Chapter 18

The wind howled and she placed her hand over her thighs to keep her clothe from flying and exposing her assert.

She spent the rest of their time alone. On her own. Kemi and David were having so much fun while she was bored out of her freakin' mind.

She could feel the stares of people on her. So shameless. Most of them were with their partners but here they were, ogling another woman's ass.

Shame on you!

Kicking of her slippers, she moved towards the water. The ground was cold and the water covered her feet. Ivonne closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel. When was the last time she'd been to the beach? Actually when was the last time she'd taken a day off. A day just for herself? Never. She always had the need to make more money and get more customers and produce more products.

Sigh.

Her Dad was right. Although she'd never thought of having a family now, but she might get carried away and forget later.

What was the need of a husband anyways? She had money, properties, anything at her beck and call.

Children? Company?

The question crossed her mind.

She paused.

Adoption was possible. Once she had children from the orphanage, she would have company.

But then again, children were the last thing on her mind.

She admired them from afar. Always providing the orphanage with whatever they needed.

She furrowed her brows. The children in the orphanage were all angels. Whoever had the heart to abandon such cuties were purely evil. Why have a child in the first place when you know you can't take care of them?

They had sex without the pills, what were they expecting? A plasma TV or a pile of money shooting out after nine months from their hole?

" You're frowning". A familiar voice said beside her and she opened her eyes to see Ayo arching a brow at her. His black eyes searching her face and they was a hint of... Worry in his gaze.

Was he worried about her?

" was just thinking".

He studied her for a while before standing beside her and facing the water. He folded his arms. They were standing so close and she took note of his body. Her head was reaching his cheeks. Well that was something. None of them except her Mother was Short in the Family.

While she was growing up, she had always thought that she would be short and plain but voila. Daniella was instead. Not short, but plain.

Her sister hated the fact that her Younger sister was curvy. Not just that, she hated that their father picked her over all of them. It was bad for a parent to pick a favorite among their children but when you're at the receiving end? You wouldn't mind at all. After all, Daniella was their mother's pet.

And here they said the last child supposed to get all the love and care from their mother.

If she can recall clearly, she did get the love and care for a while, but then one day, she walked in on her parents arguing. Her mother was in tears and her dad had his head bowed. She didn't quite understand but then her Mother saw her and the look on her face shook her to the core, she was so scared. From that day, Her dad cared about her more than anyone and her parents grew far apart.

Only God knew what happened.

She gasped when Ayo's hand touched hers and she closed her eyes for a bit.

" are you ok?". There was a hint of worry in his voice and she could feel his eyes on her.

" Yes". She opened her eyes and turned to face him. He had a brow arched showing that he knew something was up.

Whatever! Who was he that she had to explain herself too!!??

" It's getting late. We should head back, grab something to eat and then go to Mom's place".

" Mom's... Place?".

" Kemi's... ". He started to explain.

" I know, I know. It's just... I can't believe you called her that".

He tugged her forward and they began to walk back home.

" They did say to call them that. After all, I am your baby's Father".

She rolled her eyes as a smile tugged at her lips " Dream on".

" Oh I will. I've been doing that all day. Seeing you round with my child. But I fear the baby would hate me like her mother does".

" Good point. How do you know it's going to be a girl first?".

He stopped in front of her " Are you shitting me right now? I mean look at me, it's definitely going to be a girl. I'm too good looking to have a boy first. All this awesomeness plus your beauty needs to be harbored by a girl".

" here I thought you would be crazed to have a boy". Was she really having this conversation.

" You don't know me". He continued to walk and she followed as their hands were linked.

She knew nothing about him but had the great urge to know him like a map.

" Correct". They walked in silence after that, with her stealing glances at him and inching closer to him with every chance she got.

Not her fault the breeze outside was killing!

" Where is Kemi and ...". She trailed off and as expected, he answered that they returned to their place quite early after the blazing look they had in their eyes.

" It'll take a miracle to keep those two apart". He said as they got inside.

She sighed as he let go of her. There was no need to answer as she knew what being inside the house meant.

*****

He knocked on the door softly and heaved a sigh. Kemi's parents were friendly. He didn't know what he was expecting but what he got was beyond good. The warm smiles on their face, the look of adoration and warmth they had showed to Ivonne, plus the way she felt free and happy with them, everything was amazing.

