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Episode 27

Marie's POV cont'd

We finally stopped kissing as I turned to look at the direction of the sound. I didn't even think that someone else would be in this room.
Oh my God! It's Glory standing there with a big smile plastered on her face.

I hugged her tightly whilst muttering things like 'ive missed you' or 'how have you been'.

I took a look around the room and realized that we were in a small storage space where unused equipment were dumped.

Francis locked the door as Glory explained everything to me about how my father had actually hired her and some others to look after me and how she and Francis as well as Sam and others are working hard to get me out of the current situation. They knew all about the evidence and stuff.

I also took out time to narrate my own ordeal over there.

I didn't know the location of the house I was staying at but I knew it was in a GRA kind of area. All they needed to know was my exact location so they could keep an eye on me directly.

I told them about Jude's sister who happens to be the only one with a little bit of sympathy for me.

'I think she might know something that could help pin my mum since she was also her mother's friend.' I opined.

They knew about her already. Truth is, Jude's father is a corrupt politician, all we had to do was dig up dirt on him and by extension, my mum.

Francis brought out a beaded belly chain made of pearls. It was beautiful but I wasn't a fan of waistbeads.

'Whats this for?' I asked surprised as he passed it on to Glory.
'It will help us track you at all times' he says as he turns his face to the wall.

Glory helped me unzip the tight dress and put the jewelry on my little waist.

I wished Francis was looking at me right now to tell me if it looked good on me but he was too much of a gentleman to look at the naked me, I thought to myself with an eye roll.

He only turned round when he was sure that I had fully dressed up again.

He cupped my cheeks assuring me that things are going to be alright. But all I saw was pain in those beautiful eyes even though he was taking it so well. He appeared to be hurting even more than I was.

I drew him closer and kissed him again not minding the fact that Glory was in the room.

I lifted myself off the ground as I wrapped my legs around his waist and deepened the kiss.

He had to stop the kiss so I could return to the reception since I've been gone for a while. That was when reality struck me.

I was gonna leave him again and return to that Godforsaken arranged marriage. Tears streamed down my face as I held Francis' hand in mine squeezing it slightly as he opened the door for me to go out.

I said my goodbyes as I stepped back into the hallway to find Diamond coming towards me. Turns out that the reception was already over and she has been sent to come and find me.

We linked arms together as we walked back into the Hall where people were busy taking photos, exchanging goodbyes and packing up stuff.

We walked outside and got into one of the waiting vehicles and the convoy immediately started driving out fighting it's way through the crowd of people outside the event center.

As soon as we got into the house, my period started. I didn't have any tampons. Thank God for Diamond as I got into her room where she gave me some pads and aspirin.

I thanked her as I got into the bathroom to freshen up and put it on.

Some minutes after we had gotten into bed, a knock sounded on the door. I turned to look at Dismissed and found her sleeping peacefully beside me and I didn't bother to even answer the door.

After two more violent knocks, the door creaked open and Jude walked in. He turned on the light and walked towards the bed.

'What do you want?' I asked angrily
'I want you b**h. It's our freaking wedding night' he spat out angrily.

'Point of correction loser, it is your wedding night. You are married to whoever signed that old signature on your wedding certificate.' I half yelled in a single breathe.

He scoffed and gave me a slap in the face. By now Diamond was already awake as I squeaked when he hit me.

'Enough of it now, you crazy wife beater' She yelled as he raised his hand to hit me again.

'The next time those filthy hands touch me, that will be the last time you have hands! No get out' I yelled at him as my voice crashed into weeping.

He stormed out of the room angrily as I sobbed while Diamond drew me into a hug patting my back consolingly for a second before also storming out of the room probably going after her idiot of a brother. She seemed really upset.

I sat up in bed wiping off my tears continuously with the back of my palm. Diamond has been gone for a long while now and curiosity was eating me up. I wonder where she went to as I stood up from the bed and walked quietly out of the room to find out what is going on.

As I got down from the last the last stair, I overheard them arguing heatedly. Diamond sounded so angry as she yelled as if she was going to bring the roof down.

How dare you Jude? She yelled at the top of her voice.

Diamond-You wanted to rape her? You wanted to rape your own wife?

Jude-They forced me into this D!!

Diamond-She was also forced into this too dammit!! Do you remember who her father is?

Jude- Her mother should have thought about that before forging her signature on that marriage certificate.

Diamond- Remember Viv!!

Jude- Don't you dare bring her up!!

That was the last sentence I was able to understand as the started to yell in what sounded like Yoruba.

( I don't understand Yoruba even though I'm a Yoruba girl. My mum never allowed me to learn)

It sounded so strange to me. Whatever they were saying, I'm sure it was very serious but there was no way to find out. I turned back disappointedly and headed back to Diamond's room.

Who was Viv? I thought to myself as I got into the room and lay down on the bed. I didn't even realize when I dozed off. I was so tired anyway.


Read Episode 28 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/my-mums-gateman-episode-28/

Aprishyn06:
Ja nice one

Nice to know you're reading with us

Crestaria:
Lost and found. That must be Glory?

Well done and thanks for the amazing updates

We're going to find out

Episode 8




"Print that report and bring it to me at Kebari's when you're ready to leave." Alex ordered and hurried off before I could even say a word.


"Yes your royal pompousness." I mocked rolling my eyes when I was sure that he was far off and couldn't hear me.




I abandoned everything I was working on and printed out the report, stuffed it in an envelope and at exactly five, I left the office heading to Kebari's.




It was easier to find him this time around as I had his phone number from the other day he called.




"Was beginning to think that you'd never show up." Alex remarked sarcastically as he saw me and all I could do was smile shyly..




I get it now. Alex telling me to bring that report to this place was just a set up.




Table seventy four must be reserved because we sat at the same table as we did the other day and this time, he ordered for okro soup prepared with snails alongside semovita while I ordered for pepper soup rice. I would've opted for soup sha but my nails would make it a challenge to try that as I hated the idea of using cutleries to eat soup.




There was a whole lot of meat in my plate and I wished I could just take some home. So yummy and cooked to perfection. This time around, I dropped my forming and did justice to the rice as well as all the meat after all, no be me dey pay.




We finished eating, and then talked at length about our lives. Turns out that Alex is the first of three sons for his mom who's now late and four for his dad.




I on the other hand was the only daughter and second of four children.




Alex dropped me off at home a few minutes to nine that night.




"I had a great time. We should do this often." Alex said coolly earning a little laugh from me.




We said our goodbyes and I stood there watching him drive off. As I turned to go inside, I realized that the front door was locked so I searched for my keys and unlocked the door. Tina was not in like I'd suspected.




Since I came home with a full stomach, I didn't bother going to the kitchen but just walked straight into my room, changed up and went to bed.




A new day came and I was getting ready to go to work, Tina returned that early morning looking rather upset. When I asked what the problem was, she refused to say anything so I just got on my way to work. One thing about Tina is that she's the queen among drama queens so why bother with her?




As usual, the day went by smoothly and I did some catching up with Ama and Promise before finally coming back home only to meet Tina in the same sour mood.




"Hey T! What's up?" I hailed as I sat down on the sofa opposite her.




"So you're finally back. You left the house without even leaving even a cup of boiled water for me. And the house is just so dirty. Take a look at the white tiles turning into something else." She ranted and I was taken aback.




"Tina calm down na. You were not in last night and besides, I didn't even know when you would be coming back. As for the floor I mopped it on Sunday." I said pleadingly.




"Oh spare me that." She yelled angrily and stormed out of the house angrily.




What could've come over her? Because the Tina I know never speaks to me with such contempt and disrespect.




As I couldn't quite wrap my head around what was going on in her kingdom, I went to the kitchen and found everything squeaky clean. The fridge and the cabinets were all locked. Not even a single spoon was anywhere in sight.




So Tina is locking up the foodstuffs that I also contributed money to buy? No pressure. I went upstairs, changed up and got on the road. I ate rice at a small restaurant far from where we lived and came home to sleep.




By now, Tina was back inside the living room and didn't even respond when I told her 'goodnight'.







The next day, I woke up at the sound of my alarm clock and got ready for work. I'd run out of soap and I didn't even remember to buy that yesterday so I went to knock on Tina's door.




After waiting so long for her to open the door, I asked to borrow her soap and my people, that was when I finally heard Tina's mind ho ha!




She screamed at me calling me a pest, a parasite, you name it. She complained that the house, the food and even most of the clothes I wore belonged to her. She called me poor, wretched and whatever name she could think of.




I left her without saying anything and returned to my room where I took my shower without any soap and got dressed in tears not knowing what to do next.




If someone would have told me that Tina of all people would one day walk all over me like that, I would have never believed them.




After all the things we went through together back in school. Back when she had nothing. She wore my clothes and shared a bunk in my hostel every night since she couldn't afford to pay her rent after her dad died that year.




As I sat there thinking about all the things I've done for her too, I was so annoyed and decided to also confront her and give her a piece of my mind.




We argued for almost an hour before she resolved that the only way to solve all her problems in life was to kick me out of the house.




She threw my things out while the gatemen helped me pack them up. One of our neighbors who came to resolve the issue only got met with insults upon insults by the brat.




I left my things with the gateman who helped me carry them to their post as I promised to come back for them in the evening.




As late as I was, I still got to work. Like I supposed, the time book was already closed. It was already 8:37 by the time I arrived. Alex was here already and that has never happened before.

Thank God I had told him on the phone that I was having problems back home.


Read episode 9 here>>
https://beat.com.ng/couldnt-pretend-episode-9/

Episode 5
Lea

After having a fast shower and brushing my teeth with the toothbrush and paste that Brenda left for me in the bathroom yesterday night, I tip-toe back to the bed where the clothes lie, trying not to get the floor wet.




Unfortunately, I leave a trail of water droplets that fall from the tips of my waist-length blonde hair. When it's wet, it turns a dark shade of brown and the strands stick together to make me look like a drowned rat.




Yet when it's dry, the wavy strands present a mixture of chestnut brown hues with blonde highlights. I run my fingers through the wet fringe, pushing it away from my face to get a clear view of the clothes.




River's girlfriend has expensive taste in fashion.




The white top is from Chanel , probably costing her a fortune despite its averageness.




The skinny denim jeans seem newly bought from

Armani and match the off-white trainers perfectly. As cringe-worthy as it is, seeing as I don't have any underwear of my own, my mother had to borrow a few pairs from Brenda, who reassured her they were brand new.




Sighing at the situation, at how embarrassing it is to borrow underwear from someone else, I drop the towel from around my body and start to get dressed. Once I've finished, I look in the mirror of the dressing table and smile in satisfaction.




Everything fits just fine and the clothes look quite nice.




Quickly, taking into account the time that I read from the clock hanging above the bed, I tidy the guest room, neatly folding my clothes and placing them in the wardrobe, hanging the towel back in the bathroom and making the bed to how it was yesterday.




Heading towards the door, I take a deep breath, turn the golden handle, open the door, and walk across the landing towards the stairs.




Climbing down, I think of what to tell Marissa about this situation.




Yesterday, she knew that I would spend the night at Malcolm's house, however, she doesn't know whose dad he is.




Should I tell her?




When I reach the downstairs hallway, I stand a little lost in the spacious entrance, eyeing each door and corridor that trails away to another part of the house.




Well, there are ten doors and three corridors. Which one leads to the kitchen or dining room? I have no idea.




"This way, clumsy." I only realise now that River has been walking behind me on the stairs, his steps completely silent.




He strides past me, walking through the corridor directly behind the stairs and I hurry to keep up with his fast pace.




Now that he's dressed in tailored grey trousers and a blue-stripped shirt that clings to his upper body, my eyes can't help but glue to his back, watching the way his muscles contract and relax antagonistically as he walks towards an open-plan dining room.




It's the backs, boys' backs are my weakness I swear.




Stop staring at his back, Lea. Creep.

"Good morning," I smile, unwillingly tearing my eyes away from River and towards Malcolm, Brenda and my parents.




"Morning, did you sleep well?" Brenda asks through a smile that exposes her polished, white teeth.




"Yes, thank you," I was about to mention how I slept like a baby, but with River in the same room, I gather as little information as possible would be better. I don't want to get teased by him anymore.




Especially now since I know he has a girlfriend.




Who is she? I wonder.




River takes a seat at the dining table, closer to his parents, and I take the last available seat beside him, closer to mine.




As we simultaneously sit down, our arms brush against each other. It shouldn't be a big deal, but the stupid butterflies are setting of miniature pieces of dynamite in my stomach.




I glance towards the variety of foods in the middle of the table in order to distract myself. Cereals, bread, butter, marmite, jam, orange juice, apples, bananas, and the lists go on.




Untangling my intertwined fingers in my lap, I reach my hand out for an apple, only to freeze immediately when River's does the same thing. I move my hand back onto my lap instantly, sensing a heat wave overwhelming my cheeks.




To my surprise, River still grabs an apple only to place it on the empty plate in front of me, before getting one for himself.




Well isn't that adorable?

Instantaneously, my heart beats a tiny bit faster.




He takes a large bite into his apple as mine is still standing on my plate - I don't even want to touch it, afraid that it'll disappear when I do and the whole gesture would just be a pigment of my imagination.




However, my stomach grumbles, as if on cue to my thoughts. Cautiously, I lift my hand and wrap my fingers around the red skin of the apple, holding it up to my mouth. I take a bite, finally convinced that the apple is real.




Thanks dickhead, the apple tastes great.

***




"I better get going, I'll see you later." He nods at both his parents and mine, before placing the core of the apple on his plate, pushing himself off of the chair and tucking it back under the table.




"River, you are taking Lea with you, aren't you?" Malcolm questions, raising both his eyebrows expectantly.




No, please, God no. I don't want to. No!




I imagine how awkward and heavy the silence would be around us his car; I wouldn't be able to handle that. So, I shake my head at Malcolm.




