave a small berth for me to stand in front of her while they worked on her face. "Nne, congratulations. You look so stunning."

She really was gorgeous, especially when she gifted me another of her beautiful smiles. "Thank you. I can't believe you came, I thought you would be busy."

"I wasn't busy again after Mom told me. I'm so happy for you, Olay!" I gushed, studying all the make-up and hairdo artists did. They were apt and detailed, neatly doing their job, making my cousin shine. Really, I was happy. She appeared so merry and content.

"Thank you."

All was quiet until Olayinka managed to glance around, a searching look on her face. When she was satisfied that no one, probably her mom or grandma wasn't paying the slightest attention to us, she said in a hushed tone, "Don't tell anyone but I'm very nervous. I can't really believe I'm here, about to get married."

Nervous? I lowered my lashes down. Sure enough, her elegant hands shook. Concern had me bending to her seated form and I reached out for her trembling palms. They were as cold as ice.

"Hey," I started, slightly scared I would say the wrong thing. After all, look where Amir's "love" had led me to: desolation. I shoved the dark thought out of mind.

"It's okay to be nervous, honey. But remember, you, my beautiful, smart cousin, are getting married to the love of your life, not anyone else. I mean, who wouldn't want a wonderful woman such as you? That man is so lucky to have you. Yes?"

Olayinka shook her gelled hairdo, yes.

I gave her a reassuring smile. "Heaven knows, I'm not a preacher of love but I do know that it is a beautiful thing. So yes, you've got this. I know you'll be fine and if it's anything to console you, your fiancé is probably nervous as well."

Staring at her straight in the eye, I squeezed her cold palms, hoping that I'd conveyed hope, warmth and love in my touch.

Olayinka squeezed back and shook her head again. This time I could spot a sheen of tears in her eyes. They glistened like diamonds. "Thank you so much for this, Jade. Thank you. I'm very glad you're here. In fact, get ready to be treated like a VIP."

"I trust you na." Gifting her one last soothing grip, I laughed aloud and rose, straightening my gown as I did so. Then, mom was over to us in a heartbeat and it was another round of greetings, cries and prayers.

Finally, we bid the blushing bride goodbye as the make-up artist began putting the final touches. Aunty Sasha insisted on escorting us out while Mom had to beg Grandma to rest because of her legs. Although Grandma was stubborn—I suspected that she was caught in the excitement hanging in the room— she gave in.

About to take our exit, we met the groom. He was in the lobby, striking poses for a photographer.

"Jayden! Come and meet my family." Aunt Sasha waved at him.

The young man halted and smiled at us. With powerful strides, he advanced closer.

Holy goodness! I nearly whistled in appreciation. Olayinka had quite the eye. She'd gotten herself hitched with a very handsome man. Broad shoulders stretched the black tuxedo he had on, a breath-taking grin on his striking face as he bent and kissed his future mother-in-law on her right cheek.

My aunty, grinning, wide and proud, settled a hand on his shoulder. She pointed a finger towards us. "This is Ugochi, my cousin and her daughter, Jadesola. Ugochi, Jadesola, meet Jayden Ross, Olayinka's handsome husband and also my soon to be son-in-law."

A tiny blush coated Jayden's bronze cheeks but he nodded and extended his palm, towards my mom. Then to mine. "Nice to meet you both. Welcome."

I had thought he was Nigerian but his Chicago accent suggested otherwise. The slight mixture of curly hair and mixed genes should have been a sign though.

Mom spoke, beaming, "Congrats my boy. You're doing well."

"Thank you, Ma'am. I am very glad you both came and I hope you enjoy the ceremony." He smiled at us again, a shimmer of glee in his hazel eyes.

Damn, I couldn't help but muse, my cousin was so lucky.

Before we left, Aunty Sasha introduced us to her husband and also made us take pictures with Jayden, promising to send the photos once the wedding ended. I also took one with my phone as well.

After that, Musa drove us to the church. My breath caught at the sight of the building. It was a catholic church, massive and magnificent. Lines of expensive cars, those of the guests, decked the place. This was going to be a big wedding.

We made our way in. The interior of the church was beautiful, bold stained glass windows and intricate embellishments occupied each and every corner of the holy sanctuary.

Mom and I sat down at the first pew, she claimed it was to see the couple better, but I knew it was because she craved to be in the line of action. I reclined against the polished, wooden bench and waited. We had forty minutes till the procession began.

A ping took my observation off the huge statue of Jesus, situated in the middle of the altar. I swiped through my phone.

