Besotted (18+) ✔️ [A Nigerian Romance]

Twelve

Mr. and Mrs. Nwafor were waiting downstairs the next morning. Chike came downstairs, greeting them as his eyes roamed the living room space for Ada. As expected, she was nowhere to be found.

After their run-in yesterday morning, she'd taken lunch in her room and dinner had been with the family so there was not much talking. Immediately her father finished eating, Ada had followed, saying she wanted to spend time with the old man. Mrs. Nwafor had held him back to ask about his talk with Ada.

Chike's hands sweated; the only indication that he was bothered when he'd lied to the older woman, reassuring her that yes indeed her only daughter was doing well and no she didn't need intervention. He'd chalked everything up as stress from work. Mrs. Nwafor's gaze had held his, scrutinizing him carefully before she'd let him go.

Now, those same brown eyes watched him, as if looking for a tell that something was wrong.

"Chike, I enjoyed the wine you got me. Just like your father, you have excellent taste," Mr. Nwafor said, a huge smile on his face. "Thank you."

"It's nothing sir. I just thought you'd enjoy it." He bowed a little, showing his respect for the man.

"I called James," the man continued. "He'll deposit something for you in your account."

What was it with Nigerian parents giving money whenever young people visited them? The man had always been like that and like usual, the two men made a show out of it, with Chike refusing the money and Mr. Nwafor insisting.

"It's really not necessary, sir. You've done a lot for me already," he reiterated when the man kept insisting on giving him the gift.

"Ada said you'd be looking for a house soon. Use the money and buy yourself a good television. A man needs a solid one, you know." And by solid, Chike knew the man meant the biggest he could find.

"Thank you sir." Chike finally accepted. Mrs. Nwafor smiled at them, moving forward to pat Chike on the back.

"I wonder what's taking Adanna so long," Mrs. Nwafor muttered, her eyes fixed on the staircase.

Mr. Ukochi came in to carry Chike's bag, letting him know that the car was ready for their departure. The man would drive them to the airport where they'd board their flight back to Lagos.

Ada finally came down, lugging her suitcases and Chike noted that she refused to meet his eye. She muttered something inaudible in response to his greeting and didn't say anything else when he grabbed her bags. He left her to go deposit the bags and so she could have a moment alone with her parents.

When she finally came outside of the house and entered the car, her parents came out with her. They continued waving until the old couple got out of sight. It wasn't until then that Chike spoke.

"You good?" he asked, his eyes tracking her every move. Ada avoided looking at him, instead her gaze was on the passing scenery.

"I'm fine," she muttered.

"About yesterday, I'm sorry. I should have handled everything better. Even if I had doubts about your John, that was the wrong way to confront you. And when you said you were fine, I should have trusted you and let it go. I'm really sorry." Ada liked lengthy apologies. It showed her that he was actually remorseful and he'd learnt it the hard way.
 
"It's fine. I'm fine."

Fine seemed to be her new mantra for the day. He'd have been inclined to believe it if not for the fact that his suspicions had not been assuaged and Ada still didn't turn to look at him.

"Dani," he teased and still no response from her.

"Adannaya. Ada na-eri ukwu anu."

"Stop," she finally hissed out. "You know I don't like that title."

"The daughter that eats the hip of meat," Mr. Ukochi interpreted, letting them know he'd been listening in on their conversation. "It's not a terrible title, Ada. It just shows that you're a favoured first daughter of your family. You should be proud."

"I still don't like it," she replied but there was a small smile playing on her face.

"Will you forgive me?" Chike asked again, nudging her thighs with his.

"I've heard your apology nau. Let me rest."

"Prove it if you've forgiven me. I won't stop teasing you till you do."

She eyed him, daring him to continue.

"Asanwa."

"Fine. What do you want?"

"Spend today with me at Kachi's place. Let's hang out like we used to do. I missed you o, didn't you miss me?"

He knew she saw the trap but she didn't have a way out. If she refused, she would only cement the fact that there was a reason why she was avoiding him.

"I've heard you." Ada turned away again, her gaze back to the blur of trees that they drove past.

Chike smiled, catching Mr. Ukochi smiling too from the rearview mirror. At least, that much had gone well.

***

Ada texted John, letting him know her trip was delayed and she had to do something for her mom. John immediately texted back asking what happened and why she didn't inform him earlier. She turned off her phone before he'd start calling or worse, decide to call on video call. There was no way she'd explain Chike's presence without causing a collosal mess.

Their relationship was stable or as stable as it could be considering the past weeks. She didn't want to risk it and she certainly didn't want to have any fight or argument with him, not again. She tucked her phone back in her purse, conscious of the fact that Chike had been reading her texts.

"Would it be so bad if you told him the truth?" he asked.

Ada had to play it smart. Chike was showing too much concern as usual and he was like a dog with a bone. He was not the type to give up once he had his teeth in a matter. She'd been annoyed by how he'd hounded her but the real work had been trying to be convincing enough to get him to back off. Him apologizing helped a little because it meant he'd be hesitant to confront her, at least for the time being.

"I just don't want him to worry," she finally replied.

"If you say so."

She forced a smile on her face, then changed the topic. Chike was hesitant but eventually he gave in and they began to talk, catching up on the past year. Laughing and teasing each other lifted the weight that had been crushing her the past week and Ada hoped that the ride to the airport wouldn't end.

Sadly, Mr. Ukochi pulled into the airport and she felt that dark cloud begin to settle over her. Chike must have noticed because he continued to tease her until they boarded. When they ran out of things to talk about, Chike opened a manuscript on his tablet and began to read to her ffom the first drafts of his new work. She let the cool timbre of his voice lull her to sleep as Chike talked about a strong, independent woman who had her life figured out.

The last thoughts on her mind before she drifted of was if she could one day be like that woman in his story.

***

This week will be busy for me but I'll try to write.

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