16 - Castle De La Collins🏘️
That Saturday, merely four days after Dunni had refused Mo's invitation to family dinner at the Collins, Dunni stood in the very place she vehemently refused to visit.
She couldn't believe she was spending her Saturday with the Collins after the big fuss she had made. One didn't say no to Mo, even though it rhymed it her name. It was hard to say no to Mo, especially when she spent all week badgering Dunni about what a wonderful time she would have at family dinner.
Each day, Mo had come to work armed with a reason why Dunni just had to come for Saturday dinner, each one more tempting than the last. Mo had spent the rest of the week officially handing over to Dunni, and personally introducing her to the echelon clients.
The first reason Mo gave, didn't move Dunni. She said Dunni had to meet George Collins, her husband and the chairman of the company, so Dunni could finally meet the entire nuclear Collins family.
It had been easy to say no to that, Dunni didn't need to meet the other Mr. Collins. One was fine for her thank you very much. Not that she expected George Collins to be like his son. But you never know with apples and trees.
The other reason, like that Dunni had to try Lola's fried rice. Or how Dunni had to see Mo's private studio. All these reasons were easily ignored. Until Mo played her trump cards and gave Dunni two offers she couldn't refuse. Dunni had caved faster than a sandcastle hit by waves. She could not stand strong in the face of both her love languages—art and money.
Mo commissioned four paintings from Dunni, one of the house, one of her family, one of her and her husband, and one of her children.
So here she was spending her precious Saturday with the Collins, while her besties were gallivanting around Lagos without her. The worst part, it wasn't just a family dinner. She had to come hours before dinner, so she could capture the house in the best light. And she could not even blame Mo for this. If Dunni was doing this then she was going all out. Michael Collins be damned.
"This is one sight I never thought I would see again," Dunni looked up at the Collins Mansion with a smile.
She was dressed for comfort in boyfriend jeans, sneakers and a purple long-sleeved square-neck top. For jewellery, she wore the matching gold and amethyst set that Mo gifted her earlier this week. The mesmerizing piece was part of the very first Mo Edun designs.
Her satchel and the camera bag containing the camera she had borrowed from Angie to capture the house in great light, were slung on both shoulders.
Her phone chirp chirped in her back pocket. Dunni pulled it out and smiled at the photo the girls just sent to the group chat to pepper her. They were back at Landmark Beach striking another item off Rediscovering LA list without Dunni. And they looked so smug too, while Dunni probably looked like she was marching down to the hangman's noose.
She took a picture of her frowny face with the house in the background and sent it to the group chat. She captioned the photo at least the house is fine 😩.
Messages started trooping in immediately.
Angie: Very fine indeed 🤣
Demi: Is it fine you will eat?
Dami: Enjoy the beauty oo
Dola: Is Mike as fine as his house? 🌚
Everyone but Dunni sent laughing emojis at Dola's comment. Dunni's emoji of choice was the rolling eyes cutie.
They had been teasing her nonstop about Mike Steamy, her sexy boss, much to Dunni's chagrin. Telling them about Mike was her biggest regret. She put her phone away and took in the grand house that she had dubbed the Collins Mansion
YOU ARE READING
His Mystery Gem
RomansaAfter an unfortunate encounter or two, his workplace is the last place Michael Collins expects to see his mystery girl. However, after three weeks, two days, twenty hours, and five minutes since their last meeting, he discovers that his unforgettab...
