

*=*=*=*

DAZZLED  
Copyright © 2019 JEDIDIAH BAMIDELE  
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without written permission from the author.

DISCLAIMER

This story is purely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to scenes, persons or occurrences is purely coincidental.

Edited by: Akinsanya Oluwakemi (+2348133544169) and Mary Oni (+2347081112882)

Photo credit: Pixabay

BOOKS IN "MY DATE" SERIES

THE PERFECT MISTAKE

DAZZLED

SACCHARINE SWEETNESS

Read other stories written by the author on http://www.jedidiahbamidele.blogspot.com

Categories: Fiction/Christian/Romance/Family

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CHAPTER ONE

ROSIE

My hands felt numb as I scooped water from the running tap to wash my face. I closed the tap and stared into the mirror to see my bloodshot eyes looking like it needed more sleep. Everyone was asleep which gave me the silence I've been craving. The whole house had been buzzing with activity since Tola Berling proposed to my sister. I know I'm supposed to be happy she's getting married, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake off the nagging 'It could have been me' feeling.

Tola Berling had a major crush on me about a year ago and in an attempt to get his tight-lipped brother to confess his feelings for me, Femi mistakenly texted Manda. Manda is my twin sister and she had had a crush on Tola for as long as they've met. Tola kept up the façade with the intention of making things right without breaking anyone's heart after Femi told him he'd set up a date for him with Manda. Everything went the way he planned until he fell in love with her. He proposed to her a month ago and they are getting wedded in two months' time. Everyone is happy, except me.

I'll be twenty-five in three days and I've never been in a relationship. Everyone believes I get all the attention because of my pretty face and ample curves, but that is simply not the truth. Manda manages to divert all the attention I get without even trying. Even a blind man knows Manda is my parent's favourite child. I love my sister a lot, but, having other people think I don't need attention because I'm good looking is unfair.

My head snapped up when a hand gently grazed my shoulders. I didn't even realize I'd been lost in thoughts until I found myself gazing into Manda's warm brown eyes. I immediately dropped my gaze as I didn't want her seeing the things lurking beneath my eyes. I must have been slow because she said, "Do you regret not fighting for him?"

My cheeks burned with embarrassment. Nothing I came up with sounded good enough. I couldn't lie; neither could I hurt my sister with my less than honourable truth.

"Do you want me to cancel the wedding?" She continued, with pain etched in her smile.

"No. Don't cancel the wedding." I replied, walking ahead of her to the room.

She trailed behind me and stopped at the foot of the bed. "Are you sure?

"Yes." I replied, taking my spot on the soft large-sized bed. "I'm sure."

A pang of guilt slashed through me as I watched my sister breathe a sigh of relief. The realization that Manda noticed more than she let on made me uncomfortable. I pulled the cover over my head before allowing myself to think any further. Did she actually think I was unhappy with her engagement? And had she been secretly hoping I wouldn't make her choose between Tola and me?

"Rosie, why have you been avoiding me?"

I flung my head up with an intensity that left me slightly dizzy. "What are you talking about?"

"We don't talk like we used to and you act like you don't want to hear me talk about Tola."

"Urgh." I groaned. "What makes you think I have issues with you being with Tola?"

"You are always disinterested whenever mum and I talk about preparations for the wedding. And you bury your head in work anytime I want to talk to you." Manda said, her eyes revealing her hurt at my actions.

I massaged my forehead as tiredness crawled through my bones. "I am not disinterested. I'm really happy for you and you have to believe it. You've done nothing wrong. It's just that, most guys I've met don't love me for who I am. They only see a pretty face with a nice body. And seeing you—" My voice trailed off.

"And seeing me getting married makes your plight unbearable." Manda completed thoughtfully.

I wanted to tell Manda she was wrong. I wanted to convince her none of what was happening was getting to me. But I couldn't. Not when she was saying the truth.

"Am I a terrible sister?" I finally managed to ask.

"No." She smiled. "You're only being human."

"I know I'm not meant to feel this way but I can't help it. Don't get me wrong. I don't have feelings for Tola. But, I've been having all these weird thoughts about how it could have been me and all." I said, looking at Manda with uncertainty.

"I know." She whispered. She pulled me into a hug and I felt waves of love wash over me. The weariness I've felt for several weeks caught up with me and I didn't notice when tears spilt from my eyes. Manda held me until my tears abated and gently wiped my face with her palm. She placed my head on a pillow and kissed my cheek before nestling close beside me.

***

My head throbbed with pain as I squinted to see the morning ray illuminating the room. I closed my eyes and was about to settle into a restful sleep when the picture of my boss flashed through my mind. Panic rose within me as I realized I was late for work.

"You don't have to go anywhere today." Manda said, cutting through my thoughts.

"My boss is going to sack me. You know how much he likes work." I argued weakly.

"I already told him you needed rest."

I leapt out of the bed and stared at her in horror. "You called Dayo Smith?"

"Yes. And he even gave you an extra day off."

My jaw dropped open and I had to blink several times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. Manda must have enjoyed rendering me speechless as she teasingly said, "I know you're overjoyed with the thought of being stuck with me for two days."

"I can't believe this." I whispered.

As if on cue, my phone rang and the caller ID made my brow rise.

"He's calling." I said.

"Who?" Manda asked curiously.

"My boss."

"Oh! Kindly extend my greeting."

I rolled my eyes as I knew that was one thing I would never do for my sister. And how did she manage to convince him to give me two days off when I've never been able to get him to do anything.

"Good morning, Mr Smith."

"Good morning, Miss Redmond. Your sister told me you're on the verge of having a nervous breakdown."

I shot Manda a glance which she subtly avoided. "Nervous breakdown?"

"Yes. I told her I was going to call to see how you're doing." He paused. "Or is there something you're not telling me, Miss Redmond?"

"No Sir." Manda stared at me apologetically and I mouthed 'Really?'

"Okay. Try not to do anything stressful today and tomorrow. I would have loved you to take the rest of the week off but we need to hear your report at the meeting on Friday."

I almost rolled my eyes when he told me not to do anything stressful. That was obviously something I didn't need to be reminded of, and he knew it.

"Yes sir. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for calling." I said, biting down the sarcasm that rose up my throat.

"It's my pleasure. See you on Friday."

"Yes sir."

I let out a breath as I ended the call. I tried feigning anger at my sister for not warning me beforehand but my joy at having two days off wouldn't allow me. Instead, I jumped on her and covered her face with kisses.

"Get off me this instant. I really need you to stop acting like a kid" She said with mock seriousness.

"Thanks." I replied when I finally let her go. "How did you come up with the nervous breakdown tale? I didn't take you for a liar."

"I could have used a better word but I didn't lie. More so, you were looking so worn out this morning my heart broke at the thought of you having to go to work."

"I never knew you loved me this much."

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I do. I almost took a picture of you sleeping."

"Thank God you didn't. You would have used it to blackmail me into following you to get your wedding dress."

Light drained from Manda's face and I mentally kicked myself for being insensitive. Why didn't I remember that my acting disinterested in her wedding was hurting her?

"I'm sorry. I only meant that as a joke." I blurted out.

"Hmmn." She murmured absentmindedly.

"If it will make you happy, I'll go pick the dress with you and even be your chief bridesmaid."

"Will you?" She asked with hope.

"Yes, I will."

She grinned widely and squeezed my hand gently. "Don't worry. Being my chief bridesmaid will do. Thank you so much."

"I'm glad I could make you happy."

"One more thing, Rosie."

My heart skipped and my whole senses stood on alert. I recognized the look on Manda's face and it was the one she had whenever she wanted me to do something I wouldn't naturally do in a million years.

I raised my hands. "No. I'm not going to do it."

"I want you to invite Dayo for the wedding."

I was dumbfounded for several moments and stared at her with my mouth opened. If her actions in recent days had taken me by surprise, this was beyond anything I could have imagined.

"Invite who?" I asked breathlessly. "And when did you start calling him by his first name?"

"When he asked me to." She replied mischievously. "Don't tell me you've never called him by his first name?"

"I only call him that in my thoughts." I replied slowly, dragging my feet towards the bed. I knew I looked like a sulking little girl but I couldn't care less. Manda could get him to do things I couldn't despite having worked with him for several months. The world was really a mysterious place.

"That's not important. I'm going to give you an invitation card for him. Please ensure he gets it on Friday."

"What if I refuse to give it to him?" I asked, pursing my lips in hoax annoyance.

"You really don't want to do that."

The argument I had planned stuck in my throat as I looked into Manda's warning eyes. Previous experiences thought me to never ignore her threats. Although she never did anything to hurt me, she always manages to get me to regret not doing things her way.

***

"I can't believe I allowed her to talk me into doing this." I murmured grudgingly. I raised my head to see the person who sat beside me. Brenda Johnson who never failed to look like a beauty queen was assessing me in a way that irritated me. I usually don't give ear to gossip but when the whispers centred on my Boss having a fling with his secretary; it didn't take much for it to spike my interest. Brenda was known throughout the company for her rude and high handed manners. I couldn't help scoffing as I watched her raise her chin in her usual arrogant manner. Maybe it was not in an entirely arrogant way, but her attitude combined with the invitation lying in my purse pushed me to anger.

"What?" She blurted out.

"What do you mean by what?" I asked, masking my anger with an innocent look.

Her gaze turned cold. "You've been staring at me like you are someone important. I think it will do you good to know your place in this company."

"Miss Brenda," I started through clenched teeth. "This is RUBTYL's conference room and that means that I have as much right as you do here. Also, I've not heard of a law that bans staring." I knew she didn't do anything to deserve my outburst, except for a wrong timing and a stupid attitude.

"I wonder why Dayo still keeps people like you in his company." Her gaze swept over me. "I was hoping he would flush out people without manners after his uncle relinquished the position to him."

I held my breath as blood rushed to my face. My chest heaved heavily and it took a lot of struggle for me to keep a hold on my anger. I didn't want to give Brenda the satisfaction of seeing me lose control of my tongue as I was known for saying things I end up regretting whenever I lose my temper.

"You don't need to pretend. He told me all about you." She continued smugly. "I didn't know a lady as pretty as you will look for excuses to avoid doing what she is paid for. I'm not surprised. What else would we expect from a wretched fool?"

I could hear Manda telling me to keep my mouth shut in the recess of my mind. Tears filled my eyes as I knew I couldn't say anything, not if I didn't want a scene. My fingers drummed the table in annoyance as Dayo came in with two other men. I absentmindedly took in his relaxed state which was different from the stiffness I observed in the other two men. I stood up to greet them when I saw Brenda flash Dayo a smile that would have left a lesser man grinning like a fool. My lips pressed into a thin line and I abruptly took my seat. My mind whirled with so many questions I didn't even realize the meeting was over until Dayo called my name.

"Miss Redmond."

"Miss Redmond, can you hear me?"

"Yes sir. I'm sorry. I just got carried away."

He nodded and watched as others left the room. I tried to recollect when I gave my report or an incidence where I said something all to no avail. I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me others including Manda noticed my absent-mindedness. A soft gasp escaped my lips as I realized I probably didn't answer when I was called to give my report. Brenda was really a piece of bad news.

"Are you okay?" Dayo asked, shoving his hands into his pockets

I caught myself before my lips could lift into a smirk. I don't know about getting along with Brenda, but for the sake of keeping my job, I could talk to Dayo without throwing darts.

"Yes sir. I'm fine"

"The report you gave today didn't tally with the facts we have. It felt like you were in a world of your own." He stated plainly.

Interesting! So I gave a report? "I'm really sorry about that. It won't happen again."

"It had better not."

"It won't." I asserted more forcefully than was needed.

"Are you sure everything is okay?" He asked, concern creasing his brows.

The concern I saw on Dayo's face left me confused. Why did he say such hurtful things about me if he cared? My anger gave way for disappointment as the gravity of what Brenda said hit me. For her to be able to casually talk about Dayo and for him to tell her those things, they were definitely an item. The gossip had been true. My heart ached for him as I thought of the viper he was dating. But then, if he could snitch on me, they deserved each other.

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CHAPTER TWO

DAYO

Confusion clouded her eyes and I almost smiled at the stubborn way she raised her chin. If she wasn't sitting, I would have thought she was looking down on me.

"Is everything okay?" I asked again, stressing the words this time.

She bit hard on her lips which made her look like an inferno trying to contain itself. I mentally went over everything I said to her and was baffled when I didn't remember a thing that could have triggered her anger.

"Are you going to fire me?" She blurted out.

My eyes widened with surprise. "No."

She held my gaze for several seconds before reaching for her purse. I watched as she fumbled with it and brought out a beautifully designed card.

"Manda wants you to have this."

I collected the card from her and slowly took my gaze from her face to check what it was. My brows went up as I realized her sister was inviting me to her wedding. I decided to refuse the invitation until I saw the expectant look on her face. She desperately wanted me to decline the invitation. Nothing would thrill me more than dashing her hopes.

"I've always loved weddings. Tell her I'll be there." I said with more cheer than I felt.

Her expression dropped and her face turned up in a scowl. I raised my brow in silent enquiry but she only gave me a tight smile before standing to leave.

"Are you going to walk out on me, Miss Redmond?" I asked.

She looked at me and I saw fear dangle in her eyes before it vanished almost immediately. I smiled because she thought she had gotten me angry. It would definitely take more than a wrong attitude to get me angry. And it would take more than anger for me to fire any of my employees. But they don't know that.

"I'm not. I just didn't realize we were still talking." She replied.

"In case you've not noticed, this is the third time I'm asking. Is everything okay?"

She blinked rapidly before nodding her head. I blew out a breath as I was tired of having to deal with the invisible walls she managed to erect whenever I was around.

"Please sit." I motioned to the seat closest to her.

"Are you tired of RUBTYL?" I asked, observing her closely.

She shook her head in denial while wriggling her hands nervously.

"Are you tired of being the Head of Marketing Department?"

"No... No Sir." She stammered.

"Are you afraid of me?"

"No Sir."

"Why are you acting this way then?"

"What way?"

"Don't play dumb with me, Miss Redmond." I enunciated, staring hard at her.

She fully returned my gaze and I watched as she battled her anger. Does she have an anger problem? This is one complicated lady. One moment she is vibrant, then she turns cold, then angry, then nervous, then to whatever emotion she deems fit. Her man surely has a large work to do. The seconds rolled into minutes and I knew she wouldn't give me an answer if I don't explain myself. I might as well do her the favour of telling her the disagreeable way she acts.

"There is a way you react whenever I ask you to do something which I find disappointing." I started calmly. "My uncle told me about your willingness to expand the company's market, but since I've been in charge, you've done everything to prove him wrong. Take today as an example, you were staring into space most of the time and when you gave your report, it felt like your brain and mouth were not in agreement. Brenda also told me—"

"Brenda also told you what?" She cut in angrily.

I crossed my hand against my chest. "Is there something I should know?"

"Yes, there are a lot of things you should know Sir. To start with, I don't understand what you see in someone like her. I really thought you knew better than to end up with a viper in a skirt."

My eyes bored into hers coldly but that was not enough to stop her.

"We all know you're dating Brenda." She laughed disdainfully. "I don't mean to disrespect her in your presence but she is so... so... so mean. And do you have to make me work so much? I know you have the right to do anything you want but I don't have to do three people's job at the same time. That is why I have team members and you can employ more if they're not enough." She said, struggling in vain to keep her tears at bay.

"What are you talking about?"

She raised her hand and deepened her voice in an attempt to mimic mine. "Miss Redmond, give me a report on these journals by tomorrow. Miss Redmond, give me a detailed report on our prospective customers and how far along you are in reaching your targets. Miss Redmond, find out how we can make the sales department work better with the marketing department. Miss Redmond, give me a report on how we can increase the company's market range. Miss Redmond, you have to write another report because I'm not satisfied with this. Miss Redmond this. Miss Redmond that."

I shifted slightly on my legs and checked to see if there was any person lingering around the conference because I didn't want anyone overhearing our conversation. Even I couldn't believe the nonsense she was confidently spewing out. "I don't tell you to do those things to punish you. It's only normal that you do them even without telling you. I thought you had enough sense to delegate them to capable members of your team."

Her mouth fell and embarrassment coloured her face as the meaning of my words sank into her.

"Have a nice day." I tossed her a curt nod and left the room. I didn't stop to talk to anyone until I got to my office. I deliberately ignored the seductive way Brenda smiled at me and didn't even spare her another glance before banging the door shut. I would have to do something about that secretary of mine sooner or later. But not yet, she has an unexplainable hold on my uncle and I couldn't fire her without risking his disapproval. I need to keep my relationship with him as cordial as possible. A man who trusted me enough to make me the sole heir of the company he built from scratch was worthy of my respect. I sank back into my chair and closed my eyes. 'What did Miss Redmond mean by saying I ended up with a viper in a skirt? And why would anyone ever think I'm dating Brenda?'

***

ROSIE

My tears flowed without warning the moment he turned his back. I've finally made him realize how cheesy I could be. I weakly stood up and returned to my cubicle, keeping my head down so as not to draw attention to my tears soaked face. I dropped my purse on the table and buried my head in my hands. I've been overworking for several months because I failed to ask questions. And I even dared to accuse him at the height of my ignorance. I stepped behind my table and sat. Thoughts of his firing me because of insubordination arose in my mind, sending fear crawling into my heart. I picked my phone and dialled Manda with shaky hands.

"Hello, Sis."

Manda sounded so cheery I didn't want to dampen her spirit with my troubles.

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"I found the perfect dress." She squealed.

Her excitement was contagious and I found myself smiling with her. "I'm glad you finally made up your mind."

"I wish you're here. It's breath-taking and I look like a princess in it."

"I'm sure you do." I replied soberly as I remembered my reason for calling her.

"What's wrong?"

"Just a little disagreement at work. I'll be fine"

"Out with it." She said with an authoritative tone.

"Can I ever hide anything from you?" I teased.

"No, you can't. I'm listening."

"I had an argument with my boss. I accused him of giving me too much work. I also said I thought he knew better than to date Brenda."

"Dayo is dating someone? Who is this Brenda that's taking him away from you?"

I rolled my eyes dramatically while knowing she couldn't see me. Leave it to my sister to have romantic notions of me and Dayo ending up together. "Are you even listening to me?"

"Yes." She paused. "You told your boss what he was supposed to do with his love life, and you also told him that the money he's paying you is not worth all the work you've been doing. I understand you perfectly well, little sis."

"Urgh." I groaned. "You're making matters worse. And don't forget you're only fifteen minutes older than I am."

"Fifteen minutes or not, I came out first."

"Manda, please be serious. I need your help." I dropped my head on the table.

"I'm sorry. I think the wedding is making me overly active."

"I'll have to agree with you on that."

"Have you tried talking to him after your fight – sorry the disagreement?"

"No."

"That's good, because, you're going to apologize to him. And don't worry about getting him to forgive you. He's a great guy, he will."

I sniffed. "Okay"

"Does Brenda work in the company?"

"Yes. She is his secretary."

"That's not good." She whispered. "Don't let her get under your skin anymore. Since you can't make her leave, you have to be able to cope with her."

"I don't know about that, Manda." I said resignedly.

"Listen to me. You're not angry because of the things she said. You're only angry because of the state of your heart. Do you think Mum would have gotten angry if she was in your position this morning?"

I thought of my Mum and knew she wouldn't have. Nothing anyone did could push her to a point where she'll raise her voice or lose her temper. I sighed deeply as I remembered times I secretly doubted her humanity. "No, she wouldn't have."

"That's exactly what I mean. You can't let the actions of others determine how you feel or respond. They'll have control over you that way. The next time she teases you, take your mind off it and choose not to dwell on it. I owe you a gift if she doesn't get riled when you do that. People like that feed off your negative reactions. She'll get tired when you're not giving her any."

"I think you're right. Have I ever told you you'll make a good preacher's wife?"

She laughed. "No, you haven't. And I guess it's too late now."

"I guess so."

"Don't forget to apologize to him, Rosie. And make sure to mean everything you'll say."

"I'll do that. Thanks a lot. I'll see you when I get home."

"It's so obvious you've forgotten"

What is she talking about? "What are you talking about?"

"I was thinking you didn't mention it because I was sleeping when you left. Now I know why you've not called or texted."

"I'm calling you now, right?" I said as I searched my mind to remember what she's accusing me of forgetting.

"What's happening today?"

"Apart from me getting fired, I don't know of anything."

"Okay. Whose birthday is it today?"

I jerked. "It's our birthday. I can't believe I forgot."

"That makes two of us. Because I also can't believe you forgot."

"Thanks for reminding me. We'll celebrate when I'm back"

"Alright. Just don't take too long at work."

"I won't darling."

My heart relaxed at the sound of her heartfelt laughter. Calling her had been worth it. I stood up and straightened my skirts as I walked towards Dayo's office. I could smell the distinct fragrance that characterized his presence a few feet from his door. I risked a glanced at Brenda and found her scowling like a wolf about to corner its prey. I stood silently as she informed Dayo of my presence. The disgustful way she looked at me when she said 'What are you waiting for pretty lying bitch?' almost made me roll my eyes. I decided to pay no attention to her words as I carefully turned the knob of Dayo's door. The door creaked open before I could summon the courage to go in. I swallowed dryly as Dayo stared at me with the unreadable expression he was known for. 'What does he think of my coming here?' I wondered. I walked stiffly into his office and gently closed the door behind me. The artistic perfection of his office had always impressed me. Only now, it choked out the little courage I had left.

"You asked to see me?" Dayo asked with his gaze glued to my face.

I swallowed loudly. "Yes sir. I wanted to apologize for ... for talking to you the way I did"

"Please have a seat." He gestured to one of the chairs in front of him.

I watched as he stood from his chair with the grace of a dancer. I couldn't tear my gaze off his back as his muscles rippled beneath his shirt as he walked. Something cried out in protest in me when he stood to open the freezer. I had enjoyed watching him walk and I had secretly wished the freezer was farther. Oh Lord! I'm not supposed to be having these kinds of thoughts about my boss.

"Do you care for a drink?"

Heat crawled up my skin when I realized I was gawking at him like a schoolgirl. And the worst part was, He noticed. What would my sister think if she heard I've started admiring the one man I constantly complained of? I mentally shook myself as I said, "I don't take alcohol. Water would do just fine."

I melted under the look he shot me as he reached for a fruit juice and bottled water. I didn't need anyone to tell him what I said ticked him off.

"Even if I took alcohol, I wouldn't do that at work." He said dryly. He placed the fruit juice and water on a tray and added two glass cups. He covered the distance between us within seconds and dumped the tray on the table with more force than necessary. I suddenly became aware of how close we were. He didn't seem to be affected as I was because he opened the bottled water, poured it into one of the glass cups and handed it to me without sparing me a second glance. He returned to his seat, served himself the fruit juice, and caught me looking at him. "You look winded. What's wrong?"

Was he trying to mock me? I closed my eyes as I added observant to the list of things I knew about him. He was just like Manda; you couldn't hide anything from her.

"Nothing. I'm just impressed with the way you could be so tolerant and hospitable. Seeing you're the boss and all." I knew that was not the real answer to his question, but that was the closest to the truth I was willing to get. I had really been impressed with the way he could do something other men would have felt was beneath them.

He looked at me thoughtfully. "Thank you, Miss Redmond."

"It's nothing. Please call me Rosie."

My lips quivered at my boldness. He turned the cup in his hand, making the juice in it swirl. His gaze appeared far-away, like he was remembering something dear to him. I bit the inside of my lip as I realized that telling him to call me by my first name could have made him think I was hitting on him. I really didn't want anything to sway the unspoken mutual understanding we've reached, not even my childish attraction to him. "I take it back."

He raised his brows curiously.

"Telling you to call me Rosie – I take it back. Miss Redmond is fine by me." I blabbered.

A smile which made my heart jump spread across his face. He took a sip of his juice and said, "No, it's fine. I'll call you Rosie if you'll call me Dayo."

I grinned widely. Manda wouldn't believe all I had to tell her. "Dayo it is."

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CHAPTER THREE

DAYO

My mouth lifted in a smile as I remembered the mortified look on Rosie's face when I caught her staring at me. I've had a lot of ladies tell me they would do anything to be with me, which I appreciated. The only problem was I wouldn't want any of my employees joining the list. Emotions would only serve to distract them. I propped my legs on the table as I thought of a way to handle Brenda's increasing desperation to get me into her bed. The sexual passes she constantly throws at me didn't get me annoyed in the past as it did now. I thought of talking to her about it and almost called her through the intercom when I glanced at my wristwatch. It was already past closing hour and I couldn't risk working overtime today since I had to pick Margarita at the airport. I sighed deeply as the thought of setting my eyes on Margarita brought back the dreary feeling I've always had whenever I thought of her. I picked my jacket and briefcase and walked out of the door before I could change my mind about not working overtime. My heart crashed against my chest the moment I set my eyes on Brenda. It took a lot of self-control for me not to run back into my office as her rear end was staring me right in the face. What was she doing bending in such a – I swallowed – godless way? Cold sweat broke out of my forehead.

"Excuse me."

She straightened slowly, giving me an ample view of her body. She placed one of her hands on her hips and the other slightly rested against her chest. "I'm sorry Sir. I didn't realize you'll be leaving so soon."

I knew she was lying. She must have been eavesdropping at my door and hurriedly got herself into the seductive position when I was about to open the door. The skilful way she managed to look innocent would have surprised me if not for the heat rapidly spreading through my body. 'I Love you, Lord.' I murmured silently. I tried my best to focus on the Lord rather than the full curves standing in front of me.

"Are you Okay sir?" She asked, her eyes shining with satisfaction at my discomposure.

Annoyance rose within me. If she has stopped being subtle about seducing me, then I have no reason to continue playing ignorance. We might as well have it all out in the open. "The next time I see you in a posture that has nothing to do with being a secretary, I'll fire you."

I enjoyed watching uncertainty flash across her face before she replaced it with the seductive grin I've grown used to seeing on her. She truly needs to learn that not every man delights in warming the bed of the next available woman.

"It's not what you think Sir."

I glared sternly at her, making her stop short of touching my shoulder. "Touching me is out of bounds for you." I said, stressing each word.

I took a few steps away from before turning to add my final thoughts. "Since you're my secretary I'll appreciate it if your body is always properly covered."

My eyes crinkled wickedly when her face fell. I walked away feeling several kilograms lighter. Who knew fleeing temptation could take so many words?

***

ROSIE

Tendrils of my hair stuck on my sweaty face as I made another trip to my car's bonnet. I couldn't get the car to start no matter how I tried. I looked around to see if anyone in the company was coming towards the parking lot. My heart sank within me when I didn't even see a fly. I had stayed behind because I wanted to see Dayo one last time before leaving the company. I had had to change my mind when my patience ran out. I blew my hair out of my face and pursed my lips as I imagined him smiling sweetly at Brenda.

"Urgh." I groaned.

"You look better when you smile."

My heart leapt joyfully as I heard his voice. I rolled my eyes in spite of myself and masked my face with indifference. I turned to look at him and the smile on his face sent my heart tumbling. I strongly resisted it as I didn't want to be caught fawning over someone who had given his heart to Brenda.

He cocked his head. "Why do you have that sour look on your face?"

'Get a grip, Rosie'. I dropped my gaze to my feet as I said, "Forgive me. I tend to get ahead of myself."

"It's okay." He said reassuringly. "I almost got worried when you had that jealous girlfriend look on your face."

My jaw dropped open. "What?"

He shrugged nonchalantly, a lazy grin flitting across his face. "Take it easy. I wasn't trying to accuse you."

My hands trembled nervously. His words had been close to the truth. But being jealous doesn't mean anything, I argued. I'm only attracted to him, and why not, he is handsome, responsible, matured, tolerant, observant— Oh God! I've got it bad.

"I see you've got issues with your car." He said.

I've got issues with my mind and you're the cause. "Yes."

He rolled up the cuff of his shirt. "Do you mind me taking a look?"

"Yes. No. I mean you can't. It's not like you can't but—" His amused expression at my blabbering cut me short and I buried my head in my hands. Pretty Rosie is definitely doing an excellent job of making a fool out of herself. "Urgh!" I groaned.

"I'm sorry."