"Oh no. It's fine, seriously. I'd prefer to walk." I say hesitantly.




"Don't be silly, dear, you don't know the way from our house." Brenda dives in.




Ah, crap.




I am squeezing my hands together so tightly that I'm pretty sure the circulation to my fingers is cutting off. Please, I do not want to go.




"Yeah, I'll take her." River declares as if it's no big deal to him.




It isn't a big deal, Lea, you're just a drama queen. Chill.




It's just a simple ride to school, it'll be fine.




"I'll be in the car." He tells me as he walks away from the dining room and through the corridor.




I watch him until he rounds the corner before turning to my parents and the Parker's.




"Have a lovely day, thank you for breakfast," I force a smile.




While they throw their goodbyes at me, I stand from my seat, leaving my half eaten apple on the white, clean plate, and push my chair back into its original place - tucked under the table. Brushing a ringlet of hair behind my ear, I follow the same suit as River.




Just as I'm about to head out the open front door , I catch a glimpse of myself in a large, round mirror hanging on one of the walls in the hallway, situated just before it.




Running my fingers through my damp hair that still makes me resemble a drowned rat, I frown at how unattractive I look.




Then, I shake my head and laugh at myself in disbelief. I've never cared about how I've looked before, never. I know I've inspected myself in the past to see my appearance, but never have I ever

cared.




***




The traffic lights ahead of us turn from green to orange, and finally red. River presses the breaks of his Mercedes convertible and the car immediately jerks to a stop, causing my body to heave forward but luckily it's caught by the seat belt.




"Would you slow down? You were going seventy miles per hour on a forty road," I say, glaring at his face that's focusing directly forward at the car in front of him. One hand grips the steering wheel whilst the other is rested on the hand break, ready to press it down when the lights turn green.




"Is the good girl scared of a little fast driving?" He teases, pouting his lips in a mocking manner.




"Yes, I'm scared. But you're not going to think I'm a good girl in a minute if you keep driving like a maniac!"




"Is that a threat?" He raises his eyebrows, facing me this time.

"Well done, Einstein." I scorn.




"What are you going to do about it?" He asks smugly, never believing for a moment that I'll do anything to him. "Are you going to hit me?" He leans a little closer to me. "Or maybe you're going to do something that only a bad girl does." He smirks.




I'm quite sure the butterfly's in my stomach have taken ecstasy by the way there are fluttering.




"Pervert!" I shout, moving away from his capturing eyes. "Now move, the light's green!"




He chuckles, "it's a joke, chill out."




His head turns back onto the road and he presses down on the gas and the car zooms through the streets so fast that the world outside the windows is blurred. I grasp the edges of my seat as the speedometer rises to seventy miles per hour, seventy-five, eighty.




"Okay, stop! Pull over! Now!" I yell, really pissed off.




The car slows and smoothly comes to halt beside the sidewalk and I undo my seat belt frantically.




"You're a dickhead!" I say angrily, trying not to scream. I hate fasting driving, I don't even want to think about the accidents that can happen because of it.




"You're really that scared?" He asks.

"No, I'm just a damn good actress. What do you think?" I pull the handle of the passenger door, but it's locked. "Open the door, River." My words aren't loud but are vexed.

"I'll stop driving fast, you don't need to get out." He says, but I shake my head.




"I'll prefer to walk. Please, open the door." I tell him, sternly.




"One thing before you leave," he fidgets in his seat until most of his upper body is facing mine. "You tell nobody about staying at my house. Okay?" He speaks patronisingly.




I wasn't planning on saying anything, but when he says it like that, it sort of hurts. I don't know why, but it hurts.




"I wasn't planning on telling a soul." And with that, I get out of his car and close the door behind me.

Read Episode 6 here>>
https://beat.com.ng/mr-popular-and-i-episode-6/

Episode 6

Kiki

"What part of 'stay away from my man didn't you understand?' " I queried with my hands on my waist.

"You sound really ridiculous right now. I never saw a poster on his forehead indicating that he's your man Kiki. Quit tryna pick a fight with me because it's not going to work." Ashley clapped back at me.

Aw man, the audacity!!

I landed her a hot slap on the face and as I was about giving her a second slap, Dwayne intervened and grabbed me by the wrist.

"Calm down Kiki, you're going to embarrass yourself." He said calmly holding me tight.

As I was still trying to hear him out, Ashley seized me by the hair which hurt like hell. I forcefully pushed Dwayne aside and tried to free my hair from her grip. By now, a small crowd has gathered in a semi circle around us cheering us on as I shoved Ashley to the floor and sat on her punching her repeatedly messing up her face and hair.

Again, Dwayne lifted me off of her while I kept kicking the air trying to get free from his grip.

The bouncers have now arrived and tried to get the situation under control. The manager and the owner of the club also came in and directed us to follow them to the back of the club where we could sort things out.

"You caused this Dwayne." I yelled pointing my finger in his face.

"No you did because of your crazy jealousy." He yelled back.

"What the heck were you two talking about?" I ranted.

"Why don't you just ask her." He replied bluntly and settled down on a waiting chair in Larry's office where we were.

"Enough of the yelling now guys. Kiki and Ashley; you are both suspended until further notice." Larry spoke angrily and sternly.

"She should be the only one getting suspended because she first slapped me." Ashley cried and I eyed her from head to toe with utter disdain. Her face was full of bruises that might leave some scars. Duh!

"Enough of it y'all. You should be grateful that I'm not firing you instead." Larry said sounding even more upset.

"That'll be all for now." Larry finally said after a long and awkward quiet in the room. Dwayne was the first to storm out. Followed by Ashley before I finally decided to join them.

***

Outside...

"Dwayne! Dwayne wait up!!" I called running after him in the parking lot.

"What now Kiki?" He turned round and asked throwing his hands up and I looked down at the floor unable to say anything.

"Oh you thought I was about to ask her out? I'm not that cheap or stupid you know. I'm just sorely disappointed."

"Then why was she with you?" I yelled fighting back tears.

"She was the one who came asking for my phone number okay? Wait, why I'm I even explaining myself? I don't owe you any explanation Kiki. You can get back to flirting with those old men in there or something." He rapped angrily and walked away to his car leaving me speechless.

Gosh! I've messed up big time.

***

"I'm so mad that I missed all that action." Erica said as we exited the gym the next morning.

"You don't say." I answered without any shred of interest in my tone.

"I messed up Erica." I continued as I sat in the car.

"Nah, you messed her up. It's just unfortunate that Dwayne had to be dragged along in the senseless quarrel. You gotta talk to him and sort it out." She said calmly before returning to the energy drink she was taking.

"He's not been taking any of my calls or replying my texts." I whined.

"Why don't you just go to his house then?" She asked sounding a little bit annoyed with me.

"I don't think I can face him after last night."

"Why are you so timid and shy around this dude anyway? The Kiara I know is fierce, resilient and doesn't feel any iota of shyness around anyone but with Dwayne it's always about running away from your emotions because you're scared of speaking up or getting turned down." Erica yelled angrily.

"Alright, alright I'll talk to him mum" I said sarcastically and she only replied with an eye roll. Nasty attitude!

***

At Dwayne's place....

I landed a strong knock on the door and in a flash, the door creaked open and Dwayne's face peeped out.

"Good evening D." I said calmly with a little smile.

"C'mon in." He said completely ignoring my greetings.

"Dwayne I'm sorry for creating a scene last night, it was nothing to write home about. I know I'm not your girlfriend and I had no right to be mad or jealous because I saw you talking to someone else. I don't wanna lose you because of this madness Dwayne. Please forgive me." I apologized as hot crocodile tears flowed down my face ruining my makeup. I call em crocodile tears because I'm not sorry that I fought with Ashley.

"I'm not mad at you Kiki. What else do you wanna hear?" He responded coldly without sparing me a glance.

"At least look at me." I said standing up from where I was sitting and occupying the remaining space on the two-seater sofa he was sitting on.

"I know what you look like already Kiki." He said as he scanned my face for a second and looked away again.

I felt totally rejected and slowly, I got up from the sofa and walked towards the front door.

"Good night Dwayne." I said without looking back or expecting a response and walked out of the house. As soon as I got outside, real tears starting pouring down my face. I sat there in the car for several minutes bawling my eyes out and repeatedly hitting the steering wheel in annoyance.

I finally gathered enough strength to drive back home where I spent the rest of the night crying silently until I fell asleep.

The next morning, I woke up with a migraine so bad that I felt like dying. It's prolly because of all the crying that I did last night. I struggled to get my eyes open but couldn't get them to adjust to the brightness of the room.

My head hurt like hell and I felt so weak and nauseated like I was going to throw up on my sheets as I struggled to sit up holding my forehead which banged with pain like it was getting repeatedly hit by a maul.

Gathering all the strength I had left, I held the walls for support until I got into my bathroom and took a pee. I couldn't find any aspirin in the cabinet so I decided to contact Erica so she could get me some.

After placing the call to Erica, I returned to the bathroom and showered with some hot water before returning to bed.

A few minutes later, my phone rang. It was Erica calling to let me know that she's outside waiting for me to come and open up for her.

I managed to get to the sitting room and open up for her. She looked really worried and breathed a huge sigh of relief when she saw me. She brought me some water from the fridge for me to take the aspirin with. I had a temperature as well thanks to crying all night long.

"Don't do this to yourself Kiki, no man is worth dying for." Erica said in pity after placing her hands on my forehead to feel my temperature.

"He's so mad at me Eri." I said in a frail voice.

"And so freaking what? You're better than this. C'mon where's the Kiki I know?" She said biting her lower lip.

"What if, what if I helped you get him back? But with a price of course." She suggested biting one of her long painted nails.

"Just name it Eri." I said eagerly and impatiently.

"Okay number one, you're gonna eat something first." She pointed out and I nodded waiting for her to say more.

"And number two, you're gonna tell him how you feel about him within a week or I'm gonna tell him myself."

"Deal!" I quickly replied with a nod.

"Good, let me make us breakfast first cause I'm starving." She yawned and walked off into the kitchen while I lay down on the couch to rest a bit till she's done with the cooking. I don't know how Erica's going to do it, but I'd be happy if she can make Dwayne to actually forgive me.

After struggling to eat the eggs she was able to prepare, Erica left for Dwayne's place. I knew for sure that he'd be at home since it's a Sunday.

About an hour after she left, I heard the sound of a car pull up outside in my driveway. Since the front door was unlocked, I turned on the couch fixing my eyes on the door which opened up and a very worried looking Dwayne followed by Erica who was smiling broadly at me.

"Hey Doll! How are you feeling?" Dwayne spoke as soon as he got to where I was lying down on the couch.

His countenance was rather sullen and his voice full of gloom.

"Not good D." I said batting my lashes like I was going to cry. So much drama! He squat down and placed his hands on my forehead feeling my temperature which was still a little bit high. His touch alone can make me feel better.

"Are you still mad at me Dwayne?" I asked as he sat down on one end of the couch and placed my head on his laps.

"No I'm not. I can't stay mad at you forever." He answered shaking his head.

"Alrighty then, I'll call to check on you later B but remember that you have just seven days and your starts now. Tick tock! tick tock!" Erica who has been quiet ever since she came in said lightly tapping her wrist with a finger.

"Thanks so much Eri." I said as she turned round dramatically grabbing the door handle.

"Don't mention. Remember tick tock!" She sang and walked out of the room.

"What does she mean by that?" Dwayne asked sounding lost.

"It's a girl thing. What did she tell you that made you come?" I asked diverting from the main question.

"That you got sick and needed me to come take care of you or something like that." He said rather casually with a little shrug. I have a feeling that he's not telling me everything that Erica said.

"You wanna eat something?" He asked stroking my hair calmly.

"Yeah, just make me anything you can." I said as he made me sit so he could get up and head to the kitchen.

Yessss!!! I've gotten my man back!! But there's still a little problem though- Erica's seven days ultimatum. How do I bring myself to tell him about my feelings? Gosh! I'm so dead for real.

Read Episode 7 here>>
https://beat.com.ng/when-i-fell-in-love-episode-7/

Episode 26
The Reception/Reunion

Marie's POV


He climbed on the bed and looked into my eyes feeling satisfied that he was able to make me cry.

He smirked and turned his back towards me as he lies down.

'Till we get married' he says with a scoff before turning off the lights.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I sat up on the bed hugging my knees.
I stayed like that all night not sleeping for a second. In case he tries anything funny while I sleep.

💥Two days later 💥
It's currently the wedding day (my wedding day)
The makeup artists are busy working on my face, my nails and my hair.

I looked into the mirror and couldn't even recognize myself.

My makeup was every shade of wrong. The bright red lipstick was too garish making my fake smile too insipid.

It looked as though I was some witch as the nail extensions looked like wolverine's claws.

I wore an ugly red dress. I considered it ugly because it revealed my back, my breasts (my nipples were almost visible) and had an opening which had my right thigh in full view. It was so long that it swept the floor behind me.

The dress was edged with white frills. Huge diamond earrings were fastened to my ears and the brown 24 inches long lace wig was swept over my right shoulder.

I hated how I looked right now in every sense of the word as I kept looking at myself in the large polished silver mirror.

I looked at the golden clock on the wall. It was 1:56 in the afternoon.
I wonder when the so-called wedding was going to start or have they changed their mind?

The makeup artists took my hands and led me downstairs to meet with Jude, his family and my mum who stood up and applauded the moment I came down the stairs.

I looked at my mum with disgust. How on Earth was she enjoying this?

I looked at Jude's mum who looked overjoyed, his dad was checking me out, while Diamond had a sadder expression, I know she pitied me. She was the only one in her right mind.

Finally, my eyes landed on Jude, who was smiling so wide that his face could have torn up any minute.
I looked at him with a blank facial expression followed by an eye roll.

