Thanks guys. Yay! !! We made front page

Later that night, Amoge got a call from Lola. "Amoge I am finished! .He has left me"."What happened ?"Amoge asked ."When he went to  drop me off at my parent's house, I asked him to come inside for dinner. He refused and said that we need to move our wedding forward. He said he feels we don't know each other well enough".


"Please beg your husband to plead with him.Afterall it's not like I cheated on him " Lola said to her.
"I will see what I can do .Just calm down!" Amoge said.


Months Went by. Amoge decided to start a training course to teach people how to be professional make up artists. She was preoccupied with getting the ideal location for the studio that she almost forgot that Arinze's birthday was in a couple of days.

She decided to plan a surprise birthday party for him.She invited his close friends and relatives in Lagos as well as hers .Amoge booked his favourite restaurant which specialised in local delicacies.

It was the day of the surprise birthday party. Arinze's brother Jidenna called him in the morning. "Hi big bro! , happy birthday! , how are you celebrating your day?."No plans Jide.It will be a quiet one for wifey and I "he said to him."Why? Okay ! Meet me at our joint by 5pm so that we can hang out for an hour before you go home to celebrate with Amoge". Arinze agreed to the plan and hung up the phone.

As soon as Arinze and Jidenna went into the restaurant at the previously agreed time,they heard a loud scream "Happy birthday Arinze !".Amoge came out from the crowd to hug her husband.

"I can't believe you hid this from me .Thanks a lot babe" he said to her with a smile on his face. "Anything for you darling, you deserve even more" she replied .

As the guests were mingling with each other, Jason sat down with Jidenna waiting for the food they ordered to arrive. Jidenna saw a family friend come in through the door and went to greet him.

Jason sat alone scrolling through his phone messages. He heard a female voice say to him;"a penny for your thoughts ".My name is Olivia what's yours? .

Lola replied Amoge with a low voice "I am so sorry about how I treated you in the past.I thought I loved William but It was just infatuation, besides he kept comparing you to me, so I ended the relationship".

     "I  really love Jason. Please forgive me. Don't tell him about what I did to you .He hates it when he is lied to. This could end our engagement".She pleaded with her.

"Don't you think that you should just tell him that you atleast knew me in the past . What's the big deal?.We have all moved on."You don't understand, Jason is a perfectionist and a bit judgemental " she said to Amoge.

Jason stormed into the living room and walked up to Lola and said "So you have been lying to me all these while." "Lying about what?" Lola replied. "Why can't you speak the truth, I heard everything you said to Amoge, everything ! ."I am going to ask you one last time ,"why were you begging Amoge for forgiveness ?".

Arinze came into the living room when he heard all the noise ."Jason you are supposed to be getting your contractor's number from your second phone. What's going on? ".

" I am sorry bro! but I just need answers from Lola, he said to Arinze . Lola told him how she and Amoge were best of friends in secondary school .She confessed to hiding the love letters , Amoge's crush ;William sent to her and how she sabotaged their relationship.

" I am so sorry Jason. I am a changed person. I didn't want you to know about the shameful things that I did in the past " , she said to him .

She went down on her knees and begged Jason." I do not have any other secret, please forgive me for lying to you.I denied knowing Amoge because I was afraid " she said to him.


Jason looked at Lola with disdain and said to Arinze "how could you have hidden all this from your own brother? ".

He walked away from everyone and went to his car.
Lola ran after him .She opened the car door and went inside before he couldstop her.

Amoge saw them arguing with themselves in the car and after some minutes, Jason drove off with her.

Amoge had mixed feelings about what happened. A part of her was happy that Jason was finally realising the kind of lady he wanted to marry but the other part of her remembered the good old days in secondary school. The remorse written all over her face plus the tears ,made her feel sorry for Lola.

Amoge and Arinze enjoyed their honeymoon. It was a well deserved holiday from the stress of work .They got back to Lagos afterwards and Amoge moved into Arinze's house.

It was a cool Saturday evening, Amoge and her husband were playing cards while eating some cashew nuts ,Arinze's phone rang ."Hi bro,are you at home?" Yes , I am at home with my ' iyawo' he said."Okay I am coming over" the voice said.