Even though right now she was fidgeting, moving her free hand in her hair, standing on one feet then the other, chewing her upper lip, she looked so beautiful and more human this way. One look at her and you'd know that she's a mere mortal. Not some god who has no fear.

They were so many things he wanted to tell her right now. He wanted to compliment her dress, though he didn't like that she was wearing something so skimpy outside where other men would feast their eyes on his treasure, she was looking so sexy and edible in it. Yum.

He just wanted to keep talking, make her smile and blush. It indeed was a beautiful sight, seeing her all flushed and trying to hide it. He wanted to just tease her, make her laugh, take her on dates. She would probably eat his head if he said that out loud.

Gazing down at her, his heart flipped and his face brightened. He liked her, liked her a lot. She was someone who'd built a fortress around her heart, added a gate, and then a whole army waiting outside for anyone who dared to even try and approach. Blast away! So he had forgiven her for what she said about him.

He rubbed his thumb back and forth on her flesh, after a while, he put his hands on her arm and turned her to face him.

Her eyes held his and for a moment there, he saw light. She arched a brow at him and posed her lips. The action made her look like a teddy bear pouting!

" What now?". She tried masking her nervousness with rudeness.

He shook his head feeling sorry for her " Nope. That won't do. You're nervous, I can see that". At his words, her expression softened but when he blinked, it was gone " if it makes you feel any better, I'm nervous too".

" How will that make me feel better?".

" The fact that you're not alone".

She went silent " so?". She rolled her eyes.

His eyes widened " Fine. I was just trying to make you feel better". He folded his arms and turned away from her.

Way to make a guy embarrassed!

She went back to her chewing her upper lip and rubbing her hand with her thumb like he was doing.

Stubborn girl.

He jerked her hand and clasped it with his,filling up the space in her hand. She looked down at their joined hands and up at him.

" You see how my hands fill up the space in yours and how yours is doing the same?".

She looked down, moved her hand a bit,then looked up " so?".

He smiled " it means that I'm here. For you. Your fingers are lonely, mine is here. We've got eachother and together we will fill eachothers empty lives".

She blinked at his words.

" Isn't that the most beautiful word you've ever heard?". Someone sniffed and they turned their attention to the door where Mr. And Mrs. Bankole stood with the door wide open.

With a smile, Ayo greeted.

" Good evening dear. We could help but overhear the ... beautiful words you said to our Amaka. That was like the best wedding vows I have ever heard". She said with glee.

" What can I say? She brings out the best in me and I just want to keep telling her and showing her the best".

" Oh. This is great. My son, welcome to the family". Mr. Bankole shook his hand and gave Ivonne a big hug.

After that, they ushered them in. As they took their seat beside eachother, he leaned closer to Ivonne and whispered " Lets just get this over with and go back home with success. Ok? At least that's what we both want".

She held his gaze as her mind played the scene outside over and over again. Call her stupid but those words, they were breathtaking and indeed the most beautiful she'd ever heard.

She looked away. Nothing could distract her now, this was it. Fill up eachothers empty lives...

"Ayomide ". Mr. Bankole called his attention " What would you like to drink?".

Ayo shook his head " no it's fine. I really don't feel like taking anything. Thank you Sir".

He laughed. " It's ok. I don't mind if you drink, if that's what you're worried about. We are men, we can drink if we want too. Leave the soft drinks for the women".

" Of course I drink. It's just at the moment I'm rather filled up and you're right, let our women stick to juices".

" Ehn!". Mrs. Bankole exclaimed. "Don't even go there. What do you mean by that? We can drink whatever we want ooo. Have you seen Ivonne's wine collection? We're probably learning from her". She chuckled and Ayo turned to face Ivonne.

She rolled her eyes as a smile split her face " it's no big deal. Sometimes we need to get high and clear out head from the wahala you men give us. Do you think it's easy being with you guys?".

" A wine collection?". Ayo asked in disbelief. " Why have I not seen it or heard of it?".

She shrugged " I didn't feel it was important".

" My son don't mind her. You know how she is. She has been alone for as long as I can remember so you know all these sharing of information and things she does not have a close about it. Sometimes the information we withhold turns out to be on EOF the biggest and our relationship becomes at stake".

Ayo turned to her " Listen to the elderly, they always have words of wisdom".

She scoffed " oh please. All they ever think about is work work and work. Words of wisdom my a...".

" Language". Mrs. Bankole interrupted and Ivonne grinned.