I finally got down and they took turns to squeeze me in hugs which I didn't bother responding to. I stood there like a statue.

I looked closely at the paper on the table before me. It was a marriage certificate bearing my name and old signature.

They didn't even let me sign it. I'm guessing my mum did that. She was the only one in the room who knows what my signature looks like.

I was so disgusted. I felt like throwing up. I had PMS. My stomach was cramping up and my head hurts.

They were busy drinking and celebrating the wedding. It was not my wedding. I wasn't even allowed to sign my own marriage certificate. That's crazy!!

It was finally time to get going to the reception venue where the guests were waiting for us to arrive.

I just hope I don't go crazy today.
I've greeted a thousand people already and I need a break.

So many guests and dignitaries were present at the event including the Lagos State governor, his wife and the deputy as well as other commissioners, Special advisers etc.

Jude was the last person I wanted to be close to right now. But I had no option as I had to play along, nuptial photos and all that nonsense.

I skipped the nuptial dance, feeding of the groom and all the kissing and sh-t. I was thinking about Francis all through. Where was he? And is he going to feel when our wedding photos surface online.

I needed to get out of the crowd and clear my head outside. My mum was following me and I stopped to hear what she had to say.

She was so happy about the wedding and how her plans were falling into place.

I was about to give her a piece of my mind when one of the ushers at the event came up to inform me that more guests had arrived and were looking for the bride.

I followed her and she stopped opposite the hallways and pointed towards one of the corridors where I was supposed to find the so called guests.

I had a bad feeling about this. I mean I was getting scared as I walked down the empty hallway. I didn't see anyone. I yelled hello but still no response. Then suddenly, one of the doors opened and a hand pulled me into one of the rooms.

I wanted to scream but he shut me up with a kiss. Geez!! It was Francis!! I finally relaxed as I reciprocated immediately wrapping my legs around his waist with his hands on my butt.

We kissed like our lives depended on it.
I mean you can't blame us. We have missed each other for what felt like forever.
I wanted us to stay like that forever.

The sound of someone clearing his/her throat in the room brought us back to reality. (Geez, someone else was in the room)

We finally stopped kissing and turned breathlessly towards the direction of the sound.

Read Episode 27 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/my-mums-gateman-episode-27/

Episode 25

Wedding Plans/ In His Bed Again

Marie's POV cont'd


We arrived at his father's house and judging by their reaction, it seemed like they already knew everything about me. His mum was just like mine, grumpy and proud. His dad looked like the crooked politician he was.

It was so boring and I felt very uncomfortable when his father kept giving me some lustful glances. Diamond's tight black dress wasn't helping matters as it showed every curve.

This man was having a feast staring at me. I tried my best to pretend like I didn't notice.

What is wrong with this old man?
It finally dawned on me that the real reason I was here was to see the plans they have made for the wedding reception.

I felt like throwing up everytime the wedding was brought up.

My mum was the event planner as you would guess. She arrived late and was trying to play nice with me.
I shifted away from her. I preferred sitting with Jude instead of her. I kinda detest her even though she is my mother.

After all the planning was done, I finally heaved a sigh of relief and I couldn't wait to get out of there.

These people are just plain crazy.
I sat in the car looking outside. I didn't want to look at the smug fellow who will soon become my husband in a few days.

He kept blabbing about one thing or the other all through the drive till we got home.

I opened the car door and walked out quickly. I got inside and saw Diamond watching TV in the living room and I took off the stilettos which were hurting so much and joined her immediately.

I wanted to ask her why she didn't join us in the white wedding planning stuff but I kept my mouth shut.

Jude came in later and Diamond greeted him passively without even looking at him for once.

She was watching a Korean drama which I wasn't a fan of but I stayed anyway it was better than going back into Jude's room where he was currently.

After some time, I started feeling sleepy and asked Diamond if I could bunk up with her and she agreed with so much excitement.
She behaves like a kid. I smiled and went upstairs to her room to change up. (I still don't have anything to wear)

As I sat down pondering on what to wear, Diamond came in to inform me that the clothes which Jude ordered had arrived while I was away.
She only forgot to inform me earlier.

She brought out bags full of clothes, underwear and shoes and dropped them on the king size bed.

I picked out the blue and black clothes and shoes that were inside and gave the rest to an overexcited Diamond who squeezed me in a bear hug.

We finally went to bed. A knock was heard on the door and Jude's voice sounded on the other side of the door.

Diamond was already fast asleep so I decided to go answer the door.

'What is it?' I asked angrily.

'You're supposed to be in my room with me not here' I said angrily.

'Im not coming, go back to sleep Jude' I replied coldly and tried closing the door but he held the door back and dragged me out towards his room as I kept on screaming for him to leave me alone.

What is he trying to do? Why is he dragging me into his room.

He dragged me into the room and locked the door behind him as he pushed roughly me on the bed and walked towards me licking his lips.

My heart started to beat very fast as he kept approaching the bed. What is he going to do? I didn't realize that I was crying silently until the tears started streaming down my face.
'Dont come closer I warned' but he didn't budge.

Read Episode 26 here>>
https://beat.com.ng/my-mums-gateman-episode-26/

Crestaria:
God help you Marie. because it's obvious you are in a tight corner. Help will locate you sooner or later.

Thanks for the update Lipstick. You are doing amazing

I hope things change soon too

Crestaria:
Love story loading but definitely with challenges here and there. Nice one dear

You are doing an amazing job here

Thanks dear
I believe every love story has its own challenges

Crestaria:
Love story loading

Well done dear

Yess yess yess

Crestaria:
Thanks for the update Lipstick.

You're welcome

Episode 3

I stare at the building before me in distaste. This is what I've resorted to because it's always the same result.

I sent out my resume to a few companies. They were all hiring, just not looking for an advertiser.

After three long weeks of looking for a noble job, I started searching for any kind of job. At this point, I can work as a waiter or a bartender, which propels my decision to enter the building.

Lucas doesn't know I've lost my job. He still thinks I go to work every morning because he asks how work went every other afternoon and I smile and lie through my fake smile that my day and my boss were great.

The building before me, 'Ecstasy' showcases a signboard that says they're looking for waitresses and cooks. Most places I've stopped by don't even have an open position. I don't know how to cook enough to apply as a professional cook, so I decide to settle on waitressing.

I can be working as a waitress for the time being until a company finally accepts my application and requests an interview.

What makes me feel better is the fact that the restaurant before me is high-class. That means they'll pay well because, from the very expensive cars in the parking lot, a lot of well-off people patronize this place.

I take a deep breath and walk in. The first thing I see is a reception, and the receptionist plasters a wide smile on her face when she sees me come in. "Welcome to Ecstasy. Do you have a reservation?"

I clear my throat and project all my confidence into my voice despite me feeling vulnerable at the thought of being jobless. "I'm here to apply for a job. I heard you're hiring."

Her smile seems more genuine when she speaks this time. "Yes, we are. We need cooks and waiters. What exactly are you applying for?"

"A waitress." Internally, I wince at the word. I never thought a day would come when I'll have to waitress. I've never done it in my life. My parents were —are— loaded so I didn't have to work when I was younger. I didn't have to work at the university because I was busy balancing school and taking care of a child while Lucas' father provided.

My first experience working was my last job and I was only accepted as an intern there because of my parent's connections. It just so happened that I was a good addition and they decided to keep me. Until they didn't.

The receptionist laughs. "You're already dressed for the job."

I look down at my clothing choice. I'm clad in the typical black and white formal attire. A white plaid shirt and a black pencil skirt.

"Come with me. Someone will interview you at the back."

She starts walking away and I follow her as expected. "Interview?" I ask, not really expecting that. I expected them to give me a form that will determine if they will call me back for an interview.

"We're desperate if you can't already tell."

I nod, despite knowing she won't see me, and follow silently until we reach a door. She doesn't knock before she wrenches the door opening, stepping inside. Hesitantly, I follow behind.

When I look forward, I'm met with the captivating blue eyes of a man in a chair. I realize it's his office and he probably owns the restaurant or is the manager. "Gerald, we have a new applicant." She informs him.

"Thanks, Jess." He shoots a sweet smile at her, letting me know they're more than just employer and employee. "I'll handle her. You can get back to work."

Jess turns around and winks at me before she leaves. I don't know why she does that. I don't know why she's so enthusiastic.

"Take a seat, dear."

Read Episode 4 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/the-ceos-favorite-episode-4/

Episode 7

The food arrived and from the expensive plates And golden trays that they were served in, you don't need Einstein to help you confirm that it's not cheap to eat in this place.

“So you come here often?” I managed to ask as I picked up my fork and knife 🍴nervously and started eating slowly in my most courteous and sophisticated style. I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of my narcissistic boss.




“I come here everyday for lunch and dinner since I don't cook.” He responded with a shrug and continued eating like it was nothing. How come this guy is feeling so free eating swallows in front of his secretary? In the midst of so many other MVPs?




Though it was tempting to ask him if he even knows how to cook, I decided to shut my mouth.




At a point, I decided to do a little bit of forming and leave about half of my delicious rice untouched so it won't look as if I'm a glutton. (Babe gats get swag and pride small na 🙄)

Actually, I was the only one pretending cause Alex finished his semo and soup and proceeded to clear off the left over rice while I watched in bewilderment. Man's got a really ferocious appetite.




“Even Jesus Christ didn't waste food.” He said with a laugh sounding somewhat fulfilled and satisfied as he noticed that I was looking intently at him like he was performing some sort of magic trick by making all the food disappear.

The waiter came back to clear the table and Alex got serious again as soon as he left us alone.




“I know you're wondering why I asked you to meet me here after work. Well, ugh, I just want to apologize for my behavior and how I've treated you ever since we started working together.” He narrated and paused to examine my facial expression.

Wait, what? Alex is apologizing to me? For real? I must be Lasgidi dreaming or something! I'm speechless!

“I know it's a shocker but that's not how I am. I've been dealing with a lot of crazy stuff recently and then my secretary gives birth and has to go on maternity leave and you're just fresh off the bench and clueless about how I operate. I was trying to force you to be like Rita.” He explained.




“I'm sorry Folake.” That's it! The magic words. Proud Alex just admitted to me that he's sorry? My head was almost bursting. That must have chipped off a ton of pride from him.

"So what do you say? Do you forgive little ol me?" He asked as I was just looking at him like I've seen a ghost.

“I forgive you Sir.” I said nervously.

“Call me Alex when we're out here and thank you.” He interjected with a little smile which I returned.

“I want us to drop the animosity and just be cool.” He continued biting his lips. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that he's very embarrassed and uneasy right now.

In the back of my mind, I felt like laughing about the whole thing. Ama, Promise and Tina are going to laugh their hearts out when they hear this.

But Wait oh, maybe I shouldn't tell Ama and Promise. They might lose their regards for him if they realize that he made himself appear weak and vulnerable by apologizing to a common secretary.

We spoke at length about some random and trivial things before it was time for us to leave. He offered to drop me off at home. I sat in front with the driver so I could give him directions while he sat at the back like a king.




As soon as I got home, I crashed into a sofa and prayed silently thanking God for the fact that I still have a job as I thought Alex was going to put me in a tough position and eventually fire me or something.




“Lala is that you?” I heard Tina yelling from the direction of the kitchen and that was when I perceived the sweet inviting aroma of food hanging heavy in the air and I realized that she's cooking. That's new! But I couldn't have been more thankful since I was still hungry.

“Yeah it's me T.” I yelled back and got up making my way to the kitchen where I found her busy stirring a pot of stew.

“Welcome, you're late today what happened?” She asked as she turned down the heat on the burner where the stew was. That's where I noticed that there was another pot on the next burner which must be the one containing the rice.

I gave her the full details of all that happened including my encounter with Alex.

We shared a few good laughs about it before I went upstairs, got changed and rejoined her in the kitchen where we had dinner and Tina had to leave for somewhere that night being a typical 'waka-waka' babe while I went to bed finding it difficult to fall asleep as I kept thinking about all the things that Alex said and did today.

After two straight hours of staying awake in bed, I finally rolled over and fell asleep only waking up the next morning at the sound of my alarm.




***

Tuesday morning was a total mystery and I wondered what wonders Alex will perform today.
Is he going to go back to being Jack Frosty or continue being fun like James Corden? I thought to myself as I took slow steps towards my cubicle.

In a matter of moments, Alex arrived with his phone to his ear and only waved at me as he continued walking proudly and disappeared into his office.

He waved at me. Wow! Cool! My heart skipped a beat.

As I sat there thinking about it, the desk phone rang and like I assumed, it was Alex asking to see me in his office.

"Good morning Sir." I said shyly uncertain of what his mood is going to be like today.

"Morning Folake. How are you today?" He asked swivelling in his chair with an intimidating expression on his face but not the usually disdainful look.

"Fine Sir." I responded rather nervously as he has never asked about my welfare except that one encounter outside the store.

He didn't say much as I read the schedule for the day to him and getting the tasks that he had for me.

"The ice has finally melted." I said to myself as I returned to my cubicle to focus on the assignments ahead.

Throughout the week, Alex seemed to be in a very good mood and was less annoying and more human and kind. He didn't criticize my work like he used to and wasn't screaming at me to get things done like I was a robot. I was finally enjoying my life at work. Thank God for this blessing!

Two weeks later...

"Print that report and bring it to me at Kebari's when you're ready to leave." Alex ordered and hurried off before I could even say a word.


So this guy's ego has finally deflated?

Read Episode 8 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/couldnt-pretend-episode-8/

Episode 4

Lea

Slowly, the doorknob turns and the door creaks open while I stand statue-still. My father peaks his head into the room, scanning it with the same surprise that I must have worn on my face when I first came in.




"Hey dad," I wave awkwardly at him.

He pushes the door open wider, "woah, this is something, isn't it?"