I lifted my head to see him watching me soberly. "Why are you sorry?" I asked.

"For enjoying your nervousness."

I would have thought he was flirting with me but for the seriousness etched on his face. "Are you always this honest?" I asked curiously.

"Yes."

His admission knocked the wind out of me. I knew I shouldn't be surprised but I was. A lot of guys I knew couldn't claim to be completely honest all the time. And I would have doubted him if I hadn't been at the receiving end of some of his brutally honest actions.

"What do we do about your car?"

My eyes widened at his use of we. I stopped myself before I could read any meaning into it. He was free to say that since we are friends, or at least, something close to that.

"We do nothing."

"How will you get home?"

"I'll order a cab."

"Okay." He walked towards his car.

My gaze flipped sideways to see Brenda sauntering towards the parking lot. I rushed to catch up with Dayo and before I could think twice about it I said, "Do you mind giving me a ride?" I asked nervously.

He looked at me indecisively for several seconds before giving me a slight nod. My mouth lifted into a smile of its own accord as I walked back to my car to get my bag. The fact that he agreed to give me a ride with Brenda standing a couple of feet away meant that the boat of their relationship is being rocked by a raging storm. I don't naturally get myself involved in the love affairs of others. But the more I knew Dayo, the more I believed he deserved better than Brenda. I threw a cursory glance at Brenda and wasn't surprised when she looked at me with more hatred than I've seen in my lifetime.

***

DAYO

My nose tingled at the scent of the cologne she was wearing. I raised my brow in surprise as I've always thought women have an aversion to cologne. I mentally shook myself as I returned my focus to the road. I was taking the last turn that led out of the company when I remembered I had not asked her where she was going.

"Can I have your address?"

"No 5, Herbert Macaulay road. It's not so far from here."

My mouth pressed into a thin line as I decided to engage her in a conversation in order to make her more comfortable. I don't want her swooning over me; neither do I want her to always be on her toes whenever I'm around her. "Do you have other siblings apart from Manda?"

"No."

"Did you ever wish you had more?"

She smiled. "No. Manda is more pills than I can swallow."

"Really? I would have voted you to be the troublesome one."

"You're right. She's just so motherly and so... so girly at the same time."

"Hmmn." I murmured.

"She's only fifteen minutes older than me but she wouldn't let me hear the last of it." She replied sullenly.

"Wow! You're a twin?"

She squirmed in her seat as she looked at me. "I thought you knew."

"No, I didn't. I associated your looking alike to being sisters, not, twins." I shrugged my shoulders innocently. "It's amazing seeing fraternal twins of the same sex."

She pursed her lips. "I guess so."

I smiled at the way she looked innocent with her lips pointing that way. Had she always looked cute whenever she did that or am I just noticing it?

"That's enough questions about me. Now tell me about yourself."

***

ROSIE

"That's enough questions about me. Now tell me about yourself." I demanded with curiosity burning like a fire within me.

I couldn't believe I felt this relaxed with him as I remembered the way sweat had oozed from my palms the moment I sat in his car. I would have laughed at the thought of a twenty-five year old acting like an idiot because of a man if I wasn't the subject of the joke.

"What do you want to know?" He asked.

I held his gaze and his golden-brown eyes seemed to pierce into my very soul. How did I not notice the colour of his eyes before now? "Everything" My voice faltered at his raised brows. "I... I mean anything."

He turned his attention to the road and took the final curve that led to my house.

"It seems we're here." He announced.

My face burned at the deft way he ignored my request. I hurriedly grabbed my bag and was about to open the car door when his hand stopped me.

His eyes bore into mine. "Thank you for riding with me. I enjoyed our conversation."

Something in his eyes pulled at me. There was a different kind of warmth in it that made me want to trust him. "I should be the one thanking you." I whispered.

He dropped his gaze and shook his head slightly as if banishing a thought. When he looked back at me the hurt in it almost broke my heart. "Rosie, am I your friend?"

I nodded my head as my throat felt too clogged to say a word.

"Then please, don't have feelings for me."

The shock on my face must have been very visible as he continued, "You are a very beautiful lady and you have a good heart. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I know you're in a relationship with Brenda." I blurted out in an attempt to preserve the last shred of dignity the brutally honest man hasn't torn.

"No, I'm not." He said as his jaw tightened. "It would have been better if I was."

I shivered at the intensity with which he spoke the last sentence. What could possibly be worse than dating Brenda? My knees went weak and I wondered how I was going to make it to the front door. I didn't have to worry for long as I caught sight of Manda walking towards us. She was wearing an apron. Was she cooking? I hoped so because I loved eating her food.

"Who do we have here?" Manda flashed Dayo one of the rare smiles she keeps in reserve for Tola.

I watched as Dayo's eyes transformed from hurt filled to warmth filled. Who would have known such a man has a terrible secret gnawing at him.

"Hey." He opened the door and stepped on the hard concrete.

As I expected, Manda ignored Dayo's hand and pulled him into a hug. They didn't notice when I helped myself out of the car because she already got him hooked in a conversation.

"I only told Rosie to invite you to the wedding. I didn't know she would also invite you to our birthday party." She said, tossing me a teasing smile. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at Manda. She was definitely up to something as we both knew she didn't mention a thing about the party when we talked.

Dayo looked at me, confusion etched on his face. "Is today your birthday?"

"Yes. Today is our birthday." Manda answered before I could bring myself to say a word. I didn't know why but I felt slightly guilty for not telling him. I could have mentioned it in the car when he was asking about me and Manda. I stole a quick glance at them and felt a twinge of jealousy. Manda knew how to make anybody comfortable around her. I would have been bothered by her monopolizing him if I didn't have to think about the possible reasons behind Dayo asking me not to like him.

"Would you like to join us?"

My head jerked up to look at Manda and I found her staring at me. I shifted uncomfortably on my feet as I felt like bolting. Why did she have to ask him? How was I supposed to act around him a few minutes after he threw my attraction to him in my face?

"I wish I could." He replied apologetically. "I didn't know today was your birthday and I have an appointment."

My relief at his refusal was quickly overridden by my curiosity at the appointment he had. Did it have anything to do with what he mentioned earlier? My mind went to Brenda but I shook it off. It couldn't be her since they're not in a relationship.

"Rosie."

"Yes." I answered, snapping out of my thoughts.

"Dayo said he'll make it up to us." Manda said.

"Okay." I murmured.

"One last thing, Dayo"

"Not again, Manda" I groaned and rolled my eyes dramatically.

She gave me a mischievous wink and turned her most doting smile on Dayo.

"What's that?" He asked calmly.

"You owe me one for letting you go without a fight."

Dayo must have found it funny because he gave a throaty laugh. "Yes, Ma'am. I'm always at your service." He bowed dramatically.

"Remember that when I ask you for a favour." Manda winked as she stepped aside for Dayo to open the door to his car.

"I will." He replied before hopping in.

I closed my eyes as Dayo drove off. He really didn't know what he got himself into by agreeing to what Manda said. He will understand soon enough; when she decides to call in her favour.

"Hey, Sis! You sure have a lot of explaining to do."

I didn't have to open my eyes to know Manda was burning with curiosity. And I also knew I would tell her everything. It's just that I needed to; first of all, help myself to a large bowl of ice cream. My ego needed mending.

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER FOUR

DAYO

"Margarita." I mumbled under my breath. I kept my gaze on the road leading to the airport while tightening my grip on the stirring wheel. My stomach turned uneasily at the thought of seeing her. She wouldn't take my lateness lightly. I couldn't really pinpoint the moment I forgot about picking her up, but my best guess was when I caught a whiff of Rosie cologne. I had crawled back into my shell the moment she had asked to know everything about me. I would have had no problem telling her about the plane crash that took most of my family members or the way I became my uncle's heir if I didn't know she would pity me. I really didn't want her or anyone else pitying me. A smile slightly touched my lips as I remembered the friendly banter I had with Manda. She was definitely a lady not to be trifled with. And Rosie, she is fun to be with whenever she manages to get over her nervousness. If only Margarita could be like either of them. How was I supposed to get married to a lady whose very sight repulses me?

My phone vibrated with a text. I jammed hard on the brakes, almost causing a collision with an oncoming vehicle when I saw its content. Margarita was already at my place!

***

I woke up to the sound of shattering chinaware. The thought of Margarita causing more havoc than she did last night sent me heading blindly towards the source of the noise while shoving my hands hurriedly into a robe. My nose tingled pleasurably as it caught a whiff of freshly baked bread. I walked cautiously towards the kitchen and my legs stopped in its track when I saw Margarita gracefully sweeping the broken pieces of china. And not only that, she had been cooking. I rubbed my face vigorously to ascertain I was not imagining things. The Margarita I knew was many things but someone who cooks, and definitely not in the wee of the morning. The innocent shrug she gave me when she turned to look at me was enough to make me know my suspicions were clearly written on my face.

"Good morning. I didn't know you were awake." She said, dumping the broken chinaware into the plastic bin.

"The noise woke me."

"I didn't mean to break anything." She said defensively "I guess I was really anxious, considering the things I said to you last night."

"Indeed." I murmured as my mind went back to the ordeal she was referring to. After having to beg the driver who owned the car that almost collided with mine, I drove home with a sinking bitter feeling in my chest. I wasn't surprised when I saw my bedroom already turned to a messy version of itself by my fiancée. She accused me of wanting to get rid of her by choosing not to show up and all I did was to stare at her wordlessly. I had to spend several hours cleaning up while she curled up in front of the TV, watching a soap opera.

"Did you sleep well?" She asked and I realized my silence was unnerving to her.

"No." I replied honestly.

"Me too."

I watched as she poured the egg into the frying pan and stirred it with a spatula. She bustled with a vibrant energy that would have qualified her for an excellent wife, until she opened her mouth, of course.

"I didn't take you for the staring type." She said, turning off the heat.

"And I didn't take you for the cooking type." I replied without thinking.

She locked gazes with me. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me."

At that moment, her eyes looked so bright and innocent I felt I saw the girl beneath her cold, uncaring self. "I wish our parents didn't go this far. We could have been good friends."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously and she seemed to go back to being her. I shook my head and I regretted ever thinking I could be her friend. "Are we not good friends? I knew it! Since you refused to pick me at the airport, I knew another lady was taking your time."

"Every man has a limit, Margarita. You're pushing me." I warned.

She ignored me and put her hand to her head in disbelief. "To think that I believed you wouldn't cheat on me because you claim to love Jesus. I didn't know you're also one of those shameless cheats. I don't even know why I bothered cooking for you. You're nothing but a filthy pig." She spat in disgust.

My hands curled into a fist as I stemmed my rising anger. Help me, Lord, before I do something I'll end up regretting. I took several steps away from her. "You've been with several guys since we got to know about the agreement and I've never made an issue out of it. And I would love you to remember you made it clear I meant absolutely nothing to you when I showed up at the beach party you held at Hawaii."

"Shut up Dee. Just shut up. That does not give you the right to cheat on me." Her voice went a notch higher.

My jaw tightened at her use of my nickname. Only close friends were allowed to call me Dee and I didn't consider her to be one. I held her gaze. "No, it doesn't. But it gives you the right to keep me as a backup plan while you have fun with other guys."

"What are you trying to say?" She asked through clenched teeth.

"It's simple. I won't allow you to walk all over me like you have a right to. I've had enough of being disrespected and taken for granted. I can't subject myself to a life of doom by marrying you."

"You dare not!" She threatened with a shaky voice

"I dare to, Margarita. I'm not going to marry you. I just can't. "

"The agreement clearly stated that you had to marry me or I get to choose my compensation. You surely know that spells hell for RUBTYL."

"Margarita." I smiled sadly. "I hope you remember that the agreement is no more binding once my parents died."

"What?"

"I see you never took your time to read the contract but my parents felt there was no reason for me to be joined to their best friend's daughter if they were not alive to witness it."

"You're lying." She denied as she slapped the pan away from the burner, sending the fried egg flying across the kitchen.

My eyes darkened as I watched my plan for breakfast dissolve right before my eyes. That was her saving grace and she misused it. "Pack your bags. You're leaving my house."

Her hand caught my shoulder as I turned to go. She slowly released me when I stared at the spot where her fingers rested. "I'm sorry." She whispered. "I got so angry I didn't give a second thought to the things I was saying."

I shook my head in disbelief at the speed at which her anger vanished, or should I say the speed at which she masked it. She must be really desperate to get married if she could swallow her pride to apologize. The Margarita I knew wouldn't do that and that was more reason for me not to marry her. "You didn't say anything you didn't mean"

"Please forgive me. We can sort things out." She pleaded.

I released a harsh breath and turned to leave the room. I walked away and didn't look back, lest I succumb to the temptation of throwing her out of my house with my bare hands.

***

ROSIE

"Rosie, you're not listening" Manda accused.

"Sorry. I believe any colour of lingerie will look good on you. Or you can opt for the colours Tola like"

"Brilliant!" She exclaimed with shining eyes. "I never thought of that."

"That's why you have a sister. What would you do without me?" I teased

Manda rolled her eyes at me before dragging me to another section in the store. "Now let's get you a pretty dress."

"Why?"

She twitched her lips mischievously as she said, "I'll tell you if you promise to keep it a secret."

"I promise." I answered eagerly.

"I'm getting you to spend more time with Dayo in a less formal setting than you both are used to."

"What?" I exclaimed.

"You have nothing to worry about. I'm not trapping you into a marriage with him. I only want you guys to be good friends. And you both leave me with little choice since you're bent on not making it happen." She explained coolly.

"Are you out of your mind?" I whispered in amazement.

"No. But they will think you are if you don't stop whispering like a soaked mannequin."

I grinned widely at her weird sense of humour. "That was really stupid. Have you ever seen a whispering soaked mannequin?"

"No. I just needed to break the ice, and it seemed like the perfect thing to say."

"How are you going to get him to agree to this plan of yours?" I asked curiously.

"I'll call in my favour if I have to."

I knew it. Rule number one: Never owe Manda a favour. "I really appreciate you doing this for me but I don't want to like him any more than I currently do." I admitted shyly

She looked at me thoughtfully. "Nobody told you to fall in love. Just be the friend he needs."

"I don't know if I can do that."

"You can. As long as you remember to look beneath the surface, you will always see a man who is going through more than he would admit."

"Why can't you just ask Tola to be his friend? He'll do a better job than I"

"I could do that, but, that would only make you lose out on a very amazing friend."

I sighed. "Is this even about him or me?"

"Let's just say it's about the both of you. Now go choose a dress. If you're going to work on being friends with Dayo, you could as well start with wearing something beautiful."

I crossed my hands defiantly on my chest as I grudgingly scanned the clothes in front of me. Rule number two; never argue with Manda, you'll lose. I would have jumped at an opportunity to get a new dress if she didn't have other intentions than the ones she told me. I smirked as I thought of how smartly she came up with the 'wear a new dress since you're starting something new' thing. She was fast becoming more persuasive, which I don't think is a good thing since I have to bear the brunt of it. And that brings me to Rule number three; Manda always gets what Manda wants.

***

DAYO

I smiled briefly at the receptionist as she handed me the key to the room I booked for Margarita. Getting her to the hotel had taken a lot of patience and determination. I've never met a more selfish or disrespectful lady. If anybody has ever grated on my nerves, she reduced them to ashes.

"You're so insensitive. I've never met a man with little sense as you." She hissed out. Her face filled with anger and pride as she dropped the sweet innocent façade she had put on after I literally had to carry her into the car when she refused to leave.

"I was thinking of walking you to your room. I guess I'll have to leave you to sort yourself." I said, handing her the key.

She slapped my hand away, sending the key flying across the room. "I need nothing from you." She spat.

My lips tightened. "More reason for you to go back to wherever it is you came from."

She laughed haughtily "You're wrong my dear." I stiffened as she took a step closer. "I'm not someone you can discard at will. And I believe you know I do not take rejection lightly."

"What are you trying to say?" I asked, my eyes narrowing dangerously.

Her eyes shone with evil as she said, "I'll make sure you never find love. Even if I have to take drastic steps"

"Are you threatening me?"

"No. I only told you the truth."

My stomach clenched as she angrily whirled out of the hotel. I turned to watch her leave and my attention caught something. She had gone without her suitcase. My body shook with irritation as I knew that meant she would have to come back. And that was trouble because she would most likely stay back in Nigeria. Her staying back hadn't been a problem until she threatened me. I couldn't even defend myself against her verbal tarts, not when I consistently heard that voice telling me to walk in love. I steeled myself against the impulse of kicking something. I had let her get away with disrespecting me; she wouldn't have such luck if she raises a finger against those I love. The anger burning within me didn't make me notice the ease that spread through my heart.

***

ROSIE

My heels clicked as I stepped inside the elevator. Spending half a day at REFUGE orphanage home alongside Tola and Manda was more stressful than I thought as I could barely cover my yawn when the elevator chimed. Manda had convinced me to follow them on their routine visit to the home after I finally picked a simple white gown during our visit to the dress store on Saturday. The thought of spending a large part of Sunday with little children didn't excite me as I thought it will. But that was until I got there. My reluctance had evaporated as a motherly affection wrapped itself across my heart as I watched the smile on their faces. I grinned widely at the memory of Hannah entering the playground with her whole body covered with flour. I walked off the elevator but stopped abruptly when I heard familiar voices whispering.

"Did you see the boss this morning?"

"Yes. He looked like he didn't get enough sleep. I bet something happened"

"Sam even told me he didn't reply to his greeting like he usually did. And I agree with him because his eyes looked like he was battling with something."

A gasp. "Maybe he is bankrupt."

"That can't be true. He has enough money to last him through three lifetimes. My best guess is that Brenda broke up with him."

"I think...so."

I cleared my throat more loudly than necessary, cutting off the next remark. I enjoyed watching Kemi Maxwell and Amanda George stare at their feet in embarrassment. Apart from the fact that they were my team members, they were known gossips throughout the company and they seemed to do everything to uphold their reputation. Heaven knows the terrible things they would have said about me.

"Is everything okay?" I asked coldly, mimicking the expressionless look I've often seen on Dayo's place.

"Yes... Yes Ma." Amanda George stammered.

"That's good because I want both of you to work on a grand market entry for RUBTYL cookies."

"What?" They chorused.

"Yes. You're going to create a mind-blowing awareness for the cookies and you have a week to do that."

"A week is not enough time to come up with such an idea." Amanda George argued.

I smiled stiffly as I looked from her to Kemi Maxwell. "It will have to do. If you could keep the gossip business going for this long, there is nothing you can't do once you set your heart to it."

I hid a satisfied smile as I walked to my cubicle. I already have members of the team working on the awareness for RUBTYL cookies, but, I wouldn't tell them that, not yet anyway. And hadn't they said something about Dayo looking dreadful? I dropped my bag on my table. It had taken a lot of efforts to get Dayo's words out of my mind and it had even taken more to get rid of his hurt filled face. I groaned at my inability to soothe his hurt. A picture of a little girl kneeling by her bed crossed my mind and I knew what I must do. Pray!

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER FIVE

ROSIE

My hands paused over the keyboard as I stole a hurried peep at the glass partition wall. I knew I wouldn't see him, but that didn't stop me from checking every five minutes or so. His face had been permanently ingrained on my mind since he dropped me home last Friday and nothing I did could wipe it off. I let out a disappointed sigh as I returned my gaze to the laptop sitting gallantly on my office table. It's been three days since I overhead Amanda and Kemi talking about Dayo and I'm yet to catch a glimpse of him. I had started praying for him since that day, but that did nothing to quell the confusion that filled my heart after I heard the shocking news he had for all his employees. An internal memorandum had been passed around informing us that Dayo had employed a Personal Assistant and that all interactions between him and us would be done through this person. I even heard rumours that his supposed P.A. was female. That was not even the big deal, though I believed he could have called a meeting instead of sending a piece of paper, the problem was the fact that it had taken him only a weekend to both decide he needed a P.A. and to get one. It didn't make any sense then neither does it make any sense now. I grimaced at the absurdity of the whole matter. How am I supposed to be a friend to someone I can't access? I bit my lips and continued typing as I decided Manda would have to find another person for me to be friends with.

***

DAYO

My eyes darkened as I glanced through the pictures the Private Investigator I had employed after Margarita left me standing in a hotel showed me. Marian Omoni had discovered more in four days than I had managed to do in all my twenty-four years of knowing Margarita. No, make that twenty-five. I'm only three years older than her. I slightly lifted my brows at a picture of her puffing hard at her cigarette. She looked like she was emitting smoke. My hands paused over the last picture and I looked up at Marian Omoni sceptically.

"Why did she meet with my Uncle?"

"She was telling him to convince you to pick a date for the wedding. She told him you are scared of not being good enough for her and that you wouldn't budge no matter how much she tried convincing you."

My brows shot up in surprise. "Why would she tell him that? I clearly broke our engagement."

"I believe she's planning something and I'm sure she's no more interested in getting married to you than you are in getting married to her. People like her only want revenge. Whatever she's planning needs her to have your uncle in support of her."

"She's going to manipulate him."

"Yes. She's turning him against you."

I absentmindedly flipped one of the pictures in my hand. Margarita is dangerous but I wasn't expecting her to go this far in getting even with me. I'm the one who was wronged, not her. She was absolutely acting irrational.

"I'm planning on bugging her phones and her hotel rooms."

"No, don't do that. I'll feel uneasy knowing you're listening in on all her conversations."

"Then you have to tell your uncle the truth."

"I will, since, she wouldn't expect me to."

"If he can be trusted, I'll advise you to tell him the whole story as soon as possible."

"He can be trusted."

She handed me a file and said, "A man told me to give you this."

I smiled gratefully at her and collected the file from her. I glanced through it and looked up to find Marian staring at me. "It's the improved recipe for RUBTYL cookies." I explained.

"You didn't have to tell me. It is not my business." She shrugged nonchalantly.

"It is, seeing you're my Personal Assistant." I grinned.

She grunted before packing the pictures on my table and tucking them somewhere in her shirt. My eyes grew wide as I couldn't locate the place she had tucked them. I would have argued the fact that she was with pictures if I hadn't watched her hid them.

"I would advise you to keep your surprise off your face. People would start believing things if they saw you this way." I wouldn't have known she was teasing if I hadn't noticed the tiny creases around her eyes.

"Nobody would come looking for me. Not after I declared my P.A. as capable and efficient. And you would have to learn the name of your co-workers if you want to enjoy working with them." I stared at her and decided I liked her. She had proved efficient since I employed her. Her agency told me I was lucky to have one of their best agents assigned to me but I knew better. I wasn't lucky, I was favoured. My best friend Edward Rematrin had told me about the agency after I called to tell him about Margarita. He had convinced me to get evidence of her sinister actions in a case I would have to report to the law enforcement agency. Seeing the pictures and hearing Marian, I'm glad I listened to him. Now, I wouldn't be caught off guard by her.

"Are you mocking me, Sir?" She asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

She looked formidable standing with her hand on her hips. God help anyone who crosses her. "No, I wasn't."

"It would help my investigation if she really believes I'm your employee." She said.

I wondered why she said that out of nowhere. "I know." She looked at me like I didn't understand the full implication of her words. "You already explained that to me. Is there something I'm doing that will make her doubt?"

She gave a slight nod.

"What can I do to make it better?" I asked, not bothering to ask her what I did wrong.

"You can start with not being friendly with me Sir."

I shifted back in my chair as I looked at her blankly. Was this what she called friendliness? I doubted if Marian Omoni has ever had anyone talk to her politely or even with a relaxed tone. And what has my friendliness got to do with anything? I could think of a number of my employee who would appreciate my being friendly. Put Rosie on top of that list. Well, If that was what Marian wanted, that was what she would get it? And Rosie, I can't see her yet. Not with everything going on. "I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable, Miss Omoni"

"Apology accepted Sir"

I gave her a curt nod and watched as she turned to leave. "When can I go back to doing my job without having to go through you?"

"When she hears you have a female P.A who is closer to you than every other person." She tossed over her shoulders.

My eyes stayed on the door long after she walked out through it. How did I get myself in this mess? No, I didn't do anything. My parents did. I remembered the time my Dad told me I wouldn't have to marry the wrong woman. He was right, but not the way he thought.

***

ROSIE

I slipped my shoes off my feet and splayed languidly on the sofa. My eyes drifted shut against the pounding in my head. The confusion in my heart thickened and I felt helpless against it. Dayo had declined to see me after I decided to go see him since he wouldn't show up in the office room. The hurt I felt sharpened as I couldn't bear the thought of his refusing to see me because he thought I had feelings for him. It's only eight days since Manda called Dayo to inform him of my fake nervous breakdown and I'm already feeling like I was close to having a real one.

"Are you okay?"

My lids stayed close as Mum's voice drifted into my thoughts. "I'm fine ma."

She sat and placed my head on her laps. "Rosie, you're not fine. What's wrong?"

"I'm having boy problem" I replied honestly.

"What is his name?" She asked with a voice as cold as steel.

"Hmmn." I murmured unintelligibly.

"Tell me the name of the guy who broke your heart." She snapped.

"Oops!" I raised my head. "It's not what you're thinking, Mum."

"If a guy broke up with you and you're trying to cover up for him –"

I cut in. "It's not what you're thinking Mum."

She held my gaze for several seconds before saying, "It had better not be."

I released a breath and shook my head in amazement. Mum was looking like she wanted to hit someone, but, the Mrs Redmond I knew wouldn't hurt a fly. "Nobody broke my heart but I might be attracted to a guy who wants nothing to do with me."

She held my hands in hers and squeezed it gently. Her understanding spurred me on. "His name is Dayo Smith and he is my boss. He was the guy who brought me home last week Friday. I like him, it's not like I'm in love with him or anything, just a passing attraction. I know people might not believe it but I'm not swooning over him. It's not like I want to get married to him, I just like him a lot" I blabbered. I really didn't understand what I was saying.

"I understand dear. Please go on."

Of course, she'll understand. She's my mum and she knows a lot of things I don't even know about myself. "I didn't use to like him but that was as a result of a misunderstanding. He is really an amazing Man. He employed a P.A a few days ago – a female P.A – and everyone has to go through her to see him. He refused to see me today and I believe it's because he is trying to avoid. I think he is going through a lot, Mum." I knew I didn't make sense, but, I was hoping Mum would see beyond the things I said and get a grasp of the way I was feeling.

"What do you want from him?"

I stared at her in shock. "What?"

"What exactly do you want from him?" She repeated.

"I don't know."

"Rosie." She lovingly placed a hand on my shoulder. "You're disappointed because you want him to see you the way you see him. Even if you refuse to admit it, you want him to take you as important as he is to you."

"Maybe" I admitted groggily.

"I wish there was an easy way to say this but you have to get a hold of yourself. He is not in any way responsible for your happiness or peace. You're getting worked up over nothing. Pray for him and be his friend without forcing yourself on him or expecting anything from him."

"It's hard Mum. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop worrying over his actions and why he said this or that. I really can't stop trying to understand him."

"You can understand people without trying to decipher the intent behind their every action. Give him some time. He'll surely come around. Just don't get your hopes pinned on him."

"Yes, Mum." I stood and dropped a kiss on her cheek before picking up my shoes and bag.

"And Rosie"

I halted. "Yes."

"Try to take time off work. How will you get a guy if all you do is to work and work?"

I turned to leave without saying a word. I entered my room and dropped my shoes with a thud. Mothers!

***

DAYO

"Are you saying Margarita did that?" Gbenga Smith asked incredulously.

"Yes sir."

I stared at my uncle and noticed the grey in his hair was becoming more obvious. He had gone through a lot and truly deserves to rest. My eyes slightly grew wide when he poured more wine into his cup and took it all in a gulp. Why did he have to do that?

"But she was telling me to help you in making arrangements for the wedding. I was really looking forward to seeing you in a tuxedo."

I stared wistfully at him and my heart broke at the disappointment mirrored on his face. "I'm really sorry uncle. I'll get married someday."

He swallowed thickly as he said, "If you don't mind, I would prefer if you call me Dad to my face. It makes memories more bearable."

I nodded my head in understanding as I said, "Yes Dad."

