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I was filled with apprehension for reasons I couldn't comprehend when we entered into Vincent's home.

Chijioke came to the house as promised and we once again trekked to the junction to get an uber. He claimed he couldn't drive that was why he used the uber and he knew I wouldn't be happy if he brought Alec along.

The good driver dropped us in front of the huge gates of Vincent's home and we walked into the house.

After greeting Timini, Vincent's gateman, I swallowed at the first sight I saw. The dog was lying lazily underneath the carport. It raised it's head in our direction and just ignored us.

Touché.

"Oh poor Jackie." Chijioke started heading to where the dog was lying. Alarms blared in my head, my heart skipped and lodged in my throat.

Was he expecting me to follow him?

I looked towards the entrance of the mansion and decided to take cautious steps towards it. Hopefully Jackie would ignore me.

Chijioke turned and caught me taking my third step towards the mansion. He raised a brow in confusion. "Where to?"

"I'm just going to. . .you know the sun is really hot and I just. . ." I kept spluttering nonsense as I walked away slowly.

"You're really scared of dogs?" There was a hint of surprise and amusement in his tone.

"Who said that?" Probably Stephen.

Chijioke gave me a malevolent smirk and took heavy strides towards me.

"Chijioke what are you up to?" I asked taking equal steps backwards. Chijioke broke into a run and grabbed my arm before I could even say jack.

"Chijioke no no no. Stop! Chijioke stop it I'm not joking!" I yelled as he dragged me towards the bored dog. The dog just kept watching us with disinterest.

Chijioke was laughing. "Come and say hi to Jackie."

"No!" He thought this was funny? If not for my rib cage, I was very sure my beating heart would have fled.

I pulled and pulled and even tried to bite but Chijioke was strong enough to hold me. I eventually gave up and followed reluctantly when we were already close to the dog.

"Hey girl!" Chijioke squatted in front of the dog and started rubbing its fur. The dog looked so. . .sad. Was it possible for an animal to show such intensity of emotions?

"Is it sick?" I had stopped struggling against Chijioke but my heart was still in my throat.

"Probably just neglected," Chijioke sighed. "You want to pat it?"

Never.

"No. I don't want to get fleas."

Chijioke just chuckled and shook his head. "Let's go inside."

The air-conditioning was on full blast just like I was used to. And the house was quiet as usual.

"Vincent!" Chijioke hollered sitting on a couch. I heard doors close and open and a girl walked slowly into the sitting room. I noticed she released a sigh of relief and roll her eyes as she wiped latter covered palms on her skirt.

"No dey shout abeg."

"Hello to you too, Victor," Chijioke grinned from ear to ear.

The girl hissed so loudly, a snake would have been jealous "I don't even have your time." Winner turned her gaze to me. "I don't know you."

"She's my friend."

"Chai!" Winner exclaimed dramatically. "Of all humans on earth you decided to be friends with this fufu." She shook her head in mock pity. I managed a small chuckle.

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