Somewhere in a lavish restaurant near a shopping mall, Jessica sat before a delightful spread of food. She was now wearing a beige-coloured trench dress, complemented by matching pumps and a bracelet. Her intention was to let go of thoughts about Michael for the evening and savour the moment with the sumptuous meal she had ordered. However, she found herself unable to eat, as her mind wandered to memories of Michael and the future she had really wanted to share with him.
Despite Robert's advice not to disturb Michael, who had a busy schedule, Jessica had no intention of heeding his words. She believed it was best to approach Michael while he appeared exhausted, hoping he would accept her. Gripping her fork tightly, she pushed the food around her plate, lost in deep contemplation. Finally, Jessica reached a decision. With a determined glint in her eye, she dabbed the corners of her mouth and reached for her Dior wallet. Opening it with a resolute snap, she revealed a wad of cash, placing it conspicuously on the table. Rising from her seat, she left the restaurant with a newfound purpose in her stride.
At the same moment, in the private room at Golden Restaurant, the atmosphere was serene as Michael and Robert savoured their meals and drinks. The soft glow of candlelight danced on the walls, casting a warm ambiance over the room. The clinking of cutlery and gentle murmur of conversation added to the tranquil setting. Just as the waitress left, Robert's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his heart sinking upon recognising Jessica's name. He hesitated, fearing the disruption this conversation could bring. He hoped she remained calm and refrained from any rash actions.
A flicker of unease crossed Robert's face as he poured wine for Michael, his hand momentarily trembling. 'Sir,' he began, his voice barely above a whisper, 'are we truly going to stay for three weeks?'
Michael raised an eyebrow. 'Do you want to leave already?' He swirled the ruby liquid in his glass. 'I can arrange an earlier flight back to Lagos and check you out,' Michael replied, raising his glass of wine to his well-defined lips.
Robert gulped, his throat feeling dry all of a sudden. 'No, sir,' he muttered, his eyes fixed on the table.
Michael leaned back in his chair, hoping Robert would comply. 'Then quietly enjoy your meal like an obedient child,' he said, his voice full of sarcasm.
'Sir Michael, I was hoping you would give Madam Jessica a chance to prove her love for you,' Robert ventured.
Michael glared at Robert, his grip tightening on the wine glass upon hearing Jessica's name. Robert immediately lowered his head, sensing guilt for mentioning her after being warned not to.
After a brief silence, Michael downed the wine in his glass. Refilling it, he took a large sip before speaking again. 'I am not incomplete. Chioma has already completed me, making me whole.'
'But Madam Jessica would have been perfect for you...'
'What's wrong with your brain?' Michael exclaimed, forcefully smashing the wine glass onto the table. 'If you want her, go ahead! But don't you dare mention that girl's name to me again. If she wants to be acknowledged in my presence, she should behave like a good girl!' Michael stood up. 'It's getting late. I should return to the hotel.'
Robert felt a sense of fear. He worried that Jessica might act recklessly, and he wasn't sure how he could protect her given Michael's anger. He quickly looked down at his phone, his fingers flying across the screen in a flurry of hurried typing, urging her not to do anything wild.
As Michael paused, he noticed that Robert was engrossed with his phone, seemingly texting someone. Unbeknownst to Michael, Robert was actually messaging Jessica, asking her not to show her face because he knew Michael was furious at the mention of her name. 'He's furious,' the message likely read, judging by the urgency in Robert's movements.
Michael's glare pierced through Robert. 'Who are you texting?' he demanded, his voice tight.
'Um... I'm just ordering your favourite snacks,' Robert quickly responded, afraid that Michael would see through his lies. While he hadn't intended to order any snacks, he now had to do so to substantiate his claim. Under his breath, he cursed Jessica for causing such a stressful day.
Michael didn't press the matter further. He nodded and turned towards the exit, aware that Robert had been texting Jessica but uncertain about the content of their conversation.