Losing his wife and children had been hard for him but he had survived by pouring himself into his work and seeking the Lord. Nothing could shake his faith, not when it had saved him during the hardest time of his life. His tenacity has always been a source of strength for me. Calling him Dad was not a big deal as I had always seen him as a Father since I also lost my parents and siblings in the plane crash that killed his family.

"What about the Private Investigator?" He asked.

"She is going to be working with me until I'm sure of what Margarita is up to."

"I think that won't be for long. She would probably go back home now that I know the truth."

"The Margarita I know would definitely look for another way to get back at me. She would be furious when she discovers that I've told you everything."

"Can't you just get her arrested?"

"I can't. Not without evidence."

"You can still report her to the police. So they'll be informed if she tries anything silly."

"They'll most likely call her for questioning and I don't want her to feel like I suspect her if we later discover she was not planning anything bad."

"But you know she's planning something bad."

"Yes sir."

We both kept quiet as uncertainty hung in the air. The only sound in the room was the wall clock's ticking hand. I briefly glanced at it and knew I had to leave immediately if I hoped to beat traffic. Leaving now, I still wouldn't get home in less than two hours. I knew coming to see him immediately after work was going to leave me feeling tired but I couldn't risk Margarita turning him against me. I was going to do all I could to maintain the smooth relationship I had with the family member I had left. He was the only sibling my Father had and I've never met anyone in my mother's family. She had refused to talk about them while she was alive. Maybe I would look into that at some point in time.

"Thanks for your support, Dad" I said as I stood up to take my leave.

He also stood and said, "It's my pleasure. How is Brenda?"

"Which Brenda?" I asked with feigned ignorance.

"Brenda Johnson."

"She's fine." I replied curtly. I didn't want to discuss Brenda with him.

"Do you find her to your liking?" He continued undauntedly.

I knew it. "No Sir." I replied as I moved towards the door with him on my tail.

"Just get to know her. She is really nice" He urged passionately.

I groaned inwardly. "I'll try to"

I stepped outside and deeply inhaled the fresh air. I hopped into my car and rested my head on the steering wheel. I would think of what to do about Brenda later. But now, I have to talk to a friend. I picked my phone and dialled Edward Rematrin.

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER SIX

DAYO

My drowsy eyes flicked open as the noise penetrated my sleep. Someone was knocking and I was surprised when I glanced at my wristwatch and saw that it was few minutes to midnight. Who could possibly be visiting my door at this hour? My senses were on alert as I thought of the possibility of thieves trying to gain access to the house. My back strained with tension as I crept out of my couch and tiptoed to the door. I looked through the peephole and saw Edward dressed in a hood. I threw the door open before his fist could pound on the door for the fourth time in a row.

"What took you so long?" He asked as he slipped inside, leaving me staring confusingly after him. "You'd better close the door. Mosquitoes are real." He added.

I gently closed the door and eased back to the couch I just left. I hadn't planned sleeping there but driving from RUBTYL to my uncle's place then back to my house had taken its toll on me. I would have probably slept there till morning if Edward had not decided to show up. His presence had at least saved me from stiff muscles and a cramped back.

"You can at least pretend you're glad to see me." Edward placed his hand over his heart in a mock display of hurt.

"I wouldn't have a problem doing that if you had decided to show up when others aren't sleeping. Did you even check the time?"

"Yes, I did. Do you have something I can eat?"

"No." I clipped.

"Show some pity bro. Those security men gave me a tough time. I had to pack my car outside the estate after answering a zillion questions. I walked from the estate's gate to this place." He enunciated.

"I can imagine." I whispered.

The walk from the gate to my house was a little bit above forty miles. That was definitely a long way to walk for someone who wasn't prepared to.

"No, you can't." He replied.

"Is everything okay?" I knew he wouldn't show up on my doorstep by this time of the night if he didn't have a cogent reason.

"Yes. Liz told me to say Hi. She was with me when you called and she pestered me into coming. I can't believe she was willing to put her only brother in harm's way for you." He said as he removed his hood and threw it at me.

I dogged it and grinned widely. "That's because I'm a better man. I wouldn't torture a man who has a lot on his mind by showing up unannounced."

"Enjoy it while it lasts. You wouldn't have the privilege of receiving me at beautiful hours like this when I get married."

"That's true. How is Audrey? It's been a while since I saw her."

"She's fine. She went to Paris to get a wedding dress."

"Paris?" I asked with surprise. "Your fiancée is something else. I mean that in a good way."

"You had better. I've been with that woman for two years and she doesn't cease to amaze me. Can you believe when I asked her if she couldn't get the wedding dress in Lagos she told me I wouldn't understand?" His love for her shone in his eyes like a diamond.

I smiled as a picture of Rosie flashed through my mind. I've been remembering her at odd moments and that knowledge leaves me feeling unsettled. "I guess we wouldn't understand. Can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot"

"How do I stop a lady from having feelings for me while remaining her friend?"

"Why would you want to stop her from having feelings for you?" He asked.

"I don't want her to have feelings for me because I don't want her to get hurt."

His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Why should that bother you?"

"It bothers me because I naturally care about others."

"Okay." He said, his lips trembling with concealed laughter.

"What?"

"I think you've been bitten by the love bug." He replied.

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

I ran my hand over his hood. "Why are you even here?"

"As I said, Liz convinced me to come. She believed you needed company in your current state, or so she said. She wouldn't stop nagging me until I agreed."

My lips twitched. "Tell me you didn't tell her anything."

He rolled his eyes exaggeratingly and said, "Of course not. You know ladies, they sense things. She just said you might need someone to talk to."

"You should have told her guys are different from ladies. She was saying that based on her perspective."

"You would have to tell her that when you see her. She convinced me you were human, not like I doubted the fact, and according to her humans needs each other."

My face broke into a willing grin as I listened to him. He definitely knew how to bring the fun out of every situation.

"About your question," He continued. "you can't necessarily stop her from having feelings for you. That's her decision to make. Pulling away from her wouldn't help if you want to be her friend either. The best thing you can do is to tell her you wouldn't want her to have feelings for you because she might get hurt. And you must say it nicely."

"I already did. But I don't think I said it nicely." I admitted slowly.

"Urgh." He groaned. "You will never get married at this rate."

"Who cares?"

He fixed his gaze on me and kept quiet. He was that way until I walked up to him and bumped him on the shoulders. "What are you thinking of?" I asked.

"You really need to start living Dayo. Be everything the Lord wants you to be. I'm not saying you should get married to the next lady you set your eyes on, but you have to stop letting your circumstances dictate your attitude. I know Margarita is causing you a lot of trouble but you have to live like she doesn't exist and let the Lord take care of it. Trust Him and truly live."

The intensity with which Edward spoke cut through me like a dagger. I stood transfixed for a moment before heading to my bedroom. Being my friend for several years, he knew I needed time alone to think on what he just said. So instead of making me stay with him, he picked his hood and headed to the guest room. I guess none of us would be doing a lot of sleeping before morning dawns.

***

ROSIE

I greatly admired the idea Kemi Maxwell and Amanda came up with. Despite having today and weekend before submission, they had come up with a design that impressed me. I had wanted to make them pay for talking about Dayo; rather, I got an excellent awareness plan for the newly developed RUBTYL cookies.

"What do you think about it?" Kemi Maxwell asked.

I dragged up my head to look at them and the expectation reflected on their faces melted my heart. I shot them an apologetic look when the telephone jarred incessantly.

I picked up the receiver while keeping my gaze on the two women. "Rosie Redmond on the line please."

"This is Marian Omoni, the Personal Assistant to Mr Dayo Smith."

"O..kay." I drawled, staring vaguely around the room.

"Mr Smith wants you in his office, now."

It took a lot of willpower for me not to roll my eyes. I've not seen him for a whole week and he had to tell his P.A. to contact me when he finally changed his mind. I scoffed. "I'll be there. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I replaced the receiver and turned my focus on Kemi and Amanda. "You two did absolutely well." They glowed with delight and murmured a 'Thank you' before leaving hand-in-hand. Those two could be quite useful when they're not wasting their time gossiping. My gaze went back to the file they documented their plans in. I was going to go through it after seeing Dayo. My heart gave a thump against my ribcage and I briefly closed my eyes against a wave of nervousness. "There is nothing to be nervous about. He only wants to see you." I whispered over and over under my breath in an attempt to calm my nerves and didn't stop until I got to his door. I looked at Brenda before knocking and couldn't help wondering at how useless she had become. She didn't even bother looking up, which was fine by me. I was no more her enemy so she wasn't wasting her time paying attention to me. The new threat she had was the P.A. Dayo employed. I believed all she did since Monday was to sit in her chair and surf the internet.

"Come in." Dayo called, putting an end to my train of thoughts.

I entered and wiped my sweaty hands on my skirt. The calmness I had managed to achieve flew away at the sight of Dayo. When will I stop behaving like a schoolgirl around him?

"Please have a seat." He gestured to the chairs in front of him. I sat stiffly and knotted my hands in my laps. I took a deep breath and decided to act comfortably in his presence even if it took the last ounce of my strength.

"How are you?" He asked.

"I'm fine." I managed in a squeaky voice; so much for deciding to be comfortable around him.

"A minute please." He pleaded as his phone rang.

"Manda, this is a pleasant surprise." He said, his face brightening up with a boyish grin which sent my inside screaming. Forget about the way he was making me feel; why was Manda calling him?

"Really?" He asked playfully, staring at me briefly before shifting his gaze. He held his jaw his other hand as he listened to Manda. Whatever she told him was important because he closed his eyes as he thought about it. "Okay." He murmured. His eyes flew open and laughter danced in it. "I'm serious Manda. I'll be there." What was Manda up to? He'll be where? My mind raced with a lot of questions until he ended the call. Manda was up to something and she didn't even deem it fit to warn me beforehand. Stop overreacting Rosie, it might have nothing to do with you.

"I'm sorry about that." He apologized.

Why did he have to be so polite? "No problem Sir." I replied.

He leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes. "I thought we agreed you're to call me Dayo."

"I'm sorry Sir. I thought..."

"And you did it again." He sighed with his eyes still closed.

I pressed my lips together as I studied his face. My hands itched to touch him but I knew that was asking for trouble. "I'm sorry."

"I'm the one who is sorry Rosie. I'm the one who is sorry."

My forehead creased into a frown. "What do you mean?"

His eyes gently parted to look at me and I found myself staring into a deep pool of rich golden brown. He's got beautiful eyes. "Let's just say I regret being a terrible friend. Or what would you call someone who ignored you for several days?"

I gave a full-throated laugh. "So you did it intentionally. You're really terrible. Do you know I got worried at some point, then I got confused, then I got angry, then I didn't even understand what I was feeling?" I blabbered. I think I do that a lot when I'm with him.

His eyes twinkled. "If I didn't know better I would have said you were exaggerating."

"I'm not."

"Then I'm glad I have a friend like you." He grinned.

I stared at the dimple that formed on his cheeks as he smiled. It's funny how I hadn't noticed it before now. "What did Manda say to you?" I blurted out. Oh no! I've done it again. My cheeks grew hot with embarrassment as blood rushed to my face. I really have to start thinking before talking.

"Why?" He asked with thinly veiled amusement.

I waved my hand. "Oh! Never mind." I grew so hot I had to fan my cheeks with my hands.

"Is it too warm for you?" He asked.

I bit my lips as I realized he was enjoying getting under my skin. He really didn't have to be so mean in a sweet way.

"Should I increase the A.C.?" He continued.

"You are incorrigible." I groaned, planting my elbows on the table.

He laughed softly and said, "You're more innocent than you look."

"Is that a compliment?" I murmured.

"Yes. I like it when people aren't pretending to be something they're not."

"So will you tell me now?" I pleaded.

"No." He clipped.

"Please"

"No."

"But I'm your friend."

"No."

I pouted and turned an innocent look on him. Nobody ever refused me anything when I did that.

"The answer is still No."

I wiped the look off my face and gave a half-hearted "Okay."

"Don't worry; I'll make it up to you."

"How?"

"We'll go see a movie or any other thing you want."

"Movie is fine. When?"

"Tomorrow, if it's fine by you."

Excitement lighted up my face. "Are you serious?"

"Yes. I'll pick you by five pm."

" Aww... I can't wait."

He flashed me a smile and his cheeks dimpled. "You're welcome."

"I'm sorry. Thanks a lot. I can't wait to see Manda's face when she hears about this" I paused a little as a bulb lighted in my head. I raised my brows suspiciously. "Does Manda have anything to do with this?"

My suspicion thickened when he didn't reply me. My heart sank at the thought of his spending time with me only because my sister asked. As much as I loved his company, I wouldn't want him to spend time with me if he didn't want to. "Did she?" I persisted.

"Not really." He cleared his throat. "I asked you to see a movie with me because I wanted you there and not because of Manda. Although, I can't deny the fact that she mentioned something close to that."

"Okay." I replied, relief flooding through me. I liked the fact that he asked me because he wanted to and not because Manda asked him to.

"You didn't even ask for the reason I wanted to see you." He said, his mouth turning up with amusement.

"My bad." I smacked my forehead. "You can tell me now."

He grinned. "There is no need for that. We already resolved it."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, looking at him like he just grew horns.

"I'm serious Madam. It's resolved already."

I've never met anyone who acts more strangely than he does neither have I met anyone as handsome as he. "Have I ever told you you're a very handsome man?" I blurted out. My eyes grew wide and I covered my mouth with my hands. I was meant to say strange but I went ahead to tell him he was handsome. He is handsome quite alright but he was not supposed to hear that from me.

"No, you haven't. It's nice to know you think I am." He winked.

I stood weakly and turned to leave. Everything was a joke for him and I wish I could say the same thing. My ego was at stake and I had made enough mess of myself.

"It's not wrong if you think I'm handsome. We're friends anyway."

I wiped the tears that had started dripping from my face. I turned to face him when I felt his hands on my shoulders and even cried the more when he pulled me into a hug.

"You'll be fine." He whispered.

I stepped back from his embrace and looked into his eyes. All I saw was friendly affection and nothing more. He didn't see me as anything more than a friend. I dropped my gaze and whispered. "I can't do this Dayo."

"What are you talking about?" He asked.

I took a shaky breath. "I'm talking about not having feelings for you. I know I'm making a fool of myself but I believe you wouldn't judge me and neither would you think less of me. The least I could do is to be as sincere with you as you've been with me. I thought I could stop myself from having feelings for you but I can't"

"Oh." He mouthed.

"I just have to tell you the truth. The more I talk to you, the more I like you and I can't really help myself."

"You can, Rosie." He smiled sadly. "If anybody can, it's you."

"I don't know. Maybe we shouldn't be friends."

Dayo looked at me for a while before pulling out a handkerchief from his breast pocket and cleaning my face with it. He gently pulled my cheeks and pinched my nose in order to get me to smile and it worked. "Let's not talk about this for now. Go back to work and don't give any thought to what happened, okay?"

I nodded my head in agreement.

"Just do me a favour." He continued. "Don't think of me more than you would think of somebody you just met today. I'm not saying it would be easy but if I cross your mind, find something else to take your attention."

"I'll try." I murmured as I walked out of his office.

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER SEVEN

DAYO

My head throbbed lightly. I couldn't possibly walk Marian out of my house when she was only doing her job. I would have appreciated her coming all the way to my house to update me on her findings if I was not about to be late for my date with Rosie. I had only an hour left to five pm and all I could do was nod absentmindedly to whatever it was Marian was saying. A smile tugged at my outer lips as I remembered Rosie's face when she realized she had called me handsome. It sounded nice coming from her, but her reluctance in admitting made it even more pleasurable. I had enjoyed every bit of my time with her until she started crying. Her tears had affected me more than I cared to admit and I would prefer to keep it that way. She definitely had a soft heart behind that strong-headedness of hers. The only problem was, once she had that barrier around her heart it was hard to reach her. And I wouldn't want her erecting the walls I had just succeeded in pulling down by showing up late on our first outing together.

"You're not listening, Sir." Marian accused.

I smiled apologetically at her and she continued. "As I was saying, I didn't tell you she spent Tuesday and Wednesday keeping watch on everyone who came in and out of RUBTYL because I had not discovered her intention for doing that. But now I know."

I was starting to get impatient but I still motioned for her to continue. "She was keeping an eye on you. Check these pictures." She said, handing a wrapped package to me.

I tore the package open and my hands paused over the very first picture I saw. I was talking to one of the guards and I could see Margarita at a far end. I would have doubted she was the one if she wasn't touching her lips the way she always did when she was angry. The rest of the pictures showed me at the mall, outside my house, in my car talking to Brenda, shaking hands with representatives from Golden Penny Foods, and they all had Margarita in the background.

"She's been stalking me." I whispered.

"Yes, and she has been talking with Amanda George. And from what I've gathered so far, Amanda is a talebearer."

"Margarita is acting insane." I stated plaintively.

"What are you planning on doing?"

"If you're talking about getting her arrested, not yet."

She eyed me closely. "Are you sure Sir? Because you can manage to force her back home if she knew you've informed the police."

"I know, but she's the daughter of my parent's best friend."

"Will you wait till she attacks you or somebody else?"

"No. I need to know what she's planning. Getting her out of the country will not put an end to the grudge she's holding against me."

"Okay sir." She replied reluctantly. It was obvious she thinks I'm not being wise.

"Thank you for all you've done so far."

"You're welcome sir."

"Miss Marian."

"Yes sir."

"I know this might sound weird but I have to leave now. There is a time bomb I wouldn't want to keep waiting." I chuckled as I thought of Rosie's expression when she hears of what I just called her.

"Okay sir. I was about leaving too."

"Please give me a few minutes to change into something er..." I eyed my pyjamas. "...more respectable. I don't think she would appreciate it if I showed up looking like I just woke up"

The smile on Marian's face told me I might be wrong. Maybe she'll appreciate it as long as I kept to time. Wait, was that an 'I don't want you to leave me for her' on her face. I headed to my bedroom and wished for all I was worth that Miss Marian Omoni had not started having fanciful feelings about me. That only spelt more troubles.

***

ROSIE

"I don't understand why some people can't just keep to time." I grumbled.

"He is not some people. He'll be here soon." Manda said defensively without taking her gaze off the TV. What was so special about soccer that even Manda had to be addicted to it? She was not a football fan until she started dating Tola. He had managed to get her into loving it, probably more than he did. My hand straightened the non-existent wrinkles on my flayed white gown as I checked the driveway for the hundredth time for a sign of Dayo. I had chosen the gown because it managed to look casual while being elegant. I sighed as I certainly wanted him to see me now that I looked my best. He had always seen me in official wears which certainly didn't flatter my figure or looks. 'Stop it.' I murmured. I shouldn't be caring about looking beautiful for him.

"You look beautiful Rosie."

"Thank you." I replied. I could have vowed she read my mind if she was not actively advising the players who were in a stadium that was several million away from her.

"No, No, don't pass to him yet." She continued with flailing arms. "Ouch, I told you not to pass to him." She said as someone from the other team got a hold of the ball.

My eyes flitted across the driveway and my heart skipped when I saw his car. Dayo was finally here. I rushed to my room for my handbag and touched up my makeup before leaving with the same speed I came in. My lips parted into a sweet smile of its own when I opened the door and saw him walking up to me. Sweet Jesus! He was gorgeous. When did striped tee-shirt and black jean start making people look breathtakingly awesome?

"You look beautiful." He said as he kissed the back of my hand.

I smiled nervously. "Manda said the same thing and you don't have to go all proper on me."

"I would have considered that if you were not looking like a princess. I have to be the perfect gentleman today."

I cleared my throat. "You're not looking bad yourself" If that was not the understatement of the century.

"Thank you. Can I say a quick Hello to everyone before we leave?"

"Don't bother. Manda is watching one of her games and Mum and Dad went to church for prayer meeting."

"Okay." He said with a slight trace of disappointment. "May I?" He stretched his palm to me and I placed my hand in it. He gently guided me to his car and opened the door. My stomach jumped with pleasure as he waited for me to seat before closing the door. He was definitely a gentleman.

"What game is Manda watching?" He asked as he took his seat beside me and started the car.

"Soccer."

"Wow! I'm impressed."

I made a mental note to start showing more interest in football.

"I'm sorry I came late." He said as he reached for my hand. I squeezed it reassuringly before gently easing my hand out of his. His closeness to me was enough to make me a nervous wreck without adding the hand holding. "I had some business to attend to and I couldn't get out of it till the very end."

"There's no problem. Just don't keep me waiting next time." Why did I have to mention next time? "It would have made things easier if you had called." I added in hopes that he wouldn't notice my slip.

"How did you feel when you had to wait for twenty-five minutes?"

Not twenty-five minutes. I was done dressing forty-three minutes before five. "I was annoyed but it dissipated the moment I saw you."

He chuckled. "You're definitely something."

"I forgot to ask you yesterday. What movie are we watching?"

"Nimbe."

"Are you serious?" My eyes widened with excitement. "How did you know I've wanted to watch it since I saw the trailer?"

"I didn't know. I was hoping you would like it."

"I do not like it, I love it."

He smiled at me but I sensed he wasn't as eager to watch the movie as I was. He definitely wanted to spend time with me, as a friend, but I felt he would prefer us taking a stroll than seating for hours in the cinema watching a movie. The fact that he was going out of his comfort zone to please me made me sober. He was trying his best to be a cool friend.

"Tell me something about yourself?" I quipped. "I'm really interested in knowing you."

"Hmmn." He murmured thoughtfully. "I work at RUBTYL and Rosie is my newest friend."

"Mr Dayo Smith." I drawled grimly. "I want you to tell me something I don't know about you?"

"But that's unfair."

"Why?"

"You'll be the only one learning new stuff."

"If that's the case, I'll tell you anything you want to know."

"Is that a promise?" His eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Yes."

"Okay. I'm Canadian by birth and I spent most of my time in Canada before I lost my parents and sibling."

My eyes grew in horror. I had spent most of my early days working with Dayo in resenting the fact that his uncle left the company to him when I didn't even know of the tragedy that had rocked his life.

"My uncle and I grew closer after the incident because he also lost his wife and children. My parents and siblings were in Nigeria and they were to go on a vacation with my uncle and his family. My uncle was busy with RUBTYL so he told them to go ahead of him. He was planning on joining them when he heard the news."

My throat tightened with grief as I imagined how he must have felt. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. They're with the Lord and that is definitely not something to be sad about."

I kept silent as I thought of what I would do if I lost Manda and my parents. God forbid! "How did you feel when they told you?"

"I didn't get to hear until several weeks later. I had exams and my uncle thought it would be best if I was not informed until I was done. I guess he was right because I spent so many days screaming at God. I didn't understand how He could allow that to happen to the people who loved him. I almost gave up on my faith. That was several years ago, but, I'm better now." He must have smiled because his cheeks dimpled. I really wish I could look into his eyes to see the various emotions reflected in them.

"Does remembering hurt?"

"It used to but not anymore."

"Do you miss them?" I whispered.

He sighed. "Yes, I do."

We both kept quiet until we got to the cinema. Each of us was lost in thoughts. I was thinking of how privileged I was to have known and enjoyed the love of a family and I guessed he was reliving memories of his parents and siblings.

***

DAYO

I parked beside a red van before uttering a word. I had waited until I could see her face because I really wanted her to understand what I was about to say. I didn't have enough strength to explain myself if she misunderstood me.

"Can you remember the last time you asked me about myself?"

"Yes."

"Do you know why I didn't give you a reply?"

"No."

"I didn't reply because I don't want to be pitied. I have moved on. Don't start feeling the pains I'm no more feeling and I don't want you to start treating me like I'm different."

"I do not pity you." She argued.

"Your eyes say otherwise."

She bit her lips. "It's so devastating to hear."

"I know but it's over now."

She gave a slight nod.

"Thank you."

I eased myself out of the car and went to get the door for her. She stepped out and looked at me demurely. This was definitely going to be fun. I held her hands and led her to the side of the building. We entered through a small door and I could almost hear the questions running through her mind. She was in for a large surprise. We climbed the stairs and a soft gasp escaped her lips when we landed at the reserved section of the cinema. I had called ahead to book our seats. The amount I paid was definitely worth the surprise she got. She squeezed my hands tightly in appreciation as we took our seat.

"I never knew you could be this sweet." She whispered.

I placed my lips close to her ear. "Sshh. You'll distract others."

"It's a pity we didn't get to buy popcorn."

"It's part of the package."

"What package?"

I laughed under my breath. "Rosie, this is not an everyday cinema. The management provides refreshment for those in the reserved section."

"Okay."

I felt a tap on my shoulders and turned to look. I had in a flimsy moment expected to see Margarita but was relieved when I saw that our refreshments were being delivered.

"Here." I said, handing Rosie popcorn served in a paper bag.

"Thank you." She murmured.

I grinned and turned my attention to the screen. This was absolutely worth the stress.

***

ROSIE

I rammed popcorn down my throat as I stole another glance at him through the corner of my eyes. A girlish part of me really hoped to find him staring at me. I crinkled my nose when he kept his gaze glued to the screen like he enjoyed watching the movie. I laughed when I heard him laugh and leaned forward when he did. I didn't realize it at the time but I was mirroring his action. The truth was, I hadn't heard a thing that was said. My mind was filled with thoughts of Dayo proposing to me during Tola and Manda's reception. Sweat broke out of my face when I realized the gravity of what I was doing. I could never stop myself from having feelings for Dayo if I didn't stop having thoughts like this.

"I want to go get some fresh air." I murmured. I stood up with shaky knees and found my way out. I took a deep breath as I stepped outside and walked around the building. Something is wrong with me. I always have mental pictures of getting married to Dayo or being in a relationship with him every time I made up my mind to keep him in the friend zone. "Rosie, you've chewed more than you can swallow" I sighed.

"Wait."

I acted like I didn't hear Dayo's voice and kept on walking. I knew he was going to come looking for me but I really needed to be alone. He caught up with me and gently brushed his fingers against mine. I inhaled sharply and increased my pace with the intention of putting more distance between us. But that was not to happen as he planted himself in front of me before I could say Jack.

"What's going on?" He asked. "I thought you wanted to see the movie"

"It's nothing."

"Don't tell me it's nothing. Did I do something to upset you?"

"No."

"Were you tired of the movie?"

"No."

"So what is it?"

"Nothing."

He blew out a breath. "Please, don't start 'the nothing' game with me. I'm not a mind reader. I really need you to tell me what's going on"

"I... It's nothing. You didn't do anything wrong. It's me."

"If it's you then it is something." He said and glanced around. "Do you mind if we take a walk?"

"No. I would love it."

"Rosie, what's going on?"

"I get flashes of us being together. You have to believe me Dayo, I really try not to think about it but it seems my mind has another idea."

"Was that the reason you left?"

"Yes. I didn't hear a thing they said. I was busy imagining..." I trailed off.

"Imagining what?" He prompted.

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"Okay."

We walked quietly for several minutes. "What are we going to do now?"

"I don't know. Do you have something in mind?"

"Yes. I think you should give me some space."

He stopped and stared at me. I continued weakly. "Don't get me wrong, I enjoy our friendship. You're a very amazing friend and any woman would be blessed to have you. But I don't think it's healthy for me to have feelings for a man who wouldn't reciprocate it."

"Our friendship is only a week or so and you want to call it off?"

"What should I do then? Except you find yourself a lady to date, I don't see any other solution"

"Why are you still single?" He asked.

I blinked rapidly as his question caught me off guard. "That's rude you know."

"Don't wave it off Rosie. I really wish to know."

"I don't know. I've not found someone who loves me for me and the one person I liked..." before you, I added silently. "...fell in love with my sister."

I looked into his eyes and couldn't read anything in it. He had closed up himself. He twitched his lips and continued walking. "I think it's time I returned home" I murmured, hoping he wouldn't hear me.

"Okay. Let's go back."

We walked back to his car in silence and the drive back home was as quiet as a graveyard. I got out of his car before he could turn off his engine.

"Thanks for bringing me home. I had a nice time."

"Me too. Good night, Rosie."

"Good night, Dayo."

The cold night wrapped its arms around me as I watched him leave. Things had finally gotten weird.