He speaks, still enticed by the magnificence of the room.




"Yeah," I agree, looking up and only now realising the leafy patterns grooved into the ceiling. I wonder if that was hand-grooved?




"Have you managed to settle in?"




He asks, now looking at me. He takes a few strides forwards to take a seat on the chair belonging to the dresser that is standing against the wall.




"We're only staying a night, dad. I don't think I need to settle in."




"Mhm..." I hear the sound of his grunt succeeded with an uneasy silence. My father and I have never been able to hold up a conversation for long.




"About that..." He continues, clearing his throat. "Your mother and I have decided that it'll be best to stay here while finding a new place."




"Sorry?" I lean closer to make sure I've heard correctly.




"We thought it'll be best if we stayed here until we find another house." He repeats.




I'm not sure whether I should feel ecstatic that I will be living in this mansion for longer, or concerned that I'll be living with River Parker.




Don't get me wrong, the family are very kind for letting up their home for us to live with them, but their son is a bit of a dick. Just a bit.




"How long do you think we'll stay here?" I ask, pushing the thoughts of River's remarks earlier to the back of my head.




"As long as it takes, a couple of weeks, or maybe a couple of months."

Oh no.




A couple of months. Under the same roof as the dickhead. This will be interesting.




"Well, what about the house? What's going to happen to our things?" I inquire but wish I didn't after I see the pained expression that my father pulls at the thought of the wreckage.




"I'll speak with the insurance company tomorrow, nothing for you to worry about though. Just focus on school." He replies, itching the back of his neck as he does when he's stressed out.




Of course, that's his response to most things. Just focus on school. Don't let it affect your school work. Get the top grades.




I appreciate having parents that are so adamant on my academic success, but when it get's in the way of actual parenting, like the things that are more important than school, that's their downfall. I don't blame them, though. They've had it rough and so they don't want me making the same mistake.




"Don't stress out too much," I tell him. It's what I've been telling him ever since I can remember.

***




That night, I slept like a baby. With my knee's curled to my chest, cheek on the pillow and bum stuck up as high as possible, and it's the best sleep I've had in my life. The softness of the mattress cushioned my body heavenly as if I was sleeping on air.




The duck feather duvet wasn't too heavy, nor too light, just perfect. I've never been happier to wake up at seven in the morning before, however, the moment of happiness instantly drains from my mind.




School's a bih.




I push the duvet cover from me, exposing my bare arms and legs to the rays of sunshine pouring in through three large windows and the balcony of the wall to my left. I sigh, a bittersweet sigh.




Bitter, because I have school in an hour, and even though I love the subjects, most of the pupils that I have to share a classroom with are just not my type of crowd. Sweet, because I feel like I'm in heaven and I'm loving every minute of it.




Swinging my legs off of the bed and balancing on the soles of my feet when they meet the rug below, I jump up from the mattress and make my way over to the balcony, smiling in anticipation - I've never been on a balcony before.




After unlocking the door with the key that is hanging from the lock, I turn the handle and inhale the fresh air that whips around my face and hair as soon as the door slides open.




Steadily, I step out onto the tiled balcony floor, hopping because of the coldness under my toes as I reach for the railing. Leaning my head forward, my eyes try to take in all the acres of blinding greenery below me.




I am gob-smacked.




If I had a view like this to wake up to every morning, I would be a morning person.




Green, bushy trees scattered across the large plots of freshly cut grass, decorated with a vegetable patch at the far left-hand side.




Beside it sits a rectangular greenhouse, its glass walls glinting in the morning sunshine. Situated right in the middle of the garden is a swimming pool, its blue water looks like a thousand sparkling diamonds from where I'm looking. I don't usually feel envious of things like this, knowing that if I have a roof over my head, I'm probably more well-off than some people in this world.




Nonetheless, seeing a view like this in real life, not just on television, does make me wonder what it's like to be rich.




"Liking the view?" Says a familiar voice a couple of meters to my right.




Reluctantly, my eyes are turned away from the view to look in River's direction, and my happiness is slightly killed.




"I was ," a small smug smile tugs at my lips.




"Ouch, that hurts. Right here." He says mockingly while patting the left side of his chest.




He's just gotten out of bed, his hair is messy and his eyes aren't even fully open, but he still looks damn good, damn it. Why can't genes like his be shared amongst the population, not just given to one person? Despite my efforts, it's hard for me to ignore his bulging arms that aren't covered by his white vest. He does have some nice muscles...




What? No! Shush Lea. Eugh. Gross. Quit it, stupid girl!




"Awh, sorry, is your ego hurt?" I tease. Honest to God, I try to ignore his physique, but my eyes seem to be enjoying his view more than they enjoyed the view of the garden.

No! I said quit! Stupid girl. I swear, when River leaves, I'm going to slap myself in the face.




"A little," He smirks before turning to walk back into his bedroom. He stops in his balcony doorway and twists to face me again. "Breakfast is in ten minutes, hurry up." Then, he disappears.




"Wait!" I call after him, jumping to the edge of my balcony just so that I can get that little bit closer to his.




His head reappears, and then his whole body comes back into my craving sight...Uh oh. My craving sight? There is definitely something wrong with me. He waits for me to speak with his arms crossed over his sturdy-looking chest and a bored expression plastered on his face.




I swallow, "I don't have anything to wear to school." I state. "All my clothes are in my house." My house? More like my pile of bricks and concrete that can hardly be proven to have once been a house.




"So? Go in your pyjama's." He points to my current outfit, then spins around to head back inside.




"River!" I squeal. "I'm not going in my pyjama's!"




His eyes meet mine once again, yet his look is really intense. Although he's stood quite far away from me, I can make out their warm colour and the thick eyelashes that protect them. At this angle when the sunlight is shining directly into them, they're the colour of a burning fire. "Why not? You look cute." He debates, eyeing me.




I suddenly feel extremely self-conscious.




River Parker just said I looked cute.

Wait...




He just...




After exploring my legs, my mid-riff, my breasts and arms, his eyes finally meet mine again, but they're a much darker shade of brown this time. Maybe they change colour when he get's turned on?




Oh my God, Lea, you need counseling. Sorry to break it to you, but I think you'd be the last person River will be interested in.




"River! Are you checking me out? You pervert!" I step away from the side of the balcony, away from River, that way he wouldn't see my flaming cheeks.




"River! Are you checking me out? You pervert!" He repeats exactly what I've said, only in a high pitched 'girl-voice' that sounds more like a strangled cat or a dying seal.

"You're so mature,"




"Say's the girl who thinks I was checking her out," He hits back, and I'm not sure why, but his comment hurts, just a little bit.




See, I told you! You'd be the last person River will be interested in.

The goddam voice in my head is always right.




"So? Do you have anything I can wear?" I ask, returning to the original subject.




"Yeah, plenty, that's if you wanna look like a dude," He snorts.

I sigh, "River, please. I have nothing, absolutely nothing, can't you just help me out this one time?" I'm serious now, he too can sense it by the way the smile fades from his face.




It's true what I've said, I've lost

everything, and all my possessions are gone.




"One second." He gives in, rolling his eyes at me as if I'm a nuisance.




Okay, good, we're making progress.




Maybe he's not as bad as I thought he would be. However, after a good ten minutes of leaning patiently against the concrete balcony wall, I start to doubt whether he's helping me or ditching me. I lean over my balcony railing again, ready to yell at him for being a dickhead, before a knock on my door interrupts me.




I enter back into my room, running towards the door and turning the handle before whoever is on the other side can knock again. A slight gasp escapes my lips when I see River standing in the hallway, holding a pile of folded clothes in his hands.




"Look, I know I'm good looking, but you don't have to make your feelings for me that obvious." The dickhead smirks.




Was my gasp that loud?




"Well, you must like me since you went through the trouble of getting me those clothes," I say slyly, nodding towards the garments in his hands.




He raises one eyebrow, "did I mention these clothes are my

girlfriend's ?"




Girlfriend?




River Parker has a girlfriend?

Of course he has a girlfriend, dimwit. Why on earth wouldn't he?




"Thank your girlfriend for me then," I say.




"Will do," he replies, handing me the clothes before turning and walking away, down the corridor.

Read Episode 5 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/mr-popular-and-i-episode-5/

Episode 5

Kiki

Tuesday night....

"I'm in a good mood tonight girlie and I don't want us to keep exchanging glares and bad language. So let's call it a truce. Partners?" I said referring to Ashley as I extended my hand for a handshake.

"Partners." She finally said after a little hesitation.

"Awwn, So sweet. Reminds me of when Dua Lipa sang 'kiss and make up' Erica squealed dramatically making air quotes.

"Really kiss and make up?" Ashley asked twisting her lips and she burst into laughter.

"What's making you feel like Santa Claus tonight?" Erica inquired as we returned our attention to the makeup mirror.

"I had an amazing weekend." I answered applying lipstick.

"Hmm, with D from D-town. Soon you'll be talking about the other D." She joked moving to the rhythm of the music banging loud from the club house.

"You say a lot of nonsense sometimes." I said with a chuckle shaking my head.

"Guess me and Rico Nasty are related somehow." She responded laughing and throwing a foundation brush at me which I didn't hesitate to throw back at her. So annoying!

*******

"You're driving D." I yelled tossing the car keys at Dwayne who didn't come through to the club with his car.

"You got it." He said catching the keys with both hands.

"Impressive! Remind me why you didn't join the national football team again?" I queried furrowing my brows.

"I'm way too lit for that ish." He responded feeling himself as he got into the car starting up the engine. Pride!

"Your house or mine?" I asked as soon as we got on the road.

"Yours. Haven't been there in a minute." He answered stealing a quick glance at me before returning his focus to the road.

"My house it is then." I said and he increased the speed. I just pray we don't get pulled over for speeding. We'd get charged for drunk driving as well.

We came to a police check point a few blocks away from my house and like I expected, we got pulled over.

"Hey Gerald!" I greeted the officer as soon as the car came to a halt. He was a man in his late forties or early fifties.

"Hey Kiki what's up?" He replied as he flashed a light into the car.

"I'm okay. You missed my birthday party on Saturday." I responded in a tired sounding voice.

"My bad, I was on duty. Promise I'mma make it up to you on Friday." He said apologetically arranging my hair.

"You owe me a present and I still owe you that lap dance."

"Can't wait to come out and play!" He whispered with a naughty sounding chuckle.

"Send my love to Catherine." I yelled as Dwayne started up the car.

"And my love to your lover behind the wheel." He yelled back with a loud laugh.

"Who's Catherine?" Dwayne asked as soon as we drove past him.

"His wife." I replied and Dwayne immediately cocked up his eyebrow looking at me in Surprise.

"So you owe him a lap dance?" He continued as he parked the car in my driveway and stopped the engine.

"Yeah, what about it?" I said getting down from the car and shutting the door.

"Does that mean he's your customer too?" He added sounding ridiculous.

"What's with all the questions Dwayne?" I asked instead ignoring his question as I tried to open the door.

"That man is fifty something Kiki." He stated firmly.

"Not like he's the oldest man to get a free lap dance from me Dwayne." I answered dropping the keys on the table in the living room.

"Whatever!" He said in resignation.

****
A few minutes later......

"Door's unlocked!" I said in a bit of a yell as I heard Dwayne's voice on the other side of the door.

"Hey, thought you were done. I should prolly leave you to get dressed." He stuttered nervously as he found me sitting on a stool before my dressing mirror with just a short towel round my chest.

"Stay Dwayne. Ain't nothing much you haven't seen on my body anyway." I said getting up from my seat and walking towards him.

His eyes were totally glued to my body. Starting from my shapely legs to my half exposed thighs all the way up to my chest which didn't receive much cover from the poor little towel. I had him completely spell bound.

"I want you to stay." I whispered softly in his left ear wrapping my arms around his neck. He reciprocated by wrapping his arms around my waist. Now we're glued to each other like long lost lovers.

We brought our faces together as we both took synced and unsteady breaths. Before I knew what else was up, Dwayne placed his lips on mine claiming it for a kiss. Gosh!
My eyes widened in shock as I tried to comprehend the entire situation. My mind was urging me to push him away but my body was saying something different.

Shutting my eyes tight, I quickly gave in returning the kiss. Good Lord! This feels like heaven. I know we might regret this later but I'm gonna have to take the risk and live inside the moment.

Grabbing and clawing at his clothes, I wrapped my legs around his waist as he dominated the kiss which only kept getting better. I could feel the bulge which had risen in his pants. It's a good thing that I've turned him on.

The towel which was formally firmly round my chest was almost off. The only sounds in the room was our hollow moans and kissing sounds which only got louder.

"Stop! We shouldn't be doing this Kiki." Dwayne suddenly said as he disengaged from the kiss leaving me shocked and disappointed.

"What do you mean Dwayne?" I said as he slightly pushed me off of him making me feel rejected.

"We're gonna regret this in the morning Kiki. Good night." He said in what sounded like a whisper and opened the door to leave as he also did his best to conceal the bulge in his pants.

"Dwayne don't go." I screamed running down the stairs after him but he got to the front door faster and walked out yelling good night.

Gosh! If not for the fact that I was only clad in a little towel, I woulda run after him.

****

"He just walked out on me after that." I concluded and exhaled looking at Erica to say something in response.

"You can't have it both ways Kiki. You told him you don't want him and now you want him to stick around so you can mess with his emotions. Think it through Sweetie." She said slowly sounding serious about this matter for the very first time.

"I'm not messing with his emotions, I'm just realizing that I made a mistake rejecting him before now." I said honestly.

"You know it wouldn't hurt if you proposed instead. Something like; 'Dwayne, I like you. Will you be my boyfriend?" She said acting out everything she's saying.

"That's awkward Eri." I said shaking my head.

"But it's not impossible. There was a certain woman who proposed to a man in 1804 and guess what, she didn't die and he accepted her too." She joked and started laughing earning an eye roll from me.

