What happens when your carefully planned life comes crumbling down? Funmilola Olarenwaju had her life planned out...owner of two orphanages and a top class restaurant; single and NOT AVAILABLE!!! Brought up in a Christian home with God's love in her...
Funmi rejected all the calls from her parents, Mrs. Babalola and Kemi. Her life was getting carried away by a catastrophic storm and no one was saving her. Her mind could not fathom how and why all this was happening. She tried to think of a way out without getting her parents into trouble but nothing useful came up. She hoped against all hope that God would at least do something about the entire issue and save her from marrying such an ugly character. But what If nothing stops it and the wedding pushes through? Does that mean Antonio was meant to be part of her life? She barely slept as the night passed to the next day; her official engagement day.
The engagement party was finally decided to take place at the Olanrewaju's home at their garden to complement the natural theme of green and brown as Funmi wanted. Mrs. Olanrewaju spent the rest of the Sunday evening making final orders to the companies she hired two months ago for the occasion. Yes, the marriage was decided two months prior. The menu was going to be very simple and few people were invited. There would be a few family friends which included pastors, politicians, actors, CEOs and other aristocrats in their circle.
"I hope that one day she would see this is for the best." She muttered to herself as she perfects her make-up.
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Just as Funmi thought, her father's garden was soon filled up with big shots in Lagos and elsewhere.
"And my mother said it would be a small affair," She said to herself as she sat down by her window looking down at the drama below. Her life's drama. Kemi chose a beautiful black ankle length dress with silver embroidery running from the from the back to the front creating an empire cut style in front.
Her naturally long brown hair was styled in neat bun and a simple silver drop earrings adorned her ears.
"Kemi, it is time. Let us go,"
"Why? You must go in with style and grandeur," Kemi replied with a wave of her hand.
"I just spotted Brother Wole and Jonathan," Funmi said and pointed to her "beloved" brethren.
"Those ones with the big and unwashed mouths? Those guys that insulted you? Who invited them?" Kemi got angry immediately.
"I did."
"My God Saint. Funmi! This your kindness will kill you one day."
"Stop being dramatic please," Funmi replied sharply and walked towards the standing mirror in her room. She looked at herself and fought the sad tears threatening to fall and mess her make-up and her fake happy face. She sighed and walked back to the window and right there she saw Antonio shaking hands with some guests. He was looking so handsome wearing a blue and white Vansekere brand. Her heart skipped just a bit.
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"Is your heart not beating for this guy?" Kemi was surely her shadow.
"Same way it beats when I see a perfectly made baked Potatoes and chicken salad," Funmi replied with a snort.
"You are such a spoilsport." Kemi said with a pout and quickly grabbed her pink handbag.
"Please let us go before Mum start shouting at us to come down,"
"Mum? She is probably still applying her make-up as we speak,"
Funmi didn't argue with Kemi and decided to go and join the others in the garden.
The party was officially opened with a prayer and many guest introductions and speeches were made afterwards. The MC of the day was none other than William Babalola, Antonio's eldest and only brother. He made the atmosphere lively and shared many stories of the couple while they were teenagers which made Antonio cringe at some point.
"Did you know that Funmi had always loved my brother?"
A chorus of "No" pierced the air.
"Some call it a teenage crush but just look at what it has blossomed to," This made Antonio smiled because if it was up to him, he would have embarrassed her senseless.
You acted well William. I am proud of you big bro.
William soon called them up to the beautiful stage so that one of the Babalola's family ring could be passed on to Funmi. William was aware of the story behind the engagement and he felt sad for his brother and Funmi for he knew that deep down, it was just the two fathers sealing their friendship in the best way possible; marriage of their children and finally become one big and happy family.
Yeah right.
Funmi and Antonio walked hand in hand to the stage made of a beautiful decorated wedding arch and stood facing each other.
William passed a green suede wedding ring case to his little brother and the latter received it with a smile. He opened it and brought out a beautiful diamond ring. Funmi wanted the ground to open up and do whatever it could with her already dying heart. She fought the desire to laugh and cry at the same time as she contemplated doing something dramatic like faking fatigue and collapsing or running away from the party screaming off like a lunatic.
As the Babalola's ring was put on her middle left finger, she knew it was the beginning of the real drama that would follow. Yet, she smiled. Antonio wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close to himself,
"Are you nuts?" She whispered.
"Just be compliant will you?" He said with a bright and happy smile.
Soft music began to play and what he did next sent shock waves down Funmi's back. He kissed her forehead and then her left cheek. The guests cheered happily at the perfect picture of romance before them.
"You are feeling the moment aren't you? What would you do if I proceeded to..."
"Stop your nonsense, you overgrown perverted baby!" Funmi hissed angrily at him.
He began to sway softly to the music with her in his arms.
Kemi cheered happily on her seat. She was too happy to remain seated so she grabbed Dele's hands and led him to dance.
"Didn't I tell you Dele? It was only a matter of time before they hit it off," Kemi whispered with pride.
"I hope you are right Kemi."
After dancing with Antonio, Funmi left him to greet their guests and it was then she saw Sister. Adaobe. Her heart melted at seeing the kind sister that stood with her.
"Thank you for coming."
"I'm glad to support you dear," Adaobe said happily.
"Someday soon, I will have enough confidence to tell you why I'm doing this,"
"Funmi, you don't owe me anything," Adaobe replied.
"Yes I do. Then they would all understand. I just hope I'm not making a mistake."
"You are having second thoughts?" Adaobe asked in shock.
"No sister. I just want to make sure I am strong enough to handle what is ahead of me," Funmi said and made a sigh of relief.
"I understand Funmi and we will keep praying for you."
Funmi excused herself to greet the other guests and continue her role playing as the perfect fiancé and daughter.
