CHAPTER FOUR

Alex

Two months ago before Ruby was back, I was in need of a secretary because my former secretary resigned due to some family emergency and as life played out Chioma was the only person available at the moment. Since I was desperately in need of one, I gave the job to her but I avoided her like plague because the last time we met was when I stupidly kissed her. I didn’t want to give her any hope of us being together.

Unfortunately, A day came when I called her into my office so she can give me the financial reports because my personal assistant wasn’t around so she acted as my PA for the day. She used the opportunity.

“Hi Alex, you called for me.” She said seductively which was actually irritating. Sometimes I wonder where the shy Chioma that was Ruby’s best friend is. A complete opposite of her.

“It’s Mr. Chimezie or Mr. Alex.” I corrected her.

“Hi Mr. Alex” she said batting her fake eyelashes and biting her lips while dragging her already mini skirt up openly craving for my attention. Too much skin is on display.

“Where are the reports I asked for?” I asked ignoring her tactics.

“This is it Mr. Alex” she leaned forward seductively so her bossoms were showing and dropped the reports on my table.

I wonder what the ladies of nowadays have turned to. All behaving like sluts. I decided I’m going to change the dresscode.

“You can go now.” I say dismissing her so she can get out of my sight.

She went to the door but didn’t open it instead she turned back to me.

“Mr. Alex…”

“Yes Miss Chioma?”

“I’m always available for anything. Don’t hesitate to call me when you need my service personally… You know what I mean.” She winked and went out of the door.

back to present

Sitting in my car that is packed in the hotel parking lot still unsure about my recent decision, a message popped in.

Room 302, I’m waiting ;)

The message gave me my answer.

Ruby

It hurts. I still feel the pain of his yarsh words even after he left. The last statement he made is still ringing in my brain.

If you must know Ruby… I also have a girlfriend I love so much. But for the sake of our parent’s friendship and your father’s company, I FORCEFULLY AGREED TO THIS.

I let the tears that I’ve been holding fall.

Someone knocked at the door. I cleaned my tears and out on a smile and opened the door. It’s my mother.

“Hey mom… Good evening.”

“Good evening my dear, how are you?”

“Fine mom.”

“You don’t look so well, were you crying Ruby?”

“No mom… I’m not.” I lied.

“Come here my baby, what’s wrong? You can tell me.” She sat down on the sofa dropping her expensive ‘MK’ bag beside her.

“Mummy… Don’t worry, I’m not crying.”

“I know you my daughter, Bia Nnwam, let mummy take care of you, you know you can confide in me.”

“Ok.” I went to meet her, sat down on the floor and placed my head on her laps while she’s soothing my back. “Mum?”

“Yes my dear.”

“Alex came.”

“Oh… That’s great news.”

“No mum, it isn’t. He came to remind me about our arranged marriage.”

“Is there anything wrong in that? Is that why you’re crying?”

“Mom, I don’t want to marry Alex.”

“Why?”

“He’s an asshole, a certified jerk, I hate him.”

“What? Hate? You don’t Ruby. Hate is a strong word, maybe you’re just angry with him.”

“Yes I’m angry with the jerk.”

“I thought he was your bestfriend? Is it because he left to the states without saying goodbye? Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll tell you the reason when you ask him, Okay?”

I just nodded because I know my mum didn’t know the main reason why I locked myself up in my room eight years ago.

Alex

A heavy body was sprawled on mine. I opened my eyes but instantly closed it back due to the harsh rays on sunlight peeping through the curtain. I tried once again and this time I succeeded as I gently sat up. I felt a splitting headache and placed my hands on my head. I directed my eyes to the body sprawled on me.

It’s a lady’s body.

I tried to recall how I ended up in a bed with a lady but couldn’t remember a thing. I looked inside the blanket that was covering my body.

I gasped.

I’m naked! Where am I?

The lady opened her eyes and smiled. She looked at me and it was then that I knew it was-

Chioma? Why was she smiling? How the hell am I in a room with her? I noticed she was using her hand to hold the blanket to her body.

Did we do it?

Getting frustrated I asked her. “What’s the time?” She took her phone from the bedside table and checked the time.

“Ten minutes past seven.” She said. “It’s saturday, you don’t need to go to the office.”

I laughed. What’s she trying to insinuate? That I should stay on the bed with her and cuddle? She was dreaming. I can’t because the only woman I am to cuddle with is Ruby; my future wife.

I saw my clothes scattered on the floor. I picked them up and wore them. I picked my phone and searched around for anything that belongs to me and left the room. Going to the elevator, I mistakenly ran into someone.

“Sorry.” I apologised looking at the man who just nodded at me. The elevator door closed but I saw a glimpse of the man smiling creepily.

I ran into my car after sighting it in the parking lot and entered. Immediately I heard a ding from my phone indicatIng it was a message. It was from an unknown number. I opened the message seeing pictures of I and chioma drinking and laughing and another one of me on top of her.

Who the hell did this?

I looked closely at the picture and I realised I was totally drunk, No wonder I had headache when I woke up. I tried to remember what happened last night and it all came to me this time.

11 hours ago

Rm 302, I’m waiting ;)

I came out of the car, entered the elevator and went straight to the hotel room and knocked.

“It’s opened, come in Alex.” Chioma voice rang from inside.

I entered the room and I saw Chioma sprawled on the bed wearing a skimpy night gown holding a glass of wine.

“Oh Alex, you’re here.” She said pouring the wine in another glass and she gave it to me.

“Drink up, let me give you a night you shall not forget.” I foolishly drank the wine deciding to drink and forget the pain Ruby inflicted on me. I wanted to totally forget her because I kept on thinking about her. I kept on remembering her face.

“Give me more wine.”

I drank continuously till I passed out.