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER EIGHT

Six weeks later

ROSIE

The church bell chimed eight, a lovely reminder of Manda's wedding taking place in twenty minutes time. I clasped my hands behind me as I paced distractedly outside the church. Most of our family and friends were already around but Dayo was yet to show up. I knew I had asked him to give me some space but that didn't include not showing up for my sister's wedding. My gaze took in the people around me. Many I knew, some I had never met. I was sure Manda and Tola, though loved by many, couldn't have invited everyone present. My lips lifted up in a knowing smile. Nobody but Mum would invite anyone who was willing to show up for her daughter's wedding. I looked down when I felt a tug on my skirt. The girl in front of me had her thumb in her mouth and my best guess was she was one of the children at REFUGE orphanage.

"Aunty Manda said you have to come now." She said while sucking her thumb. I really don't know how she managed to do the two at the same time.

"Is she still in the car?"

"Yes."

"Tell her I'll be right there."

"Okay." She said and ran off.

Manda was the only bride I knew who arrived thirty minutes before her own wedding. My attempts at changing her mind had been futile and I had been left with no choice but to sullenly follow her into the car. My eyes caught Liz Rematrin waving in a distance as I turned to follow the little girl that just left – ran was more like it. Right behind her was a tall and muscular man who I figured to be her brother. He was laughing at something a guy beside him said. My heart skipped. It couldn't be! How on earth did Dayo get to meet Liz's brother? I kept a smile plastered on my face as I watched them walk towards me.

"Rosie." Liz exclaimed joyfully, pulling me into a hug.

I carefully avoided meeting Dayo's eyes. "How have you been Liz?"

She released me and grinned from ear to ear. Oh God! This girl is going to sweep all the guys here off their feet with that pretty face of hers. "I'm good." She replied.

"It's obvious." I noted. I greeted Liz's warmly – what was his name again?

"I'm so happy to see you." Liz interjected.

"So am I."

"Hi." Dayo smiled.

"Hi." I replied.

Liz and his brother took the cue and chose that moment to walk inside the church.

I cleared my throat as silence stretched between us. "What's wrong Dayo?" I asked

He raised his brow in question. "I don't understand what you mean."

"You've not been coming to work and when you do, you lock yourself up in your office. I rarely see you; I mean we rarely see you."

"Oh! I didn't think you would notice."

"Why would you ever think that?"

"You made your point clear Rosie. I wasn't expecting you to keep track of my movements after that."

I stared bleakly at him. His words cut deeply into me and I could do nothing about it because he was telling the truth. He had put me in my place without even trying. I bit my inner lips and walked towards the entrance. It was time my sister got married.

***

DAYO

I shoved my hands into my pockets as I stared at her retreating figure. Rosie has a wonderful personality but she had to start learning to live with the consequences of her actions. A strange feeling had risen within me when I saw her standing alone from a distance. I hadn't realized how much I missed her until I saw her. I eased my hand from my pockets and gently massaged the back of my neck. I'm allowed to do everything but love a lady, not even Rosie. Her looks could render a man speechless and her heart is even more beautiful than her looks – that is if you look past her occasional emotional outburst.

I walked slowly into the church when I realized that I was the only one left outside. I could hear the congregational hymn and I knew it was only a couple of minutes before Manda got married. I took my seat at a corner on the last row because I wanted to be invisible. I didn't have a reason for doing that except that it would give me ample chance of watching everything happening without being seen. I scanned through the church and sighted Liz and Edward seated on the fourth row. My breath caught when Rosie entered. She looked different, almost like a bride with that flower on her head. I had been so lost in thoughts I did not realize when the groom took his stand beside the pastor, or when the other bridesmaid came in. She must have sensed my gaze as she threw a glance my way. Talk about wanting to stay invisible. I kept it in mind to tell her she looked more beautiful with the flower and to ask her the reason she didn't have it on when I saw her outside. Manda came in shortly after her and the joy on her face seeped into my heart. My eyes, for some unknown reason, kept itself glued to Rosie throughout the time we were inside the church. It followed her closely even after she had her seat and I knew that trouble was brewing. I stood up and left the church as Manda's fiancé; no, husband, lifted her veil. I should really ask Rosie for his name, or not. I fished for the invitation card in my back pocket and read out his name – Tola Berling. Why do I feel like I would be seeing more of him these days?

***

ROSIE

I wiped my tears as Tola kissed his bride. My happiness at seeing them together was only rivalled by my parents. Manda's eyes remained closed after Tola lifted his head. My sister was really in love. I smiled widely as my Mum playfully jabbed my ribs.

"I know Mum." I murmured, keeping my gaze on Tola who held unto his wife tightly. They're going to make me cry again if they don't stop loving up.

"Just look at her. She looks so happy." She beamed.

"And in love." I drawled.

Mum fixed her gaze on me. "Rosie, I want you to be happy."

"I am." I said, unconsciously staring at the seat Dayo had occupied. I didn't even realize when he left.

I took the nearest exit and deeply inhaled the fresh air. I couldn't cope with the throng of well-wishers surrounding my parents. My parents would definitely have a long day with the crowd waiting to congratulate them on their daughter's wedding. I walked towards the church garden where the reception was taking place and saw Dayo seated in a corner. I closed up the distance between us in a few steps and was rendered speechless when he told me he had been waiting for me.

I sat beside him. "You couldn't have known I was coming here. Not with everyone inside the church."

"But I did and don't ask me how because I don't know."

"Okay."

"You look beautiful."

I raised my brows in pleasure. "Thank you."

"I love this." He said, briefly touching the flower Manda forced me to wear. "It makes you look more beautiful."

My surprise at hearing Dayo affirm his thoughts concerning my looks and even his love for something I had almost refused to wear was unparalleled. This guy has more in common with Manda than I thought.

"I can't believe I left you speechless." He teased.

Resentment rose up within as people streamed into the garden. I really didn't want the noise that accompanied crowds.

"Are you still not going to say anything?" He asked

I pulled my head back dramatically. "Is my silence unnerving?"

"Not really, and stop answering questions with questions."

"I don't answer questions with questions." I replied adamantly.

"Whatever, you sha get what I mean."

I grinned. "Yes. I was only trying to get under your skin."

He laughed. "My skin is quite thick. But shay they won't think I'm monopolizing the chief bridesmaid?" He said, gesturing to the few people sending sly glances our way.

"No joor. One does not get to talk to handsome rich men every day."

"Really?"

"Yes na."

"Who is the handsome rich man?"

"He is a friend of mine."

"Oh! He must be a very lucky guy to have a friend like you."

"Abi ooo. He won't believe me if I tell him."

He laughed. "Try telling him na."

I smiled widely. "You're lucky to have a friend like me"

"I know." He said, holding my gaze for several moments before looking away.

"I'm sorry, Dayo."

"Why are you sorry?"

"I'm sorry for always making decisions without thinking it through. For hurting you with my words and actions. For bothering you with my... my feelings."

"Stop being sorry Rosie."

"But I am. And I already made up my mind" I beamed as I knew he would be relieved to hear what I wanted to say. He wouldn't have to be on guard whenever he was with me and I wouldn't need to avoid him.

"Why do I feel like I don't like what you're about to say?"

I frowned slightly. "You will joor."

"Okay."

"I made up my mind to stop liking you and I've been quite successful. You can stop giving me space now."

"Oh." His brows raised in surprise.

"I thought you would be happy."

"How did you manage to get over your feelings for me in such a little time?" He asked, ignoring what I said.

"I just kept telling myself we could never end up together."

***

DAYO

My stomach twirled uneasily as I listened to Rosie. Like she said, I should be happy but the truth was I was not. If anything I was sad.

"And you managed to wipe me off your mind that easily?" I asked with more force than was necessary.

"Haha, shebi you were the one asking me not to have feelings for you. Why are you being touchy about it now?"

I took a deep breath and motioned myself to calm down. The last thing I needed was for Rosie to start thinking I had feelings for her. And there was no way I could avoid that if I continued this way.

I schooled a lazy grin on my face. "That was a blow to my ego na."

She smiled. "Sorry. I was almost thinking you were not glad I stopped having feelings for you."

I'm not. "I'm glad you've gotten ahold of yourself."

"Me too."

I lifted my gaze and saw Manda and Tola entering the garden. Rosie followed my gaze and smiled when she saw her sister and brother-in-law. She is really beautiful when she smiled.

"Why are you still single?" I asked curiously.

"Dayo, you've asked me before." She said without taking her gaze off the newlyweds

"Have I? I didn't realize that."

She looked at me and smiled. "You have."

"If I did I can't remember what you said."

"Okay. I'm single because I've not met someone who loves me for me. I need someone who doesn't want to be with me only because of my beauty."

I pondered on her words as it resounded in my mind. I felt I had heard her say those exact words but couldn't remember when. The pain hidden in her words didn't escape my notice and I knew she hadn't met a lot of guys who bothered to look past her pretty face.

"It must be really hard." I said, breaking the lingering silence.

"Yes, it is. I remember this guy I really liked while I was in University. He was everything I could ever dream of until I overheard him telling his friends the only reason he asked me out was to win a bet. It was not long before I discovered he had a bet with another guy on who could win my hand in a relationship. I'm just glad I hadn't agreed to be in a relationship with him before discovering the truth."

My heart sank at the thought of Rosie being viewed as an object to be possessed. She was human, not an artefact. "How did you feel after that?"

"I felt sad. I had pinned my hopes on this guy and he disappointed me."

"What about the other guys? I'm sure there were others who asked you out."

"Yes, there were. I simply didn't like them. It didn't take a lot for me to discover they were time-wasters who wanted to have their cake and eat it."

"Do you currently have anybody asking you out?"

"No, not yet."

I narrowed my eyes the way I always did when I sensed something strange. "What do you mean by not yet?"

She laughed nervously. "Mum told me not to spend all of my time working and I plan on doing just that. I'm going to be spending time with a lot of my friends."

My stomach turned bitterly. "I'm sure a lot of guys can't wait to ask you out on a date."

"I don't know about a lot of guys but I've gone on dates with a couple of guys these past few weeks."

"I thought you didn't go on dates with people you can't get married to."

She looked at me incredulously. "I don't know how you came to that conclusion because I went on a date with you."

"Our case was different." I stressed.

"Was it?"

"Yes. We are friends."

"They're my friends too. And what makes you think I can't get married to any of them?"

"I know you, Rosie. They'll bore you."

"You don't know that."

"I do. You would have told me all about your dates if you enjoyed being with them."

"Maybe I didn't tell you because I didn't want to choke you with a lot of stories."

"Or maybe you didn't tell me because there was nothing to talk about."

She held her head in her hands before sighing deeply. "Must you be so impossible?"

I grinned. "Yes, especially when you're putting yourself under pressure."

"I'm twenty-five, Dayo, and I've never been in a relationship." She groaned.

"I know. I only want what is best for you."

She smiled at me. "I really missed this. Talking to you."

"Me too." I whispered.

Her smile was still etched on my mind several hours after she left.

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER NINE

DAYO

I knocked on the door to the guest room for the seventh time and Edward was yet to answer. I had asked him to spend the night at my place after returning from Manda's wedding a couple of hours ago. My intention for doing that was to spend some time with him before his wedding in two weeks' time. And that decision was going to save me, seeing Brenda decided to show up at my house at this time of the night. That is if he decides to wake up.

"Edward, wake up, or I'm going to have to remove this door." I growled.

The door clicked open and Edward's head popped out to look at me. "What is it?"

"Why you do this kind thing na? We no pass two for here and you still dey lock door." I said in Pidgin English. (Why did you lock the door? We are only two here.)

"Talk wetin dey do you or I go relock am. Na this kind thing I dey avoid. Persin no fit sleep in peace again for this house?" He teased. (Be quick about what you have to say before I lock it again. I did it because I didn't want you to disturb my sleep, and see what happens?)

"Abeg free me. Brenda don come here ooo; I no sabi wetin she dey look for." (Let's leave that. Brenda is here and I don't know what she is looking for)

"What?" He exclaimed, leaving the door ajar.

"I was on the sofa watching soccer when the doorbell rang. I went to get the door and almost gagged with surprise when I saw her."

Edward shrugged into his robe as he eased out of the room. "Miss Secretary is here to seduce her boss." He teased. "Thank God I'm here to save you. You really have to start respecting me more."

"Keep your voice down." I whispered. "She's in the sitting room."

"Does she know I'm here?"

"I don't think so. Why?"

"I have an idea."

I was filled with doubts as I listened to Edward's plan. He is known for his mischievousness and I was definitely not in the mood to humour him.

"No." I grunted. "We are going to meet her together."

"I have no problem with that but you will never get to know her reasons for coming to see you by..." He cleared his throat. "...this time of the night."

"Okay. But you have to show up the minute things start getting out of hand"

"Of course." He drawled, smacking his lips together.

I blew out a breath. "Let the game begin."

***

ROSIE

The stars were partially obscured by the clouds and I had to concentrate to see them better. The house felt different with Manda gone. She went on honeymoon with Tola and I could bet all I had on the fact that she was happy. I moved back from the window and eyed what used to be Manda's closet. My heart squeezed tight as memories of our laughter, tears, arguments and gist rushed through my mind. I sat slowly on the bed and gently caressed where she would have been sleeping if she was here tonight. My throat clogged as I bit back unshed tears. I had been very happy for my sister all through the day I hadn't realized how much I was going to miss her. I really needed to talk to someone. Someone who would understand what it feels like to miss your sister. I picked up my phone and I dialled the one guy who always kept me on my toes. He picked on the first ring. Whew! That was fast.

"Hello." He sounded extra sweet.

"Hi." I replied. "I'm sorry I bothered you. I only wanted to talk to someone."

"I know. Thanks for calling sweetheart; I'm glad you called."

I raised my brows. Something is not right. "That's weird."

"You're truly intelligent. You have a way of seeing through me."

"Dayo, is everything okay?"

"No." He replied lovingly. "You can ask me anything that is confusing to you dear."

He was speaking to me in riddles and I had to think fast. "Is there somebody there with you?"

"Yes love."

"And you think talking to me this way is going to help you out?"

He paused. "You're quite intelligent."

"Is there anything else I can do?"

"Talking to you is enough." He drawled huskily.

'Urgh'. I groaned inwardly. Why can't his sweetness be real?

"Dear." He called.

My heart soared at his voice. "I'm so going to make you pay." I murmured under my breath.

"I heard that."

"I really pity the lady there with you. I would be surprised if her face is not hot with jealousy by now." I really didn't have to mention lady. For all I knew, it could be a guy, but a large part of me wanted him to assure me he didn't have a lady seated across from him one or two hours before midnight. I sneaked a peek at the wall clock. Okay, it's one hour and twenty-seven minutes to midnight. And what was she doing there anyway?

He laughed softly. "Don't think too far. I'll tell you everything."

"Okay." Embarrassment heated my cheeks despite knowing he couldn't hear my thoughts. I was jealous because he had a lady with him after spending a chunk of the past six weeks burying my feelings for him. All it took for them to resurrect was a conversation during the day and discovering he was sought after by ladies at night.

"I have a lady here and her name is Brenda." What? "She came here about ten minutes ago and demanded to sleep here." Sleep? You should have thrown her out of your house immediately. "Well, she didn't exactly put it that way but that was what she meant. I told her my bed was reserved but she was bent on getting in it." That's good. She's not welcomed to it. Nobody is anyway. Okay, I guess your bed and who occupies it is none of my business. "I was in the process of asking her how she got to know where I live when your call came in. Now you see how much of a darling you are."

"Yes. It's cool to know you're not trying to put up an act but you didn't have to go all lovey-dovey on me." I rolled my eyes.

He laughed. Why was he doing that a lot tonight? "Is that what is bothering you?"

"Yes." I snapped.

"I'd rather shower those sweet words on you than her. Okay, she's leaving now and she looks really angry." I heard a loud noise. "You know you didn't have to bang the door so hard." He called after her.

I could hear a male's voice laughing really hard in the background and I was so sure it was taking a lot for Dayo not to join him. "Is there somebody else with you?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Okay then."

"What was it you wanted to talk to me about?" He asked.

"It's nothing."

"Come on. We're friends. Is it about Manda?"

"Why must you always guess right?"

"And you did it again."

"Did what?"

"Answered a question with a question."

I giggled. "I guess you were right when you said I do that."

"I guess I was."

I sighed. "I'm missing Manda."

"I think I have the perfect solution."

"What is it?"

"I want you to decide the guests we should have at our company's annual dinner. You know it's a perfect time to introduce the cookies to them and I want someone capable to be in charge of informing them and also reminding them."

"I'm not your secretary Sir. You have people you pay to do this."

"That is the exact reason I'll be paying you for the job."

"No thanks. Brenda will do just fine."

"With what she pulled tonight, I'll be out of my mind if I don't fire her as soon as she steps her feet in that office."

She's finally going to get out of my hair. "You can always employ someone else. Your P.A will do just fine."

"We're not talking about my P.A" He replied sternly. "And you're doing it. More so, you know our clients than they do."

"Yes boss."

He laughed. "Being your boss has its benefits after all."

'You have one minute remaining.' I groaned inwardly.

"What happened? The line went mute."

"Urh... Yes. My airtime is almost finished."

"You use prepaid?" He asked astonishingly.

I pursed my lips. "Yes sir."

"You should have told me. I would have..."

The line went dead. My lips moved as I mimicked him. We talked for, I checked my phone, 1526 seconds and he could ask me if I used prepaid like it was a crime to do so. That guy just damaged my ego. I really should have gone straight to bed.

***

DAYO

"Oh Boy!" Edward groaned.

"I messed up right?" I asked.

"Yes, you did."

"I didn't know it would come out that way. I was only concerned when she told me her airtime was almost used up."

"You shouldn't have said it. Ladies can get touchy about stuff like that."

"I'll call her back."

"Why?"

"To apologize."

He whistled.

"What?" I asked.

"You're seriously gone. I didn't know the love web could catch someone like you."

Not again! "It's not what you think Edward."

"Okay. What is it then?"

"I went all sweet on her while clearly knowing she just got over her feelings for me. I gave her extra work because I wanted her to get her mind off Manda and probably to spend more time with her as a friend but she wouldn't know that. I asked her if she used prepaid because I was concerned but she wouldn't know that too. All she would see is a brute who wants to make fun of her."

Edward looked at me without blinking. "So?"

"So what?"

"The problem; what is the problem?"

"I can't believe you're still asking me for the problem after all I've said."

"Yes, because the only thing I can see here is a lover boy who is overreacting."

"Stop teasing me, Edward. I'm really not in the mood for that."

"Seriously Dayo, you're the one taking things out of hand. Explain everything to her on Monday. Calling her now will only send signals. Signals I don't think you're ready to act on."

"But Monday is still a day away."

"Are you sure you're not in love with her?"

"I'm not."

"Maybe you're currently not, but you'll soon be if you're not careful." He paused. "If you ask me, I don't want you to be careful."

"Well, I didn't ask you."

He grinned. We sat in companionable silence until my phone vibrated. My hands covered my mouth in shock as I read the text. Edward grabbed the phone from me and almost dropped it when he read the text.

"Margarita kidnapped your uncle!" He exclaimed.

I ignored him as I held my head with shaky hands. My heart slammed rapidly against my ribcage and my breaths came in quick succession. That man was all I had left and God help Margarita if she so much as touch a hair on his head. "Edward please call Marian Omoni and tell her about this."

"Okay."

I raised my head and rested it against the sofa. My mind conjured several images of Margarita torturing my uncle and making him do a lot of inhumane things. Anger boiled within me as I tapped my foot on the floor. I should have seen the signs. Marian had reported her loitering around my uncle's house but I had not taken it as a big deal. They knew each other and he had even been the one to give her the address to my house, so they must have been on good terms. Except if, my eyes slammed shut, except if he already mentioned my visit to her. He must have told her everything we talked about, making her resort to kidnap. That lady has a lot of nerves. She kidnapped him and even dared to warn me against involving the police.

"She'll be here first thing in the morning." He said, handing me my phone.

"I'll kill her Edward. I'll kill that crazy woman."

"Calm down man. We don't want you to be like her. You'll do no such thing."

"She is really insane. I did nothing wrong to her. I bore her crazy attitudes and she had the guts to interfere with my life. I don't know why God bothered to create people like that"

"Don't worry, we'll get him back. I'll contact a private detective."

"Do we have those in Nigeria?"

Edward smiled. "Yes, we do. I'll be right back. I need to get my phone."

I nodded weakly as I watched him leave. I don't watch movies but my life is just like a soap opera. If it wasn't happening to me, I would have doubted stuff like these were real. My phone rang and I knew it was her. I picked it and the fury I heard in my voice scared me.

"Margarita!"

She laughed wickedly. "Yes darling. I can see you've gotten my message."

"I want to speak to him."

"Alright, the next voice you'll hear is his."

I heard some background noise which sounded like someone struggling.

"Dayo." His voice sounded weak.

"How are you sir?" I replied with a voice laden with emotion. He didn't deserve all these.

"Don't listen to her. I'll be fine. She can't lay a hand on me and she knows that. Don't let her threaten you or..."

"That's enough." Margarita cut in.

"Don't hurt him." I pleaded. "He didn't do anything wrong."

"Don't hurt him. He didn't do anything wrong" She mimicked. "I do what I please Dayo."

"You're being irrational." I argued. "I'm nothing special and getting married to me is not a big deal, Margarita. You don't have to do things you'll regret."

"Getting married to you is truly not a big deal, but, you dumped me. And I do not get dumped!"

I released a harsh breath. Was she even listening to herself? "What do you want?"

"Now you're talking. I want us to get married"

I laughed hysterically and it took a while for me to get myself under control.

"Why are you laughing?" She asked, her voice shaking dangerously.

"Margarita, this is not a movie. You hate me and I do not like your attitude. Getting married will only be a sham. What exactly do you want?"

"I want to get married to you." She insisted.

"Why?"

"I already told you. I don't get dumped!"

"You'll get married to me and then ask for a divorce, right?"

"That is my decision to make. It is not for you to know."

"I could always tell everyone what you've done after you release him." I pointed out.

She laughed with a nasal voice. "That is why I won't release him until after the wedding."

"I could always sue you for blackmailing me into marrying you and such a marriage wouldn't be valid in the first place."

"And that is why you'll be sworn to secrecy before he is released."

"What if I do not uphold it?"

"You'll die."

"You're not a murderer, Margarita."

"I could be." She stressed and the line went dead.

My entire body went rigid as I tightened my hold on the phone. The look on my face was enough to send chills down Edward's vein. We didn't need anyone to tell us we were dealing with pure evil.

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER TEN

DAYO

Edward and I sat quietly till dawn seeped under the clouds. I had run through different plans but none of them proved to be the solution I needed. Margarita held all the cards and I was left with no choice. Mental exhaustion gently crashed in on me by the time Edward went to answer the door. Marian came inside and planted herself in front of me with the swiftness of a lioness.

"Can I see the message?"

"Good morning to you too." I replied with a hint of sarcasm as I handed her my phone.

"Oh." She gasped. "Forgive my manners. Good morning, Mr Smith." She briefly turned towards Edwards. "Good morning to you sir."

"Good morning." Edward and I echoed.

She frowned as she considered the text. "Why on earth did she specifically ask you not to contact the police?" She questioned.

"You tell me." I blew out, massaging my forehead with my fingers.

"Can I ask you a question?" Edward asked her.

Marian raised an eyebrow. "I'm all ears."

"How come you didn't know this was going to happen? I was wondering how she could pull this off with you keeping close tabs on her. I thought Dayo employed you to keep a close watch on her. Why were you not there when his uncle was kidnapped?"

"Mr..."

"Edward. Edward Rematrin"

"Mr Rematrin, I've been following her for seven weeks and nothing or nobody she talked to pointed to this. I believe she was not personally involved in the kidnap because I followed her yesterday till she got to the hotel where she lodges. She probably ordered thugs to do the kidnapping for her."

Edward was not satisfied with her explanation. "If she didn't meet anyone suspicious like you said, that could only mean that she has known those thugs before now. Didn't you bug her phone or something? The call came in around eleven pm yesterday and you would have known where she went to if you had done that. Anybody with half a sense knows she can't possibly keep Mr Smith hostage in a hotel."

Marian craned her neck. No doubt Edward's silent accusations were getting to her. "Mr Dayo specifically told me not to bug her phone or room. He only wanted her followed and he allowed me to sometimes eavesdrop on her conversations. He was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. He didn't ask for twenty-four hours of surveillance."

"But you should have known better than to..."

I raised my hand to cut him off. "Edward, please."

He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "I'm sorry Man. I just wanted her to know this whole thing could have been avoided if she had done half the things I know Private Investigators do when they're working on a case."

"I know. I just don't want you arguing all over me. The deed has already been done."

The doorbell chose that moment to ring and all of our eyes went to it. Adrenaline pumped into my veins as I got up to open the door. Margarita had to be crazy if she thinks she could come and claim me few hours after informing me she has kidnapped my uncle. I slowly opened the door and relief surged through me when I saw a muscular middle-aged man.

"Does Dayo Smith live here?" He asked.

"Yes. Can I help you?"

"Edward Rematrin gave me a call. He told me to come as early as I could."

Just the man I needed. "Come on in"

"Mr Andrew" Edward smiled, taking the man's hand in a firm handshake. "I'm glad you made it."

The Man smiled and his stained tooth almost caught the light. "I had to. What's the gist?"

"Dayo's uncle got kidnapped by his ex-fiancée."

The Man turned to look at me and all hints of a smile wiped off his face. "Why did she do that?"

"I'll tell you everything after we've all had our seat."

***

ROSIE

I hummed Nathaniel Bassey's Onise Iyanu as I drove back home. Service at church had been wonderful and I had wished for it to go on forever. A part of me had expected to see Manda at her favourite spot which was the first seat on the second row. She had claimed it held a special kind of heavenly presence but I wouldn't believe it until I personally confirm it. Heavenly presence or not, the woman who occupied that seat today seemed to reduce the sacredness Manda accords to it as her face was bitterly squeezed throughout the service. I personally believe some people wouldn't realize God was present if he wasn't shaking and burning things up because of the distractions in their heart. A picture of my conversation with Dayo last night flashed through my mind and I couldn't help smiling. Dayo was not that bad, even though his mouth sometimes spills things I do not find pleasant. I couldn't hold a grudge against him. Not when Manda never fails to remind me to be the friends he needs. I really have to start working on my relationship with others since Manda is married and Dayo is, well Dayo is who he is. The beeping of my phone jerked me out of my thoughts. I scoffed when I saw I'd received a text from Brenda. I knew I needed more friends but not people like her. I rounded the curve that led to my house and parked beside Dad's car. My eyes caught the flowers Manda had planted several weeks ago just before I entered the house and my stomach soured. I've missed her a lot. That girl was not yet gone for a full day and I couldn't go several minutes without thinking of her.

"Rosie, is that you?" Mum asked, her voice filtering in from the kitchen.

"Yes." I replied, dropping my handbag on the couch.

She came into the sitting room, wiping her fingers on a dry towel. "Didn't you see the way Mrs Owolabi was staring at Manda yesterday?"

Not now Lord! I was not ready for one of Mum's marriage talks. I knew she was only trying to bait me, so, I forced a smile on my face and said, "Ehn ehn. I didn't notice" (Really?)

"I did. She was looking at her like she couldn't believe she got married before you. Everyone knows you're very beautiful, and they didn't expect Manda to get a man while you remain single."

I stifled a yawn and shifted on my legs. They were suddenly starting to hurt. "I see."

"Marriage is a beautiful thing and should be enjoyed while one is still young. I don't understand your reasons for not taking it seriously."

Mum eyed me to gauge the impact her words were having on me and I believed the results were not satisfactory because she said, "Is there something wrong with you that I don't know of?"

I furrowed my brows. "I don't understand your point, Mum."

"Something could be responsible for your subtle aversion to marriage." She continued. "I know you're capable of being attracted to and having feelings for a guy because you told me about your boss. But, you could have discovered you're infertile or you..."

My jaw dropped open. "Mum?!"

