STOLEN PARADISE

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Like cat and rat, Funmi and Antonio lived together as enemies rather than as husband and wife. When he wanted to talk to her, he would leave notes in the kitchen and some days when she leaves for work without eating or going to the kitchen, she wouldn't have seen the message. He leaves Fifty thousand Naira at the beginning of every month for her upkeep but where he left it in the sitting room was where he would find it. This went on for nearly four months after the fairytale wedding.

On one fateful evening, Bimbo Olanrewaju decided to pay them a surprise visit as it was the parents' decision to keep away to allow them to bond. She brought Yam, Gari, a sack of rice, 12.5kg bread and cake flour respectively and a lot of other groceries. She found Funmi at home alone.

"Thanks a lot Mum but you shouldn't have. How is Dad?" Before her mother could respond she added quickly, "I saw him last week when he came to the restaurant and he said he misses me. Both of you are strange sometimes." She laughed freely. She felt so relieved to have her mother around.

Bimbo Olanrewaju was looking as good as ever in a bright yellow African print with flowers of different colours worked into it.

"Your father is okay. He was just sad that his little angel was finally married and no longer under his control."

Funmi laughed again and shook her head at her father's sweetness.

"By the way, how is married life?" Funmi smiled broadly.

You can't lie Funmi. Just tell her a little but not too many details either.

"Antonio is a good man Mum. He pays all the bills, gives me money as if I'm not working and yeah, it's alright."

"Then my fears were unfounded! I imagined the worst you know like bullying you and bringing women into the house."

"He doesn't act that way. He is a gentleman."

"I will sleep better than before from now on." Mrs. Olanrewaju said with glee.

"But why did you take so long to come?" Funmi whined like a little girl.

"I didn't want to intrude at all especially since you both needed to get to know each other at a more deeper level," She replied honestly and added, "this house is beautiful my child." She turned her head to look around at the expensively furnished house. Funmi smiled and rested her head on her mother's shoulder.

"Your mansion is more beautiful." Funmi replied and suddenly stood up.

"Mum, let us go and prepare dinner together." Her mother agreed and they went to the kitchen. While her mother looked around at the raw food items in the kitchen, Funmi used the opportunity to send a warning text to Antonio.

"My mother is around so please behave well till she goes back. She leaves tomorrow morning."

Two hours later, the three laughed together as they watched Nigerian Comedian Kenny Black in action on Tv after dinner. The atmosphere was light and peaceful. Mrs. Olanrewaju was not fooled. She knew the atmosphere was created just for her sake but she believed they were civil towards each other and that her daughter was in good hands.

"I have meetings early in the morning so please excuse me." Antonio said and stood up.

"He works too hard Mum. He leaves in the morning and comes back late in the evening. Tell him he needs to take things easy." Funmi interjected, playing the role of a caring wife.

"I will adjust my time. Funmi please come up with me. Mummy, I will release her back to you in a moment."

"No problem my dear. Good night."

Antonio took Funmi's right hand in his and took her to his bedroom.

It was the first time she ever entered his room. It was the master bedroom with a king sized bed, a brown leather couch, two doors led to the bathroom and toilet respectively and it was definitely a male room. The colour scheme was cool and not a single brightness in sight. A painting of a Sharon hung on the wall and a treadmill was not far from the wall fitted wardrobe. He locked the door behind them and released her hand.

"That was a nice act but next time, tell me well in advance." He said in irritation with his arms folded across his chest.

"I didn't know she was coming and I did warn you." Funmi retorted. He walked away from her and sat on the edge of his bed.

"You have to sleep here tonight." Funmi stared at him horrendously.

"Excuse me? I will sneak here in the morning." She replied firmly. Antonio looked at his wife and glared hard at her.

"I'm not taking any chances." He replied softly, his voice devoid of any trait of anger.

"I can't believe you! Such hypocrisy!" Funmi snapped at him in a low voice to avoid calling her mother's attention.

"You are the bigger hypocrite! You cooked all this up. A lot of men are out there standing in blocks for you and would do anything to be in my position; the savior and the husband."

"I did not choose you, our parents did! And get something into your thick head, I am not a hypocrite and you have no trait of a good husband in you!" Antonio was immediately infuriated and he stood up and walked towards her.

"This is my house! You are under my roof and I can throw you out!" He lashed out angrily.

Funmi walked closer to him and said to his face, "I am you legal wife and this house is mine too!" She turned away from him and left for her room.

Antonio kicked the edge of his bed in anger and declared to no one in particular,

"This marriage must be terminated!"