Chioma's heart skipped a beat as she spotted a flash of red outside. A sleek Ferrari, its paint gleaming like polished ruby under the dim streetlight, sat parked on the dusty road. Leaning against it, enveloped in the car's soft glow, was Felix. A gold-nibbed fountain pen peeked from behind a document clutched in his hand, hinting at unfinished business. He looked up and smiled, his gaze holding hers across the short distance. Remembering the captivating timbre of his voice, she approached cautiously. A knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach. This man, with his undeniable charisma, was far too bossy and domineering. How could she handle his affections when her heart already belonged to Michael? A fierce wave of protectiveness washed over her for Michael, erasing any small feelings she might have had for Felix.
'F... Felix, what are you doing here? How did you find my house? Who gave you the address?' Her questions tumbled out in a rush.
He raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. 'Which question should I answer first? Anyway, my name sounds sweeter when you say it,' he added, playfully.
Chioma felt a heat creep up her neck, and she quickly looked away. 'I'm sorry,' she mumbled.
Felix chuckled, his eyes twinkling. 'Why are you sorry? I love hearing my name from your lips. Say it more often.'
Chioma's mind raced, searching for a response. Felix's gaze held hers, his smile taking on a playful edge.
'Call my name again...' he murmured, the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Confused, Chioma met his gaze. 'Huh?'
'I want to hear it again,' he explained, his voice a low rumble. 'From your beautiful mouth.'
Chioma was stunned. 'I... I...' How could she repeatedly call his name? Did he come here just for her to say his name? Contemplating this, Chioma felt the urge to retreat back inside. She couldn't help but think that he was behaving strangely.
'I'm not crazy,' Felix responded to her unspoken thought, a smug smile forming at the corner of his lips.
'Then why are you insisting on me saying your name repeatedly?' Chioma questioned.
'Because my name sounds sweet when you say it, okay?' Felix explained.
Exhaustion settled over her, and she let out a tired sigh, hoping he would take the hint and let her go back inside. However, he remained determined to hear his name from her lips.
His eyes twinkled as he spoke, his tone firm yet gentle. 'Chioma, I will only let you go when you say my name.'
Chioma almost cried upon hearing his words. How could he be so demanding? 'Only children do that,' Chioma retorted, turning her face away from him.
'I'm not kidding,' Felix insisted, turning her head to face him. 'I'm listening.'
'Felix... Felix... Felix... Felix...' Chioma reluctantly continued saying his name, unsure whether to cry or laugh. Felix appeared to relish it, closing his eyes and sporting a radiant smile. 'I should go inside now,' Chioma finally said, turning to head back indoors. However, before she could take a step, Felix pulled her into a warm embrace. His grip was tight, making it difficult for her to break free. She caught a whiff of the CR7 cologne on his coat. For a brief moment, Chioma entertained the idea of staying in his embrace and savouring the sweet scent, but the thought of Michael quickly snapped her back to reality. 'Please, stop!' she whispered, looking up at his smiling face. Chioma scolded herself internally. Chioma, are you stupid? Why did you let another man hold you so intimately? I should stay away from him.
'You can't stay away from me. We are destined to cross paths often,' Felix stated, seemingly answering her thoughts.
Is he a mind reader? She wondered, her heart pounding in her chest.
Felix had only come to check on her and ensure she had returned home safely since he hadn't seen her leave the hotel. He was concerned she might encounter problems on the road, so he had obtained her address from Audrey just to make sure she was okay. Now, relieved to see her safe, he couldn't resist the opportunity to hold her close for a few stolen moments.
Returning inside, Chioma headed straight for the fridge and grabbed a can of malt. Using her thumb to lift the tab, she pulled it open and took a few sips, feeling a cool sensation wash over her body, providing some relief after her encounter with the domineering Felix. She assumed Andrew was already asleep in his room, but to her surprise, she heard his footsteps.
'Chioma, did you encounter a ghost tonight?' Andrew mockingly asked.
Startled, Chioma turned around, almost choking on her drink. Standing not far behind her was Andrew, holding his phone in his hand. He appeared to have just taken a bath, as he smelled of soap and had changed into his blue pyjamas.
With a forced smile, Chioma finished the can and glanced at Andrew, saying, 'Just needed some air.'
Andrew chuckled. 'I know. The house is hot. I wish I had money to buy an air conditioner... But then, the man who was outside our house a few minutes ago could afford to buy one for us, right?' Andrew remarked sarcastically, referring to Felix.
Chioma stammered nervously, 'Uh, I... I don't think it would be appropriate to lead him on...' She felt the conversation would continue until she provided an answer, so she hurried to the dining area and poured herself a glass of water. Although she didn't really want to drink it, she forced herself to do so.
'I know you're just pretending to drink water,' Andrew remarked, approaching her. 'Felix is a good man, and Michael is also good.' He paused for a moment. 'If this were a movie, I would have liked it if you could choose both men and marry them,' he sighed. 'But this isn't a movie. Since you've chosen Michael, stick with him. Don't let them play the game of who will choose the queen. You can have Felix as a friend, perhaps even as best friend.'
Chioma turned to face Andrew. 'I love Michael so much that I will never give him up. I don't have a romantic relationship with Felix...'
'Then tell him that you're already seeing someone,' Andrew suggested. 'He might feel hurt, but he'll eventually get over it. Don't give him false hope. Don't keep him hanging.'
Frustration coloured her voice. 'He chose to keep himself hanging... I want to tell him about Michael, but he never gives me the chance to do so. He doesn't let me speak. He's too bossy, too controlling...'
Andrew squeezed her hand gently. 'You're not suited for a love triangle role. Don't accept the script. Don't act out the script. You'll appear unfavourably in front of your fans if you break the hearts of two men who might be their idols.' He lowered his voice. 'I heard that Jessica followed Michael to Lagos State. Anything can happen.'
Hope flickered in Chioma's eyes. 'I trust Michael completely,' she declared. 'He will never hurt me, and I will never betray his trust in me.'
Andrew nodded. 'Go to sleep. You have work tomorrow.' He gently patted her hair.
Chioma smiled and headed towards the bedroom, feeling grateful for Andrew's understanding and support.