"Jason is coming over" Arinze said to Amoge. When? Amoge asked . "He is on his way already "he replied .

Amoge went into the kitchen to prepare a quick snack for Jason .In about 20 minutes, the door bell rang and Arinze went to usher in the expected visitor."Wow! you didn't tell me that you were coming with Lola" he said with a fake smile on his face. "You're welcome dear ,make yourself comfortable, he said to Lola. "

Arinze went to the kitchen to inform Amoge of Lola's presence. "Jason came with Lola he said to her " What's she doing here ? Amoge replied with a frown on her face.


They both went back to the living room to see the guests. Jason told them that they were just coming from a wedding and decided to visit them since they were in their neighbourhood.


Amoge offered them some refreshments and sat beside Arinze. After a while, both men started discussing about work and Arinze said to Jason;"come and have a look at the model of the new mall project I spoke to you about earlier".

Jason followed Arinze into his study.As soon as Amoge heard the door shut behind them,she went to where Lola was and said "you certainly have guts coming into my matrimonial home uninvited .Aren't you tired of all your lying and scheming ?"Amoge said to her.

The cold night breeze was so relaxing. Arinze and Amoge decided to drink their cups of tea with biscuit while enjoying the scenery in silence. They didn't have to talk all the time for either of them to enjoy each other's company. Just being in each other's presence and looking into each other's eyes was priceless. 


   Amoge interrupted the silence by saying "babe did you see Tunde and Olivia dancing during our wedding reception? ".I thought I was the only one who saw it ,Arinze said with a smile on on his face. Amoge replied," the Olivia that I know was probably just flirting with him.


I saw some sparks flying between the two of them anyway." Tunde, my best buddy has always been a principled kind of guy, I hope she doesn't lead him on for long" he said to Amoge .Enough of the love birds, let's go to bed darling ,my feet hurt"  she said.

They both went into the room and laid on the bed. Amoge promised herself that she would save her virginity for her husband. She felt a bit anxious lying beside him.He looked into her eyes and said" I love you so much. Thanks for making me the happiest man alive".Amoge giggled and placed her arm on his shoulder. He kissed her aching lips and caressed her smooth curvy body.


Amoge looked at the love of her life.The only one who believed in her and brought out the best in her .The one who was the definition of love itself. She was glad that she had some one who cherished even the ground she walked on .She gave herself to him and they were one.

As Amoge and Arinze went to their room,he asked her " was that not the Lola that stole your ex boyfriend?".Yes babe! What goes around, comes around! .See how she pretended and lied to her fiance.No remorse whatsoever on her face after all she did to me . "Don't say that love,her actions , no matter how wicked they were,brought you to me. I am glad that you handled her well ",he said to her.

    They got to the elevator which took them to the floor of their honeymoon suite.One of the wedding gifts they received from Arinze's parents was a 4 day  ,all expense paid ,lodging  at the hotel's penthouse suite.

   Arinze and Amoge went into the room. Their jaws literally dropped. The suite was exquisitely furnished in Venetian style and the view of the lake was absolutely amazing.The living room area had an antique dining set ,a sofa with unique throw pillows ,facing a wide flat screen TV.

There was a small bar beside a grand piano. The paintings in the suite as well as other decorative items were beautiful.


The bedroom had a walk -in closet with a king sized bed .The mattress and sheets were the softest they had ever laid on.There were red rose petals with mini bar swiss chocolates on the bed.The marble bathroom had a shower and a jacuzzi facing the lake.

He unzipped her gown gently and undressed her.He undressed himself to reveal his well toned muscles. Arinze carried his wife to the jacuzzi and lowered her into the warm bubbly water.

He quickly lit the scented candles, switched off the lights of the bathroom and entered into the the jacuzzi as well.

He sat behind her and together they enjoyed the view of the lake while discussing the wedding ceremony in details. They eventually got into their white bathrobes and went to the balcony.

Amoge loved the photo session. Just as they were about going into the hotel's  restaurant  reserved for the reception of the guests, she saw Arinze's maternal cousin Jason;holding Lola's hand as they advanced towards the door of the restaurant.