"No, no, don't take it that way" She replied hurriedly. "I was listening to a program on the radio before you came in and the OAP mentioned that some people refuse to get married because they know of some things that could cause problems when they eventually get married. And what he said sort of made sense to me because I couldn't pinpoint any earthly reason for your singleness. You're beautiful, intelligent; you have a job and a beautiful heart."

My chest warmed at my Mum's opinion of me but that didn't totally get rid of the shock I had felt when she insinuated I had some dark secrets keeping me from getting married. "You shouldn't have doubts about your own daughters irrespective of what you've heard. I'm perfectly fine and there is nothing wrong with me. I'm single because I've not met the right person."

"That's no problem. I'll set up a date for you with the son of one of my friends."

My eyes widened. "Is it the 'Seun' that can't eat without dripping soup on his shirt you want me to go on a date with, or the 'Haman' who does not cover his mouth when he burps? Or is it 'Tope' that goes after everything in a skirt? Thank you very much. I'm not interested."

"You've not met this friend of mine. I met her at a summit I went for in South Africa last year and I met her Son about two weeks ago. You're so going to like him."

"No Mum."

She stood Akimbo. "Yes, Rosie."

"No Mum." I shook my head to let her know I meant what I said.

"And I said, yes. I'm not telling you to pick a wedding date; I'm only asking that you get to know him."

I looked over her shoulders and saw my dad with a sly smile on his face. He sent me a wink before dashing off to the kitchen. Even my Dad knew when to let my Mum get what she wants. I caught myself before a yawn could escape my lips. I had to get rid of her if I hope to get any rest as soon as possible. "Okay ma. Make it tomorrow evening."

She gasped. "I can't get him to agree to this on such short notice."

I moved my head back as I stared mischievously at her. "Don't tell me he doesn't know about this?"

"Of course not; his mum was going to talk to him about it after I got your consent."

I shrugged. "If he doesn't make it tomorrow, the date or should I say my meeting him will never happen. Tell him to send me the venue he chooses. Anywhere in Lagos is fine by me."

I casually hid my smile as I sauntered to my room. Mum would never interfere in my business after this. Now, what was that text from Brenda about?

***

DAYO

I stood at the shore and watched the angry waves of the ocean roar with strength. I dug my feet deeper into the soil. Tension seeped through me when I felt rather than saw her. Both Marian and Mr Andrew had agreed that talking to Margarita in a neutral environment was the next step to take after going to check my uncle's house for clues on how he was kidnapped. I steeled against the urge to glance at the place I knew Mr Edward and Marian were keeping watch. Glancing around could awaken her suspicions. Slender arms slide around my waist and the scent that filled my nostrils was peculiar to her. I gently removed her hand before turning to look at her. Anger slashed through me as I watched the droopy smile on her face. This was not the time to act on emotions or I would have gotten her locked up right there and then.

"Hello loverboy." She said, trailing a finger up my chest.

I grabbed her hand and yanked it away from me. "Please don't push me."

She laughed deridingly. "You'd better get used to it because we're getting married."

"Where is he?" I demanded coldly.

Her eyes flashed but she quickly covered it with a smile. "Aww. Are you not happy to see me?"

"I'm not happy to see you." I snapped. "Where is he?"

Her eyes glinted coldly. "If war is what you want, you'll get it. He is in a place where you can't find him."

I grasped her roughly. "Did you kill him?"

"Get your hands off me."

"Not before you tell me what I want to hear."

"He is still alive. Will you get your hands off me now?" She spat.

"Fine." I said as I released her.

"Don't think I don't know you have me followed. All those gimmicks will get you nowhere."

"What?"

"Did you think I wouldn't know?" She smirked. "I might not have known if she wasn't always wearing that drab of a cloth. I'm sure you know I remember when I've seen a cloth before."

I wore and expressionless look on my face as I stared intently on her. I didn't know she pays that much attention to what others wear but I wouldn't bother to mention it to her. And I wouldn't have to tell Marian about my new discovery. If the microphone I wore on my body is correct, Marian and Mr Andrew clearly heard all we've been saying. My only concern was why she bothered to play along despite knowing she was being followed. She made plans and carefully covered the trails. She did such a perfect job nobody suspected anything till she delivered the blow.

She smiled and the coldness disappeared. "Would you want us to get married in a garden or on a beach?"

"I would prefer not to get married at all, not to you anyway."

She grinned. "I bet you would love to get married to that pretty friend of yours. She's Rosie right?"

My anger rose several degrees higher at the mention of Rosie but I kept the expressionless mask over my face. I couldn't let her know Rosie meant more to me than an employee. That would only give her another weak point to attack.

"Yes." I replied as calmly as I dared. "How did you know her?"

"The walls have ears, my love. You never know who is watching."

My brows raised a teensy bit. "You had me followed?"

She shrugged indifferently. "I was only being fair. Plus that was the only way I could keep tabs on you. I got quite tired of waiting outside RUBTYL and hearing rumours from those tattering idiots you employed."

"Is there something else you think I should know? Like you planting a bug in my house or something?"

"No. It's not up to that. I plan on marrying you, not killing you."

"Is there a difference between the two?"

"Are you trying to say getting married to me is equivalent to death?"

"I'm trying to say getting married to you is worse than death."

She shrugged. "Whatever you say. But you get to choose your uncle's life with one of the options. Refusing to marry me means you and your uncle will die." She said before walking away.

I stood at the spot for several moments and only went to join Marian and Mr Edwards when I was sure she was not going to come back.

"We can get her arrested now right?" I asked as I detached the microphone from my shirt.

Marian looked at me with soulful eyes before looking away.

"Can't we?" I stressed not bothering to filter the anger out of my voice.

Mr Edward cleared his throat. "We can, if our aim is to get her behind bars. But, that might lead to the death of your uncle."

"She knew coming out here to see you is a risk" Marian interrupted. "...so she might have given the guys who kidnapped your uncle orders to take his life if they don't see her or receive her call within a specific number of hours. I believe we were ahead of her by having the conversation recorded but I suggest we put off handing her over to the police until we know where she's keeping your uncle."

"Okay."

"In the meantime, I advise you to go on with your daily activities. Do everything you would have done if she wasn't in your life and play along with her while we work on this. I have some other detectives on board and Marian will be no more involved in this than is necessary because Margarita already knows about her. But she will still be in your company because we need someone who can help us find the person who has been informing Margarita of your activities."

"Are you saying there is a mole in my company?"

He shrugged. "There might be. Margarita knows too much for an outsider. Someone in your company must have been keeping her updated."

"Can't we get someone else to do the job since Margarita already knows about her?"

"There's no need for that. She doesn't recognise her face but we would have to be careful because we don't want to make her suspicious. You just go on living like you would do if none of this happened."

"It might be hard but I'll try."

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ROSIE

Monday arrived with its usual buzzing energy. I threw a smile at every of my co-worker who caught my eyes as I took vibrant strides to my cubicle. My positive mood could be as a result of the pink blazer I was wearing – I know it's not the perfect definition of official – or the call I received from Dayo last night. His call had caught me off guard and I had been worried something bad had happened until he told me he just wanted to talk to me. Imagine my joy at having Dayo call me and telling me he wanted to hear my voice because he missed me. If he was another guy, I would have thought he was starting to have feelings for me; but Dayo, as I knew him, was totally unpredictable and it was best not to jump to conclusions. A small note on my table caught my attention and I dropped my bag before picking it up. My face lightened up as I mouthed the words Dayo must have scribbled in a hurry.

"I have not been the best of friends lately but I'm willing to make things right. Your friendship brightens my heart and it is something I look forward to during this season of my life. You are a burst of freshness and I'm glad to have you. Yours, Dayo."

I held the note to my heart and smiled even wider. True, it contained nothing that could suggest he had feelings for me, but I just might be starting to have his heart. I stopped. Did I just hold the note to my chest, close to my heart? I sat down as reality slowly dawned on me. My feelings for Dayo were alive and stronger! I thought I had gotten rid of them but they had grown into something deeper. I was not only attracted to him; I was starting to fall in love with him.

"Sweet Jesus!" I murmured. How will I get through the date I have with Desmond Falade when I'm fully aware that my heart belongs to another? I should have insisted on a no instead of telling Mum I would go for the date if she could get her friend's son to make it today. Both mothers expect us to be together. Can I defy them because of my feelings for someone who is currently not reciprocating them? Honeymoon or not, I need to talk to Manda.

***

I rolled my eyes as I listened to Manda's laughter. The best she could have done was not to make fun of me after telling her everything that was happening.

"I've been gone two days Rosie and all these already happened?" She asked between laughs.

I pouted my lips defiantly. "Yes, and stop laughing already."

"Okay. I'll try" She said before bursting into another round of laughter.

"I'll end the call if you don't behave yourself."

Her voice turned serious. "Don't do that."

"I won't if you behave yourself."

"Okay. But I want you to know that stopping your twin sister from laughing is unfair." She said playfully.

"And laughing at your twin sister is also unfair" I reiterated. "Now talk. What do I do?"

She exhaled. "I don't know Rosie. I knew you've always liked Dayo and I'm not surprised you're starting to fall in love with him, but, putting your life on hold for a guy who has not declared his intentions towards you is unfair to you. Have you ever met this Desmond guy?"

"I told you I haven't. Mum just decided she wanted me to get married and thought this guy would be the perfect one. Of course, she didn't put it that way. She only said she wanted me to get to know him and stuff like that."

"Okay. Do you think the note Dayo left on your table could mean something more?"

"That's part of my reason for calling."

"I know. I just want to know your thoughts on it."

"To be sincere I don't think so. As much as I want it to mean so much more, I think he's only giving me the attention he would give every close friend of his."

"If I heard you right, you guys made up after not talking for a long time at the wedding reception."

"Yes."

"And you called him later that night because you were missing me and needed someone to talk to."

"Yes."

"Okay. Personally, I believe you called him because you wanted to talk to him and not because you needed someone to talk to. Let's be real Rosie, you have a lot of people you could have called that night. But let's leave that and concentrate on the purpose of this conversation"

I smacked my lips. Does she have to be this direct?

"He called you last night because he said he missed you and wanted to hear from you, right?" She continued.

"Yes."

"And you met a note from him on your table this morning."

"Positive."

"Twin sis, this could only be one of two cases and maybe both. He could be starting to fall in love with you..." She paused. "... Or he could just be a very good friend who wants to show you he appreciates your friendship."

I sighed. "I know. The problem is I think the second option is correct. I also don't want to sit through an evening of mindless talks with this Desmond guy in a case the first option is really true."

"Just go on the date. You win either way. You wouldn't miss Desmond if he was your Mr Right and you still wouldn't miss Dayo if he was the one. The only thing is you will have to sit through a series of talks which might not be mindless after all."

"What if I don't end up with either of them?"

The chatters going on around me filtered into my cubicle as I waited for Manda's response. My eyes caught Dayo smiling at his P.A. who was making funny faces at him. Those two were starting to be close. Maybe he really did all those things because he was naturally friendly. Manda was right. Desmond could be my Mr Right.

"I wouldn't think that way. Always be optimistic."

"Okay. I understand. Tell me about how it feels like to be married."

"Being married feels wonderful."

"Is that all you're going to tell your own best friend?"

She laughed delightfully. "You're at work and the things I'll tell you will make you giggle. We'll talk better when I get back."

"Are you subtly trying to tell me not to call you?"

"You're almost correct. I'm trying to tell you I wouldn't like to spend several hours on the phone while I'm here, and that is what is going to happen if I start answering your questions."

"You just broke my heart." I said with feigned annoyance.

She laughed. "I have to go now. I Love You."

"I Love you too. Tell Tola to treat you like the princess that you are" I said, grinning widely.

"I will. Bye."

"Bye dear."

***

DAYO

I pretended not to notice Rosie has been on the phone for roughly half an hour. I had wanted to go and ask her about what she thought of the note I left on her table. My mind had turned to her for the larger part of the night and I had woken up with bags under my eyes. I deliberated on our friendship a lot before coming to work this morning and realized I was getting more attached to her than is advisable between friends. I decided to let things unfold without pushing anything. I was loitering around her cubicle, talking to some of my employees in hopes of getting to her the moment she dropped the call when Marian cornered me. Marian sent several coy looks my way while interjecting her opinions in the discussion I was having with Peter Okposi – the Assistant Sales Director. The Marian that makes me feel like I have to be on guard surfaced once more and it took an ounce of self-control for me not to read meaning into the slick way she was touching me. I swallowed the thought that suggested she was up to no good. After all, we're on the same team. I artfully looked towards Rosie and sensed she was about to end the call so I murmured an apology to Marian and Peter Okposi before leaving. I schooled my face into a neutral expression as I strode towards Rosie's cubicle. She couldn't know I've been waiting for her to get off that phone.

She stood up the moment she saw me. "Good morning Mr Dayo Smith."

I waved her to have her seat. "I thought we already got over formalities."

She smiled without really looking at me. "You don't know who might be listening."

"I don't care."

"People might start talking."

"Let them talk."

We sat in silence and I watched as she expertly avoided my gaze. My intuition told me the call she had had something to do with me but I dismissed it. That couldn't be true. The only thing that was true was something was bothering her and it had to do with me.

"What is it?" I asked.

She looked at me with startled eyes. "Sorry, I didn't get that."

"You're deliberately avoiding my gaze, Rosie. What is happening?"

She held her lower lips between her lips and bit on it. Something was definitely wrong.

"Did you overhear anything on your way here?"

My brows furrowed slightly. "What are you talking about?"

***

ROSIE

His brows squeezed together and I knew he didn't understand what I was talking about. He obviously didn't hear a thing. 'I have to change the subject of discussion', I mentally noted. I couldn't possibly tell him everything Manda and I had talked about. My first thought when I saw him come in was that he overheard my conversation with Manda. My avoiding meeting his eyes had most likely raised his suspicions. How was he to know I avoided his gaze because I felt guilty?

"Never mind. I saw your note this morning?" I replied.

"And?"

"I loved it." I squealed.

His face lighted up. "Thank you."

"No, thank you."

"Excuse me, Mr Dayo."

We turned our gazes to look at the person who talked. Dayo's P.A had her face screwed up in a scowl that gently annoyed me. I had learnt her name was Marian Omoni during the period Dayo had given me the space I had asked for. The funny thing was, I didn't like her and I couldn't explain why. Something about her just seems wrong. She must have been displeased with seeing us together as her scowl deepened even further.

"Yes, Marian." Dayo replied.

"Mr Smith, there's something I think you should know."

"Did she hurt him?" He asked; his voice thick with an emotion I couldn't name.

"No. It's just an update."

Dayo returned his gaze to my face and I could see the battle raging within him. He didn't want to leave but he must. He stood up and shot me an apologetic look. They walked out briskly and I stared at them till they were out of sight. 'Did she hurt him?' I murmured over and over again as I tried to understand what the sentence could mean.' Does Marian's disapproval of Dayo being here have anything to do with it?' I wondered. There was nothing going on in the company that warranted hurting other people. Whatever it was, it was definitely serious for Dayo to have been so tight-lipped about it. And who exactly is this Marian for her to be the one to know about it?

***

DAYO

"What's wrong?" I asked the moment we got to my office.

"It's Brenda."

My eyes narrowed. "What about her?"

"She's missing."

"Missing?"

"Yes. Her roommate called the office when she discovered something strange. She said Brenda had not been home since Saturday night but all her belongings were packed by the time she woke up this morning. She saw a note written on the table telling her she had been upset about something and needed to leave town."

"She came to my house on Saturday night but left angrily because I didn't succumb to her seduction" A gasp escaped Marian's lips. "I was going to inform my uncle about it before firing her this morning. Do you have an idea of where she went?"

"No."

"I guess she needs the change in environment." I said as I went to sit on my chair.

"You're not getting the point." She accused.

I raised my brow in question. "Then tell me."

"I already told Mr Andrew about it and she might be the mole. The fact that her roommate slept through the packing is very suspicious."

I wanted to exclaim but saliva got into my pharynx. I coughed hard and even spilt the water Marian held to my lips. My eyes filled with tears by the time my throat was free enough for me to talk. "I can't believe this."

"Mr Andrew already started working on it and he called to tell me he found some receipts which had Margarita's name in Brenda's room."

"Oh God." I whispered.

"I'll tell Edward about her visit to your place on Saturday. It might help his investigation."

"Are you not going to help him or something?"

She shrugged. "He said its best I stay here. We want people to think we're close."

Now I understand why you were acting strange. "Don't you think Margarita will be aggravated if she gets to know?"

"She won't hurt your uncle if she's not pushed to the wall. She really wants to get married to you and we are going to use that against her."

I nodded. "Okay. Thank you."

"And?"

I kept my gaze fixed on her.

"I think it's best if you move away from her."

"Who?" I asked.

"Rosie. It wouldn't do for you to be too close with any of the opposite sex at times like this."

I clenched and unclenched my fist. "I'll be close to whosoever I choose. Edward asked me to live my life the way I would if Margarita hadn't interrupted it. I plan on doing just that."

She nodded curtly.

***

ROSIE

I reapplied my lipstick before stepping out of the car. The pink blazer I had worn earlier was neatly folded on my back seat. My love for it had increased after Dayo told me it looked good on me when he passed by my cubicle during the lunch break. He had apologized for having to leave and promised to make it up to me. I stared down on my plain black gown and wished I could put the blazer back on. I would have loved nothing more than that, except I didn't want Desmond to think I hadn't planned to meet him. The coffee shop he had chosen looked worn out. I heard they made the best coffee in the neighbourhood but lacked good management. I stepped inside the shop and the scent of freshly baked cookies made my stomach grumble. I glanced around and walked toward a guy sitting alone at a table. He was wearing a face cap and could as well be Desmond.

"Good evening."

"Are you Rosie?" He asked.

"Yes." I sat before he could stand to pull out the chair for me. "I'm sorry I'm late."

"I understand." He smiled and his cheeks dimpled just like Dayo's.

"Have you been here for long?"

"Not really. What would you love to eat?"

I covered my mouth as I yawned. "Nothing. I'm fine for now."

"Okay. Let me cut to the chase; I know our mothers are trying to bring us together and I appreciate that. I had planned on telling you I was not interested in matchmaking of any sort but I changed my mind the moment you walked in. I'm only warning you because I've decided to pursue you with all I've got."

I blinked like a fool and stared wordlessly at him. I might be wrong but I feel he has too much of an ego. For God's sake, I'm not a good you decide to purchase because you feel you like the package.

He cocked an eyebrow. "I know that might have sounded rude but I only wanted to be sincere with you. Is there anything you would like to say?"

"Erh... I think I'm hungry."

He smiled and I knew I had just bitten more than I could chew.

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER TWELVE

A Few days later

ROSIE

Sweat trickled down my back as I walked down the aisle separating the grocery compartment from others at Prince Ebeano Supermarket. The supermarket was fully air-conditioned but the effect of walking up and down was burning some unwanted calories. My love for this place had made me drive all the way from my house to Lekki Phase 1. I raised my palm to my head as I tried to remember what I was forgetting. There was something I was yet to get and I couldn't put my fingers on it. I double-checked my list and there it was – Beef. I headed for where cold foods were displayed and was almost there when I caught sight of Desmond Falade. I quickly turned before he could see me and headed back the way I came. I kept throwing glances over my shoulder and didn't notice the man who was checking out a product on the shelf several feet away from me until it was too late. My cart bumped hard into him, sending him sprawling on the floor.

"It wouldn't hurt if you watched where you were going." He groaned.

I covered my mouth and widened my eyes in shock as I took him in. Out of all the people in the world; why did I have to bump into Dayo? Will I never stop showing him my less than attractive side? "I'm sorry. I didn't see you."

He pushed himself off the floor with his hands and dusted his trousers.

"Are you hurt?"

His cheeks dimpled as he smiled. "No."

I blew out a relieved breath. "That's good. What are you doing here, Dayo?"

"The same thing you're doing – shopping." He showed me the headset he got and threw it into my cart before collecting it from me. My hands hurriedly stopped him when he started for the Cashier stand. I jerked my hands back as they tingled from the contact. "We can't leave yet. There's something I've not gotten."

"And that is?"

"Beef."

He grinned. "If I didn't know better, I would have said you planned the whole thing because you would only get beef by going the other way." He pointed to where I was just coming from.

"I know. I'm trying to avoid someone."

"Someone you don't want to see?" He probed.

"Let's just say someone I'm not ready to face."

He lifted his brows in surprise but kept quiet. I slipped my hand into the curve of his elbow and held onto it in readiness for the confrontation I knew was waiting for me. Desmond had called me several times after our first date and I had replied with a text every single time. True, it was not intentional as my phone had not been with me every one of those times he called. He might not even believe it if I told him the truth. I mean, he called too many times for him to accept it was a coincidence.

"This must be my lucky day." Desmond said when he sighted me. He stole a glance at the spot my hand held Dayo before lazily returning his gaze to my face. My hold on Dayo tightened and I could feel him growing stiff beside me.

"Good morning, Desmond." I greeted.

He smiled. "Good morning, Rosie, and Good morning to you, Mr..."

"Dayo Smith." Dayo offered as he shook his hand.

Desmond nodded curtly and turned his gaze on me. I swallowed thickly and opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. Dayo's presence beside me made things even harder as I didn't want him knowing about Desmond. He must have sensed my dilemma as he said, "I'll go ahead to get the beef."

I nodded and didn't speak until I saw he was at a distance. "I'm sorry for not replying your calls. It was not intentional."

"I don't know if I should believe that but your texts sort of made up for it."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

We stared at each other in uncomfortable silence. I dropped my gaze as I was starting to get uneasy. He must have felt the same way because he cleared his throat several times before saying, "I want to know you better Rosie. There is nothing I want more than to be the closest person to you. I know you're single..." He threw a glance at Dayo. "...So there is no reason for you not to give me a chance."

There are plenty of reasons for me not to give you a chance! "What do you want?" I asked mildly. It wouldn't do for him to know my thoughts about what he was asking me. Telling him a no before hearing him out won't be totally polite. I shifted on my legs as I impatiently waited for him to answer.

"I want you to give 'us' the same commitment I'm giving. I want you to take a chance on us. This might seem too forward but you won't regret being with me. We will definitely work out."

Something snapped in me at his assuming I had nothing or no one stopping me from going for him. Even if I had nothing against him, my love for Dayo wouldn't allow me to entertain the thoughts of being with him. "Firstly, there is no 'us'. Secondly, I don't see anything I've done to stop you from knowing me."

"Rosie, you know what I'm talking about."

"And that would be?"

He smiled lazily. "You're quite intelligent. You know what? Let's not have this conversation here. What do you think of a dinner at Eko suites, next Friday with all expenses on me?"

His offer was tempting but I had this gnawing feeling I couldn't ignore at the pit of my stomach. "I'll think about it."

"Please do that and let me know your reply as soon as possible."

"Okay." I said and walked to meet Dayo at a corner where he had been waiting for me. He didn't say anything while we walked to the cashier, or when he paid the bills for everything we bought, or even when he helped me in carrying the groceries to the car. I didn't like it when he was like this and I was going to make him talk or God help me.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Hmmn." He murmured noncommittally.

"You're not talking and I'm starting to think it has something to do with Desmond. Are you jealous or something?"

He burst out laughing and embarrassment washed over me. I wish I could take back what I said. "You don't have to look mortified. I wasn't making fun of you." He said as he wiped the tears from his face. "I was only trying to figure out something."

I tried to hide the disappointment I felt at his words. "So you were not jealous?"

He held a thumb to my cheeks and caressed it with little strokes "No, I wasn't."

He dropped his hand and the place he had just touched felt cold. I cleared my throat. "Tell me about it."

He deliberated on it for several seconds. "Let's talk in your car."

***

DAYO

Her eyes widened with shock as she quietly listened to me. Words thick with emotion tumbled out of my mouth and I didn't even wait to catch a breath until I was done.

"Why didn't you say anything before now?" She asked.

"I couldn't just walk up to you and bore you with the talks of an ex-fiancée who is getting murderous."

"Yes you can, especially when she kidnapped my ex-boss. Didn't you think I had the right to know?"

"I'm sorry. Now I know better."

"You're forgiven. What are you going to do now?"

I shifted in my seat so as to get a better view of her face. She looked beautiful even in shorts and a loose T-shirt. I couldn't get tired of staring at her. "I don't know. Mr Andrew and Marian are working on it."

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Marian? Like Marian Omoni?"

"Yes. She's a Private Investigator and I hired to keep a watch on Margarita when all these started"

Her lips twitched distastefully. "I don't like her"

I laughed at the way she looked like an angry schoolgirl with her lips turned up that way. "Are you jealous?" I teased.

Her eyes widened nervously and I knew I had hit the mark. Rosie was jealous. She cleared her throat. "Kind of. But believe me, it's more than that. I feel she's... she's..."

"A threat to you because she might win my heart. Come to think of it, she is quite pretty too"

She gasped as she looked at me. "I was going to say she's too good to be true. And don't you dare give your heart to her"

"Why?" I teased.

She dropped her gaze and bit her lips. She must have realized she had revealed too much as she whispered a forced "Nothing."

I lifted her chin with my finger and stared into her eyes. "It's okay to have feelings, Rosie. It's okay for you to like me as much as you want to."

"Why? Why is it okay?" Her lips trembled.

Maybe it was the vulnerability that shone in her eyes or the quietness that enveloped us but I found myself admitting the thoughts I hadn't allowed myself to ponder on. "It's okay because I like you too. I know it's not as much as the way I'll like you in times to come, but I like you a lot. I think about you as much as you think about me. So you see, we're in the same net."

I watched as hope jumped in her eyes. "Are you serious?" She whispered.

I gave her a boyish grin. "Yes. I'm falling in love with you, Miss Rosie Redmond."

She laughed. "I can't believe I'm hearing this."

I touched my hand to my heart in feigned hurt. "Are you laughing at my confession?"

"No joor." She replied. "Hearing it makes me happy."

I winked at her.

"Now I wouldn't have to worry about Brenda or Marian or even Margarita." She joked.

Her mentioning Brenda made me remember what we had been talking about before I confessed my feelings on impulse. "Brenda is missing."

She sobered up instantly. "What?"

"The last time anyone saw her was when she came to my place Saturday night."

"She came to your house? At night?"

"Yes, but I'll tell you about it later. The thing is, she dropped a note before leaving so we can't just go and inform the authorities she's missing. We wouldn't have bothered about her if Marian and Edward didn't think she might be Margarita's mole"

"This is more complicated than it sounds. How could you be calm under it all?"

"Believe me, I've not been calm. There were times when I got so tired I wanted to give up."

"About Brenda?"

"Yes."

"Something is not right."

I yawned. "What do you mean?"

"She sent me a message on Sunday afternoon which I believe is the day she allegedly went missing."

"What did she say?"

"It was gibberish. I think she must have made a mistake or maybe she didn't."

"Can I see it?"

She unzipped her purse and pulled out her phone. She opened the message and showed it to me. I asked her for a pen and paper and copied out, "oyaD65gnillik57no166gninnalp278era187yeht099dna45ydal432egnarts679eno709rof85gnikrow4si3ehs268si521ehs308kniht8ew233ohw012ton44si34nairaM89regnad89ni6778ma63i788"

"Do you think it could mean something?" She asked.

"I'm not sure but I think Marian would be interested in this."

"This might sound weird but I don't want you to give it to Marian."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Give it to Andrew or any other person but Marian."

I chuckled. "I've never seen a more possessive lady. To think you're still jealous of her after I just bared my heart to you."

She pouted. "I told you it's more than that."

"I'll try to believe you."

She slapped my arm playfully and I caught her hand before she could withdraw it. "Rosie."

"Hmm." She murmured.

"Thanks for being my friend."

***

I looked over my shoulder a couple of times before knocking on the door. I stepped into the dimly lit room without second thoughts after making sure nobody followed me to Mr Andrew's hideout. It took a while for my eyes to adjust to the dimness of the room. I squinted to see Mr Andrew relaxing on a recliner. He motioned for me to move closer and I covered the distance between us in a minute.

"You're late." He shifted for me to sit beside him.

I raised my brow. "You knew I was coming?"

He fished out a stick of cigarette. "Yes. Hope you don't have an aversion to me smoking?"

Except for the fact that you're frying your lungs, "No."

"How did you know I was coming here?"