I don't think I have enough courage to say that to Dwayne. I need to see him and fix the mess we've made so far.

****

It was seven in the evening and I pulled up in Dwayne's driveway. I'm here with the hopes of trying to smooth things over with him since we have not done much talking after the kiss.

His car was already parked in the driveway indicating that he's home. I knocked weakly on his front door for the second time and a very tired looking Dwayne opened up with his phone on his ear.

He held the door open wide for me to enter mouthing a 'hello' which I responded to with a small and nervous smile.

"Alright bye mum." He said and ended the call.

"Hey Doll what's up?" He asked scratching his head equally as confused, nervous and uneasy as I was.

"I'm okay. I came to talk about what happened on Tuesday night." I spoke slowly.

"Uhn... About that, I wanna say I'm sorry for walking out on you. It was wrong. And I'm sorry for kissing you, I broke rule number 1." He said placing his hands on his face in embarrassment.

I wish I could just tell him that it was not a mistake, that I enjoyed the kiss and wanted more.

"You don't need to apologise Dwayne. I put you in a bad position that night and I'm equally sorry. It's kinda like I'm messing with your head and heart and I don't want to be that person." I said tearfully. I was tearful because of how shy I am about my feelings for him.

"It's all good Doll. Let's just forget it ever happened." He resolved with a smile extending his arms for a hug.
I don't think I'll be able to just wake up and go around pretending like we didn't kiss and almost did stuff more than that.

"Was just bout to eat dinner. Wanna join in?" He asked stroking my hair.

"Yup, you know I'm a foodie, anytime, any day." I said forcing a little smile which he returned before standing up and dragging me by the arm to follow him to the kitchen.

Erica's going to taunt and tease me endlessly for not being able to make my feelings known to Dwayne.

Just as I was sitting down on the spare stool opposite Dwayne in the kitchen ready to dig into the delicious plate of noodles, my phone rang on the living room table and Dwayne offered to go and get it for me.

"Erica." He announced handing the phone to me.

"Thanks." I said in a whisper before clearing my throat and putting the phone to my ear.

After probing me a long line of questions which I did my best to answer without giving away what I was actually talking about, I finally dropped the phone back on the kitchen counter and continued with the delicious plate of food before me. I even finished mine and crossed over to Dwayne's plate which he had to leave for me to finish.

*********************

Friday night.....

"You're the best dancer on the planet." Gerald cheered as I kept twerking to the rhythm of the loud music banging in the clubhouse.

"And you are officer of the year even after your retirement." I teased and he started laughing so hard almost spilling his drink.

Just then, I could see from the distance; Dwayne walking in through the crowded entrance of the room. About time! I wonder what held him up.

He approached our position and said hi. Gerald remembered him from Tuesday night as they exchanged greetings while Dwayne kept giving me these looks that I didn't really understand.

I felt rather uncomfortable with the way he was looking at me and had to round up my session with Gerald. My shift wasn't over yet.

"Your birthday present as promised." Gerald said handing me a pretty little shopping bag and getting up to leave.

"Thanks a million Gerald, like I said, you remain officer of the year every year." I yelled over the ear splitting music and gave him a peck on the cheek before turning my attention to Dwayne who was now shooting me death glares.

Holdup, is he jealous or angry with the fact that I'm doing my job?

"What's up with you tonight?" I yelled as I got closer to him and he shook his head without saying anything. Well duh!

I sighted Erica and Ashley giving some gangsters a little show and I walked off towards them.

"See you in a minute D." I sang as I turned round heading towards that direction not waiting for a reply.

When I was done for the night, me and Erica went backstage to change up as usual. Looking inside the shopping bag which Gerald gave me and found a beautiful set of nails, lipstick and eyelashes which were so long that they could make you fly if you batted them fast enough.

As I got back into the club, I found Ashley talking to Dwayne. Wait, what?

Taking hurried steps, I approached them as my anger was so darn close to hitting the roof any second. I swear I'm gonna tear her to shreds.

Read Episode 6>>
https://beat.com.ng/when-i-fell-in-love-episode-6/

Episode 24

Meeting Diamond

Marie's POV
I was resting on the balcony staring at the buildings and neatly mowed lawns and trimmed ornamental trees in the distance. It was all strange to me.

I would have loved to tour this beautiful place if not for the ugly circumstances surrounding my stay here. I don't think I'll ever be able to appreciate it. I'm too upset for that.

It all felt like a dream to me. The woman who birthed me actually bundled me up and brought me here to get married to someone who I don't know just so she can get what she wants.

It's always about her. She always thinks about herself not caring about how I was going to feel. What did I or my dad ever do to her? Some days I feel like she's not my real mother.

I didn't realise when I started singing 'redemption song' by Bob Marley. This is my own way of coping during hard times, I sing any song that comes to mind over and over until I get relieved. My life hasn't been perfect and music has always been the therapy.

Old pirates, yes, they rob I;
Sold I to the merchant ships,
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit.
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the Almighty.
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly.

Won't you help to sing
Another song of freedom
'Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs,
Redemption songs.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our minds.
Have no fear for atomic energy,
None of them can stop e the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fulfill the Book.

Won't you help to sing
Another song of freedom
'Cause all I ever have:

Redemption songs

Redemption songs

I kept singing and wiping off the tears that were flooding my eyes.

I suddenly flinched and turned around as I felt someone beside me patting me gently on the back.

I turned to see a girl about my age standing beside me. I've never seen her here before and she wasn't dressed like a maid. She wore Gucci so that means she has some class. I stood there staring at her as a way of telling her to introduce herself.

'Hi!' she greets with a shy smile.

I shifted a bit from her and she kept talking.

'I'm Diamond, Jude's kid sister, you must be the wife' she added rushing her words a bit.

I scoffed as I turned away from her and continued wiping my tears. Nothing good comes from them but pain.

'Its a lovely song you sang there. I've never heard it before.'

'Redemption Song, Bob Marley' I replied coldly without even looking at her.

'Noted, I'll check it out and I'm sorry for what you have to go through.' She added and turned to walk away.

Maybe she is different. I mean, she just apologized for what her family and mine are putting me through. Maybe I should be nice to her.

'And it's a nice robe you've got there but don't let Jude see you walking around with it. Cause you never know. She said and winked at me before walking away.

I realized I was still in the bathing rope I wore earlier.

'Hollup, I don't have any clothes here, do you have any I could use?' I called after her retreating figure.

'Sure, come with me' she squealed excited that I was talking to her with a little bit of warmth.

'Thanks I'm Marie by the way.' I added calmly.

'I know.' she replied breezily.

I reluctantly strut behind her as the cold floor kept biting at my feet.

She seemed nice. I hope her mum isn't like mine.

I walked back into the house with her only to see Jude who looked like he was about to go out. My anger started to rise again.

He was grinning like the fool he was.

'Hey baby, I was just about to come get you. We have to see my dad and mum so I can properly introduce you to them. I ordered for some clothes already.' He explained.

I stood there with my brows furrowed and hands across my chest listening to him blab.

'Don't call me baby Jude!!!!!' I snapped

'And are you done talking?' I yelled angrily as he was standing there speechless like a fool

'Lets go' I said as I nudged Diamond forward.

'That was cold' she said with a little laugh as we got to her room.

I responded with an eye roll.

She brought her traveling box and opened it up. She explained that she doesn't live here all the time. She only came around to see Jude and also stay for the wedding.

I cringed at the mention of the wedding and felt hot tears coming down again.

I picked up a black dress and stormed into Diamond's bathroom to get changed. I was lucky that it fit perfectly.

How the heck will Francis feel when I get married to this man?

I got back into the room and thanked Diamond for the dress as I walked out slowly after wearing her stilettos which were a little too tight for me.

I descended the stairs and followed Jude out of the house ignoring all his stupid compliments.

He tried to touch and I shook his hands off making him to raise both hands in surrender.

Read Episode 25>>
https://beat.com.ng/my-mums-gateman-episode-25/

Crestaria:
Lea is a crazy but funny girl

Thanks for the update Lipstick

Indeed she is 😂
You're welcome

Crestaria:
Of course you won't be sacked Be deceiving yourself before you find yourself roaming the streets for a job.

Well done Lipstick

She'll learn the hard way

Episode 2

I blink once, twice, repeatedly just to make sure I am seeing right. I am. I lift my head and when I do, I lock eyes with the one person I simultaneously want to see the most and not see at all. My boss.




I'm a hundred percent sure my face portrays my disbelief as I push open the doors and walk into the building. Does he despise me that much? Firing me when he could see that I was only outside the glass doors.




I'm pretty sure he did it just because he's trying to get rid of me. That, or it was just a power play. I can't tell with him.




Shawn, my boss—ex-boss actually, what a fucking joke—expels a sigh at my arrival and speaks before I even get the chance to get a word out. "You got my text, didn't you? Why are you in here?"




I don't know whether to scream at him or plead with him, but then I think about Lucas and how hard it'll be to find a new job in record time. It's not like we'll suddenly go broke if I don't get my paycheck this month, but I don't want to have to start chirping at my savings bit by bit. It's stored away for Lucas' education.




"I'm sorry. Please, let me explain." I plead, even if I don't like that idea. He spares me a glance, hands over a file to the receptionist, and starts walking away. I grit my teeth in annoyance, but shake off my pride and follow after him. I still need my job after all. "Mr. Landon, one more chance."




He doesn't stop walking as he answers me. "You'll still be late tomorrow, as well as the rest of the weekdays. What exactly is the chance for?"




I won't admit it, but he gets me there. Lucas is a handful in the mornings because he is not a morning person, so it usually takes me a while to wake him up and get him ready. And then, there's also the fact that he gets distracted easily, which means dressing up takes more time than it should, as well as other morning rituals.




"I told you the other day, Ms. Jennings," he continued, acting formally for the public eye, "one more time and you're fired, but it seems like you want to be fired."




"I was barely five minutes late!"




"Five useful minutes wasted." He inputs nonchalantly as he adjusts his tie. When we get to the elevator, he nods towards it and I press the button for it. "It was a fair deal. Come late, get fired. I don't why you're pestering me. Other people that actually need your job and will do it better are out there!"




"I try my best to get here early!" I snap when we enter the elevator and it closes, leaving both of us alone and away from the eavesdropping ears and prying eyes.




"Not hard enough apparently."




"You know my situation!"




"While I know of your situation, I am not responsible for it and I can't be partial in a place of work. I'm not the one that knocked you up, Aria."




'You want to though, don't you?' I say in my head. I take a few deep breaths and remind myself that he is still my boss and only he has the power to give me back my job. When I started working here, I was meant to start by 8:30. Suddenly, Mr. Landon changed my time. I don't know if it was important for him to do so or because of a personal vendetta against me.




"You made your bed. Now, lie on it and stop pestering me."




My tongue pokes the inside of my cheek. Does he really want to get rid of me? I'm one of the best at what I do. "So you're not going to reconsider?"




He glances at me, noticing my voice has softened, and sighs. "Let's get to my office and I'll make my final decision."




Hope blossoms in my chest. I won't have to go searching for a new job. I probably should, but at least, it isn't urgent anymore. I don't have to worry about not getting as much as I get here and I don't have to worry about money for Lucas' education.

Read Episode 3 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/the-ceos-favorite-episode-3/

Episode 3

Lea

After greeting everyone in the room, he then looks towards me. Almonst instantly, his smile weakens a little as a look of slight confusion surfaces on his curious face.

It looks like he's trying to work something out. After a moment of contemplation, I get it, as if a light bulb has suddenly been switched on in my brain.

He's probably trying to put a name to your face and can't remember, even though he shares the same English class as you.

I know I'm not popular, but I didn't realise that I'm literally that invisible.

As he eyes me for a few seconds too long, I can feel the warming of my cheeks under his gaze. It's a bad reflex of mine, it doesn't take much to make me blush the shade of a tomato and I'm so peeved because I can't help it. Thankfully, his eyes turn away to my parents.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he nods respectfully towards them.

"But I'm kind of tired, so I'm going to bed, have a lovely night," He says, to my relief. At least if he isn't in the room, I won't be so tense.

River pushes himself off of the cream couch, which bounces back to its original shape. As he walks towards the living room door, he pushes a few stray strands of hair back from his forehead to rejoin his thick head of hair, the shade of which can only be described as a dark melted gold.

Part of me is glad that he's leaving, the other part is pretty bummed. I can't come to terms with how one person could be as gorgeous as he is.

"River, could you please take Lea to the guestroom on your way?" Brenda calls after him, halting him in his steps.

Oh, crap.

My eyes quickly find Brenda, hoping that she can read through them how much I really don't want him to take me to the guestroom. But, instead of catching the sight my pleading eyes, she's expectantly looking at River for his response.

"Sure," he says, to my dismay, averting his gaze to meet mine.

Okay, Lea, think of him naked.

Wait, what slowpoke came up with the idea that believing someone is naked will calm your nerves? I shake the thought from my head – I definitely do not want to see River naked.

With an anxious laugh, I push myself off of the sofa too.
With a 'goodnight' aimed at my parents and the Parker's, I walk towards River.

Yet, of course, you should know, that it's not me if something stupid doesn't happen. The poor, typical Lea trips over the edge of the rug and dives forward in a way that may be mistaken as a
Superman act.

One arm outstretched in front of me, and one behind, in a weak hope of steadying myself. Luckily, I manage to stop myself just in time from crashing into River's chest; our bodies now only separated by a few centimeters.

I can't breathe.

What the hell, Lea?

I glance at River with an apologetic expression, yet all he does in return is flash his self-esteem-crushing smirk.

"Are you okay, love?" Brenda says, almost getting up from her seat to try to catch me.

Can this be anymore embarrassing?