      It was an intimate wedding reception. Amoge's brother connected his laptop to the loud speaker so that he could play "Naija" songs when necessary.They danced so much that Amoge's sides began to ache.Everyone showed off their best dance steps even the elderly relatives in their midst.

The ceremony ended and the guests came to bid Arinze and Amoge farewell before retiring to  their hotel rooms.

    Jason came with Lola to the latest couple. "Arinze meet my fiancee. I brought her with me to introduce her formally to you and your wife",he said to them.

   Lola smiled at Arinze and Amoge. She thanked them for hosting them well."It was a beautiful wedding "she said.

Arinze said "thank you "and put his arm around Amoge's shoulder." I hope that you will take care of my brother well?" " sure, I will "she replied and moved her gaze away from Amoge.

Amoge said to Jason with a smile, so when did you guys meet? Lola interrupted Jason's reply "6 months ago" she said in a fidgety manner ".Amoge saw how uncomfortable she was in her presence.

Jason said to Lola "sweetheart have you met either of them before?,"No!"she replied ."You look pale, i hope you are okay ?", he asked with a little anxiety. Before Lola could reply, Amoge looked into Lola's eyes and said "It was nice meeting the both of you! .I hope we shall see more of you guys in the future " .

The longitudinal posts of the gazebo had white Italian Clematis vine flowers going from the ground to the roof .

 
    The few guests available sat on gold seats arranged in two  short columns with the well decorated aisle in between.

      To the left of the gazebo was the  music area which comprised of a violinist, pianist , a saxophonist and a vocalist.

       Amoge looked forward to the gazebo area and saw Arinze wearing a sapphire blue tuxedo with black satin notch lapels on black trousers. His best man stood close to him. They watched with admiration as the little bride and maid of honour walked towards the officiating priest at the gazebo.

Amoge finally walked down the aisle with her dad beside her.He was proud of his little girl who had turned into a beautiful hardworking lady.

All eyes were on them .More on Amoge however, since she was the bride to be. They all stood as she walked to meet the man of her dreams.The violinist played a soulful tune which almost brought tears to Amoge and her dad especially at the point where he handed her over to Arinze .

"You are so beautiful "Arinze hurriedly whispered into her ears. He admired her gorgeous tumbled tulle wedding dress and well packed hair adorned with a white fascinator. Being a professional make up artist,she did justice to her already beautiful and well contoured face.
He couldn't keep his eyes off her all through the wedding ceremony.

The ceremony was very nice and precise. As they walked towards their guests,Amoge saw someone that looked like Lola. "This can't be Lola" she said and went to take pictures with her friends and family .

It was the long awaited wedding day ,the excitement in the air was palpable.Their immediate family members and very close friends flew in to Venice to celebrate with them.

       Amoge  was in the hotel room with her Chief bride's maid and sister getting ready for the wedding which was set for 6pm .Occasionally, her mum would pop into the room to ensure that they were  keeping track of time.

     Arinze was also with his brother and close male buddies chatting and dressing up for the ceremony .

It was 5:50pm.Amoge received a text alert on her phone which read : "My love,my heart beats for you.May our fairytale romance last till we are old, frail and perhaps using walking sticks.See you at the at the alter babe." She giggled like a high school girl in love and replied" I am Yours till eternity and beyond ".

Amoge stood at the entrance of the garden with her dad by her side and maid of honour in front of her. Chinenye's adorable daughter ;Olivia,who was the little bride,had already walked down the aisle scattering rose petals on the floor.

The view of garden which overlooked the lagoon was like paradise. The garden had a well lit spouting fountain which spilled water from various orifices .The reservoir had tiny light bulbs around it with water lily flowers arranged equidistantly from each other.

The entire perimeter of the garden had small vintage outdoor lamp shades mounted at strategic locations in the garden.

Amoge saw how beautifully arranged the fuchsia pink and white orchid flowers were placed around the wedding gazebo.

The longitudinal posts of the gazebo had white Italian Clematis vine flowers going from the ground to the roof of the gazebo.

Sorry oh! I have been so busy. Will update soon

"We have to trust each other if we are going to make this marriage work", Amoge said." I am also sorry for not telling you that William came to my house but it was so late .I know that I should have pushed him away forcefully but I didn't want to jeopardise our long friendship " , Amoge said.

