BEGUILED

CHAPTER 15

FINALE

Today is Valentine’s Day. It’s a day where most couples in the world celebrate their love. It’s when they get to share their love with bored people on social media who are always waiting to comment ‘nice couple’ or ‘my people’. I am not trashing them because what else can you do if your man didn’t man up and buy you a simple bouquet from Spar that’s R120? But I am not there. The whole day is dedicated to Romeo and Juliet, who never got their happy ending. What makes you think most relationships end in tears these days? Because they celebrate this cursed day. The spirit of the dead lovers is making sure all ends in tears. Just kidding. Go have fun and watch as your gone friends post about how their men got them flowers, cars and the works.

Judging from what I have said, you can see that I have never celebrated Valentines Day before. I have never been in love and never been loved enough to deserve the spoils on such a day. When Hunter asked that I clear out any plans I had for this day and weekend, I was sceptical. I know he lives for this princess treatment thing, so I know he is going to go all out with his plans for Valentines. I just hope they are not too grand. Seeing that it’s a couples’ day, not women’s day, I decided to get him something. He really threw away his suit, so I got him a green and navy golf t-shirt and navy beltless trousers from Omega Tradings, a boutique in Johannesburg. They had too courier my package but I really hope my man will like it.

After showering and dressing up in comfortable clothes, I hear a knock on the door. Strange. I rarely have visitors or something like that, and I am not expecting Hunter. They have a reports meeting at their company today, yeah bummer, so he will only come by later. I head over to the door and the minute I open it, I am taken aback.

“Good morning Miss Makhoba.” The first guy greets with a smile before walking into my room carrying the biggest pink and red roses bouquet I have ever seen. Maybe 100 roses. It’s heavy. He turns to hand me the bouquet before looking at the other guys. “Come on in.” they Walk in with different gift bags, balloons and more flowers with money wrapped around them. There are also paper bags from different restaurants. They place everything all over my apartment since it’s an open plan. “Here is your note.” He places it on top of the bouquet I am carrying. All this time there has been one guy filming my every reaction. “That bunch over there is for your mother.” He points at the white roses and then turns to me. “That’s all from us. Have a great day and Happy Valentines Day.” They all walk out, leaving me shocked to the core. How does one react to this? Hhayini u Hunter. I place my bouquet down and read the note.

“Since I am not there to keep you company, I hope those will do the trick. Happy Valentines day, my love. See you soon.

H.

PS: I can’t wait to see your reaction video.”

I giggle, wiping away tears that fall from my eyes. Every woman deserves this. To be loved and spoiled like this. To giggle like a love sick teenager because your man literally went all out and amazed you ten times. I take a few pictures of my gifts and post them on my Instagram. People love relationships content. I have gained a lot of followers after I posted that first flower box Hunter sent. My mom walks in that moment from the connecting door and she gasps when her eyes land on my valentine. She seems speechless, which makes me laugh. Hunter is the man. He has rendered my hyper mom speechless. Give him his flowers.

“He can skip the lobola, right?” I tease and she laughs.
“Baby, this is the man I prayed that God gives you one day. He cares for you, he spoils you rotten and isn’t afraid to show you to the world. You are so lucky, my baby.” She hugs me while sniffing. Aww. So cute.
“He even got you flowers.” I take her bouquet and hand it to her. She smiles widely.
“He can stop scoring points because he has already won, hhaybo.” She hugs her flowers and I just laugh. She looks so happy and innocent. “Have you opened your gifts yet?”

I shake my head. “Not today. Maybe after I come back.”
“What if there is some lingerie stashed in there?”
“Well, he will have to appreciate the one I bought.” Her eyes pop out. I have never bought lingerie before, but now it is important because I have someone who needs to see my ‘Tada moment’.

“He can take you for free. Screw the lobola.” She responds and we both laugh. “So, what did you buy for him?”
“That’s for his eyes only, ma. Anyways, I need to dash out. I will see you soon. I will love your more for sorting out this mess right here.” She laughs and dismisses me with a hand. I take the paper bag from Steers and head to my room. I indulge on my food while changing into a black mini dress and some sandals. I take Hunters gift and head back to the lounge area. I take the milkshake from Nando’s and walk out.

“Bye to you too, Miss Valentines.” I hear mom’s voice shout after me and I laugh.

×××

I am not trying to compete with my man or anything but I know I have to up my game with his gift. Which is why I find myself in Oceans Mall to buy more stuff for him. I first head to Jimmy Choo and purchase Black Italian patent leather Monk Strap Shoes with studs and Black Marlow Hiking boots. I hope he appreciates them. I then head to Eyami Boutique and buy a Fedora Hat – Black and Original print. Then lastly buy Meisterstuck cufflinks from Mont Blanc. I add a Caramel cake from Woolies and a Nocciola Gelato tub from Romano Ice cream just to sweeten things up. I can’t wait for later, so I drive to his company. The receptionist is one of his cousins’ girlfriend, so she let’s me in after making small talk.

“They are on a break and at the cafeteria. It’s just right down the hall on the last door in the very end.”

“Thank you.” I follow her directions and enter the cafeteria which is wide open. This is no high school drama where everyone turns to look at you when you enter a cafeteria. These people are busy chatting with other, some on their phones and others are just stuffing their faces with food. I see Hunter sitting on the centre table laughing at something on his phone. He is alone. Great. I walk up to him and when he raises his head, his eyes pop out. “Delivery for Mr. Pope.” He blinks a few times before standing up. “You’re not the only one who can do a surprise.” I hand him the cake and he doesn’t take it. He is just starring at my eyes. His start to water and he quickly looks up. Aww. That’s adorable.

“You sure know how to sweep a man off their feet.” He hasn’t even seen what I bought for him and already he is being emotional.

“Look who is talking.” He laughs before takes all the gifts I am holding and placing them at the table. He wraps his arms around me and kisses me, not even carrying if people are watching. We hear a round of applause and that’s enough to make me back away from him.

“I am not saying your gender is self centered but I wasn’t expecting anything.”
“I am a different breed.”

“True that. Let’s go to my office so that I can see what you bought for me. I am so excited.” He claps his hands together like an excited kid and takes his gifts. I just laugh. He looks so cute guys. I am glad I brought his things here. He leads me to his office and puts the cake and Gelato on the bar fridge. He opens the paper bags one by one, gasping at everything. “Can I refund you for all this? Babe, all these things are expensive.”

I laugh and shake my head. “No. Just enjoy your gifts and happy valentine’s day.”
He smiles. “I just can’t believe you did this for me. I feel so special and loved. Like wow.” I move closer to him and hug him once more. “I should marry you this instant, yazi.”
I laugh and pinch him. “No need to rush, one step at a time is all that’s needed. Speed kills babe.” He just chuckles and kisses me.
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FINALE PART TWO IS COMING SOON.