"Yes, sorry, lost my balance..." I say, turning to face River, giving him a cold glare in return to his smirk.
It doesn't phase him though since he turns on his heel and strides out of the room with an amused expression. Rude. I scrunch my face in embarrassment at his back.

"Are you going, honey?" Mum says.

"Yes, have a good night everyone," I say again, speaking as confidently as possible in an attempt to conceal the fact that I'm an idiot who always manages to embarrass herself.

I make my way out of the room, kicking myself internally for being such a pathetic loser and notice that River is halfway up the spiral staircase, not bothering to wait for me. So, I pace hurriedly towards the stairs, taking a huge lunge to miss a step as I climb and catch up to him.

I place my hand on the glistening banister of the staircase, letting it glide across the cool material beneath. Glancing up in River's direction, I think back to the times I've seen him wondering around school. Obviously, he's always with Ky and Jake, with a desperate-looking Georgia trailing after him.

Everyone knows that he comes from a wealthy family. From the conversation that my father and Malcolm had only a few minutes ago, it's evident where their riches come from. Malcolm is the founder and CEO of Parker Designs, England's biggest architectural firm.

Their services are specialised for elite celebrities and personalities, nationwide and internationally. No wonder their house looks like it's fit for a royal family to live in.

After I admire his broad back for a few moments, he turns his head in my direction.

"You're so clumsy, try not to trip again." He snickers, stepping onto the second-floor landing.

If it weren't for his irritating statement, I would be admiring the beauty that is the second floor. Instead, I glare at the back of his head, wishing I could disperse into thin air.

"Ha-ha, so funny." I reply sarcastically. "I'm sorry if I was too close to breaking one of your precious nails."

He swiftly spins to face me, a daring stare present in his chocolate eyes. I notice the subtle clenching of his teeth, which sharpens his jaw line, making the contours of his face even more defined, his expression is entirely amused.

"Oh, don't worry, I get my manicure done tomorrow, so it shouldn't have been a problem if you did break them." He speaks so seriously that if it wasn't for his crooked smile to give his joking away, I would consider his words true.

"I won't be surprised if you do have a manicure, I've always thought there would be a feminine side to you." I cross my arms over my chest, proud of my comeback.

Lea, what are you doing? Dig yourself a bigger hole why don't you.

"Are you calling me a girl?" He inquires.

"Yes."

Oh god, Lea, you're officially awarded the prize of the craziest muhflecker.

"Have you seen these muscles?" He asks, looking down to each of his biceps in turn.

And now is the perfect moment for me to roll my eyes. "Wow, your ego is huge, and girls have muscles too you know."

He takes a few steps closer to me until his six-foot-tall body is hovering over my five-foot-two figure. I'm pretty sure I look like an elf compared to him.

His hand rises to rub at the light stubble on his jaw.

"My ego is huge?"

"Yep," I say, shuffling slightly backwards, trying to keep my cool about his close proximity.

"You're not as quiet as I thought you would be," he smirks.

"And you're as vain, if not more than I thought you were." A smile tugs up at my lips.

I take another step backward, realising that he's coming slightly closer and closer. But, there's a problem, my shuffling feet are stopped by the bannister behind me.

"You're a little too confident for your own good."

"Says the arrogant one."

You better say goodbye, Lea, because you're sheesh kabab.
River takes one more step towards me, trapping me against the banister of the stairs.

Our faces so close together that his warm breath tickles the tip of my nose, which makes nuclear bombs explode inside of me. My palms are sweaty, my robe feels extremely tight and my pulse rate soars. He peels his eyes from mine, only to let them wander slowly down my body and then back up to lock with my gaze again.

How f-cking rude and indecent.
Suddenly, I feel extremely self-conscious of my very revealing crop top that isn't covered by my robe. I try to straighten my posture, hoping to prove that his 'look' hasn't affected me.

That's it! He should learn what the phrase 'personal space' means.
Inhaling deeply, I smirk venomously at him before pushing my hands against his chest and attempting to shove him away, however, the only person who gets pushed is me. My spine arcs way too far backwards as it hits the bannister behind me.

If it bent any further, I'm afraid I could've tumbled ten meters to the ground floor to meet my bleak ending. At the sudden pain stabbing at my back, my jaw drops and I try not to wince from the pain.

Unbelievable! He doesn't move an inch.

In a matter of seconds, the second floor is trafficked with River's fits of laughter. He hobbles backward, away from me, to give himself enough room to bend forwards and clutch his stomach as he laughs even louder.

You made the jerk laugh at you, Lea. You deserve a massive round of applause.

"I tell you what, clumsy..." He breathes between his hysterics. "I needed that laugh."

And when I think he's finished, he laughs more. This time, he brings himself up to his full towering height and throws his head backward. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone downstairs heard him.

"Are we on nickname terms now?" I snap, trying not to pay attention to his laugh as best I can. And trying not to laugh myself.

"Oh, you mean 'clumsy'?" He straightens himself a little but doesn't quit with the laughing. "I think it suits you, don't you?"

"Don't you think 'dickhead' suits you?" I bite back.

"Ooh, the girl swears." He finishes laughing, staring me right in the eye with a mocking grin that never disappears from his lips.

"Where's the guestroom?" I inquire, frustrated.

The sooner I can get away from this douche, the better.

"Down there, first door to the right." He points down the mesmerising hallway, still with the amused look glued to his face.

Once I spot the door that he's pointing at, I dart away from him, pleading for my legs to pick up their pace and walk faster.

"You might want to slow down, otherwise you can trip and fall." He calls after me, just a few seconds before I can shut the guestroom door and block out his laughter.
Eugh, that was nasty. Everything about today has been nasty.

My house is ruined, I think I've lost all of my possessions, yet for a while I was happy, knowing that we were to stay at Malcolm's house tonight.

Unfortunately, little did I know that I'm an idiot and am able to make a fool out of myself and that they have a son who will happily embarrass me further. I sigh exasperatedly, leaning against the sturdy door while my eyes seel shut.
.
It's funny how your life can change so instantly in only a matter of hours.

Everyone's going to find out that I live with River Parker.

Everyone is going to be talking about what happened to my house.
Great, this is fantastic - this is totally how I planned my first year of sixth-form*.

After hearing a nearby door close, which I assume is River's, I open my eyes. Once I've taken in the elegance of my surroundings, undoubtedly I have an eyegasm.

With my mouth slightly open, I stare unblinkingly at the room displayed in front of my eyes.
Well, shit. It's pretty fucking amazing.

The guestroom is around the same size as the living room, with cream curtains and bed covers to match. There's a great chandelier hanging from the ceiling with glistening crystals dangling like daggers, threatening to pierce the loveseat at the foot of the bed that they hover over.

I smile stupidly at the California king bed ahead of me and compare it to my tiny single bed at home. To my right is the brightly lit bathroom, with the same colour scheme as the bedroom; gold, cream and black. Everything that my eyes scroll across seems to be expensive, and I feel too clumsy to touch anything.

Just as I want to leap onto the lengthy bed, I'm stopped in my tracks by a series of three knocks on the door. Anxiously, I pause, and I pray.

Please don't be him, please don't be him, please don't be him.

Read Episode 4 Here>>

https://beat.com.ng/mr-popular-and-i-episode-4/

Episode 6

Well, the next morning, Alex surprised me. He walked past my desk looking all swagger and swell with his vainglorious demeanor and pride hovering over him as usual.




He even gave an audible response to my greetings today. That is something new!




This guy must be a bipolar sick twisted devil acting like this today.




Even though he didn't have anything on his schedule today, I still followed him into the office just to find out what tasks he may want me to perform.




He kept me waiting as he was busy prepping a vinyl record which he placed on the platter of a gramophone or so they call it.

This guy has money to spend on stuff like this! I mean why didn't he just get a DVD or something? Such a showoff!

The record started playing and Brandy's voice was heard singing her heart out as usual on the track "Long Distance".

This guy has expensive tastes for almost everything except attitude.

“What can I do for you?” He asked as he turned round to face me sounding so innocent like he was some sort of angel and was just seeing me for the first time ever.

“I wanted to know if there's anything you need me to do Sir.” I said calmly trying my hardest to hide the fact that I wanted to slap his rude but handsome face.




Geez! I just thought about this peacock as being handsome. What's come over me? I mentally slapped myself for thinking such.

“Oh yeah, I need you to type this.” He said tiredly passing me a paper on which paragraphs were written with the sloppiest handwriting I've ever seen.

“Lest I forget, send reminders to all department heads for Friday's meeting.” He added firmly before I finally found my way out of his office.

The week went by fast and without any mishap. Thank you Lord!

***




Run it up to a week later....

I just received my salary for the first month on the job and I've decided to hit a club with Tina and celebrate my first month at the office and three weeks under a toxic person like Alex who only keeps getting worse as the days go by.




There were days I felt like quitting and even drafted my resignation letter but I never had the liver to send it every time I remembered how tough it was to secure the job in the first place.




Today's Friday, I was just going to leave all of the Alex palava and any other shenanigans out there and have one night of pure fun with my crazy friend.




We got on the dance floor dancing with other sweaty people.

Tina got paired up with some guy she was dancing with and in a second, she disappeared from the room in his arms. Terrific! This girl is turning into something else.




Discouraged, I decided to take a seat at the bar and wait for them to return from wherever they've gone to.




I got a bottle of sprite and started downing the chill liquid down my parched throat.




“You got moves girl.” I heard someone say beside me and my eyes widened as I froze on hearing the voice and almost spat out the drink in my mouth.




Oh no! Could it really be him?

I turned round and confirmed that it's actually Alex sitting beside me on the next barstool with a bottle of Guinness stout on the bar table in front of him.




How come I didn't even notice him sitting there all this while? And why is he always present at the most unusual places?




Oh! Now wait a minute, he just commended my dancing which means he's been watching me for so long! I was blushing hard as my cheeks burned hot.

“Good evening sir.” I said with a little stutter. How bad can this get?




Even with the dim blue lights in the room, I could still see his egocentricity written all over his proud facial expression. Oh please! This is nothing new!




“Never took you for a minidress person.” He said eyeing me up and down slowly after answering my greetings making me shift uncomfortably in my seat.




“Never took you to be a clubgoing person.” I said boldly looking him straight in the face. My courage surprising me greatly.

He started laughing while I shook my head slowly rolling my eyes at him.

We got talking about a whole lot of stuff as the tension between us gradually died down.




So Alex is funny like this ehn? Making crude jokes up and down and telling crazy stories like kilode. I just can't stop laughing! This guy is just like a chameleon showing me so many different colors.




“Wow, look who got hooked up.” I heard Tina say behind me and she started laughing so hard sounding like a lunatic. Great way to embarrass me in front of my boss.

After introductions, I decided to drag Tina who was already so drunk and reeking of alcohol out through the exit door after saying goodbye to Alex since she wouldn't keep her big mouth shut.

To be honest, I don't know how it was possible for me to have such a great conversation with Cold-hearted Alex and also share a few good laughs as well.




Right now, I have no idea what is going to happen when I go to work on Monday. Will he remain nice or will he go back to being his old arrogant self?




****

Monday came almost too soon as I got to work and waited for him to arrive. Thirty minutes later, he arrived wearing a brand new designer suit.

“Good morning sir.” I greeted in my most courteous fashion but he only responded passively not looking my way as he stepped into his office. It's no overstatement in saying that this guy is an unrepentant narcissist.

The way he's talking to me today makes it seem like he wasn't the same person telling me jokes on Friday night like we've been best pals for so long.

For some awkward reason, I was downcast throughout the day and even skipped lunch break. Maybe I was expecting to see a change in Alex and got let down instead.

The day was long and felt like forever for it to get to five o'clock.

A few minutes past five, Alex finally emerged from his throne room (I mean his office) and without uttering a single word, he dropped a note on my desk and strutted past me.

“Have a nice evening sir.” I said not expecting any response and picked up the note to see what it was.




“Meet me at Kebari's Restaurant at exactly 5:30” I read out loud and my heart skipped a beat as I reread the note and sat back in my chair trying to comprehend the entire situation.




Why would he ask me to meet him at a restaurant after work? Is this where I get fired or reprimanded for something?

For more than ten minutes, I sat there as my brain calculated on every possible scenario that could go down when I get to Kebari's which was just a few blocks away from the office.




I checked my time and realized that it was already eighteen minutes past five. Oh no! I'm going to be late for sure.




Hurrying out of the building like a mad woman, I got into a taxi and dropped at the classy and glossy restaurant.

After settling the taxi man, I got down and took slow steps towards the entrance door which was still far off. It was already five thirty six by the time I arrived.

Wait a minute, how on Earth I'm I supposed to find Alex in this very large restaurant full of people? I'm I supposed to check every table or what? I mean what type of person could be so clueless?

The door man held the door open and I smiled at him nervously and walked in. Here it goes! Awkwardness! I felt like an underdressed misfit.

Kebari's is where the MVPs in Lekki meet and eat plus Yahoo boys, models, runs girls and the likes.

I scanned the crowded hall for any sign of Alex but found none. I don't even have his personal phone number.




As I was still busy scanning the room without seeing him, I decided to take a seat at an empty table and wait for him to show his face. Maybe he's not here yet or could it be that he left already?




I ordered for a bottle of water to keep me busy in the meantime. One thousand five hundred naira for an ordinary thirty five centiliters bottle of water? You've got to be kidding me! I wonder how much the food here will cost.




As the waitress brought my water- in a gold platter may I add, my phone which I'd placed on the table started ringing.




It's an unsaved number calling. I collected the POS machine from the waitress and inputted my pin.




While the lady was processing the payment, I picked up the phone hesitantly and the voice on the other side made me smile. What a relief!




Yeah guess, it's Alex calling. So he has my number after all?

“Tell the waitress to bring you up to table seventy four, floor two.” He said calmly as if he was watching me from somewhere.

