Femi's POV.

The past few months swept by in a hurry, giving way for November. The chilly weather of the November harmattan wasn't something I fancied, although, I did enjoy the view of nature at that time of the year. The yellowed leaves of the cashew tree, at the back of our house, scattered around the surrounding area. And the calm - yet cold wind - swept in through my bedroom window, accompanying a few dust particles along with it.

I stared at myself in the mirror, with Damola by my side and continuously reassuring me that I looked great. I was clad in a royal blue dress suit with a big smile plastered on my face.

A perfectly ironed royal blue suit jacket over a crisp white dress shirt and a black tie around my neck. I had on a black pair of pantsuit and on my wrist: I had a Greubel Forsey Art Piece 1 wristwatch. And on my feet: I had on a pair of well-polished, black dress shoes.

And just 'cause this occasion is super special, I had my - once extremely bushy hair - trimmed into a punk hairstyle, and had the tip curled a bit. And I also had my beard trimmed into a four-o'clock-shadow... And simply because Chioma had asked me to.

We've been dating for a couple of months now - precisely seven months - and honestly: those were the most memorable moments of my life.

I smiled as that memory faded away. Another came rushing into my head as I ran a comb through my thick hair.

"Soft! My guy, chop knuckle jare!" Ade yelled as he walked into my room, a big smile on his face. On cue, we both fist bumped and hugged each other.

Unlike I was, he was simply clad in a green Prada t-shirt and a pair of black jean pants. This day was special, I didn't want anything to go wrong. Everything had to turn out perfect.

Chioma's birthday was today. Arrangements were being made, a lot were being organized and all I had in mind was her. My gift to her, was something special which I knew she'd love. But for some reason, I seemed nervous about the entire thing.

"Uh... Femi, I gats bounce now. I'll be back before the party, I promise" Damola said and I rolled my eyes and sighed.

"Please don't waste too much time. I beg you" I pleaded and he nodded his head in understanding, and left.

"Like guy! This place is looking so exquisite" Ade said, taking a sip out of the contents of the red plastic cup in his hand.

I nodded in agreement. Staring at the blue and white designs and decorations adorning the large living room, I smiled. Blue and white ribbons, as well as balloons, were all hung in a decorative manner. Rise petals dusted off the floors and on the glass centre table, stood her three layered cake. Strawberry flavored cake was what I'd went with, 'cause she'd mentioned the fact that she loved strawberries. The vanilla flavored icing on the cake and the cake decorations were all beautifully set up, and on her cake, I had the words: 'Happy Birthday, my love' written on it.

I checked the time on my watch and heaved a long sigh.

A few minutes more, and she'd be here, along with Amanda and her parents too. I'd invited them all, but I'd made sure to plead with Amanda to ensure she came with Chioma alone. I already knew she had her suspicions on the surprise party, but I couldn't afford to give her yet another hint. I had to be cautious, for she was a very smart young woman.

My mom and dad had been so happy ever since Chioma and I started dating. And so we're her parents. To my greatest surprise, mom grew a liking towards Chioma quicker than I'd expected. She'd been the one who'd personally arranged the refreshments for the party, and she also helped out in the decorations. I didn't want an overly extravagant party, just a few friends and family were invited. And although I knew Chioma was a classy person with expensive taste, and enjoyed exquisite and extravagant luxuries, I knew she wouldn't mind celebrating her birthday with the ones she was sure cared so much about her.

Soon, I heard the gates being opened and I knew who'd just arrived.

Agozie.

He was discharged from the hospital a month ago, and was back to being the vibrant and bubbly young man he used to be. He'd also been of great help in planning this party, 'cause he'd helped in keeping Chioma away for as long as he could, and when the coast was clear, he finally fled over here.

"That girl has got eyes at the back of her head. You guys should hurry up before she magically storms in here. She knows something is up... Lemme just not call her a witch since it's her birthday. The girl is a monitoring spirit, I even—" he stopped talking, the minute he saw the look I was giving him. He was bad-mouthing, her right before me.

I wasn't upset, and neither was I angry at him - no, I certainly wasn't since I knew he was only joking. Rather, I was simply trying to shut him up case he'd already said enough.

"... Oh, hey!" He smiled at me, exchanging handshakes with me. "I was talking about a different girl. Not Chioma, so no need to go all taekwondo on me. 'Kay?" He chuckled at my amused expression and finally placed the present he had in his hand, wrapped in a pink diamond patterned gift-wrapper, on the centre table.

I laughed as he scanned the room with his eyes.

"Wow. When you said you wanted this to be special, I didn't know you wanted it to be special-special... As in; kill-me-somebody special. I mean, this is insane! The decorations are lit and you're... You're looking all... Erm... Dashing. Jeez! She better appreciate all this for the rest of her life" He joked and I shook my head, laughing.

"I'll take that as a compliment" I muttered.

"Uh-huh. Say..." He trailed off. "Where the hell is Damola? Dude duped me yesterday" he said, still scanning the room for any sign of Damola.

"He did?" I asked, amused.

Agozie stared at me queerly then muttered something incoherently under his breath.

