Meanwhile, Andrew and Chisom had finished work for the day. They bought a couple of meat pies and two bottles of Hollandiayoghurt, then strolled through the streets, pausing at the park to admire the view, enjoy their picnic, and engage in conversation.
Andrew was bubbling with excitement as he had been swamped with work lately. However, today he finished early and went over to Star Restaurant to pick up Chisom for their date. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he hadn't done enough for Chisom, always feeling a pang of guilt. As he passionately spoke about the repairs at his workplace, Chisom couldn't help but wonder if he described another woman with such affection. However, she understood his love for his job and knew he was also searching for a more lucrative opportunity.
Although Chisom wasn't particularly interested in repairs, she found herself captivated by Andrew's dedication and the fact that many government officials trusted him with their cars at the workshop.
Suddenly, Andrew stopped walking, his hand reaching for hers. His voice softened as he spoke. 'I know things might feel a little tight right now, Chisom. But can you bear with me a little longer? Once I secure a proper job, I'll shower you with fancy things. We'll have the most enchanting candle-lit dinner for our romantic date.'
Chisom squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with warmth. 'Nonsense, Andrew,' she chided gently, a loving smile gracing her lips. 'You treat me like a queen already.' ' Chisom looked at him lovingly. 'I love you for who you are, and I know that one day you'll rise to the top.' Her hopefulness shone through her words.
They found a cosy spot under a tree, nestled in each other's arms, sharing kisses. However, time flew by, and before they knew it, it was time to head home.
Later that evening, Chioma hummed along to the radio as she deftly chopped vegetables in the kitchen, her movements precise and rhythmic. Immersed in her task, she didn't hear her phone ring.
'Chioma, your phone is ringing,' Louisa's voice called from the living room. 'It's a foreign number. Maybe it's Felix or someone else.'
Chioma's hand darted to the counter, snatching a dish towel to wipe her suddenly damp palms. A jolt of surprise shot through her. 'Felix?' A flicker of unease crossed her face.
Louisa entered the kitchen, phone extended. Chioma hesitated for a moment, then took the phone, her grip tightening instinctively.
'Hello?' answered as she picked up the phone. 'Who am I speaking to?'
'Chioma, it's Felix,' a familiar voice came through the receiver. A beat of silence followed. 'Didn't you notice the foreign number on your screen before answering?' His tone was gentle, conveying concern rather than reprimand.
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Chioma's fingers instinctively tightened around the phone. 'I did check, but I wanted to make sure,' she mumbled, her gaze darting around the kitchen, briefly landing on the front door before flitting away
'All right, I heard the news. I hope everything went well. You managed to convince Michael to withdraw his statement about Jessica organising a press conference to apologise to you. I'm glad you were able to handle that, but please be cautious in the future,' Felix continued, his voice filled with sincerity.
'I understand,' Chioma acknowledged, the words clipped and short.
'I haven't finished my work here yet, but I'll return home once I'm done,' Felix said on the other end of the line.
Chioma felt uneasy conversing with him, a knot forming in the pit of her stomach, but she knew he was right about being careful in the future.
'I'll end the call now,' Chioma stated, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hand.
'Are you in a hurry to hang up and not hear my voice?' Felix asked, a question that sounded more pointed than intended.
'It's not what you think, Sir...' Chioma stammered, forcing a strained laugh. 'I just don't want a repeat of what happened,' she explained.
There was a short pause, then a sigh. 'Okay, I'll hang up now,' Felix responded, his voice laced with a hint of disappointment. He hung up before she could respond.
The phone felt cold against Chioma's ear. Taking a shaky breath, she slowly put it down. The sounds of chopping filled the kitchen again, a steady beat against her fast-racing heart. Chioma stood there a while, lost in her thoughts. She knew she had to pull herself together, but the urge to confide in someone tugged at her. With her mother occupied in the bathroom, waiting wasn't an option. Glancing at Andrew, who was engrossed in watching business news while savouring a can of pineapple juice, Chioma made her way over to him. Having recently returned from his date with his girlfriend, Andrew seemed content. She shared the details of her conversation with Felix, seeking solace in the familiar presence of her brother.
Andrew's brow furrowed as he processed the information. 'Is Felix still pursuing you?' he enquired.
Chioma, taking a sip from Andrew's juice can, replied, 'He'll give up eventually.'
'What if he doesn't give up like in most movies?' Andrew asked, as Chioma handed him back his juice after taking a mouthful.
'My life isn't a movie.'
'Chioma,' Andrew said thoughtfully, gazing up at her. 'If Michael hadn't entered your life earlier, would you have opened your heart to Felix?'
Chioma was momentarily stunned. She had contemplated this question herself, wondering if her life would have taken a different path had she met Felix first. His parents weren't as demanding as Michael's; they were willing to let their children choose their own partners. On the other hand, Michael's parents seemed to have certain expectations, desiring a woman of high standards for him.
The truth was that she might not have poured out as much love if she had met Felix first. Michael held a special place in her heart that no one else could fill. She didn't want to dwell on Andrew's question any longer because fate hadn't allowed that scenario to unfold. Fate had brought Michael into her life first, and she was content and grateful for that. She could only see Felix as a close friend, nothing more.
'I love Michael so deeply that I can't fathom thoughts of another man,' Chioma truthfully declared. 'I wholeheartedly love and trust Michael, and I will never betray that trust.'
Andrew looked into Chioma's eyes and saw the unwavering trust and sincerity reflected in them.