I looked round the room with the phone still on my ear as my heart pounded hard.




“Up!” He said and I looked up and saw him resting on the staircase leading to the next floor with his phone on his ear and that was when it came to mind that this place has more than one floor I should have gone up. Mtchew!

As soon as I sighted him up there, he hung up and walked out of sight.




“Please, can you show me to table seventy four on the second floor?” I asked the waitress politely and she agreed telling me to follow her as she returned my ATM card and led the way with me following behind clutching the freezing and expensive bottle of water tightly.




Well, the second floor was more grand and glamorous than the first. I wonder what the next floor or the VIP will look like.

We finally got to table seventy four where Alex was seated operating his phone.




“Thanks a lot!” I said to the kind waitress who smiled and walked away.




“You're ten minutes late! That's unlike you.” He said and looked up at me with a small smile on his face. It wasn't his usual flat smile but one that looked genuine and warm.

“I'm sorry sir.” I said with my head low to prevent myself from looking him in the eye or something like that.




“Come on, don't just stand there have a seat.” He said in a friendly tone motioning for me to sit down which I did without any delays.




“I'm starving!” He exclaimed with a little yawn stretching in his seat after taking off his jacket and placing it on the spare seat beside him before proceeding to undo his tie. How come he feels so at home in a place like this?




“Let's eat something first. Take your pick.” He suggested pointing to the menu on the table. What does he mean by 'eat something first'?




I picked it up and ran my eyes through it. So many options to choose from but I dared not ask for anything out of the ordinary. Who knows how much it may cost?




A waiter who seemed to know Alex very well came to our table and they took like two minutes talking about some random things before finally asking me to place my order.

My people, I only asked for coconut rice making Alex look at me like I was some clown.




He ordered for vegetable soup and semovita in his usual proud manner. What a showoff!




While waiting for the food to arrive, I drank from my bottle of water and did everything else to avoid his wild gaze.

Oh God! What is all this about?

Read Episode 7>>
https://beat.com.ng/couldnt-pretend-episode-7/

Episode 4

Unknown

Where have you been Travis? I checked your house last week and couldn't find you. You were absent from a meeting as crucial as last Friday's own. Is this how you're going to run the company?" My mum yelled angrily as soon as she set eyes on me.

"Oh for God's sake mum, would you just stop yelling at me please? I forgot the date. Thought it was next week." I said rubbing my eyes frustratedly as I walked into the room.




"But I have been texting you frequently to remind you." She kept going.




"I never read those messages mum." I said bluntly walking off towards the bar which was located at a far end of the spacious living room.




"When will you ever get serious Travis? We're working on something so big that could fetch us hundreds of millions." She said as she got to where I was now sitting in the bar.




"If Dad was still alive you know he wouldn't approve of this partnership deal." I complained sipping on the drink in my hand.




"Nonsense Travis, your father operated using Archaic principles which no longer apply in today's world." My mum ranted.




"But at least, he left us something. With the way things are going, we might just end up losing the company to Meyer." I injected rather bluntly and got up to leave.




"We're having the final meeting tomorrow morning and you have to be there Travis." She yelled as her voice resounded in the large sitting room.




"I'll be there mum." I yelled back jogging up the stairs.




****

Next morning...




A knock sounded on my door waking me up from sleep. I groaned angrily and walked to the door to see who was at my door so early. The face I saw made me wanna choke. I felt like slamming the door at her face.




It's my so called girlfriend Diane Meyer. Daughter of Jacob Meyer- my dad's longstanding business rival who suddenly decided to make peace with my dad a few months before his death.




My mum started her dealings with Meyer as soon as my dad passed away and together, they both arranged Diane to be my girlfriend. Honestly, I don't give two tosses about her as she keeps throwing herself at me.




"Good morning baby." Came her high pitched and annoying voice as she pushed the door wider and found her way into the room.




"What do you want Diane?" I asked yawning tiredly as she was already sitting with her legs crossed on my bed. She's got no chill.




"Your mum called me last night and told me you're back in town so I decided to come and see you. It's been two whole months since I last saw you Travis, where have you been?" She whined.




"You're sounding like my mum right now." I said taking off the pyjamas I was wearing leaving me only in my briefs.




"When did we last get down together baby?" She cooed jumping up from the bed and wrapping her arms around my neck.

Me and Diane did it once and it was clearly a mistake.




I pushed her away and stormed off into the bathroom where I had to shower. So irritating!




Thankfully, by the time I returned to the room, she was already gone to God knows where. I quickly dressed up and jogged down the stairs heading to the dining where my mum and Diane were already sitting.




As soon as we were done eating, me and my mum left for our meeting with Mr Meyer's company.




"Are you paying any attention Mr Givens?" Meyer asked reverting my attention to the meeting as I was busy typing on my phone totally forgetting the fact that I was in the middle of a meeting.




"Travis! What the heck is wrong with you?" My mum yelled walking over to my side of the conference table snatching the phone from my hand.




"Where were we?" I asked tiredly raising my brows.




************************




Kiki




"C'mon girl, just chill will ya?" Erica said patting my back.




It's a Friday night and I've just finished my shift for tonight.




"What's up with you today B?" Erica asked sounding very worried.




"I'm okay Eri." I answered coldly.




"No you're not, you just slapped a customer. Who does that?" She clapped back.




"He tried to stick his fingers under my panties. That's outta bounds." I replied rolling my eyes.




"You kinda overreacted though. That's one of the hazards of the job. Wait, is this about Dwayne?" She queried cocking up her left brow.




"He's been gone for three whole days. He only typed 'hello' yesterday and hasn't said anything else since then. He's not taken my calls or returned them. Where could he be? And tomorrow is my birthday." I pouted almost crying.




"Calm down Kiki, he'll come back." She consoled rubbing my shoulder soothingly.




****




"Cheer up girl, It's your birthday." Erica yelled in my ear dancing and jumping in her seat.




It's currently my birthday and we're at the club where everyone has just raised a toast to me.




Flicking her a little smile, I kept playing with the glass of drink in my hand sighing repeatedly.




I was wearing the pair of Levi's and stilettos which my mum got for me as a birthday gift a couple weeks back.




My birthday feels incomplete without Dwayne by my side. I'm so freaking upset and sad.




*********




I let out a long sigh as I placed the remnants of the birthday cake on the table and sat down tiredly on the couch. I struggled to raise my leg placing it on my knee trying to take off my shoes.




A small knock sounded on my door and I quickly took my eyes up to the wall clock. It's 11:17 in the night. Who could that be at this hour?




Taking out my gun from under the cushions of the couch, I quietly tiptoed towards the door and checked the window to see who it was.




Oh my God! It's Dwayne!! He's back!!! I quickly ran back and dropped the gun on the table before returning to the door to open it up after the second knock.




"Happy 25 Doll!" He Exclaimed smiling widely at me pointing a Chanel shopping bag at me.




"Where have you been?" I queried angrily folding my arms around my chest pretending to be so upset when deep down, I felt like jumping on him and kissing him all over.




"Don't be so hard on me now, gimme a hug." He said instead extending his arms for a hug.




"Not until you tell me where you've been for the past three days." I said folding my arms.




"Okay, fine, my mum was not feeling well and I had to go to Detroit to see her. It was urgent and I couldn't inform you about it earlier." He explained calmly.




"And you couldn't call or text?" I continued.




"I lost my phone. Just got a new one this morning." He replied even calmer than before pointing the new phone at me.




"I'm so sorry for going MIA on you Doll." He apologized placing his hand on his heart.




"How's your mum doing now?" I asked after letting out a long sigh.




"She's okay. Do you know how much I missed you?" He queried with a smirk.




"You don't say." I injected sounding unconcerned.




"Can I have my hug now?" He begged extending his arms and I walked tiredly to where he was and wrapped my arms around him.




"Now accept the birthday gift please?" He pleaded again and I collected the bag from him examining the contents. It was a long red dress with sequins and lace ruffles at the hem.




"It's so beautiful D. Thank youuuuu!" I sang and jumped on him excitedly.




"Chill baby girl, you deserve the best of errything." He responded with a chuckle.




"Hey, why you got a gun on your table?" Dwayne asked in bewilderment pointing at the gun on my table which he was just noticing.




"Self defense." I said with a shrug as I let go of him.




"You're one bad chick Doll." He said and sat down on the couch.




"Do you want some cake?" I asked pointing at the cake on the table.




"Are you asking?" He asked back laughing at me and also taking off his shoes.




I walked into the kitchen and returned with two wine glasses and a bottle of red wine.




"This is not how I planned for my birthday to look like Dwayne." I said slowly as I handed him a glass.




"I'll make it up to you Doll. I promise." He apologized again and I rolled my eyes at him as I took a sip of my drink.




"First step to making it up, you're sleeping over." I opined.




"Who said I was planning on going anywhere tonight?" He joked and chuckled softly.

Read Episode 5 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/when-i-fell-in-love-episode-5/

23
RESCUE PLANS/SURPRISES

Francis POV cont'd
I sat there with the greatest surprised look ever.

He approached our table and we all stood up taking turns to give him a handshake and mutter some greetings.

I felt very nervous seeing him again like this.

To worsen matters, Sam and Glory had to leave and give us some privacy as he came to see me.
What? Me?

'Marie is a very sweet girl you know, always putting others first. She'd sacrifice anything to see her old man happy.' He said and squeezed a small smile making the little wrinkles on his ageing face stand out.

He had snow white beards covering half of his face and a completely shaved head.

He went on to explain how he committed crimes when he was younger and his wife blackmailing him for years and using Marie to get what she wants anytime.

This time around, she wanted to be a part of the first family of the state, up her status and be the brain behind the planning of all social functions in the state.

So that translates to more money and power in the process she gets to hurt Marie's father. Her goal was to become richer and more relevant than him.
That's crazy!!
I don't know how being rich works!!

He explained how he had secretly hired some maids to keep an eye on Marie and Glory happened to be one of them. She was actually one of the best undercover spies he has ever hired.

He knows I was a gateman and he didn't blame me for lying to him. He didn't judge me. That was a relief even though I still felt embarrassed.

He rounded up the talk with some words of wisdom and inspiration.
He was troubled about the situation but he did his best to conceal that.

I promised I'll do my best to get her back.
After our long discussion, he got up to leave as he put on his hat and walks away with Sam and Glory beside him looking serious. I didn't know what they were talking about.

I would have never thought that Davis Brown of all people is a former drug dealer.

Sam and Glory soon returned to the table after he left and we laid down some plans.

We are supposed to get a hold of the evidence which is in a flash drive.(Location unknown)
And we also had to dig up some dirt on Marie's mum as well.

But first, we have to get Marie into the plan since she is an insider.
'How on Earth do we find her?' I asked in frustration as I ran my fingers through my slightly grown hair.

Jude's father has houses in so many locations, which one is she being held at.

'She's getting married within a week or so. We'll find a way to get into her reception' Sam said with a sigh.

I scoffed angrily at the thought of Marie getting married to someone else who she didn't even love. He's going to touch her before I do.

I felt like screaming or going crazy but I stayed put and only managed to nod.

Let's get this done with before I punch somebody.

After we perfected our plans, We all got into the car and they dropped me off on the main road as my house was located on a sub street.

As I was about getting down from the car, Glory told me to hold on. She took out an envelope full of cash from the glovebox and handed it to me.

It was from Marie's dad (shoot! This man is full of surprises). He didn't even mention it or at least give me a clue so I could have thanked him properly.

I mean, I was out of work and the house rent was due so I had to accept it.

I received it with great appreciation. I felt so excited! I actually felt like screaming my head off.

I tucked the fat envelope into my hoodie pocket as I waved them goodbye while they drove off.

I walked as fast as my legs could carry me straight home so the rain won't catch up with me.

My mum and sister are going to be overjoyed plus I need to get them out of there just in case Marie's crazy mother comes looking for me.

Read 24 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/my-mums-gateman-episode-24/

Crestaria:
Another banger. Lipstick I am your MTN. I follow you everywhere you go

please do oh

Crestaria:
Really impressive. We want more

Sure thing
More is coming

Crestaria:
I'm loving this, getting more interesting. What a lengthy update.

Thanks for the update Lipstick....

I'm glad you love it the next episode will be soooo hot get ready

One more time and you're fired.

The last words my boss said to me the previous day play in my head repeatedly as I run around like a headless chicken.

'I arrived at work fifteen minutes after the expected time and I ended up running into my boss. The glare he sent me was enough for me to flinch. "How come you're late again, Aria?"

It was the same excuse, and even if he knew said excuse, he still wanted to see me squirm. "I had to drop—"

"I don't care." He interrupted and I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from retorting. I needed my job as it was what I lived on. What we both lived on. "You keep on coming in whenever you like and making silly excuses."

Since his voice was quite loud and we were in the reception, everyone around us heard him and I knew he wanted it so. He enjoyed embarrassing me. Fighting back the not-so-nice words threatening to escape my mouth, I settled on. "I'm sorry." I didn't promise him that it would be the last time because I'd be lying.

He looked at me from head to toe in a distasteful way, even if I knew he was actually checking me out. Subtly, for others, but not so for me. "One more time and you're fired."'

Struggling to put on my heels, as well as fix in my earrings, I manage to knock off a vase that shatters to the ground. Groaning, I throw the earrings in my bag and try putting on my shoes first.

I groan in irritation when I hear the annoying sound of my ringtone, just as I am about to sweep off the broken pieces on the floor.

On a normal day, it wouldn't be as annoying. I may have even let it ring for a while just to listen to my favorite song, but right now, it is just irritating. It just means someone wasting my time even more—I don't have a lot of that right now.

Checking the caller ID, I see it was Heather, my friend, and colleague, and I pick up, greeting her with a sharp, "What?"

Heather snorts on the line, already knowing my predicament. "What your ass. I'm not the reason you're late. Speaking of, where are you?"