"No, he didn't. He simply transferred all the money in his account to me" he rolled his eyes, sarcasm tangled in his voice. "Of course he did! I just told you he did, keep up. Anyways, I'll be having a chit-chat with him right after this" he smiled, like nothing happened, patted my shoulders - and left.

"He's not here though" I said as he walked past me.

"Don't worry, I'll wait for the nigga upstairs. He thinks he has sense, dundee like him" he laughed as he walked towards the stairs area.

"Don't kill him though!" I hollered, the minute I fully understood what he meat by his final statement.

"We'll see! He'll be happy to return to his house in one piece!" he hollered back, walking up the stairs, to my room.

* * *

Chioma's POV.

Everyone here was acting quite weird. Did they actually think I was stupid or dumb? Of course I knew what they were doing! They're clearly trying to throw a surprise party for me, and the least I can do is try to act surprised.

I kept receiving birthday wishes from my family members - most of which I hadn't met in ages. And I was happy they all cared enough to call. And as for Femi? Honestly, I do not understand what I'll do with that young man. I knew he was going all out for this entire thing. He only wished me a happy birthday through an early morning phone call.

And although I'm not a morning person, I was grateful for that. Now, they were all trying to keep me from going over to his place and that just gave it away. I chuckled lightly when I noticed Amanda's annoyed expression. I knew she was upset cause she knew I wasn't buying any of the charades they were putting up. She'd tried in the past to throw me a surprise party, yet I never got surprised.

I'd simply thanked her for trying. Being the inquisitive, and sometimes; nosy, person I was - I barely got fooled by anything.

"Quit staring at me like that!" she hissed at me and I laughed.

"Why? Are you up to something?" I laughed again and she rolled her eyes and hissed again.

"Just shut up and keep acting oblivious of everything" she murmured, but I heard.

I kept staring at my ceiling as I hummed a tune silently. I got extremely bored in not time, and was about drifting off to sleep when Amanda yelled at me, abruptly.

"Uh... Let's go! I just got a phone call and Femi fell off the stairs and..." I laughed at her silly attempt to fool me. I presumed it was time for the 'surprise' party. And that lie? Jeez! That lie reeked real bad. She should've known that I'd see past that. She'd never been an excellent liar anyways.

"You don't think I'll buy that, right?" I laughed again and she hissed once again, frustrated at my laughter.

"Just shut up and keep acting surprised!" and with that, she dragged me by my hand, and pulled me out of my room.

I laughed again. I was happy for all their effort, and I hoped things would go well. I didn't want to put all their efforts to waste, so I simply had to act surprised. I was good at pulling off numerous believable fake smiles, and I'm sure I'd be capable of pulling of a false surprised expression.

* * *

The minute we walked into the Omashola mansion, I smiled at the familiarity that washed over me.

I was clad in a simple black tank top and blue jean shorts. My hair was woven into an all-back hairstyle, which stopped just before my butt, with my edges laid to perfection. Amanda groaned as she walked right beside me, clearly pissed at the fact that I saw past their entire surprise party. I didn't want to irk her any further, and that was why I continued acting surprised. Although, not too surprised.

The minute we rang the doorbell and we walked into the house, my eyes scanned the deserted living room, which was beautifully decorated in my two favorite colors: blue and white... Yet, it had no one in it. I furrowed my brows, waiting to hear the chorus of 'surprise!', yet none was heard.

I figured they were trying to fool me, so I had to play along.

"Oh my goodness! This place is so beautiful" it really was, and the part that warned my heart the most, was the portrait of me, hung on the wall.

I walked towards it, and without warning, I was startled by the ear-piercing screams.

"Surprise!" and confettis and balloons came falling down on me.

I wasn't expecting that though, so I smiled as my heart swelled with gratitude. I was happy that they went through all the stress of trying to pull this party on my behalf.

I'd thought I'd smiled enough, but the minute Femi came out, dressed in a royal blue suit that seemed to outline his ripped nature, I swear, I fell in love with him all over again.

Was he trying to get back at me? He was looking gorgeous, my heart ran a marathon at the sight of him. It was already enough torture that he was good-looking, but getting all dressed up like this was just... It was just so heartwarming, I felt a weakness in my knees just staring at him. He had a total makeover or something, cause he looked different - in a drop-dead, handsome way. And when he finally flashed me that contagious smile of his, an electrifying sensation ran down my spine and my insides swarmed with numerous butterflies fluttering inside it, as I smiled back, feeling my cheeks hurt a little.

I noticed he'd gotten rid of his beard and had it trimmed to a Four-o'clock-shadow. I smiled at that, 'cause I remembered telling him I didn't like his beard. And I knew he loved it, but he'd gotten rid of them for me.

Perhaps others were wishing me a happy birthday - which I'm sure they were - but I had my eyes on him the entire time, all other voices and events happening around seemed to be a blur, and  appeared distant. He was the last to finally approach me and wish me a happy birthday.

"Happy birthday" he said, trying so hard to suppress his smile as he finally pecked my lips.