"All that is in the past now " he said and held her in his arms. "Will you be able to forgive me for treating you so badly?. This is not how I want our marriage to start" he said to her while stroking her long hair. "I love you darling", Amoge said."I love you too babe!" he replied and kissed her gently on her cold lips.
  
"Let's dress up ,have something to eat and start finalising arrangements for the Church wedding ceremony before our guests start arriving",Arinze said to her.
They spent the next few days sightseeing and putting things in order. They loved the food ,drinks and the beautiful architecture of the city.

Amoge loved particularly, the late night gondola rides along enchanting Venetian canals with Arinze, especially the ones that had the gondolier singing traditional Italian songs.

To be continued

Amoge spent some time soaking in the beauty of the city. She took advantage of the gym facility by using the thread mill and other equipments.

She eventually went inside the room and slipped under her duvet after a cold bath . No sooner had she laid on the bed than she drifted off to sleep.

After some hours of sleeping,Amoge felt what seemed like an arm around her.At first she felt she was still dreaming, then she quickly turned around to see Arinze lying beside her and looking into her eyes.

"When did you arrive ?"Amoge asked with a cold voice ."About an hour ago , I just took a quick shower and came to lie down.

"You look so beautiful while sleeping. I didn't want to wake you up,Arinze said . "So what have you been doing? " ,she asked. "I have been staring at my wife, my gorgeous wife" , he replied .


"I see!" Amoge said with sarcasm in her voice and got out of the bed.She walked away to the balcony to get some space away from him. Arinze followed her .He came behind her and put his arms around her waist ."

Leave me alone!", she screamed." So all of a sudden, you remember that you have a wife? Eh!".Do you know what I have been going through all these while? .

Arinze turned her around to face him."I am so sorry for hurting you baby . Something died inside me when I saw your friend kiss you. I told you that I broke up with my ex on the day I planned on proposing to her. I caught her cheating on me with my best friend. My best friend Amoge! , he said with sadness.

"I actually came to take you to the airport that morning despite your alternative plans.However, It looked like you prevented me from taking you to the airport so that you would have a rendezvous with your ex", he said to her.

Arinze told her that the flights to Venice made him think well about the situation. He said that he didn't want to loose everything on account of distrust.

It was a lonely flight to Italy but she was glad she arrived safely. Amoge took a boat shuttle from the airport to her hotel .She was so tired that she had a hot shower and slept off immediately she laid on the bed.

Amoge woke up at about 12 midnight and unpacked her things. She indulged in a light snack as she watched television .

"I am so bored", she said to herself and walked towards the balcony of her hotel room. She noticed the full length windows which gave a great view of the lagoon.

Amoge got to the balcony .The view of the lagoon was even more breathtaking.Her thoughts went to Arinze. She wondered if he still loved her.She said to herself with teary eyes, "If I don't see him here by tomorrow night, then it's over between us.I can't take this torture any longer "

It was the morning of their supposed  flight to Venice . Amoge had mixed feelings about the trip.This was not how her fantasy about the build up to big day played out in her dreams. She put her clothes , shoes and other personal items in a suitcase. She then went to her wardrobe to bring out her wedding dress.

She looked at her beautiful wedding dress ."What's the point of buying this dress" she asked herself in anger ." It's all my fault "she screamed and hurriedly placed the gown in a separate rectangular plastic box.

Amoge picked her phone up.She looked at her screen and saw the picture of her and Arinze taken a while back. "What happened to us? She asked herself. He doesn't want me anymore! .How do I make it right between us? " ,she asked herself with tears running down her cheeks. "Let me try his number one more time "she thought to herself.


As she tried calling his number, his call came in. "Hi , I hope you are okay? I won't be able to travel tonight with you. I will be on the next flight. I have to seal a business deal that came up suddenly.

"Okay" Amoge said sadly. "I will transfer some money to your credit card so that you don't get stranded in my absence, he said to her. "See you soon then" ,Amoge said." I love you! , she said with a soft voice .Amoge didn't get any response from him. She looked at her phone, only to discover that the call had already ended. "So much for trying one more time "she murmured.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the reviews

"Why did he call you? " ,Arinze asked. "He just called to wish me a happy married life" ,she replied ." By what time ?Arinze angrily looked at his wrist watch to confirm the time. You guys must think I am stupid.You are still dating him behind my back Amoge! ", he yelled at her .