He shrugged. "I just knew. I guess it comes with the business. Did something happen?"

I brought out the crumpled piece of paper and handed it to him. "A friend of mine got this message from Brenda the noon of the day she got missing."

"We do not know she is missing. The note she left proves as much?"

"But Marian told me she was missing."

"Yes, that is what we think. But we can't have others thinking she's missing. It will only aggravate matters. To everyone else, she left town."

"I only told one person she is missing and she can be trusted."

"If you say so." He brought out a flashlight and checked the message. He stood up and went to what I suppose was his work table. I kept my place on the recliner as he switched on his computer and input a series of codes before returning his attention to the note. "This looks meaningless but I think it's a code of some sort."

"How long would it take for you to decipher it?"

"It depends on how knowledgeable she is about coding. She might have done something as simple as mixing letters or something as complex as using private code words. I'll let you know when I have something."

"Okay."

My phone rang and I fished it out of my pocket. I stared at it and saw Edward's name flashing before me. Why is he calling me?

"Edward."

"Dee, How far na?" (How are you?)

"I dey ooo. I know say u no dey call me Dee if u never do something wey I no like" (I'm fine. I'm sure you've done something I don't like because you wouldn't call me Dee if you haven't)

"Abeg forget that one. You dey house?" (That's not true. Are you at home?)

"No. I never reach house." (I'm not yet at home)

"My babe talk say she wan con greet you." (My fiancée wants to come to pay you a visit)

"Audrey don come back?" (Is Audrey back?)

"She don come ooo. Her flight land yesterday." (Yes. Her flight arrived yesterday)

"Okay na. When u wan come?" (What time are you guys coming?)

"We don dey come already." (We are already on our way)

I blew out a breath. I should have known. "Why you no tell me before?" (Why didn't you tell me before now?)

"No vex. You go meet us sha. Take care." (I'm sorry for not telling you. We'll be waiting for you.)

"Bye."

I returned my phone to my pocket as I stood to take my leave.

"Mr Smith." Mr Andrew called.

"Yes." I replied.

"I think it would be best if you don't tell anybody about the message."

I nodded. He didn't have to tell me.

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ROSIE

I paced the length of my room as I replayed Dayo confessing his feelings for me over and over in my mind. Warmth spread through me and I wished Manda was around. She would have been eager to hear all about it and I would have had the joy of recounting the experience. I sent her a WhatsApp message and counted the hours until she replied. I had sent a "We need to talk" message in Caps Lock. The Manda I know would reply immediately she saw the message, that is, if she ever gets to check it. My phone buzzed and Manda's name popped up in my chat notification.

"She has replied." I muttered happily.

I tapped the notification and the message popped open.

"What's happening?"

"I've got a gist." I replied.

"Really? Should I call you?"

"Don't bother. I don't want you to waste your time calling me."

She sent the rolling eyes smiley. "And you think WhatsApp is any different."

"At least nobody will hear what we're talking about."

"I'm calling you this minute."

My phone rang some seconds later and I picked at the third ring. Something about number three fascinates me.

"What happened?" She mused.

"Dayo is in love with me."

I sensed she rolled her eyes. "You've started imagining things."

"No. He told me!"

"What?" She screamed.

I heard Tola's voice in the background asking if everything was okay. She took some time to reassure him before repeating in a milder tone. "What?"

"I know right." I smiled. "It all seems too good to be true."

"Did you say yes?"

I furrowed my forehead. "What are you talking about?"

"I mean he asked you out, right?"

"No." I drawled

"What do you mean no? A guy confessed his feelings and you guys just left it that way?"

I wanted to tell Manda about Margarita but couldn't. Margarita was Dayo's secret to reveal and I couldn't betray the trust he had in me. "It's complicated."

"What is really going on?" Manda asked gently. "My thoughts turn to you and Dayo a lot these days and I'm starting to get worried. Is everything really okay?"

"You have to trust me when I say there is nothing to worry about. Just pray for us whenever you find yourself thinking about us."

"I will. I have to go now."

"I understand. Bye."

"Bye."

I threw myself on the bed and stared at the ceiling. The Man I love loves me back and we both do not want to take things further because of the imminent threat on his uncle's life. Didn't Jesus say his yoke was light and his burden? If that was true, which I believe it was, I couldn't see the proof of that in my life. I squeezed my eyes shut as I thoroughly examined my heart. Have I truly carried on the yoke and the burden of the Lord? Is my life truly focused on him or on the man I love? Can I truly say everything I did was for his glory? I turned and pressed my face into the bed because I knew the answers to those questions were no. I had been making my decisions and asking him to bless them. It's been a while since I ever did anything simply because I wanted to gladden his heart. I let out a sigh. Things were going to change – I was going to change.

***

DAYO

The temperature had rapidly increased by the time I got home. I ignored the sweat covering my body as I spared Edward's car a glance before turning the knob. I didn't even bother using my key because I knew Edward already opened the door with the spare he had with him. Gentle arms pulled me into a hug as I stepped in. My nostrils were filled with the lavender scent Audrey was fond of wearing, which was a direct contrast to Rosie's cologne. My face brightened with a smile as I remembered Rosie with her cold façade and warm heart. I was seriously starting to miss her.

"You're going to choke me if you keep squeezing me that way." I smiled widely.

Audrey stepped back from our embrace. "I missed you, Dee."

"I missed you too."

I sent Edward a cold look which he returned with a sly smile. "I'm sure Dee is happy I brought you as soon as I could." He interjected.

Audrey shot him a warning look which made him shrug innocently before lying on the sofa.

"I'm sorry we didn't tell you beforehand." She apologized. "I wanted to keep it as a surprise."

"You don't worry about it." I winked at her.

"Come on." She pulled me away from the door. "Have your sit before you grow tired of standing."

"Thank you."

"Guess what I'm cooking?"

"Don't be shocked when you get to know." Edward warned.

"Rice." I guessed

"No. Try again."

Edward chuckled. "Help him, Audrey. You know he can never get the answer, not without spiritual intelligence."

"I'm preparing Couscous and Beef Bourguignon."

I turned to Edward in surprise. "Kínni?"

"What does that mean?" Audrey asked, confusion etched on her brows.

Edward laughed as he replied. "He said 'what is that' in Yorùbá. I guess he is as surprised as I am. The name sound..." He trailed off.

"They are popular Parisian dishes." Audrey defended.

Edward raised his two hands in surrender. "I know, Darling. I meant no offence."

"Dishes?" My eyes grew with wonder. "I didn't know they were different. I thought you were talking about a dish, just like Àmàlà and Ewédú."

"No, they're different."

I entwined my fingers and placed them behind my head. "When did you learn how to prepare them?"

"I didn't spend eight weeks in Paris for nothing." She winked and left for the kitchen.

Edward sat up and leaned closer to me the moment the door closed behind Audrey. "Is there any update?"

"There's been nothing substantial. And I've not heard from Margarita since the beach."

"I wasn't talking about her. I meant the lady you've spent the past few weeks pining on. Tell me you finally agree you've been bitten by the love bug."

I stared into space as Rosie's face came up in my mind. "I think so."

Edward laughed and patted me on the back. "Welcome to the club bro."

***

I've always loved Mondays. Not because it was the first working day of the week but because it came with a distinct freshness. My weekend was the best I'd had in a while because I spent a great amount of time in solitary and a greater one with Edward and Audrey, and talking with Rosie. I didn't know I could spend that amount of time talking to someone on the phone until Rosie. We talked about everything and anything, and, I enjoyed it. I barely noticed the fact that she did most of the talking because listening to her was the highlight of my day. The only dent in my almost perfect weekend was the fact that Mr Andrew was yet to decipher the code Brenda sent to Rosie. I was starting to think the message would give us a pointer to where Brenda was but we were at a dead end if Mr Andrew doesn't come up with something as soon as possible. Marian walked into my office without even bothering to knock and I didn't give it a thought. She has doubled as my secretary since Brenda got missing or went into hiding as the case may be, and that had fostered a level of closeness between us.

"Good morning Mr Smith." She greeted.

"Good morning Marian." I replied.

"I wanted to know if you needed anything."

That is strange. "No, thank you." I said, smiling at her before dropping my gaze to the bulk of files on my table.

"Urh... I..." She stammered.

"Yes?"

"I want to ask you a really personal question."

My nerves stood on end. "Shoot."

"Will you answer?"

"Let me hear it."

"Do you have feelings for Miss Redmond?"

Warning signs flashed and I knew I must tread carefully. I had no issues with admitting my feelings for Rosie to everybody who cared to listen, but, Marian was – different. "Why?"

"I just want to know."

"Did something prompt the question?"

"Yes. As a lady, I can sense things. Like when two people have feelings for themselves, for example"

"And you sense I have feelings for Rosie?"

"Yes."

"Why should my having feelings for Rosie bother you?"

Her eyes flickered nervously. "It bothers me because I don't want to keep guessing. I want to know the truth."

She was expertly avoiding my question but I pretended not to notice. She didn't want to say the truth, and I was not ready to hear it. "Rosie is only a friend. I'll let you know the moment she becomes more than that."

That seems to satisfy her as she smiled assiduously.

"Okay sir."

***

ROSIE

I was about knocking when I heard him say, "Rosie is only a friend. I'll let you know the moment she becomes more than that." I dropped my hand the moment I heard Marian's reply, and left for my cubicle. The walls seemed to close up on me and I didn't stop to consider what I had heard until I was in the safety of my chair.

"Rosie is only a friend" I raised my nose and mimicked with a high pitched voice. "I'll let you know the moment she becomes more than that"

I blew out a frustrated breath and started a monologue. "Admitting his feelings wouldn't have killed him. I wouldn't have had a problem if he said that to any other person. I can understand he is trying to protect me" I stood up angrily. "What protection am I even talking about? I don't need any kind of protection. The only thing I need from him is for him to..."

"Someone would have thought this was a war zone." Dayo interrupted.

I walked towards him angrily and stopped just a foot away from him. The boyish grin he had on his face and the lazy way he leaned on the glass wall pulled at me and I realized I couldn't stay angry at him, not with the way my awareness of him grew by the minute. I expertly masked my reaction to his presence and angrily stalked back to my chair.

He grinned. "Your face looks so flushed I don't need to be told you're angry. I can only guess who the recipient of the strong emotion is."

"I'm angry with you." I choked out.

"And with Marian too." He ended.

My jaw dropped open. "Did you eavesdrop on my conversation?"

He laughed, moving away from the entrance towards me. "One would hardly call that a conversation. I heard retreating footsteps while I was talking to Marian and wanted to see who it was. You know, one can't be too careful at times like this. I was coming to ask you if you noticed someone strange pass in front of your cubicle when I heard you venting your anger."

I cleared my throat as I processed what he just said. "Is she still in your office?"

"If you're talking about Marian, yes. I know you have this unexplainable issue with her and that's okay but I want you to know she is nothing to worry about."

I bit my lower lip. He was not getting the point. I'm not jealous of Marian – not really jealous anyway – she just makes me uncomfortable. He sat at the edge of my table and I shifted back into my chair. Didn't he know I was getting more aware of him than was necessary? Now I have to be on guard because I might just throw myself into his arms before realizing what I had done.

"I would want nothing more than to tell the whole world you have my heart. My not telling Marian was not because I was ashamed of my feelings for you. I just felt something was out of place and I wouldn't let her know about you until I've got that settled."

He slightly leaned into me and I swallowed thickly. Am I the only one who noticed electricity sizzling in the air?

"Are you not going to say anything?" He asked, mistakenly brushing my arm with the tip of his finger. I sucked in a deep breath at the contact and my self-control wavered.

"Urh.. Urh.. I.. I.. think..." I stammered.

"Are you okay?" Concern creased his brows as he placed his hand on my shoulder. I knew it was a friendly gesture but it sent electricity coursing through my body.

I stood with a speed that could have equalled that of light before my self-control could snap. The momentum sent my chair flying away, missing the glass wall by only a few inches. Dayo stared dumbly at me and I smiled innocently to cover up the turmoil raging within me.

I backed out of my cubicle and said, "I... urh... think I need fresh air."

His eyes darkened with confusion. "Okay."

***

DAYO

I glanced at my wristwatch and smiled. This was exactly eight hours since Rosie left me in her cubicle because she, in her words, needed fresh air. She had walked out; or rather backed out, with such ferociousness I would have wondered if she didn't go for a run. I still couldn't understand what had prompted her to stand up with such force. The chair had suffered the brunt of it. It would have spent several weeks at the hospital if it were a living being. I placed my briefcase on the centre table and unknotted my tie. The sound of a dying car engine got my attention and I went to the window to check who it was. My chest constricted making it hard to breathe when I saw Margarita step out of the car. I picked my phone from my pocket and texted Edward. He has to be here as quick as he could. I returned my gaze to Margarita and saw her fishing a key out of her bag. My heartbeat increased the moment she inserted the key into the lock. She must not have expected to see me in the sitting room as she staggered a little when our eyes met.

"You... Shouldn't you be in your bedroom now?" She asked accusingly.

I scoffed. "This happens to be my house and I can choose to stay anywhere I want. The question I should be asking is how you got a key to my house."

She grinned slyly. "I have my ways."

"You're invading my privacy, Margarita."

"I did it because I love you."

I snorted.

"Okay. I shouldn't have said that because we both know that's not true. It was meant to be a plan B in case you refused to let me in."

"How is my uncle?"

"He is doing absolutely fine. I let him live like he is in his own house. The only clause is he is not allowed to see or talk to anyone."

"Stop saying it like you're doing me a favour."

"A simple 'Thank You' would do, Dayo. And stop having that dull look on your face. Aren't you supposed to be happy to see your fiancée?"

I moved away from her and turned my lips downwards. "I didn't realize I proposed to you."

She laughed devilishly. "That's true. I'll get a ring the next time I'm here. It's time we made things official."

My eyes wandered to the door. I didn't know why she was here but I was sure it was not good. I needed to play for time. "I'll get the ring when I'm proposing to a lady."

She wrinkled her nose nonchalantly. "You won't get the chance to buy a ring talk less of proposing to a lady because our wedding holds in a month's time."

My body stood rigid. "What are you talking about?"

She ignored me and continued. "I've told my parents and our friends – my friends – in and outside the country. Preparations are on-going so you don't have to worry about a thing. All you have to do is show up."

"How could you? You went ahead to plan this... this hoax wedding without even telling me?"

Her eyes flashed. "I can do whatever I want anytime I want to. Or would you rather your uncle died?"

I sat and weakly held my head in my hands. Silence enveloped the room as the minutes ticked by. The sound of someone undressing caught my ears but I ignored it. Wait! Was she undressing? I raised my head to see her holding a knife that glistened dangerously and she was wearing – nothing. My eyes roved over her of its accord while I sat immobile on the sofa. My body went numb as I couldn't think of a way to escape her fast enough. She gripped the knife like an expert and my instincts told me she was equally good at using it. Lord! If you've ever answered my prayers this is the time I need you to show up.

The door banged open and I heard someone gasp. Margarita sharply turned to look at the intruders so I took advantage of her momentary distraction to disarm her. She released a sharp cry as she struggled to get the knife back. Edward pulled her off me and pinned her to the ground.

"Audrey, get her clothes."

Audrey whose shock was completely written over her face gathered Margarita's clothes and handed it to Edward.

"Put them on." He commanded.

Edward's authoritative tone left Margarita dumbfounded and she obediently put her clothes on. He escorted her out of the house and locked the door the moment she was done dressing.

"Is she gone?" Audrey whispered.

Edward pulled her closer. "Don't bother about her. She's gone for now."

"Would she have forced Dayo to have sex with her?" Her face paled.

"I guess that was her intention. I would be surprised if she doesn't have a photographer nearby."

"This is getting worse." I sighed. "She even has a key to the house."

"Don't you think you should leave this place for a while? You can stay with me. The wedding is still two weeks away."

I smiled gratefully at him. "It's okay. I'll get someone trustworthy to change the locks. If she wanted to kill me she would have tried to by now."

"I seriously think you should reconsider your decision."

"No, I won't. Thanks."

He blew out a breath. "I'll have to stay here then. We wouldn't want any lady raping you before you get a yes from Miss Right" He teased.

I smiled and squeezed his shoulders to show my appreciation. The Lord had shown up for me at a time I needed him the most. It was only wise for me to turn everything over to him

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

ROSIE

I tried all I could to fall asleep. No amount of tossing and turning could convince my mind to calm down. I thought of Dayo then Desmond then Dayo again. Desmond was obviously waiting for a response concerning our proposed date on Friday date. My conscience couldn't bear me leading him on. He had to know where he stood with me once and for all. I pondered on the best ways to turn him down but didn't come up with something suitable. A quote Mum loved saying flashed through my mind and I decided to try it out. She would always say 'When you get to a point when you don't know what to say, stick with the truth'. I stretched my hands and picked my phone from the stool where my lampstand sat. I didn't have the heart to reject him to his face but I could send a text.

'Good evening Desmond. I truly appreciate your friendliness and kind gestures. I wish I could go to Eko Suites with you but I can't. I would have enjoyed a date with you if I didn't know your intentions towards me. Going would be unfair to you seeing that my heart belongs to another and I would not want to take advantage of you in any way. Have a wonderful night rest.'

I scrunched my face as I took another look at the text I wanted to send to Desmond. It seemed explanatory enough without giving away sensitive information. I pressed the send button before I could change my mind. 'Father, please let him take this well. I know I've dashed his hopes but making him think he has a chance with me would be worse' I whispered.

My phone rang as Desmond's call came in. I've really been having a lot of calls these days.

I cleared my throat. "Good evening Desmond"

"Good evening Rosie. I got your message. I must confess that I wasn't expecting you to decline my offer. I must have assumed a lot to think I could actually have a chance with you."

"I'm sorry." I muttered.

He grinned. "Don't be. It's just unfortunate I've got a table reserved for us."

I mouthed a silent 'Oh'. He shouldn't have done that!

"I guess I'll have to do the dinner alone. We can't just waste money." Humour stained his voice.

I laughed at the light-hearted way he took my rejection. Liz would enjoy meeting him. "I have the perfect solution for that."

"What do you have in mind?"

My eyes glinted mischievously. Desmond didn't know what was about to hit him. I'm planning on getting him a wife and he wouldn't even know it.

"Yes. I have a friend who wouldn't mind a harmless date with a stranger. She loves meeting new people and I think that has a lot to do with her being a Psychologist"

"What is her name?"

"Liz Rematrin."

***

The rest of my week passed without event as I counted the days to Manda and Tola's return. The only highlight I had during the week apart from seeing and talking to Dayo was when Liz showed up at my door a day after her date with Desmond. The joy that radiated from her face as she told me about the gentlemanly way Desmond had treated her and all the fun she had almost made me wish I had gone, out of curiosity of course. I smiled as I concluded I might just have done her more favour than I realized. Have I probably been used by God to answer her prayers? I frowned as my thoughts turned to Dayo. He has been so caught up on some new leads Mr Andrew found that we have not been able to talk as much as I'd like us to. Of course, he made it up by putting calls through several times a day, but, that did nothing to quench the aching desire I had to see him again. I pondered on the way he had been evasive with details. It almost felt like there were some things happening he didn't want me to know about. My patience can only bear curiosity for so long. I paced the driveway and checked every oncoming vehicle to see if it belonged to Tola. Manda had promised to drop by the house that morning and I was very eager to see her. One of our neighbours ignited his car and it sounded just like Tola's car. I was really starting to freak out.

"Are they here?" Mum called from inside the house.

"No. It is Mr Sanwo's car."

Mr Sanwo was known throughout the neighbourhood for his weirdness. I could remember a time Mum overhead him threatening a customer care agent of his network provider that he was going to make him bleat like a goat if they didn't allow his subscription last the month. I think the other guy had been scared out of his wits because his line had been barred from putting calls through to any customer care agent since then. And there was also a time he was carrying rocks in his pockets after he lost weight because he didn't want to be blown away by the wind. Talk of a crazy – well, nearly crazy man.

"Come on in then."

"Give me a minute Mum."

I threw another look down the road and let out a shallow sigh when I still saw no sign of them. I was almost at the door when I unconsciously spared the road another glance. Warmth spread across my face as I caught sight of what I'd been waiting for. I hardly kept my cool by the time they drove into the driveway. I ran and swept my sister in a hug before she could place her second foot on the floor. My eyes glittered with unshed tears. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you more."

I laughed and held onto her tightly.

"Rosie." She murmured. "You're choking me" She held a hand up to touch my arms.

I released her. "Oh! I'm sorry"

We held each other's gazes and guffawed. She pulled me close and held me tight, but this time, none of our arms were wrapped around the necks. I looked up from our embrace and found open admiration in Tola's eyes. He grinned at me and I knew he was giving us time to bond. That guy sure has a lot of sense. No wonder he could keep Manda enthralled.

"Where is Mum?"

"The last time I checked, she was in the kitchen preparing your favourite."

"And Dad?"

"He went out early this morning. He said he needed to attend to something. Go ahead and greet Mum while I have a little chat with my brother here." I winked at Tola.

Manda smiled at us and I caught the look she shot Tola before she left. That look had spoken more than many words. I had underestimated the extent to which she respected and desired her husband. I would have doubted the possibility of such if I wasn't seeing it happening right before my eyes.

"It's nice to see you, Rosie." Tola took several steps closer to me.

"The feeling is mutual. My sister is really happy with you."

He glanced at the door Manda just walked through. "I know right. And I have you to thank."

My eyes grew wide. "You have me to thank? Me?"

"Yes. You could have discouraged Manda from seeing me and you could have acted on my initial attraction to you."

I smiled. Talking about the past didn't feel as awkward as it used to be. I didn't regret letting him go. To be truthful, I was glad he chose Manda; because Dayo would not have developed feelings for me if he had chosen me. "You're welcome. Thank you for loving Manda as much as you do. Being with you has made her better."

"Loving her brings pleasure to my heart."

I linked my arm with his. "Let's go in before Manda starts wondering where I kept you. I once threatened to make her husband disappear if she wouldn't give me her flowery headband."

He raised his brow in disbelief. "And she believed you?"

"We were seven! Of course, she believed me."

Laughter bubbled from Tola's throat. "Now I understand why she told me she had planned on hiding her husband in a place where you wouldn't find him as a little girl."

I laughed with him. "You can't blame her."

***

DAYO

"What did you say our excuse for going to see her was?"

I focused my gaze on the road as Edward asked me the same question for the umpteenth time. Letting him on the plan might not have been a good thing.

"All you have to tell her is that you wanted to personally invite her to your wedding."

"Okay."

My ears picked up the sound of traffic as my car ate up the miles that separated me from Rosie. The decision to see her had been impromptu and knowing I couldn't just barge into her house without raising a few eyebrows had made me come up with a plan. I had convinced Edward to put up an act of inviting her for his wedding. The plan was a flimsy one as Rosie had never met Audrey, and as far as I knew she wasn't so conversant with Edward. The only saving grace I had was her friendly reaction to Liz when we showed up at Manda's wedding. She could at least attend the wedding of a member of her friend's family. And if she refuses, the plan was meant to give me a reason to visit her at home. It had nothing to do with wanting her presence at a wedding – not like Edward and I wouldn't appreciate it if she showed up.

"Don't you think you should call her? I think she should be informed." He interrupted.

"I already texted her."

"And?"

"And told her we are stopping by her house."

He grunted.

"What?"

"You could have as well asked her to marry you. There's nothing wrong in coming out straight."

"I know. I want Margarita out of the way before making any moves on her. Being her friend would have to do until I get things sorted out"

He pointed at the rearview mirror. "That car has been following us since we pulled out of your street."

I glanced at the mirror. "What car?"

"The one behind us."

My heart thudded in my chest and sweat broke out from my body. "Sweet Jesus! Are we being followed in broad daylight?"

"Is that even a question. I think the stress you've been going through these days is starting to get to you."

I ignored his barb. "Since when have you noticed it?"

"Like I told you, since we pulled out of your street, but, I didn't think much of it at the time."

"Should I pull over?"

"Wait till we get to the next bend. We want to take whoever is driving that car by surprise."

My body tensed as the seconds rolled by. I sharply pulled after a few miles from the bend and watched to see if we were really being followed. The car appeared some minutes later and the driver must have been shocked to see us parked as the car screeched to a halt. Edward and I wasted no time in getting out and running towards it. My eyes bulged out of my sockets when I saw the person sitting behind the wheels.

"Hi." She smiled.

Edward shoved his hands into his pockets as he regarded her suspiciously. I tried to get my racing heart under control by breathing evenly. "Why are you following us, Marian?" I asked.

She stepped out of the car. "Mr Andrew told me to keep a watch on you. Margarita is getting out of control. Those he set on her trail reported that she was always screaming and talking to herself whenever she was alone."

"What does that have to do with me?" I shrugged.

"Dayo." She covered her mouth with her hands in shock. "I meant Mr Dayo."

"Dayo is fine."

"Okay. Margarita always threatens to kill you whenever she soliloquizes. She is obsessed with the idea."

I turned my gaze to Edward and the shock I felt was mirrored in his. I briefly closed my eyes as I tried to concentrate on the Lord. I had entrusted my life to him and I knew he wouldn't allow Margarita take it. Peace gradually flooded my being and I mentally repeated 'My life is hidden in Christ'. I must have remained that way for a long time because when I finally opened my eyes, Edward and Marian were both leaning against the car.

"Thank you Marian but your services are no longer needed."

Something I couldn't explain clouded her eyes and she had a hard time discarding it. "I can't leave. I have my orders."

I nodded in agreement. "You can help Mr Andrew with his investigation if you want to but I'm no longer your boss."

She stepped away from the car. "You're not yet out of danger."

"I won't let Margarita have control over my mind. No amount of threats can change that decision. I refuse to be bound by fear and that is why I do not need you to follow her or find the mole in my company. I would also appreciate it if today is the last day I'm followed, by you. Are we clear?"

"Yes sir." She replied and I turned to leave. "But..."

I returned my gaze to her.

"I'll only leave after Margarita is safely behind bars."

I opened my mouth to argue but closed it when I caught Edward's look. He wanted me to allow her to stay since she chose to.

"Okay." I agreed. "But you must know that I no longer regard myself as your employer. And that also means that I am in no way responsible for you."

Her face beamed. "Yes sir."

Edward who had kept quiet for the whole time spoke. "Do you mind going with us to see a friend?"

"Edward!" I exclaimed.

"I don't mind." She replied sweetly.

Edward pulled me towards the car as my face had started heating up. I turned on him the moment we got back in the car.

"Rosie does not like her. She is going to have our heads if she sees Marian at her house."

Edward chuckled. "I don't like Marian too."

His comment drained the fire out of me and I was more than taken aback. I ignited the car as he said, "I invited her because that would set her mind at ease. She is up to something and I don't want her to think I find her suspicious."

"You've lost me, Edward."

"Think about it. Why would Mr Andrew send her? He has several detectives working with him and they are far more experienced than her."

"He could have sent her because she's been working with me for a while."

Edward shook his head. "You're still not getting the point. Those two didn't know each other before Margarita. And the fact that Mr Andrew contacted her before you is quite suspicious. Mr Andrew would have contacted you by now if what she was saying the truth."

"Why would she lie?"

"That is what I'm trying to figure out. And my best guess is she's doing all these so as to get closer to you. Have you been coincidentally bumping into her these days?"

"Urh... Yes. Sort of."

"And were there times you felt she could be starting to see you as more than her boss?"

My eyes narrowed as I spared him a glance. "What are you trying to say?"

"You have a lady who is trying to get your attention and she is willing to lie to do it. I feel she is the one who is obsessed with you and not Margarita. Sending her away will just make her take drastic measures to get what she wants."

Edward was starting to make sense but I couldn't stop seeing the tiny fault in his plan. "What about Rosie?"

"What about her?"

"Marian would know I have feelings for her the moments I set my eyes on her. She's had her suspicions about my feelings for her even before now."

Edward laughed. "That is the icing on the cake. Being with Rosie is more than enough to get rid of her obsession. If what I heard from my sister is anything to go by, Marian would lose interest in a Man who could fall in love with Rosie before the end of the day."