"You say?! What's that one nau? We need some action, which one is peck again?!" Damola hollered, walking into the living room, with a small smile on his face.

I couldn't help but laugh at what he said. My parents were here, and so were his parents. I felt the heat in my cheeks, realizing that fact.

"Mugu, shut up and come and stand here!" Femi replied, jokingly.

"No action? After all this things we did, no action. Just like that?" Damola muttered as he shrugged and stood right next to Ade.

I was still smiling when Femi's lips found mine, and as gentle as it were, I felt my head soaring into a whole new different realm on its own. The butterflies in my stomach began their dance all over again and my feet curl in excitement as I kissed back.

His kisses always knew a way to sweep me off of my feet.

The cheers died down afterwards, but the aftermath still remained on my lips.

"I'm saving the best for later" he whispered into my ear and a certain shiver ran down my spine.

He reached for something on the table nearby, and smiled at me once more.

"I got this for you. I saw this and couldn't resist getting them for you" he pecked my forehead as he handed me the neatly wrapped item, which I presumed was a dress.

I smiled gratefully at him, staring into those alluring deep chocolate eyes of his.

"Thank you" I said to him, my smile knowing no bounds, as I threw my hands around him - a contented look on my face. His hands soon wrapped around me and I took in his intoxicating scent once more.

"I love you" his baritone tickled my ears, as he unashamedly announced this.

"I love you too" and I blushed when I saw Amara fan herself in excitement, as she sent me a wink.

Finally, I had to pull away. And I hurriedly scurried to the guestroom to change. Amanda came with me, on my request and she smiled all through as we headed to my room.

"For your mind nau. Your head is welling anyhow now" she teased and I chuckled.

"Why won't it swell?" I beamed, as I shot Femi yet another glance and ended up locking eyes with him. He smiled at me, and I smiled him and the minute Amanda noticed this, she laughed.

"This kine love!" She beamed and I hurriedly walked past her, on an attempt to avoid listening to whatever she had to say. My smile wouldn't even leave my face, not even if I tried.

* * *

Femi's POV.

It took a while before she came downstairs once again. The crimson red dress glued to her skin like latex, popping out all the God-given curves she was bestowed. As she walked down stairs - the black six inch pencil-heel clinking with the floor - all heads turned to her direction, and in no time, compliments were flying all around and my face beamed with the brightest smile.

She smiled even more, her wine red lips stretching across her face, as she stared at me. She was perfect. Staring at her magnificent beauty, made my heart throb. She was just too beautiful, just staring at her could make me cry. The thought of even losing her could make me go mad, I'd go insane. My heart raced faster, and I took in a sharp breath - mesmerized by this girl. Her walk, her talk, everything about her was literally driving me crazy. Her goddess-like appearance and model-like physique was making me lose my mind, I just couldn't wait to hold her.

My heart skipped random beats as she walked towards me and held my hand, placing her head on my shoulder.

"You look extremely beautiful" I told her, and she grinned, her eyes lighting up every second she smiled. Even her slighted grins were so captivating.

"And you look gorgeously handsome!" she said, and I looked down at her and snaked a hand around her, not being able to stop myself - I capture her lips in a tender kiss.

"Thank you" I said to her as I pulled away, and she grinned.

Amara stole a glance at us and giggled.

"And Chioma, I told you this day would come. I'm not even angry that you stole the love of my life anymore" she said, feigning heartfelt tears.

Chioma rolled her eyes at her, and wrapped her hand around my neck.

"I'm glad it did anyways" she grinned from ear to ear, locking eyes with me, holding my gaze long enough to make our souls lost together. Again, I kissed her, passionately.

* * *

The party had finally kicked off in full swing the minute Chioma cut the cake. We danced a bit and with every second that went by, I couldn't help but smile. I reminisced on all the memories we shared together. The good times...and even the bad times. Times when we were sworn enemies and could barely stand each other. Times when I'd said I'd never date her... I was wrong. Awfully wrong! 'Cause losing her would reck me, it'd tear me apart. I'd grown too fond of her, I was already drunk on her and I just couldn't stop. Head to toe, I was intoxicated by her, fascinated by her, and most importantly: I was deeply in love with her. Seven months of being together felt like nothing, compared to how long I wanted to be with her. And even if I'd have to wait, I'd do it, just as long as she'd remain with me. Forever.

____________________________

So that's that for this chapter,
Next one coming right up!

So please guys, please leave a comment on your thoughts and please vote if you enjoyed the chapter.

These two are giving me joy. How quick Chioma changed is really fascinating, and as for Femi... He has wised up😂 who else agrees with me? No one? 'Kay.

Anyways, I'm grateful for all the support and for y'all making it this far. Like jeez, you guys ginger me to keep writing. All the positive comments and support, I could even cry from it 'cause I remember how it all started. Thank y'all so so much, I can never thank you all enough for everything❤️❤️❤️💕
At the end of the book, I'll be dropping a really important author's note that'll contain a lot of info on my next book and some other things I'd REALLY like to say. Please read it, please❤️ Once again, thank you all for being the best readers an author could ever ask for. Love you guys so much💕

Till my next update,
Bye...