Amoge went down on her knees and held his trousers. "Babe , believe me!I was surprised to see him in Lagos. I was angry when he stole that kiss and I am even more vexed that he just called me.

I love you so much and I would never intentionally disrespect you" she said with tears running down her cheeks.

"Imagine how embarrassing it would have been if Jidenna escorted me to your house that morning. The only reason I continued with the wedding was because I hadn't heard your defence story. Your sister called to explain to an extent what happened between you and that guy.When you sent me that text this morning, my heart melted only for you to break it again with this call .

He walked away from her and didn't return to the room that night. Amoge cried herself to sleep.

She woke up the following day and assisted with house chores.She had to pretend that all was well . Arinze acted the role well.He sounded so sweet and affectionate in the presence of others but was cold to her when they were all alone.

They went back to Lagos a couple of days later.She went to her apartment while he went to his house.

They had barely 12 days left for the church wedding and they were supposed to travel to Italy a week to the wedding to put things in order before the their guests arrived.

Amoge was sad .She didn't know how long she could cope with the emotional torture. He only called her when he had vital information to pass across to her. Arinze buried himself with work and made several excuses when she suggested a date.

It was the morning of their supposed flight to Venice

He pulled her up to her feet and embraced her."I am so sorry "
she whispered into his ears. "You look so gorgeous Amoge . Let's not ruin our day , we shall dicuss later he whispered back into her ears".

The wedding ceremony came to an end. Amoge went with her husband to his village see her new home. She had dinner with Arinze after she having a shower.

It was 9pm, Arinze said to Amoge "We need to talk! ".He took her into his room and locked the door.

"Who was that guy that kissed you ?" , he asked with bitterness and coldness in his eyes ." His name is William" she replied. "He is the same William I told you that I dated in the past "Amoge said to him.While she tried explaining what actually happened to Arinze in order to clear the air, her phone rang.Amoge looked at the screen to see who the caller was." Why on earth is William calling me ?" She said to herself.

" Who is calling you "he asked? ."It is William "she replied reluctantly ."Answer him" Arinze said angrily .
"Hello William what's wrong?" Amoge asked. " Nothing is wrong. I didn't want to bother you earlier because I knew that you would be busy. I just called to wish you a happy married life" William said. "You didn't need to call to say that. Goodbye! ", Amoge said and ended the call furiously.

She finished making herself up .Her friends and family went to catch a glimpse of the bride to be with the intention of taking pictures. "You look so beautiful" they all said. Amoge wished those words were coming from Arinze.

Amoge looked at her watch with worry.She began to panick and started redialling Arinze's line .Suddenly, her aunt came into her room to announce excitedly, the arrival of Amoge's in laws to be . "Chinenye please go and confirm if Arinze came with them" , she whispered into her ears.

Chinenye returned to confirm that he indeed came with his family. Amoge was so excited. She did a final touch up of her make up and tied her traditional head tie to match her wrapper and blouse.
She went outside ,ushered by her close female friends and family members to greet her husband and in laws to be, as custom demanded.


Amoge danced to were Arinze was seated , his eyes met hers and he held the gaze . "That's a good sign" Amoge said to herself and danced back into the house after greeting the guests.

She came out the second time .Her father blessed a cup of palm wine and gave it to her .Amoge took the cup, went to where Arinze was and knelt down before him .

She took a sip of the palm wine while looking into his eyes. She was looking into the eyes of the man she loved. A man who treated her like a queen. Not even William would tear them apart she thought to herself. She gazed into his handsome face and gave him the cup . Arinze took the cup from her, stroked her left cheek softly with his left palm and drank the wine while looking into her beautifully made up face.

It was 7pm, preparations for the ceremony were in full gear. Relatives trooped in to greet Amoge and her parents. Madame Grace and her daughters spoke with Amoge in turns.They were excited about the next day.Amoge was very worried because she still hadn't heard from Arinze.