Perverted Asswipe: Why the fuck didn't you come to work yesterday?!!!

Yes, I'd saved Kian's contact as perverted asswipe. And why was Mr. Man keen about me now?

Me: I'm at my wedding, quit disturbing me. These aren't my work hours. Go back to your stupid office or whatever.

The fuck was wrong with him? I seethed. Hounding me like I was his wife or something.

Perverted Asswipe: You've got to be kidding me. Your wedding?

Your wedding? A frown gathered on my temple. What was he on? Nevertheless, I read the last message I'd sent and blinked. No! Again, I blinked but the mistake still glared at me.

Fuck! Autocorrect had transformed the a to my. Damn, I'd sent it already, so there was nothing I could do but go with the flow. I mean, fate had provided me with another means of vexing him. Might as well flame the hungry fires of trouble.

A mischievous smile played by lips as I added salt to injury.

Me: Yes, my wedding. Wanna see pictures of my boo and I?

I didn't pause for his reply. I mailed the picture of Jayden and I as an attachment to him. Seconds later, three dots were displayed on my screen. The aggravating man was typing.

Perverted Asswipe: The fuck?! How on earth?! Were you not just giving the media a sob story about your ex??

Me: Bah. That was fake as hell. Plenty of fishes bro. Because one fish fell back into the ocean doesn't mean I can't catch another. Besides, I'm marrying for the money so that should tell you something.

A wicked snort nearly escaped my lips but I held myself before Mom inquired why.

I waited for his reply. Nothing came forth even though the message was marked read. Ha! I'd probably made him speechless.

Well, as the thrill seeker I was, I sent one last message, itching to spice things.

Me: Here's the venue, just in case you want to come and wish me well, Mr. Fields. Also, you're free to sponsor our honeymoon as some sort of work incentive. That would be very nice.

Fuck, the procession is about to start. Bye bye now. Time for my weddinggggggg, bro! Wish me luck!

Yes, Imma let him stew for a while.

I kept my phone in my bag, an evil smirk fashioned on my glossy lips. If he actually believed me then, he was the world's biggest fool. For one, I wasn't even clad in white and while it was common knowledge that some brides could be dressed in other colors, did I look like I would wear something else?

No.

Thirty minutes later, the procession began, a touching and heartwarming moment. The groom arrived first, followed by the bride and her father. Their walk down the aisle was emotional and while I wasn't one who teared up on things of the heart, seeing them all, almost made me feel like bawling my eyes out. Almost.

Time went on and Jayden and Olay stood before the priest. They would soon be saying their vows.

"Look at them, so pretty together!" my mom cried. She held my arm tight, happiness depicted on her countenance.

I merely smiled, my face as wan as melted wax. Observing them, Olay in her beautiful, flowing gown and Jayden, dark and handsome in his tux, a miserable emotion swarmed me whole. The entire scene reminded me of Amir again. How we could have been having our own wedding, my mom so happy and proud that I'd represented her. Sigh. If only the idiot hadn't escaped with my money. Olodo.

Good riddance though. I wouldn't let myself be distracted with such wishful thinking. My attention returned to the couple.

The priest's voice rang out, sonorous and powerful, "If anyone can show any just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace!"

"I object!" a man roared, his voice like that of a furious lion. Possessive and savage.

Holy fuck.

A hush fell on the crowd then a thunderous noise erupted. Whispers filled the wide hall, people stood, others tilted their heads back. My mom was included but I didn't need to crane my neck or stand. I already knew that voice. The voice that could also be soft when he intended to seduce me, silky and velvety. Kian's.

He was totally about to crash my cousin's wedding. And it was all because of me.

I slapped a quivering palm on my mouth. Double holy fuck!

A/N: D for damn girl! Kian's pov comes next, people!!! Also, I smiled a lot during this scene. Why? Because my girl, Olayinka, is getting married to my boo, Jayden! Awww. I could cry out of pure happiness. Btw, if you're curious about them, head on to waver and read their story. And yes, you can know about young Kian lmao. He has a history with them.

Please, don't forget to read, comment, vote and share. Thanks guys.

Translations:
Nne: Dear or mother.
Di nnor nma: It's very delicious.
Inu: You hear?
Legonidu asa nwa: See fine babe.
Omego: She has done.
Wo wa okay: They are fine.
Ekaaro: Good morning.
Omo mi: My child.
Ndewo: Good morning or thank you.
So bere: Is that one a question?

Love,
Nita.