I grinned. "I pray you're right. And I feel I should inform her of our newest addition. It wouldn't do for this to take her by surprise, not when we need her to have all her wits around her."

Edward bumped my shoulder with his fist. "You're absolutely correct."

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ROSIE

Manda sat with her legs wrapped around Tola's and her head lay softly against his chest. She briefly raised her head to laugh at how I got Desmond hooked with Liz before returning it to the solid broad chest of her husband.

"You really did that?" Her voice was filled with the amusement she felt.

"Yes. It's actually not as bad as you think. I believe I did a perfect job as a matchmaker. Liz is a sweet soul and Desmond deserves her."

She groaned. "Wait till Liz comes for you. She might be gentle but she's not dumb."

"That's where you're getting it wrong."

Her brows quirked. "What do you mean?"

"She was glad I told her about Desmond. My instinct tells me those two will hit it off."

"Hmm." She murmured.

Tola who has been silently listening to our conversation took the opportunity and asked to be excused. He placed a kiss on Manda's head before trotting out of the room.

I grinned as I watched him leave. "I guess he got tired of our chatter."

"You knew men na. They lost once we start our feminine talks, especially when they're not familiar with the subject."

I smiled. "How is Soji?"

"Which Soji are you talking about?"

"Don't tell me you've forgotten about him. I'm talking about the Soji who manipulated you into a relationship and attempted suicide when you broke up with him."

"Oh! I didn't know you were talking about him. I've not seen him in a long time."

"Talking about Liz made me remember him. Do you think he's in a relationship now?"

"I don't think so. But if he is, I hope he didn't repeat the same thing he did with me."

I sighed. "I hope so too."

We both grew quiet as each of us was lost in thoughts. I guess Manda was thinking of those times she had been thickly confused because she was entangled in an unwanted relationship she couldn't get out of. She had been stretched to the limits during those periods and I couldn't have imagined what I would have done if I were in her shoes. And me, I was thinking of my not so platonic relationship with Dayo. I wasn't in a relationship, neither was I in my opinion single; because that would mean I could enter a relationship with Desmond.

"Rooossssiiiieeeee."

I jumped a little as Manda's voice startled me out of my thoughts. I didn't even realize she was standing. I must have been deep in thoughts.

She glared at me disapprovingly. "What were you thinking about that made me call you six times before you answered."

"Urh...I...Urh." I stuttered.

"Anyway, your friends are here to see you."

I frowned slightly. "My friends?"

"Yes. Dayo and –"

I ran to the front door without waiting for her to complete her statement. Blood thrummed in my ears and my stomach swirled with butterflies. I couldn't believe it. I pulled the door open and my face broke into a willing grin when I caught sight of him. I took in his appearance like a drug addict would his drugs. I covered the distance between us before shooting a friendly smile at Edward who was leaning against the car.

"Hey." My voice sounded clogged.

He smiled at me pleadingly. "I'm sorry."

Why was he apologizing? "What's wrong?"

His eyes grew bothered. "You didn't get my text?"

"No."

"Uh.. Uh." The sound came from Edward.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

Dayo shrugged innocently. "We brought someone you might not be happy to see."

I laughed. "The only person I might not be happy to see is Marian and you couldn't have brought her here."

His expression fell and a guilty look passed across his face.

Oh my God! "She's not here, is she?"

Dayo glanced at the car that was parked behind his. I had not noticed the car before now because had had parked his car directly opposite the front door, making it difficult to see whatever was behind it; or maybe not so difficult. Even if the car didn't obstruct my view, I would have been too enamoured by him to have noticed. Marian most probably sensed we were talking about her because she chose that moment to alight her car. I sharply returned my gaze to Dayo as I didn't want to catch her eyes yet. God help us!

"Have you seen Manda?" I asked Dayo.

"Yes. She came out the moment she heard us pull into the driveway. I told her to get you after she asked us in." He lowered his voice. "I didn't want her to step inside if you were not here with us."

"Why are you even here?" I whispered.

He looked briefly at Edward. "We'll talk about that later. I think Marian will take you as a rude host if you don't acknowledge her soon."

I groaned.

"You really have to get over this thing you have against her." He chided.

"I have nothing against her." I replied under my breath.

He winked at me. "Then prove it."

I filled my gaze with the widest smile I could muster and directed it towards Marian. "Good evening, Marian."

Her lips thinned as she tried to keep a scowl off her face. I've only talked to Dayo for few minutes and she looked like she swallowed a frog. What would she do if I decided to monopolize him throughout the day? I sent an apology to the heavens for thinking in less than nice ways. "Good evening, Miss Redmond." She replied.

"Please call me Rosie."

She nodded. "Okay, Rosie."

My voice took on the boldness of a cheerful hostess. "Shall we all go in?"

***

DAYO

My heart soared at the way Rosie gracefully handled Marian. Showing up unexpectedly on her doorstep with a lady she intuitively suspects – in her own words – was not the best thing I could have done. If I had had my way, I would have sent Marian back to where she came from. She was here because Edward had deemed it fit. That infuriating friend of mine.

"Get rid of that scowl or your future in-laws will start suspecting you" Edward growled, turning my attention to the quiet way Manda observed me. Her husband who was involved in a serious conversation with Mr Redmond slightly wrapped his hands around her in a possessive way. The distance between us didn't afford me the opportunity to listen in. I wouldn't do that anyway. Rosie and Marian were nowhere to be found which truly bothered me. And Mr Redmond was yet to acknowledge our presence which was because he hadn't noticed us, or so I thought. We would have remained standing if Manda had not playfully signalled for us to seat. Manda must have sensed my weariness as she gently nudged her husband who raised his brows at her in silent enquiry. I might be wrong but when he looked at us, something close to an apology flashed in his eyes. That was the time I knew I was going to like him. He whispered something to Mr Redmond who turned to look at us in shock. He left Tola and briskly walked towards us with stretched arms. Rosie obviously got her affinity to dramatize from this Man. I didn't mean that as an insult, seeing this Man was the father of the lady I love. Edward and I stood up in honour of him.

"I'm really sorry I kept you waiting. I was so immersed in my conversation with Tola I didn't realize when you came in."

I smiled in a business-like manner. "It's alright Sir. We came in some minutes ago."

"Okay. Please have your sit."

"Thank you sir." Edward and I echoed.

He searched our faces. "I don't think I know you. Did we set up an appointment?"

I was naturally an intelligent Man who had vast experience in dealing with men, but when it came to Rosie's dad, my brain felt empty. I was still grabbling for an explanation of some sort when Manda said, "Dad they're here to see Rosie. I'm surprised you've never met them."

"No, I haven't. Forgive me, gentlemen, for assuming you came for me." His gaze slowly hardened. "Which one of you is here for my daughter?"

"I... I...We...We" I stammered. I looked helplessly at Manda and caught her trying hard to cover a grin. She shrugged innocently and looked away. I sighed. She wasn't going to help me this time.

"She's our friend and we came to see her." Edward replied calmly. Of course, he would be calm since he is not the one facing the father of the girl he wants to marry.

"That much is obvious." His voice was laced with steel. "I meant, which one of you is in love with my daughter?"

Edward grew still beside me. The atmosphere was tense and it felt like all eyes were fixed on me. Lord, is this part of the plan? I've not spoken five complete sentences since I sat here and this man already wants me to publicly declare my feeling for Rosie, with Marian within earshot.

"I'm waiting for a reply. Which one of you is in love with my daughter?"

"Dad" Rosie's rushed in, her face was deadly pale. "They are my friends and our guests."

Mr Redmond's eyes softened with all the love he felt for Rosie. "I know but I have to do this as your Father. Any man who wants to get to you must go through me."

I cleared my throat. "I'm the one sir."

"What are you talking about?" Mr Redmond asked.

If I was going to love her forever, I might as well start by confessing it in front of others. I stood. "I'm the one who is in love with your daughter. I'm the one who would love to marry your daughter – with your permission of course. He..." I pointed at Edward. "He was going to invite Rosie for his wedding coming up next Saturday and I had planned on using that opportunity to see her without raising questions."

Mr Redmond's face brightened as he clasped my hand in a handshake. "Welcome boy. You have my permission."

My stomach rippled with joy at his acceptance. I glanced at everyone in the room one after the other and their reactions varied. Rosie's mum who had come to witness the incident from the kitchen was dabbing the corner of her eyes. Manda had her face buried on her husband's shoulders as her body shook with emotion. Rosie's dad – Mr Redmond – had a bright smile on his face. Tola regarded me with amusement. Edward clasped his hands proudly around my shoulders. Rosie watched me with eyes filled with love. And Marian – ah ah – Marian's expression was unreadable. She was leaning carelessly against the wall with her arms crossed on her chest. Something about the way she stood made me shiver. I think I finally understood what Rosie meant when she said she instinctively suspects her. I was technically sensing darkness radiate off her.

***

ROSIE

I had taken Marian through the house in an attempt to dispel the uneasiness lodged in my heart. I had thought getting to know her might make me let go of all the bias I had against her, and I was right, or I thought I was. Spending time with her opened my eyes to her humanity. She felt just as much as anyone else and she was as flesh and bone as the next human. I chided myself for ever suspecting her. We were on our way back to the sitting room when my Dad's raised tone got my attention. I moved closer and discovered he had been questioning Edward and Dayo. The look on Dayo's face was that of a young boy caught in the middle of mischief and it had made me smile. I remained that way until the meaning of the question Dad was asking Dayo and Edward sank in. My face grew hot and cold in an instant. Why would my Dad throw that kind of question at people who only came to see me? What if none of them had been in love with me? They would have misunderstood my Dad's concern for desperation. Deep within me, I knew my embarrassment didn't stem from the questions Dad was asking Dayo and Edward. My embarrassment had stemmed from the knowledge that Dayo might deny everything that had ever happened between us. I waited silently to see if he would answer but he didn't. My heart couldn't bear it anymore so I decided to stop them. Telling Dad to stop in front of everyone had been painful but I had to do it. I was planning on crawling to a place where nobody would see me cry my heart out there when Dayo spoke. My love for him tripled at that moment and I knew I wouldn't spend the rest of my life with anyone else but him.

"You've gotten yourself a very good man, Rosie." Manda whispered in my ears. My eyes glistened with tears as I nodded. She squeezed my hands affectionately before taking Tola out of the house. Everyone must have gotten the cue as Dad went to the kitchen after Mummy and even Edward escorted Marian out of the house, claiming there was something in the car he needed to show her.

"How did I do?" Dayo asked after the last person left.

My eyes shone with unshed tears. "You did beautifully well."

"You know I almost didn't say anything. Seeing you standing beside your Dad gave me all the courage I needed. I'm glad I spoke up."

I smiled. "I'm glad you did."

"So, does that mean we're now in a relationship?"

My eyes narrowed playfully. "No."

His eyes rose in alarm.

"I meant you've not asked me. I can't just assume we're in a relationship when you've not formally asked me to."

"Alright. Miss Rosie Redmond would you be my girlfriend, or should I say would you enter a relationship with the focus of marriage with me?"

I laughed. "Yes."

He placed his hand behind his ear and edged closer to me. "What did you say?"

"I said yes."

"Can you say it again? I think something in me needs to hear it clearly."

I pulled him close to me and tiptoed to place my mouth beside his ears. "I said yes. Did you hear that?"

He hugged me. "I sure did."

I could have stayed in the enclosure of his arms forever but common sense took over. We didn't need others to jump into wrong conclusions about us.

"So, what are we going to do about Margarita." I asked.

"I sure like the sound of we but in answer to your question, we're doing nothing."

"Okay. Can we have our seat?"

"Only if you'll sit beside me."

I smiled. "Sure."

We crossed to the sofa and sat. I closed my eyes and rested my head on his shoulders. I was finally where I had longed to be. We've not sat for a long time when Dayo's phone buzzed. I expected him to check it but he did nothing. I knew he wouldn't touch his phone if I don't urge him to.

"Dayo."

"Hmm."

"Your phone just vibrated."

"I know."

"Won't you check it?"

"I don't feel like. Do you want me to?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I will."

I eased my head off his shoulders as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. He shot me a smile before turning it on. I knew something was wrong the moment his smile slowly wiped off his face. He raised his head to look at me and what I saw got me worried. He looked angry, shocked and – scared.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"We have to leave, now."

"What about Edward?"

He pulled me up. "He'll be fine."

I stopped him. "Where are we going? What happened?"

He blew out a breath and started in a voice so low I had to pay attention to hear him. "It's Marian. She's not who we think she is. For all I know, she might be working for Margarita and if she's not, she's more dangerous."

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

DAYO

The journey to Mr Andrew's place passed in a blur. The only thing I clearly remembered was that I murmured something of an excuse to Mr Redmond before whisking Rosie away in the car. Mr Andrew had been quite direct in his message. 'Marian is not who we think she is. Avoid her and do not let her get close to the lady you love. Meet me at my place as soon as you see this'. Avoiding her wouldn't have been a problem for me, but, I had not only allowed Marian to get close to the lady I love, but I had also succeeded in leading her to her house. Standing at Mr Andrew's door brought memories of my last visit. I wondered if the house would be as dark as I remembered it.

"Come in." A voice called impatiently.

I smiled at the tightness hidden in the tone. The person who spoke was obviously not Mr Andrew. I held Rosie's hand firmly in mine as we entered the house. Apart from the lamp shining on Mr Andrew's work table, the whole place looked the way I remembered it. The sitting room – or whatever room it was – was dimly lit and Mr Andrew was sitting on his recliner. The Man who had called us to come in was at a corner close to a door leading to another room.

Mr Andrew stood up. "I see you came here as soon as you got the message."

"Yes." I replied. I didn't even bother with pleasantries. All I wanted was to hear everything he had to tell me.

He glanced at Rosie and his brows lifted half an inch. "Please have your seat. I have something to show you."

I rubbed my palms together as I took my seat. Rosie tensed a little beside me. I placed my hands on her back to gently ease her of her discomfort. She was really brave and that made me proud. Mr Andrew went to his table and brought several sheets of paper. He glanced through it and handed one of them to me. "I transcribed the code. That's the meaning."

I took the paper and read out its content. "I am in danger. Marian is not who we think she is. She is working for one strange lady and they are planning on killing Dayo."

Rosie gasped. "What? This can't be true."

"It is Ma'am. I got this transcribed the day after Mr Dayo gave it to me and –"

I cut in. "Why didn't you tell me before now?"

"I didn't say anything because I needed to confirm her words. The fact that her belongings were packed and the receipts we saw in her room all pointed to the fact that she might be a mole, and I needed to be sure the text message was not one of her tricks."

I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly. "What did you find?"

"Since I didn't get to see the phone you copied your message from, I did a little research of my own. I got my hands on her sim card information and from the time she sent the message, I deduced she sent the message after she went missing. Allan..." He gestured towards the Man that called us in. "...found her mobile phone. It was in a bush a few metres away from your house. She must have been forcefully taken after leaving your house that night and being the smart lady that she is, she removed her sim and most likely kept it under her tongue before they could search. The mobile phone didn't give us any lead as it was wiped clean; not even one fingerprint was found on it. We only knew it was her phone because her roommate acknowledged it as hers. I believe Margarita kidnapped her."

"This is crazy. How did she manage to send the message?" I asked

"She either stole a phone or your uncle helped her in getting one."

Rosie slipped her hand into the crook of my arm. If I wasn't seeing the evidence right in front of me, I would have found it hard to believe Marian was all I'm hearing she is. "How did Brenda know about coding?"

It was meant to be a rhetorical question but Mr Andrew must not have seen it that way as he said, "All she did was to write her words backwards and to put numbers between each word. That is quite an elementary type of coding. I'm quite ashamed it took me almost sixteen hours to figure it out."

Elementary indeed! I couldn't have thought of something like that and he calls it elementary. "What about Rosie? Why don't you want Marian to meet her?"

"I'll still get there but since you asked I might as well say it now. Margarita employed Marian to find out if there's any lady you have feelings for. And she's under orders to have her killed the moment she finds out. Brenda was kidnapped so as to create an avenue for Marian to get close to you. Margarita wanted her to spend more time with you and she did everything to make it happen."

Rosie sucked in a sharp breath.

"I've been keeping a close watch on Marian and I know how much of an effort she has put into knowing where your heart lies. It is a wonder Miss Rosie is still alive."

My insides burned. "She is still breathing because her life is not Marian's to take."

Mr Andrew was shocked by my assertion but he said nothing. His expression showed he thought I was a fool for believing God actually kept Rosie.

"What about Brenda? Do you know if she's still alive?" Rosie asked in a small voice.

"I don't know. And that is why we need your help in apprehending Marian."

Rosie's eyes widened with surprise. "What can I possibly do to help you?"

"A lot. You see, we can get Marian arrested based on the information we've gotten but that might not necessarily lead us to Margarita. I have a hunch Margarita has Marian followed – in case she blows her cover."

"Such a smart woman." I murmured.

"That she is." Mr Andrew replied. "We don't want to make her suspicious. Do you understand me, Miss Redmond?"

"Ye...Yes." Rosie stammered. "What's the plan?"

A wicked grin played on Mr Andrew's face. "It's simple. You go back home – alone."

***

ROSIE

The sun was completely behind the clouds by the time the cabman dropped me at home. I waved him goodbye and walked carefully towards the front door. The sound of my heart beating rapidly within my chest drowned out the sound of the chirping insects. I threw a wary glance around before turning the knob. Dad welcomed me with a smile and I wondered if he had an inkling about what his daughter was going through. I'm sure he wouldn't be lying peacefully on the couch if he knew someone wanted to take my life. Not like I can be killed anyway. Everywhere was quiet apart from Mum's gentle voice humming a sound very familiar to everyone in the family. I wouldn't be surprised if she's been singing and humming that song ever before she met Dad. It's funny how I had never thought about asking her.  
"When did Tola and Manda leave?" I asked.

"About thirty minutes ago."

"What about Edward?"

"He left shortly after you but not before he dropped an invitation card with your mum."

"Okay dad."

I slowly dragged my feet towards my room. The tension I've felt since leaving Dayo slowly seeped out of my body. Maybe – Just maybe I wouldn't have much to deal with tonight.

"Rosie."

I stopped in my tracks and turned my head in the direction of Dad's voice.

"Your friend is in your room."

My heart slammed against my ribcage. "Which of my friends?" I asked breathlessly.

"Marian. She said you already planned to have her over tonight. I didn't even know you missed Manda so much you're finding it difficult to sleep."

Oh my God! "Was that what she told you?"

Dad sat up to get a better view of my face. "Are you alright?"

I cleared my throat. It wouldn't do to get my parent involved. "Yes, I am. I was only surprised Marian stayed back."

Confusion clouded his eyes. "Didn't you know before now? Because she clearly said you asked her to stay."

Will there never be an end to her lies? "I don't know. Something I did could have made her feel she needed to stay. She probably got the wrong idea."

"Do you need me to come with you?"

I smiled. Dad wouldn't be able to stand against her if she decided to attack. People like her are well trained in taking people down. "No Dad. I'd better do this alone."

***

DAYO

Edward's pacing was getting me distracted. His moving figure didn't fail to command my attention no matter how hard I tried to concentrate. I would enjoy nothing more at the moment than for him to seat down but he wouldn't know that. I had met him eagerly waiting for me after riding home. He had gotten flustered when I told him everything especially the part of Rosie helping Mr Andrew get the truth out of Marian. The only way he could think properly was to pace but that action was stopping me from doing the same thing.

"Will you please have your seat? I can think of nothing else when you keep doing that."

He shoved his hands in his pockets. "You know it helps my mind."

"And it's distracting mine."

He ran his hand over his hair. "This is seriously getting out of hand. If I didn't know better, I would have said we were acting out someone's script."

"Aren't we?"

He raised his brow in question.

"Margarita's script."

"You can't possibly mean that."

"I do. She is technically calling the shots."

"That's not entirely true." Edward argued. "You're not leaving in fear of her and I believe that is puzzling to her. The woman you love is still with you and you've got God's support."

"Maybe."

"Now that I think about it the love of God is so... I don't know... accommodating. I would prefer it if Margarita was wiped from the face of the earth but I'm sure the Lord would love it if she turned to him. Loving the way Jesus loves is very... very..." He trailed off.

"Stressful?"

"No, that's not the word I need."

"Impossible?"

He resumed pacing. Lord, make him stop! "You know it's not impossible. That is definitely not the word."

"Stretching?"

He stood still. "Yes. Loving others the way Jesus loves them is quite stretching."

"Hmph."

"Dayo, what do you think is happening to Rosie right now?"

The truth was I had no idea. But I was not going to say that to Edward. I turned my focus inward and basked in the peace that filled my heart. Pondering on the things that could go wrong will do nothing but feed my doubts. The best thing I could do for Rosie was to keep my trust in the Lord. There is little I could do for her now, except –

"Don't you think we should go over to her house?" Edward suggested.

My jaw slightly dropped open as I gazed at him. How did he know that was what just popped into my mind? Well, I'd say he didn't know the Lord dropped the idea in his heart the exact moment he did mine.

"I think so."

***

ROSIE

Marian's eyes twinkled dangerously. "You're back my friend."

I closed the door and pressed my back against it while holding her gaze. She was lying on my bed with her head propped up with a pillow.

"I've been waiting for you. Did Dayo take you somewhere special?" She continued.

You didn't have to roll his name over in your tongue in such a faultless way. "Not really. Dad told me you said I asked you to stay. I can't remember ever mentioning that to you."

"No, you didn't. I lied because there was no other way to convince sweet Daddy."

I took a step away from the door. "Why did you have to convince him?"

She placed both legs on the floor and sat up. I scanned the room for the nearest object should she decide to attack me. My eyes settled on my standing mirror and I smiled inwardly. Glass could do a lot of damage when smartly used. I only wish I wouldn't be pushed into taking drastic actions.

"I am going to ask you a question and I need you to answer me." Her eyes flashed cold.

"Shoot."

"Everything Dayo said today is true, right?"

My knees shook violently beneath me and I had to press them against the floor. I swallowed and nodded because I didn't trust my mouth to speak without revealing how much her question caught me off guard.

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes." I managed in a small voice.

"Oh God!" She muttered. "Did he have to fall in love with you? Why didn't he wait till I was done? Now he's going to push me into doing this."

"What are you talking about?"

Before I knew what was happening, she sprang up and covered the distance between us. She shoved me aside and locked the door. I looked at her and only got a rude stare instead.

"I couldn't risk you running off before I had the chance to kill you."

Kill me! Several thoughts ran through my mind and I weakened beneath them all. My parents wouldn't know about my death until they come knocking tomorrow morning. Manda would be devastated if she got to know, and Dayo –. I shook my head wildly in an attempt to dislodge the thoughts. Negative thoughts would only worsen the situation by heightening my fears.

"It's really a pity because I'm starting to like you. Dayo is a nice guy but he would also be dead soon."

Pain shot through my heart as I listened to her. How could anyone be so wicked as to kill people because they wanted to exact vengeance? "What would you gain from doing this?" I blurted out.

"Money. Lots and lots of money."

"You're doing this for money?"

"Yes."

"You're wicked."

She eyed me and her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. The seconds rolled into minutes and the tension between us thickened. She finally bit her lips and said, "I think you deserve to know the truth before you die. Dayo employed me to follow a lady who I know to be his fiancée. And I was doing just that until the lady cornered me and offered me a sum of money I couldn't resist. To tell you the truth, I had gotten tired of being a Private Investigator. I know you're currently thinking of the code of honour I swore to but believe me; we have rogue agents every now and then. You're free to see me as one."

She sat on the edge of the bed and continued. "She said she wanted me to work for her and even wired a quarter of the money to me before I started working for her. My job was to keep an eye on Dayo and divert his attention from her real intention."

I momentarily forgot the impending danger as my curiosity got the best of me. "What is her real intention?"

She laughed again. That sound had a grating note to it. "The company"

I squeezed my forehead in confusion. "She's doing all these for a company? Ruining people's lives because of a... a company?"

"You wouldn't sound this way if you knew the net-worth of your boyfriend. It's a pity you will never know."

"I can't believe this."

"You had better; because she will drag and torture Dayo if she has to in order for them to get married. A car accident involving Dayo and his uncle will be staged the night of their wedding then, boom, she's a widow."

"Oh my God!"

"As a widow to a man without a will, she gets to inherit him."

"You're so wicked."

She chuckled. "I'm only following orders." She extracted a revolver from her side. "Say your prayers lady."

The last thing I knew before crumbling on the floor was that the door was forced open and a deafening sound exploded.

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

ROSIE

My eyes drifted open. The polished white wall and the lingering smell of medications told me all I needed to know. I was in a hospital. I stared dazedly at the ceiling as I tried to remember what happened. What was I doing here? I gently sat up as memories came rushing back. Marian had shot me the moment the door was forced open. I glanced at my bandaged shoulder. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I moved it a little and pain spiralled through me, making me wince. It was definitely as bad as I thought. And where was everyone?

"You're awake."

I jerked my head to look in the direction of the voice I knew like my own name. I smiled widely. "As you can see, I am. What happened to Marian?"

Dayo pushed himself from the entrance and came to sit beside me. He gently caressed my hands in his. A lump lodged in my throat when I saw the warmth shining in his face. How did I get to have such an amazing man? He smiled as he lifted his hand to touch my face. "I can't believe the first thing you're asking me after blacking out for a week is what happened to Marian."

"I've been out for a week?"

He nodded. "Hmn hmn."

I gasped. "That means today is Edward's wedding."

"Woman! Will you take a moment to think about yourself? I'm sure Edward's whole mind is filled with his bride at the moment."

I stared into his eyes and saw the relief saddled beneath them. "Were you worried I wouldn't wake up?"

He sighed. "No. I knew you would come back to me. The Doctors believed you would pull through it since you were hit only by a blank bullet. The only concern I had was that the gun was a Maxim 9."

"I understand the blank bullet thing but what exactly is a Maxim 9?"

He grinned and patted my shoulder. "This is the Rosie I know. Let's just say a Maxim 9 is a very efficient quiet gun. And I wouldn't want it to be pointed at me, even if it's loaded with blank bullets."

I raised my brow. "Where did the noise come from then? I was thinking the noise was a result of me getting hit."

He shook his head. "Our children better have your sharp mind. I can see your intelligence is still intact."

"Thanks for the compliment. Will you answer the question now?"

"Yes. The loud sound came from Mr Andrew's gun. Marian got hit." He swallowed and I saw the red flag. He was trying to hide something from me?

"Did she die?"

"Not immediately. She died after giving us the direction to Margarita's hideout."

"Why would she do that?"

"I don't know why she willingly helped us. At the time I thought it was because she knew she had little time left. I had to fault that thinking when it became obvious she never had the intention of killing you. I don't know about leaving you with a few bruises, but, loading her cartridge with empty bullets was enough proof she didn't want you dead."

Tears slipped down my face as I started to read between the lines. She had told me all of Margarita's plans because she wanted Dayo to know. She would have probably disappeared after telling Margarita she had killed me. "Margarita would have thought she missed her target."

"What are you talking about?"

"She told me about Margarita and the fact that did all these to gain ownership of RUBTYL." Dayo stiffened and I lifted my head to look at him. "Margarita would have staged an accident involving you and your uncle on your wedding day and she would have inherited everything that belongs to you. Marian was saying something about your net-worth being impressive and all."

"Why did she lead me to believe all this was because she wanted to get back at me? I should have known she wanted nothing more than money."

"Don't waste your breath on her. I'm sure Mr Andrew already apprehended her."

"That's the problem. He hasn't."

***

DAYO

I had spent the larger part of my week sitting beside Rosie in the hospital. The constant watch I kept had left me exhausted but that couldn't stop me. My heart constricted every time she mumbled something incoherent or prattled aimlessly. My mood lifted the moment I saw her fixing her gaze on the edge of the bed. She looked beautiful even then. A familiar desire to protect her had risen within my chest and I knew I could do stand and watch her forever. I imagined her face lighting up with a smile the minute she realizes I've been watching her and I had not been disappointed. Holding her now, seeing the disappointment in her eyes at hearing Margarita was still somewhere out there made me want to start searching for her myself. But that would mean leaving Rosie all by herself, which is something I wouldn't be doing in many days to come.

