STOLEN PARADISE

CHAPTER NINE

Sharon through a perfect "act" of a guest that lost her invite got inside the Olanrewaju's compound. She was surprised Antonio's parents didn't try to get in touch with her and do what many rich people in their position would, like bribing her with money or threaten her to give way to their chosen girl for their son. She was relieved but still suspicious of their silence after all they could pounce on her like a lion would its prey.

She didn't intend to join the party but her only desire was to see her prince. She could have met up with him at another time but she had hoped that by seeing her he would not go through with the engagement. He had told her about his father's heart attack and his plans to divorce Funmi but she didn't want to take any chances. Funmi was a woman of great virtue but still human and could fall in love with Antonio or make him fall in love with her.

She was going to wait by his car at the parking lot after making a call to him but he didn't pick up at all and so his phone rang away. At this stage, Sharon was too distraught and hurt to sit around waiting for the party to end and decided to join the party. She walked to the garden looking stunning in an all-white dress, matching stilettos and a white and black clutch bad with a chain sling. She walked in majestically as the one of the ushers welcomed her and gave her a seat. She watched as William went on about Funmilola and Antonio in shock.

Could it be true? She once liked him?

But nothing prepared her for the time when Antonio took the engagement ring out of its case.

Don't do it Antonio. We will walk through the aftermath of rejecting her together.

But that didn't happen and to make matters worse? He kissed her right there in front of everyone.

He's acting right now. There is no way he meant what he just did. It is all an act.

She waited for the entire party to end and angrily left to wait for him at the parking lot. She tried to calm herself that it was all an act and there was no way that her Antonio could fall for Ms. Goody two shoes. Never!!!

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Antonio's heart beat wildly against his chest as he walked towards the parking lot. His heart hurt thinking about Sharon. She didn't deserve this at all. His fate was sealed... for now because he will surely find a way to make Sharon his wife for life. Unknown to him, she was already waiting for him at the parking lot.

"Antonio," she cried as she saw him open the car. The place was now nearly empty and no one bothered about why she was loitering around the area. Perhaps her ride was not back from an errand or her ride was still taking their last glass of champagne with the other guests.

"You can't do this to me. Why did you go through with the engagement?"

Tears ran down her face and this broke his heart immensely.

"This is hard for me too Sharon. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind without you taking the position that is rightfully yours, by my side always. You are aware that I am under strong obligations." Sharon hugged him.

"But we will definitely be seeing each other after the wedding and she knows that too," he added quickly.

"Do you mean I should become your mistress?" She asked, horrified.

"Look, I have to go. I left my phone in the car and came to get it." Antonio kissed her on both cheeks lovingly and left. His heart was racing with the desire to hold Sharon and reassure her about his love for her. As he walked away from her, tears blinded his vision and he wiped them off furiously as he walked towards his family who were still in the garden. He saw his father laughing gently as he sat happily by his dearest wife.

I refuse to be the reason for their eternal separation by premature death of father. I can't hurt him anymore.

Right there, he decided he would marry Funmi. He looked around and saw her laughing with her friends. She looked really beautiful tonight but not as beautiful as Sharon. He could never give his heart to her but will take up his responsibility as her husband when the time comes. Nothing can ever change his mind about her.

Funmilola Olanrewaju, you will never have my heart or body. I will deny you all access to my life and heart because if I can't have Sharon, no woman will have me too.