" That reminds me,what do you do Ayo?". Mr. Bankole asked as sat upright in his chair, getting comfortable.

Ivonne ears perked up as she awaited his reply. She asked him about it and he didn't answer her because they were inside the house and she'd told him before not to say a word unless work related. Sometimes when he talked to her outside, she liked to pretend that Kemi didn't threaten to kill them if they did not talk in public. If not, she would have been feeling powerful by now. Her already high who would have increased seeing that she was simply irresistible.

" I'm a web designer". He finally replied.

" Well that's good. Just like Ivonne's line of work at the moment. I'm sure you know about her lovely work". He rolled his eyes and his wife scoffed.

"I hope the pay is good. If it's not, you can come work for me. I'll make you the head and let someone watch over you to ensure you've got the steps ".

Ivonne furrowed her brows. " You would want my ... boyfriend" the word was a bit weird to her " ...to come work with you in your company?".

They both nodded.

" How does that even make any sense?".

" We would be closer and go out for guys nights out. You know what I mean?". The old man wiggled his brows and they laughed.

" In your wildest dreams. Like I would let him out of my sight". She folded her arms and looked away. With the silence that followed her sentence made and the stares she felt on her, she leaned closer to the chair hoping it would shield her from their gaze.

" Is it jealousy I see or what?". Mrs. Bankole chuckled.

Ivonne rolled her eyes " it's not jealousy. It's just..." She shrugged. " Why will he work for you when I'll have my company?".

" Because you don't let anyone else be in charge of that section". The old man folded his arms.

" That's because I'm good at what I do". She praised.

" Oh? Are you better than him?". Mr. Bankole asked with an innocent look on his face.

They turned their attention to Ayo who shook his head immediately " oh no. I'm... I wouldn't say I'm good...".

" See".

" I'm the best". Ayo said with a grin and she shoved him with her elbow.

" I still can't believe you have a man. And here I thought I would be in wheelchair before you even consider being in a relationship". Mrs. Bankole said.

Ivonne just rolled her eyes. Yes, everyone was indeed happy blah blah blah.

" So how did you two meet?". Mr. Bankole asked " If it's in her office then you are a miracle worker because she is all about work work work once she's in there".

" We met at a club". He answered immediately and Ivonne palmed her head. " What?" He whispered.

" You just had to throw it out on the table like that. Good one".

" Don't worry about that". Mrs. Bankole scoffed. " In my days, before I met your Father, I was a club girl myself. The hottest girl around. There was no way you would look at me and not turn back for a second stare". She said with pride as she tried crossing her legs, placing her thigh on the other but could not as she had huge ones.

Ivonne bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling.

Mrs. Bankole was thick, short… but Kemi was taller...a bit. She had black eyes, dark complexion that shone and a beautiful smile.

" Ugh! Better don't goan kee yourself because you want to cross leg". Her husband hissed and shook his head.

His wife sighed heavily and stopped trying " My dear, those days are over. Look at me, I can't even cross my leg. What am I even eating that I'm increasing like this?".

" Ehn! Have you forgotten I took you to a place where you ordered up to 5 wraps of Fufu ( Santana ) ?".

" Don't blame me, I just took what I could finish". She defended.

Ayo and Ivonne watched the old couples talk about themselves for what felt like hours but they didn't mind. It was fun being around them and Ivonne's face was red from smiling and laughing so much.

Later, they asked them a series of questions and Ayo answered everything... Truthfully. He wasn't one to lie, and Ivonne would flip once she knew. There was no way he would lie to her Father's face that they were not pretending. Of course he would act the part but if he asked, the truth would be revealed.

And he would go home with a very very angry Ivonne. That is if she would even give him a ride home.

By the time they checked the clock, it was few minutes past midnight. They said their goodbyes and Mr and Mrs. Bankole walked them to the door.

Immediately the door closed, Mrs. Bankole sighed heavily. She was tired from all the talking but still enjoyed it.

" That Ayomide is a good child". Her husband said beside her and she nodded.

She liked his smile, his sense of humour and his charming personality. He had this thing in him that once you started a conversation, you would not want it to finish.

" Let's go and sleep but before that, let us call Johnson and his wife. I must tell them the good news personally". She hurried to her room.

" Me too". Her husband said as he followed her.

Just outside the door, Ivonne was leaning towards it and smiled. Ayo made a fist and they fist bumped.

" Mission accomplished".

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