She called her elder sister; Chinenye who was already married with kids and took her into to the bathroom."I have something to tell you sis!"."What is so important that we have to discuss here , what's going on? She said.

Amoge narrated the situation of things to her."He isn't picking my calls" she said with bitterness and burst into tears. Chinenye consoled her sister and promised to speak with Arinze .

"Look at the bright side Amoge , if he had cancelled the wedding, he wouldn't have allowed his family to travel all the way to the village,she said . That's true Amoge said and cleaned her eyes."Why can't he just give me the chance to explain myself?", Amoge said.
What is wrong with me?Don't I deserve to be happy? ,Amoge asked Chinenye?

"Don't worry baby sis!You will get married tomorrow. Go and take a shower and sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day",Amoge's sister said to her.

Amoge woke up the following morning and prayed for the will of God to be done in her life.She was prepared for the worst case scenario. The aroma of the delicious local and intercontinental dishes being prepared for the ceremony aroused her appetite. She decided to have a proper meal since she had been unable to do so for two days.

Amoge sent Arinze a text message which read:"In life and death, you remain mine" and decided to get dressed for her wedding.

" I hope that guy that kissed you is on the same flight with you" , the text read . Amoge was speechless, she wished that she could get off the plane and clear the misunderstanding but the plane started taxing on the run way in preparation for take off.She quickly replied "you got it all wrong babe , it's not what you think ". Amoge switched off her phone to comply with airline regulations.


It seemed like the longest flight ever.What am I going to do? she said to herself . Her palms became sweaty and her heart rate increased. Amoge murmured to herself" I am finished! ,he is going to cancel the wedding . What am I going to tell my parents?" .

Immediately the plane landed , she tried Arinze's number but he didn't pick .She claimed her luggage and took a cab to her village.

She was so happy to see her parents and siblings. She didn't want to spoil the joy and excitement in the air so she kept the situation between her and Arinze to herself.

It was Friday morning, a day before the traditional wedding ceremony. There was still no word from him. At this point, she knew that she had to do something.

She called Arinze's younger brother; Jidenna."Hi Jide", she said. "Sis!" he replied. "How is Arinze doing? I haven't been able to reach him on his cell phone. Did you all travel yesterday afternoon as planned?" ."Yeah we all did except for Arinze. He said he would come later, he still has some things to sort out "he replied . "Please tell him to call me when you hear from him, she said and ended the call .

Amoge struggled to free herself from his grip but before she knew what was happening, William planted a kiss on her cheeks. "What was that for ?",she screamed. "You think that you can just come back after several months and waltz your way back into my life " she said . "Okay fine ! ,since we are not enemies, just give me a hug.Even if that's all I get from you, I will try to live with that"."Alright! " Amoge said with a smile and gave him a hug."I will miss you "he said. "I have to go now" Amoge replied .

Amoge hurriedly entered the cab and the taxi driver drove off. She saw a car that was identical to Arinze's, in front of the cab she was in.Amoge remembered that she forgot to inform Arinze that she was on her way to the airport and quickly called his line but he refused to pick. "I guess he is still sleeping" she said to herself.

Amoge got to the airport, checked in ,passed through security and sat down in the departure lounge." I am surprised Arinze hasn't replied my call "she thought to herself. She called his line several times but he didn't pick up.

It was time for boarding. Amoge went into the plane and sat down. She was sad and worried at the same time.She decided to send Arinze a text message saying that the plane was about to take off.A minute later she got a reply.

"You know what! , I don't really have time for all this long story. I have a flight to catch by 7am. Good bye".She walked out on him ,closed the door behind her and went under her duvet to continue sleeping.

Amoge's alarm clock woke her up by 4am. She had a shower and dressed up .Arinze offered to take her to the airport but she declined because she didn't want to stress him unnecessarily since he lived far from her. Amoge called her taxi driver's number to tell him that she was ready to leave for the airport.

The taxi driver called 15 minutes later to announce his arrival at her house. Amoge carried all her luggage to the front of her house and called the driver to assist her put them into the car.As she walked towards the taxi, she saw William walking towards her . "Don't tell me you slept outside" Amoge said. "Well I slept inside the car , I didn't want to miss the chance of seeing you before you travel" with a boyish smile on his face. He grabbed her into his arms.