"I'm still at home, and you're keeping me here even more. Goodbye."

I am ready to hang up when I hear her call out for me to wait. "Don't forget to bring the black dress with you."

I hang up after that and even if I won't admit it to her, I did forget about it. Lending her my black dress is the least of my worries right now. I have a job to save. I don't know how hard it is to find a job because I've been employed full-time since my internship there, and I'm not sure I want to find out anytime soon.

Quickly, I get back into my room and get out the folded dress I was planning on taking with me yesterday but forgot to this morning before going back to the living room to clean up my mess.

"Lucas! Are you ready?" I yell out and a muffled, 'one minute' reaches my ears as I quickly sweep off the pieces that had fallen on the floor, not wanting Lucas to step on any one of them. "Lucas!" I call out again when one minute has passed.

"One second!" His voice sounds through the door. I glance at my watch, hasten my steps, and throw his room door open.

"What the— what are you doing?" I ask, correcting myself at the last moment, not wanting him to pick up curse words at an early age. He has a habit of imitating me. He used to keep his ketchup on the side. Now, he pours it on his fries, just like me.

"Tying my shoes! I'm almost done."

With a huff, I squat in front of him, bringing his legs forward and deftly knotting the laces of his sneakers. "All done. Can we go now?" His sheepish look makes me narrow my eyes at him. I already know he has done something wrong. "What?" His eyes fleet onto his nightstand and my jaw clenches at the still-full bowl of cereal that sits atop it.

Read Episode 2 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/the-ceos-favorite-episode-2/

For as low as 500 naira, I'll be designing beautiful book covers for everyone that comments on this thread.

The picture attached is my most recent work.

Episode 22

I WANNA PUNCH HIM IN THE FACE

Glory's POV
Marie was taken away by her mother's security men last night. I've started flirting with one of them so I can get some information. He has already told me that she was taken to The commissioner for agriculture's son. She's supposed to get married to him in a few days or so.

I had already informed her dad about it now I have to also inform Francis as well. I didn't have his number as it wasn't on the staff entry book. Maybe I might find it somewhere in Marie's room or on the phone which I gave her.

Her mum had travelled the night before leaving everything and everyone in my care.

I walked up the stairs and opened Marie's door. Thank goodness it wasn't locked.
I went in and started opening her books to see if she must have written it anywhere but I found none.
Then I decided to search for the phone instead but there was no trace of it as well.

I decided to check out the bathroom. I turned the knob but it was locked.
I went back to her bedside drawer and found a hair pin.
I'm going to try using it to open the door. (I'm no James Bond but I can open a door with a hair pin and start a car with some wires)

It didn't take me a minute to open the door. I got in and searched everywhere but couldn't find it anywhere.

I was about quitting when I opened her tampon box and found the phone inside it.
I took it out and went back into the room.
I sat on her comfortable bed and switched it on.
The phone came alive and I quickly went to the call log and saw the last call she made just before she was taken away.

I dialed it and the receiver picked up immediately.
📞 Hello Rie, what's up are you okay? He asked in one breath

📞 I'm sorry, it's not Marie speaking. This is Glory one of the maids.

📞Oh! He said and sighed disappointedly. But where is she?

📞Her mother took her away last night and I don't know where she is. I lied (I wasn't ready to tell him that Jude has her, he'll freak out)
Do you have time to meet so I can fill you in on everything?

📞 Yeah sure! He answered quickly.
📞 Okay, I'll text you time and location.

📞Thanks,Bye! He said as I disconnected the call.

This is going to be tough. He's gonna need answers and I better get ready to give them to him.

I texted him the address and went outside to inform Sam that he'll be driving as he was the only one to be trusted.

*Two Hours Later*

I got into the car and shut the door as Sam started driving out, we got to the gate and informed the gateman that we had to go get household supplies to prevent any suspicion.

We got to the location and Francis who was already waiting got in immediately.
He wore a hoodie and a matching pair of Nike sweatpants.

He looked very tired and dejected.

'You look like a widower' I told him jokingly as he sat in the car.
He only responded with a scoff.

He was still cute even though he was sad and frowning. I better not stare too much or I might start drooling over him.

Gosh! He was missing this girl so much!!
Nobody has to tell you that he really is madly in love with her.
So sweet!!

Francis POV
When I got that call, I thought it was my babe. But sadly, it wasn't.

'So you said you don't know where they took her to?' I asked as I finished taking a sip of the orange juice before me.

(After a long drive, We were now sitting somewhere which looked like a golf course. Sam said it belonged to Marie's father.They both kept looking around as if they were expecting someone)

'Actually, I do know who she is with but I don't know where' She answered after a little hesitation.

I looked at her with a curious expression indicating that she had to continue

'The Commissioner for agriculture's son has her but we don't know where he is holding her' Sam said after a short silence

I buried my face in my palm as I cussed repeatedly under my breath.
That idiot!! I remember him from the other day when he held her hand.

His face was so ripe for a punch I thought as I clenched my fist.
I'm going to lose it if I don't find Marie. (What has this girl done to me? I've never felt this way about any girl before)

The next minute, I saw cars driving into the place and a few security men stepped out of the car and Marie's father also stepped out.

What Guess it's about darn time.

Read Episode 23 Here>>

https://beat.com.ng/my-mums-gateman-episode-23/

Episode 5

Last night, I stayed up reading books on how to be a good secretary and every other material I could get my hands on which has to do with secretarial work.

So far so good, I've learned two important things. Number one; arrive before your boss and number two; wait for the boss to leave before you do same.

This meant leaving the house as early as possible. Oh boy!

***

I alighted from the taxi, settled the driver and ran straight through the small gate which was already open into the premises scanning to see if Alex's car was parked at the usual spot under the car shade but I couldn't find it anywhere in sight.

Good enough! I breathed a little sigh of relief and waved to the gateman who was sitting on a white plastic chair outside his post and lacing up his boots.

A few minutes after I sat down in the small cubicle, Alex arrived. He returned my 'good morning' with what sounded like an almost inaudible mumble.




I stood up and followed slowly into his office where I read out his schedule for the day, got some tasks to perform and returned to my position to get to work on the stuff he just gave me.




“A new secretary!” I heard someone remark and I lifted my head up from the screen to see who's speaking. It's the guy who was talking to Alex the second day I saw him. They somehow look alike though but not very much.

“Good morning Sir.” I greeted and he gave me a friendly smile before he replied and asked if Alex was in before walking to his office door where he knocked and went in.




If only Alex was like that, the world would be a better place to live in.

Almost immediately after the guy walked into the office, the desk phone rang startling me a bunch.

I picked up and realized that it was Alex calling. I rolled my eyes at the realization. He needed me in his office and barely spoke for eight seconds.

I dropped the phone and walked to his office door where I knocked and he ushered me in.

“Where's the document I asked you to retype earlier on?” He demanded curtly as soon as I walked in.

“I'm working on the last page sir.” I responded nervously. What does this guy take me for? Some robot who can type a thousand words in a minute?

“I needed it like an hour ago.” He said in a bit of a yell slamming his palm on his desk while the other guy only sat there watching the entire Episode leaving me red with embarrassment.

“Okay Sir! I'm Sorry sir!” I pleaded as I made to hurry out of the office.

“I'm not done yet.” He added intimidatingly and I turned round to face him again.

“Rewrite this report. I need it on my desk before the close of work today.” He said and dropped a blue covered spiral bound document on his desk and I picked it up before finding my way out of the office.




I stole a quick glance at the other guy and I could tell clearly that he was unimpressed. But with who? I can't tell. Infact, I cared less at that point as I made my way out of the office my heels making a considerable amount of noise.




Returning to my cubicle in annoyance, I hurriedly typed out the remaining page that I was working on, went through it for any typos and finally hit print.

I walked back to the office and presented the finished work to Alex but he motioned for me to hand it to the other guy which I did and rushed out of the office after he okayed it to finish up with the other pending tasks.

“Best of luck with your boss.” The other guy said sarcastically with a little side smile as he emerged from the office and walked away holding the papers I'd given him earlier on.

“Thanks!” I responded shyly as I was still too embarrassed to lift my head and face him.




“I need it.” I muttered under my breath as I kept busy rewriting the report.




***

Three Days Later.....

“Good job!” Alex commended rather dryly and my eyes widened in a mix of shock and surprise.

Are my ears malfunctioning or I'm I daydreaming?

My jaw dropped instantly and I couldn't even bring myself to say anything.




Alex just commended me? That's just unbelievable!




“Folake!!” Alex yelled dragging me back to reality.
So he even remembers my name?

I forced a smile as I realized that he was holding out the paper on which the report was written.

“Are you okay?” He asked slowly and I nodded in response as I struggled to regain composure as I noted a slight disdain in his tone or was I misreading it?

“Make three more copies.” He concluded bluntly and returned his attention to his laptop.

To sum it up, I left the office; made the copies and submitted them to him just before he left for the day. Whew!

I still can't believe that Alex actually commended me today.

Making my way to the sales department to find Ama, it turns out that she'd already left for the day so I decided to call her up.

All through the drive back home in the taxi, I gisted Ama on what went down between me and Alex until I got home.

Today's Friday and a successful first week under Alex. Thank God I'm still employed!

Tina travelled yesterday with Chief and will be back in a couple of days which means I'll be alone all weekend.

Next morning, I decided to go and get some sanitary pads from the supermarket since I had just two left.

On my way to the counter to make my payment, I sighted someone that looked exactly like Alex.

I didn't want to take the chance of making sure if it was really him so I slowly retreated back into the section where I'd come out from and stood at a point where I could still get a good view of what he was doing until I saw him walk out of the store before I equally got out from my ‘hiding’ place to go and make my own payment.

My heart almost jumped out of my chest as I emerged from the store and made my way out of the premises passing the many cars parked outside only to come face to face with Alex resting on the hood of his car making a phone call.

I stopped dead in my tracks as our eyes met.

Little devil! So it was him for real?

“Good morning sir.” I managed to say with the fakest smile I could manufacture on my face when he finally finished with his phone call.

“Morning. How are you doing?” He responded almost emotionlessly.

“Doing very well Sir.” I also replied flatly and he nodded before walking over to the driver's side, opened the door and turned round to look at me as if I was some sort of clown.

“See you on Monday.” He added coolly, sat in the car and shut the door without caring to wait for a response from me. I don't think I'll ever understand this yeye guy ever.

I scoffed and continued on my way while looking back every now and then towards where he was in the car which still didn't move until I turned a corner and the car was out of view.

***

“So he just got into his car like that. I mean, just how rude could this guy get?” Ama asked as I concluded my narration to her during lunch time on Monday.




“Babes, I instantly regretted walking up to greet him.” I said dropping my spoon back into my now empty plate.




“No, you did the right thing by greeting him. I just think that he didn't have much to say or you made him nervous.” Promise said and Ama nodded in agreement with a bottle of Sprite pressed on her lips and I laughed at the sarcasm of being able to make Alex nervous when it's usually the other way around.




We gossipped at length about Alex throughout lunch break before we finally parted ways and I returned to my cubicle.

On my arrival, the desk phone was ringing so I rushed to pick up.

It was Alex calling! Gee! He was already back from lunch and wanted me in his office. He sounded really upset on the phone. This isn't good. He usually takes up to an hour or more before he returns from lunch.

I walked into the office expecting the worst as I rubbed my palms together since it was already getting sweaty- a habit whenever I'm nervous.




Alex wasn't smiling at all. Chai! See me, see wahala!




“Good afternoon sir.” I greeted nervously. He didn't say anything for a while as he eyed me up and down repeatedly making me feel so awkward and uncomfortable under his gaze to the point that I started adjusting my dress just in case.




“Retype that trash!” He barked angrily and slammed a file on the table making me jump in fright.




He looked really impetuous with eyes so red. Only God knows how many demons he's battling today. He wasn't just mad at me, he looked like he was going through something else that made him like this today.




“What are you waiting for? Leave my office!” He yelled again and I picked up the file and scurried out of the office.




Don't get me wrong, he's always blunt, annoying and conceited but today, since morning, he's been nothing but plain bitter and brutal. That's different and really scary.




I returned to my cubicle feeling really frightened by Alex's violent behavior.

Going through the paper, I found the typos I'd made. Just two of them that he circled with blue pen and he dared to call my hard work trash just for that.

This is clearly a case of transferred aggression.

Thankfully, I hadn't deleted the soft copy of the document from my computer so I just searched for it, edited and hit print.




In a matter of minutes, I was done and knocked on his door for about five times before he eventually told me to come in.

His back was turned towards the direction of the door. So it's that bad and he doesn't even want to look me in the eye?

I dropped the file on the table after informing him and turned to walk out.

“Cancel all of my appointments for today and tomorrow.” He said in a cracky and hoarse sounding voice like someone who'd been crying.

Gosh! I dared not ask him if he's okay. He may just get up and give me a slap for what it's worth.

Could he really be crying? I doubt it. But if he is, then he needs some serious help.

I returned to my desk and made all the necessary phone calls cancelling every single appointment he had for that day and the next.

He stayed in his office until some minutes to six before he finally came out with the straightest face ever and left for the day without even looking at me or giving me any tasks for the next day as usual.

I quickly picked up my hand bag and phone and also left for the day thanking God that I didn't get fired.

Tina called as I was on my way down the stairs and we talked until I got home. She has enough airtime to stay on the phone forever. Mtchew!

Right now, I was confused about the whole situation with Alex. Is he going to be okay? Should I ask him what is wrong?

Nope, I shook my head as the last question came to mind. It may not be my business but I'm gonna give it time though. If he's still like that in the next few days, I'll take the risk and ask him.

Read Episode 6 Here>>
https://beat.com.ng/couldnt-pretend-episode-6/

Crestaria:
Good start indeed!!

Thanks so much I hope everyone loves it