Her voice trembled. "What about Mr Smith? Is he alright?"

"Yes. Mr Andrew's team rescued both Brenda and him. Brenda already left for Osun. She said she wanted to be with her parents. And your dear Mr Smith will be here soon."

"I'm glad they were not hurt."

"Well, Brenda was beaten a couple of times while they were held hostage."

She shivered. "Nobody should have to endure that."

"You're right."

"Please tell me the hoodlums got arrested."

"Yes, and they're being questioned about Margarita's whereabouts. Although Mr Andrew told me he was going to track Margarita without their help."

"When did he tell you that?"

"Yesterday after he checked up on you."

Her eyes went round. "He checked up on me?"

"Yes."

She stretched out her hand and touched my hair. I wouldn't have noticed if she didn't have to break our eye contact to do it. "Why did it take so long for me to wake up?"

"That is something the Doctors are yet to figure out. I was told you got a superficial wound from the hit and that there was absolutely no reason for you to have been unconscious for several days because of the pain. The other option they explored was 'shock'. They believed the blackout could have been as a result of shock and their conclusion was accepted by me until you didn't wake up for several days after you got stabilized."

"That means the Doctors still don't know I'm awake."

"I... gueeessss... so. What are you planning?"

Her eyes twinkled. "Let's keep them wondering for a few more days."

"You're not possibly asking me to keep the fact that you woke up a secret?"

"I am" She replied eagerly.

I've gotten myself a rascal. "How am I sure you've not said these same words to another person? For all I know, you could have woken up before now and knowingly pretended to be unconscious."

She rolled her eyes. "Stop being ridiculous. I would have been too eager to see you pull that off successfully. And my parent's voice would have coaxed my eyes open. The only people who wouldn't know I'm awake are the Doctors and Nurses. We'll get someone to keep watch while I talk with..."

My eyes widened as I explored the possibilities. But, "No" We both can't be mischievous. Not when her life could be at stake.

"You're not agreeing to this?"

"No, I'm not. And to make sure I don't get any surprises, I'm going straight to the doctor."

***

I checked my wristwatch for the umpteenth time and this woman was still talking. Today was the most boring Monday I've ever experienced. That is if you forget the Mondays I had during my first year in college. There was this art course I enrolled for because it was a major or what some people call core course which made me drowsy even before I heard the first word of the lecture. I still don't know how people manage to spend all their days admiring paintings when they could be thinking of new market strategies. I absentmindedly nodded to what was being said and glanced at my wristwatch again. I had promised Rosie I will be there whenever she'll be discharged and I'm about to break that promise. If what the Doctor told me was correct, Rosie would be leaving the hospital in forty-five minutes and I was here listening to a briefing done in a format I knew by heart. The routine was always the same. I had been involved in a few constructions I can predict what I was going to hear in a meeting with a construction company representative. My opinion might be biased but the companies I've worked with so far haven't seen the need to prove me wrong. The boredom I felt wouldn't have been this terrible if Rosie was present. She would have sensed my thoughts and we would have started a private discussion with just glares and slight movements. I'm seriously missing this no-nonsense, pretty marketer of mine who was so full of pranks. I shook my head disbelievingly as I thought of what Rosie had asked of me at the hospital. No wonder she is close with Manda. Those two are like exact opposites. And didn't they say opposites do attract?

"Is everything okay Mr Dayo?"

Her voice got my attention and I immediately wiped off the silly grin plastered on my face. I turned my usual cool and business-like expression on Engineer Frieda as I dropped the design I was holding on the table. She was the representative of Yulmeida Construction Company who got the contract for the construction of the newly proposed RUBTYL's central factory. Her perfectly arched brow reminded me so much of Rosie. Yeah right! Rosie again!

"Yes. I just got carried away."

"It's Okay sir. I was saying..."

My teeth clattered impatiently. "I understand you perfectly Engineer Freida. Mr Yulmeida didn't have to send an intelligently mind like yourself." My plan to get rid of her must be working well because she blushed. "If memory serves me right my uncle has worked with you once and he was more than satisfied. That alone is enough reason for me to trust you with this, coupled with the fact that Yulmeida Construction Company has a track record of being competent."

She smiled, her brilliant white teeth perfectly set in her jaw. Is there something about this woman that is not perfectly done? Is Mr Yulmeida even sure she is an Engineer? I thought Engineers didn't look cute. Well, I guess it is up to her if she dresses cute or hot. I have a promise to keep. "I will trust you with this project but that does not mean that your work won't be supervised. It just means that we don't have to have discussions this long."

"Oh! Is something wrong? Don't you like the ideas?"

How do women manage to give complete meaning to words? I placed a smile on my face. "The ideas – I mean your ideas are wonderful but I would enjoy it if you send any other information through my secretary instead of deeming it fit to discuss it all with me at once." I momentarily forgot I didn't have one but she doesn't have to know.

"Okay sir. Thank you very much for your time. I would love to take my leave now."

"That makes two of us."

***

ROSIE

Manda's eyes blazed. "There's still no sign of him."

I shrugged nonchalantly as I didn't want her to know how disappointed I was by Dayo not showing up. I didn't like getting disappointed and I certainly didn't like people not fulfilling their promise to me.

"Stop sulking." Manda said as she put a hand across my shoulder. "You really have to sign the discharge papers now. Or would you prefer if I did?"

"I will."

I bit back a sigh as Manda guided me out of the hospital. The smell of rain hit my nose the moment we stepped out. I basked in the warmth and I realized I've missed being outdoors. This moment would have been perfect if Dayo was present or if he had at least called to inform me of his reason for not showing up. I didn't know I was making a sour face until Manda pulled my cheek. I stuck out my tongue at her and loved the way she rolled her eyes. It's been a while since I got her flustered.

"I'm going to take you right home if you don't get rid of your sour mood."

"That's unfair." I blurted out. "You know how much I would love to take a look around."

"Yes. But I can't allow you to dampen the whole atmosphere because of your mood. You're not fun when you're moody."

I forced a smile. "I know."

"Don't give me that horrid look. It's better not to smile than to force it. It's making you look like a clown."

I wiped the smile off my face. "What about this?"

"You're looking like a lady who is being forced to get married to a monster."

I stared at her awkwardly. Where does she get all those sarcastic statements? "Can we leave now?"

"Sure."

***

My mood brightened as I watched different people going about their day. I turned the A.C in the car low and returned my gaze to a particular woman who held two children and still had the third one strapped on her back. I wouldn't have known she existed if Manda had not driven through this place at the particular time she wanted to cross the street. She looked like she was in a hurry as she moved haphazardly between cars that were moving slowly due to traffic.

"What's got you thinking so hard?" Manda asked.

"There are a lot of people I didn't know existed before I saw them. I could have doubted their existence if I had only randomly thought of them. I'm feeling there is a lot I don't know. See that little girl." I pointed at a girl who was standing on the sidewalk. "I didn't know someone like that existed until now."

"I get your point. It's just like going to a foreign country or meeting people with a completely different culture. It sort of broadens your horizon and makes you think of something you aren't used to."

"Exactly."

The traffic cleared up and Manda increased the speed. We went to places I've never been in Lagos and I was strangely thrilled by the worn-down stalls, beautiful buildings, different walking styles and even the way people seemed to always have something on their mind. We were on a narrower lane when my eyes caught something strange. A man who looked like Dayo and two other ladies were walking towards what I think used to be a shopping complex. I weighed the possibility of Dayo being in a place like this and the chances were zero. I shoved the thought to the recess of my mind and would have left it there if Manda had not spoken.

"Isn't that Dayo?"

I glanced sharply at her. "You think so too right? I thought I was imagining things."

Manda slowed down the car. "Yes. I believe that is Dayo. There is too much resemblance for it to be another person. And who are those ladies with him?"

Without thinking I said, "I don't know. But I'm sure the lady who led them in is Margarita." Rooosssiiieee, you've never seen Margarita and you're claiming she's the one with Dayo, I chided silently.

"Who is Margarita?"

"The lady responsible for the shooting."

"I thought she is dead."

"That was Marian. Margarita ordered Marian to kill me"

Manda's lips lifted mischievously as she reversed and parked in front of the shopping complex Dayo entered with Margarita and the other lady. "It's high time I met the lady who wants my sister dead."

"What are you talking about?"

She shrugged. "You can decide to come with me or stay. Dayo is with them and I have to see to his safety. We wouldn't want something happening to my future brother-in-law. Would we?"

Excitement pumped within my veins but common sense held me back. "What if someone gets hurts?"

She picked her purse and turned off the engine. "Nobody can get hurt while I'm there. Or should I say, nobody who shouldn't get hurt will get hurt while I'm there. But it will do if you call the Private Detective before we leave the car. I wouldn't be able to arrest Margarita if I were paid to do it."

"I don't have his number." I replied dejectedly.

Manda's brows furrowed lightly. "Well, let's hope Dayo already got a message across to him."

*=*=*=*

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

DAYO

I stood in a large empty room littered with discarded men's clothing. My eyes roamed to check for possible places Margarita could have kept Rosie. She had told me she had ordered her men to seize her on her way back home and my world had seemed to shake at that moment. I noticed a door which possibly led to another room and I also noticed a handle fixed to the ground. Margarita must have followed my gaze as she laughed with a tone that never failed to grate on my nerves.

"I don't have time for your antics. Where is she?"

She cooed. "Take a chill pill lover-boy. I'll tell you all you need to know after you sign these papers."

My throat bobbed as I swallowed. I snatched the documents from her and my shoulders fell when I read through it. Margarita wanted me to sign RUBTYL over to her in exchange for Rosie. I clenched my teeth against the well of frustration that rose within me. This woman deserves to be dealt with. "Where is she?"

"Don't tell me your company means more to you than she does. With all your talks of loyalty, one would expect more from you."

I took a threatening step towards her. "Don't trifle with me, Margarita. You have no right or claim to me, or anything that belongs to me. You're just a money-seeking, arrogant woman who refuses to do anything good for others or herself."

She gasped and raised her hand to slap me. It might have been a reflex action or the disgust I felt but my hand caught hers and squeezed it tightly. She winced and trembled. "I'm sure you don't want the lady behind you seeing you as a lesser man than you really are."

I laughed derisively. I had forgotten all about Engineer Frieda. My excitement to see Rosie had dampened when I stepped outside RUBTYL and saw Margarita smiling like a mountain lioness cornering her meal. She had proven to be more dreadful than a lioness when she insisted Engineer Frieda come with us if I wanted Rosie back in one piece. I had told her I didn't want innocent people involved but she had insisted. She claimed to need a witness and I hadn't realized what she meant until now. The document was only binding with the signature of a witness. Signing the document spelt trouble for RUBTYL. For all I knew, Margarita could have already arranged for a buyer who is eagerly waiting for the documents. And that meant filing a suit against her will be useless. She would disappear into thin air after getting my signature on the documents and we both knew it. I threw a glance at Engineer Frieda's frail figure. "Don't worry about what she thinks. I'm sure she can handle seeing a little bit of – rough-handling. More so, I've done nothing except tighten my grip on you. I wasn't expecting someone like you to term this as me being a lesser man when you have done less than admirable things yourself."

She yanked away from me. "One more step and the lady you love will die."

"Was that supposed to be me?"

My knees buckled with relief at the sound of her voice. Margarita had lied to me. Rosie was free.

***

ROSIE

My lips pursed disinterestedly as I ran my gaze over Margarita. She was dressed in black leather trousers and a brilliant white blouse. Her mouth was soft to look at and her nose was a bit curved which added to the beauty of her face. She looked innocent until I stared into her eyes. They were so filled with hatred her beauty dissipated in an instant. I think she was thrown aback by seeing me because she was visibly shaking with fear.

"How... how... did... you... get... here?"

"My sister and I were driving through the city and we came upon this place."

She crumpled on the floor and sobs racked her shoulders. Everyone watched her in silence and even Dayo adamantly walked out of the room. The sight of her tears must have repelled him. Manda walked up to her and handed her a handkerchief. Leave it to Manda to always offer help to the most annoying people. She snatched it from her and didn't even bother to show an iota of gratefulness. Manda was not deterred by that as she squatted and levelled her gaze with hers.

"Don't pity me!" Margarita choked out.

Manda spoke with her softest voice. "I wasn't going to. I would have been tempted to if you were crying because you regretted your actions. The only reason you're crying is that dread facing the law."

"Shut up. You're distracting me."

Manda frowned. "Distracting you?"

"Yes." She blew her nose. "I'm trying to think of a way out of this."

Dayo resumed his place beside me. "You're not going to get away without paying for all you've done."

She risked a glance at Dayo. "This is Nigeria. Anyone can get away with anything with a little bribe."

"Not this time around. I'll personally make sure you get what you deserve."

She angrily picked a cloth on the floor and threw it at him. "You bastard. Didn't Jesus teach you Christians something about forgiveness? Aren't you supposed to turn the other cheek?"

Her arrogance shocked me and even the lady who had been quietly observing everything gasped. Manda signalled for Dayo to keep quiet while she stood up and took a few steps away. I slipped my hand into Dayo's and smiled when he gave it a little squeeze.

Margarita looked from Dayo to Manda. "What? Are you trying to treat me like I'm crazy? You know what, that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'll tell the police I'm losing my mind and I'll get a psychiatrist to confirm it."

Dayo scoffed. "Your plans will work better if you stopped saying them in the ears of everyone. We could always use them against you, you know. And I think the jury will believe the words of three against one."

"Make that four."

Mr Andrew raised his hand in greeting as we all turned to look at him. He walked across the room and stood in front of Margarita. "You look better in person."

"Who are you?" Margarita snapped.

"The one who has been on your tail for several weeks. I must say you're quite an intelligent woman. You perfectly covered up the murder of your parents and I'm so impressed with the way you managed to convince everyone your parents are still alive."

Dayo took in a sharp breath and his shoulders grew stiff. Margarita blinked rapidly as she stared at Mr Andrew. "What do you mean? My parents are dead?"

"I know you killed them, Miss, and I'm planning on charging you for that also. I think it is best if you cut out the pretence. We ran several tests on the burnt remains you kept on your table and we discovered it belonged to your parents."

"You went to my apartment – in Los Angeles?"

"Yes. I do all it takes to crack a case. And that includes flying all over the world."

"You beastly brute!" She snarled.

"Miss Margarita, you're being arrested for blackmail, kidnap and murder. You have the right to..."

His words trailed off as she launched at him with a knife she must have gotten out during their conversation. He swiftly sidestepped her and she went crashing into the wall. Her eyes bulged out of its sockets as she groaned in pain. She reached for the knife but Mr Andrew kicked it out of her reach before she could stab herself with it.

"You're not dying before you pay for your actions." He said between clenched teeth. He handcuffed her and guided her into the waiting van. Someone else collapsed on the floor before I could register what was happening.

Dayo knelt and tapped her lightly. "Engineer Freida?"

Manda asked me to help make her comfortable and that was what we did. We stretched her legs and made her lie straight after which Manda raised her legs a little.

"What are you doing?" Dayo asked as he wiped away his sweat.

"She fainted because her brain wasn't receiving enough blood supply. Raising her legs above the heart level will help her regain consciousness."

"Okay. Is there something I can do to help?"

"Yes. You can get Rosie out of here. You two need to spend time together."

"But, Freida just fainted. How would she feel if I'm not here when she wakes up? She's here because of me."

"I'll take care of it. You guys can leave now."

"What if she doesn't wake up?"

Manda levelled her bossy stare on Dayo. "I'm calling in my favour. Take her out. Have fun. It will help you two."

I stared at Manda and willed her to look at me. I knew owing Manda one was not the best place to be. What exactly was she thinking about?

Dayo scratched the stubble on his jaw thoughtfully. "What favour are you talking about?"

"Try remembering what happened when you dropped Rosie home on our birthday."

The lady – Engineer Frieda – groaned and Manda mouthed, "You'd better leave before she opens her eyes."

Dayo looked at me resignedly and I realized that leaving Manda alone with a barely conscious lady was eating on his conscience. He placed his hands on my shoulders and guided me out. He didn't release me until we got to his car.

"Where do you want to go?" He asked.

"Prince Ebeano Supermarket."

He laughed. "To think you feel like shopping at a time like this."

I frowned playfully. "I didn't choose it because I wanted to shop." Not like I wouldn't love getting a thing or two. "That was where you first confessed your feelings for me. I want us to go back there so I can hear you say it all over again."

His eyes twinkled with all the love he felt for me and I soaked it all in because I wanted to capture that moment forever.

***

Several days later

DAYO

Edward sat leisurely with his legs propped on the table. His hands were crossed over his stomach, and the serene way his eyelids fluttered open every time his neighbours walked by was the only pointer to the fact that he was eagerly waiting for Audrey's return. She had gone to see a friend a few minutes after I got to their place, which was quite fine by me because I wanted to talk to Edward without having a lady several feet away.

"Guy, why u con dey look me that way na?" Edward finally broke the silence. (Why are you looking at me that way?)

"Haha! How I dey look you?" (Really! What are you talking about?)

"You sabi wetin I dey talk." (You know what I'm talking about)

"I no sabi wetin you dey talk. Wetin Audrey do you wey dey make you yarn this kind thing?" I teased. (I don't know what you're talking about. Was there something Audrey did to you that's making you say weird stuff?)

He smiled. "Your matter tire me. How far Margarita na? You never update me sef." (I'm tired of you. What about Margarita? You've not told me anything about what happened)

I reverted to English. "She's been arrested and she's facing the jury in some weeks' time"

"Do you know we would have been preparing for your wedding by now? That is, if you were not already married." He chuckled.

"Thank God it didn't happen."

"Don't worry, it wouldn't have happened. Not with you having someone like Rosie around you. What single man would fail to notice a beauty like her?"

"Since we're talking about marital issues, I'll say this. You're not supposed to sit that way"

Edward scoffed. "Stress me one more time and I'll show you to the door"

I crossed my leg and hid the smile that almost broke out on my face. Teasing Edward always brought me joy. "You do that and the first person I'll report you to is Audrey. You know how much she loves being hospitable."

He groaned. "And I was thinking I'll name my son after you. I've changed my mind"

I laughed. "You dare not. Or I'll tell everyone you cheated your son out of his real name just because I told you not to prop your leg on the table."

"If I don't prop my leg on the table where will I prop it? The air?"

"Probably. If Peter could walk on water anything is possible for you."

"And if the girl following Paul could keep quiet, so can you."

Now it was my time to groan. "That girl had a demon."

"It will take you even less time to keep quiet since you have the Spirit of God."

"How did we even get here?"

We laughed. Edward stared into space as he grew silent. I waited for him to speak because I knew he had gotten an idea and was thinking it through. I ran through various options in my mind but gave up when I couldn't decide which one of them he was possibly thinking about.

"Dayo, I have an idea."

I know. "Tell me about it."

"Since Margarita is gone, I think it will only be right if you put a ring on it."

"Like, propose to Rosie?"

"Exactly!"

I shook my head. "No. I'm not ready."

***

ROSIE

The birds chirped as the clouds gave way for morning. I lingered on the bed and waited for Dayo's morning call. He usually calls some minutes before seven every morning and I got tensed when his call didn't come in as at seven-thirty. I pondered calling him but changed my mind. I sloppily dragged myself out of bed as my nose caught a faint scent of freshly baked cake. My footsteps echoed through the house as I padded to the kitchen. The lights were still off, which meant that Mum was not the one who baked. My stomach grumbled in anticipation as the scent got stronger. I walked to the door and opened it. A gasp escaped my lips at the sight of a beautiful freshly baked cake. I bent down to pick it but stopped mid-air. This is Nigeria where people have to consistently walk in discernment. I straightened and looked around to see if I could get a glimpse of the person who dropped it. Whoever dropped this here must have known I loved cakes. What do I do now? A shadow retreating at the side of the house caught my attention and I followed it. My jaw dropped open when I got to see who the shadow was.

"Manda, what are you doing here this early?"

"Urh." She smacked her head. "I've spoilt everything."

"What are you talking about?"

"You can come out now. My cover has been blown."

Tola and Dayo came from the back of the house, and Mum and Dad came out from the driveway. Even Mr Smith who had been hiding behind the flowers hurriedly stepped out.

"Mum, Dad, you knew about this too?"

Mum looked at me apologetically. "You were supposed to take the cake inside."

"Hehehe. I couldn't have done that."

Manda shrugged. "I guess we didn't put your Nigerian mind into consideration during planning."

"During what planning?"

Manda shrugged. "It's nothing much."

"Okay. You're here, Tola is here, Dayo is here, and even Mr Smith is here. Is there something I should know?"

"I can't believe my sister can't read the writings on the wall." Manda murmured.

"I heard that. Are you trying to say I'm dumb or something?"

She rolled her eyes. "I didn't say that. You just did."

Dayo cleared his throat. I swallowed what I was going to say to Manda and focused my attention on him. His eyes had a brilliant shine to it. And that dimple of his sort of got deeper too.

"I was going to ask you to marry me in a dramatic way but you spoilt our plan with your overactive imagination."

"Aw." I cooed. "You should have told me beforehand. I wouldn't have spoilt the plan if you had informed me earlier."

Manda giggled behind me but I ignored her.

"Rosie, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you."

"That's true. But does that mean you're not going to ask me to marry you?"

"You silly girl." He smiled. "Of course I will."

"Oya do it fast" I stretched out my left hand. "And kneel down properly too." I looked up to see Tola barely hiding his grin.

He pulled a ring out of his pocket. "Miss Rosie Redmond, will you do me the honour of being my wife and the mother of our kids?"

I grinned widely. "Yes."

I stole a glance at my parents and saw them wiping the tears off their face. I've never known why ladies scream when a guy proposes to them. A guy just proposed to me and I didn't scream. I wasn't even overly excited. Wait! Dayo just asked me to marry him! I'm getting married to the man I love! I can finally be with him with no restrictions! I can now spend the rest of my waking moments with him! "Aaaaahhhhhhhh. Oh My God!"

*=*=*=*

Saccharine Sweetness
PROLOGUE

"My name is Desmond Falade and my date has set me up with another girl."

I tapped my fingers on the table as I waited for her to show up. My feet felt rooted to a spot even though everything in me was screaming for escape. But I couldn't. Not after spending the amount I did in reserving a table and specially paying for all the treats the hotel had to offer. No, I couldn't. The worst that would happen is that the wrong girl would be impressed. And that is not necessarily a bad thing since she might need the pampering more than Rosie Redmond. I swallowed bitterly at the last thought. Who was I kidding? The only lady I wanted to impress at the moment was Rosie. My eyes involuntarily jerked to the left and I saw a lady dressed in a shimmering black gown making her way towards me. There was nothing extraordinary about her and I believed her powder could use another touch but I knew it was her. I squinted slightly as I tried to remember her name. I groaned inwardly. The 'I know your name so you're a priority to me' method wouldn't work today. I would have to charm her using another way. Calling people by their first name even before they introduce themselves has a way of endearing you to them. It's almost like they're surprised you took the pain of finding out their name and remembering it. That logic is not entirely accurate but I never bother to correct them.

"Good evening. You must be Desmond Falade."

A smile tinted the corner of my lips as I stood in acknowledgement. "That's correct ma'am."

She fidgeted with her purse as she obviously pondered on the next thing to say. I pretended not to know who she was in a bit to reduce the awkwardness hanging in the air. She must have decided on her next line as she stretched her hand to me. "I'm Liz Rematrin. Rosie told me..."

"Oh." I exclaimed with false cheer. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rematrin."

She waved her hands shyly. "Liz is fine. Let's not get formal with ourselves."

She's pretty but breathless when uncomfortable. "Sure."

I watched her slip into the chair rather clumsily. My lips twitched in amusement until I remembered she had done nothing to deserve being treated unfairly. For all I knew, she was a nervous lady whose friend coaxed into replacing her at a date with a complete stranger. The least I could do was to be graceful in the thoughts I harboured towards her. Enough of noticing her errors. Okay, maybe not noticing because I would always notice. I have two elder sisters and they basically taught me a lot of things in relation to the feminine gender. Rather it should be enough of looking down on her because of her flaws. I could basically hear Jennifer – my eldest sister say 'She's human, Des, treat her with all the respect you've got.' The only thing my sisters didn't teach me about females was – nothing.

"What?" She raised her brows.

I was wrong. They didn't teach me how to deal with ladies who ask questions out of the blues.

"Desmond, why are you looking at me that way?"

"And how may that be?"

"Like I grew horns all of a sudden."

"I'm sure you'll look good even if you did."

Her eyes narrowed. "What?"

I cleared my throat. "I meant to say you look beautiful."

"Okay. I was almost thinking you're crazy or something."

Maybe I am. "No, I'm not."

"That's good to know. What were you muttering the other time?"

"Was I muttering?"

"Yes. Something about treating her with the respect she deserves."

Oh no! "Did you really hear that?"

She frowned slightly. "Never mind. Maybe it was my imagination."

"Maybe." I sighed. It was time we moved on to another subject of discussion. "Tell me, Liz, how does it feel like to be a psychologist?"

"How did you know I'm a psychologist?"

Point one scored. I winked. "It's my secret."

She laughed. "I believe I know the answer already."

I caught the eyes of a waitress and signalled for her to come to our table. "I have no doubt you do."

"Are you close friends with Rosie?" She asked.

The waitress couldn't have picked a more perfect time to show up because I needed time to think. My brain went into motion as I pondered the reply to give her. The problem was not telling her the truth but discerning her reason for asking. I had learned early in life not to only answer people's questions but their reasons for asking. Talking with a psychologist might not be as easy as I thought.

"Are you?" She reiterated as the waitress left with our orders.

She obviously had a habit of raising her brows whenever she asks a question, which was not a bad thing in itself. It's just that it made her look strangely serene. I cleared my throat to bring my thoughts back in line. I might as well tell her the truth. If she was like most people, her next words would reveal the intention behind the question.

"No, I'm not close friends with Rosie."

She nodded slightly before turning her attention to the food the waitress served us. I could hardly read her as her posture gave nothing away. The only inclination I had to the way she was feeling was the tense way she chewed. I had never had a harder time impressing a lady. She should have felt safe with me by now or at least – comfortable. The way her expressions were neither closed nor open was a mystery to me and if there was something I didn't like, it was mysteries. And maybe surprises.

"You know you've not answered my question."

Her eyes widened. "What was that?"

"How does it feel like to be a psychologist?"

"Good."

"Just good?"

"Yes." She paused. "I resigned."

"What?"

She laughed. "I resigned at LUTH so as to start a career as a private consultant." She opened her purse. "Here is my card. You're free to come around anytime."

I patiently studied the card. As much as letting her know her resigning and pursuing her dreams was a brave act, I didn't want her to get the wrong impression. Most of the ladies I had met do not hesitate to jump to conclusions and I was not ready to deal with another misinterpretation of my action just yet.

"How did you feel when you got your first client?"

She gently dropped her spoon and dabbed the corner of her lips. "I felt... good."

"Is that all?"

She smiled, revealing a nice set of teeth. "Yes. Or do you have a better word I can use in qualifying it?"

"Since I currently don't have a full grasp of how you feel about your profession" which was the whole idea of asking you the question. "I would say no."

I fixed my gaze on my barely touched food as she hummed along the music playing in the background. She was obviously having a nice time. The only unfortunate thing was I couldn't say the same.

*=*=*=*

AUTHOR'S NOTE

While writing this story, I realized that the little things really matter. The sacrifices Rosie made for her sister made me want to write her love story and I'm happy I did. Just like many of us, she didn't get what she wanted and even had to watch another person have it. This book is centred on keeping our hope alive and trusting God to work everything together for good in the lives of those who trust him. One of the characters who got my attention was Liz Rematrin. I couldn't resist delving deeper into her story and knowing how she deals with situations that seem insurmountable to most people. Walk this journey with me as we get to know more about her, her relationship with God, and her love life in 'Saccharine Sweetness'. You can send a message to jedidiahbamidele@gmail.com if you're interested in reading other stories written by me or download them directly from http://www.jedidiahbamidele.blogspot.com. Don't forget to share this eBook with others if it has blessed you in any way.

With Love,

Jedidiah.