It was 4 months after their engagement. Amoge and Arinze decided that they would have a big traditional wedding in the village and a very private wedding in Venice.

It was the night before Amoge was supposed to travel to village to prepare the traditional wedding ceremony . She had packed all the things she needed in her suitcase and decided to sleep early in order to catch the first flight to Enugu the following morning. Amoge must have slept for only about 10 minutes when she heard a loud bang on her door.

Her room was dark because she switched off the lights so she searched for her phone."Who would be banging on my door by this time of the night" , she asked herself? .She managed to use the light of her phone to find the light switch."Who is that? "she said with a loud voice without opening her door. It is me! ,a male voice replied. "What's your name?" Amoge replied ."It's William" ,he replied . Which William?, William who?.It's Amoge's William , he replied.

  Amoge reluctantly opened her door and said what are you doing in Lagos? .Obinna told me that you are getting married traditionally this weekend." You didn't even tell me Amoge. We used to be best friends, now your getting married without telling me. Who is this guy taking you away from me forever?" ."You don't know him William and frankly speaking I have moved on.I think you should too",Amoge replied with a frown.

" Amoge I love you deeply. I relocated to the UK to start all over again. I felt horrible because I lost you.I loved you right from when we were kids.Do you remember when we shared our school lunch and did assignments together?.Do you remember when we talked for hours over the phone? People make mistakes Amoge and I have changed. You don't know this new guy as much as you know me" ,William said.

It's not the end dear

For the first time in so many years, Amoge could say that she was truly happy. "Let us go for a horse ride" Arinze said to her . Amoge remembered when he told her that he played polo very well.

He hired one of the horses at the beach and rode the horse with Amoge sitted in front of him on the horse's back.He took her to a house on the beach made of wood.

They both went inside .It was a tastefully furnished room with a small dining area. The only source of light was from the lit candles. The candles were up to 20 and they gave off a beautiful fragrance together with that of the fresh rose petals scattered around the room.

The small dining table had 2 long red candles.Amoge could not see any sound system but she could hear soft music playing in the background. He pulled out a seat for her to sit on at the dining table.

Amoge looked at his handsome face and hazel eyes.His physical features were to die for .They had dinner and sat in front of the house.It was dark and cold outside so Arinze went inside to bring a jacket for her."Put your hands in the pocket of the jacket" he said.

Amoge felt something soft .It was like a big ball of cotton wool. She brought it out and said "take it and keep,you might need it later".Arinze replied her " look at it well ,do you think it's worth keeping?" .

Amoge looked at it critically and started breaking it up into smaller pieces until she saw a beautiful diamond ring.

Arinze went down on his knees and said "thank you Amoge for showing me the reality of true love .I cherish our friendship so much. You know me probably better than I know myself. Please allow me spend my life time loving you" .
Amoge could not believe the words she was hearing.
"I love you too" ,she said excitedly and" yes I would love to be your wife".He took her in his arms and gave her a kiss on her lips.

"I accept ! I will give our friendship a chance,just friends for now!" Amoge said .Arinze excitedly gave her a tight hug and took her home.

It was 12 months after Amoge and Arinze after Mr Okafor's retirement party. William relocated back to the UK according to what Obinna told Amoge. Arinze had now fully taken over the operations of Marigold estates on account of his dad's retirement.

Amoge enjoyed a beautiful friendship with Arinze even though she failed to acknowledge before him that they were dating. She was scared that the word 'dating' ,came with undue pressure and unrealistic expectations. They however knew that they both loved each other very much and enjoyed each other's company.

It was a cool Saturday evening. Amoge and Arinze were having a picnic by the beach. It was one of the most exclusive beaches in Lagos. They were watching the waves and hoping they could catch a glimpse of the sun set.

Lol.Will post soon dear.At work presently

Don't say that". She said while looking into his eyes. "I just don't know you well enough to trust you" she said with a soft voice. "Then give me a chance "Arinze said. Amoge remembered William's proposal which seemed so genuine. She quickly shrugged off the thought "I will never be a rebound girl to a man who never appreciated me in the first place" , she said to herself.

The weeks went by so fast .On the morning of Mr Okafor's retirement party, Arinze called Amoge to remind her of the event and the time."If you don't mind dear,I'llcome and pick you up for the party,if that's okay by you",Arinze said ."That is fine by me.See you by 4pm then " Amoge replied.

The door bell rang at exactly 4pm as earlier planned. Amoge went to the door to confirm who it was. Arinze smiled when he saw her at the door. They walked to where he packed his car and drove off.

His words broke the unusual silence in the car."You look so beautiful "he said. "You aren't looking bad either",Amoge replied . They discussed about school and other general topics till they got to their destination.

Arinze ushered her into the house. The guests hadn't yet arrived so Amoge stayed in the living room with Arinze . Madame Grace came into the room and saw her."My daughter how are you? I am so happy to see you. Arinze told me that you are both in the same MBA class. Please make yourself at home okay"she said .

Some minutes later , Arinze's sisters and brother came into the living room to greet her as well. Arinze's younger sisters ;Ifeoma and Nicole were particularly more excited to see her again. "What did this Arinze guy tell them about me", Amoge wondered in her heart.

Guests started arriving. Amoge assisted madame Grace and her daughters with last minute preparations. Amoge was standing beside madame Grace when Arinze joined them."Please mum I have to steal her away from you for some time". "No problem" she replied.

Arinze took Amoge to where the other guests were and gave her a seat."I don't want you to wear yourself out" he said . "I am not complaining" she replied. "Okay !but you're my guest.Let me get you some drinks and food ".He returned with both food and drinks servers ."You can place your order with them dear"he said to her.

The party went on well.Mr Okafor gave a heart warming speech along the line . Arinze sat beside her during the party. He introduced her to some of his close friends that attended the party as well. It was getting late. Amoge said to him, "I need to start heading home now"."Okay!" he replied, "let me go and get the car key"."I will tell your mum that I am leaving while you get your key" Amoge said .


They left the noise of the party and walked towards Arinze's car."Your coming here made my day.Thanks a lot " he said . "You were a great host , I enjoyed myself "she replied. They got to into the car and Arinze turned to face her. He looked at her with admiration. Why are you staring at me like that? Amoge said." You are beautiful , not just outwardly but within " he said to her.

Amoge moved her gaze away from him in a shy manner. She couldn't deny the fact that she was attracted to him but she didn't to make another mistake.
"Why do you hate me so much Amoge?"

She walked angrily to her door and opened it . William stood before her with a bouquet of fresh flowers and a gift bag. "What's all this for William?" She asked. "I had to come and see you .You have refused to pick my calls for months now " ."I am sure you know why" Amoge replied. "Yes I do ,my love but can I at least come in so that we can talk.
       
Amoge allowed him into her house. William went down on his knees and said " I am so sorry for how I treated you.Please can we start all over. You know that it's you that I have always loved . "So what about your precious Lola? "she blurted out in anger," I decided to date her some weeks after you and I broke up but it ended barely a month after. It was a disaster. We are not compatible in any way "he replied with a soft voice .

" I know that you have no reason to believe that I love you deeply but I am prepared to spend the rest of my life proving to you how much I feel about you. I have not been myself since you left me .Please take me back! Amoge ".

Amoge told him that she wasn't ready to become his rebound girl. He kept on pleading with her to forgive him."You can go home now, I will think about it.I forgave you a long time ago William".

A couple of months went by . Amoge learnt how to balance her business with school work. She promised herself that she would get the highest educational qualification no matter the obstacles.

She was studying at home in the evening when she heard her phone ring. It was a strange number. Amoge picked the call and heard a familiar voice.

"It's me Arinze ,I am calling to invite you for dad's retirement party coming up in two weeks time". "Unfortunately,I don't think I will be able to attend, she said . "It's not a date Amoge. I know that we are not best of friends but it would be nice to have you around plus my mum always asks of you."Ehmm okay I'll see if I can squeeze it into my tight schedule" , Amoge replied . They exchanged pleasantries and ended the conversation.

Almost immediately the call ended,another call came in . It was another unknown number. Amoge picked the call and said hello .The caller said" hi Amoge,it's me William. Can you come to your door? ".

To be continued