STOLEN PARADISE

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The next morning began like a routine; prayer at 5am and preparation for work. But something was different. Antonio had also prepared for work and was actually fixing his tie when he heard some "strange" sound from the ground floor. It was music. He wrapped up quickly with his preparations and rushed down the stairs.

He was greeted by a very captivating aroma and his nose guided his legs almost unconsciously to the dining table where he freshly baked scones, pies and muffins, with freshly brewed coffee and fruits, beckoning to him from the coffee maker. His mouth watered treacherously as he was reminded of his mother's extravagant breakfasts when he was growing up. He walked away from the temptation just as easily as he was brought there.

He got into the living room to find a much bigger surprise. Funmi was happily dusting away the furniture while dancing to the rhythm of some gospel song he could not place. He stopped in his tracks and watched in wonder.

What happened to her?

He slowly walked up to her and tapped her on the left shoulder. She turned around and smiled.

"A smile? Isn't it too early to be nice?" He asked himself.

Funmi turned down the music and gave him a hug, which of course he didn't return.

"Would you like to have your breakfast now or should I package them for you to take with you?"

"No, thanks." he replied tightly. His mind was trying to work out what went wrong with his wife.

"I'm off to work," he said in a nonchalant manner. "I don't know what drugs you are on but please snap out of it and grow up."

"Antonio," Funmi began to reply but he interrupted her.

"I will never accept you as my wife Funmi, I'm sorry." He left right after his not so new statement leaving Funmi rolling her eyes in annoyance.

"What? You think I want to do this too? You are lucky I love to cook! What a snub!"

Calm down Funmi, let go of your pride.

An hour later, just when Funmi was about to step out of the house, the doorbell rang. She had heard the sound of the gate being opened by the newly hired gateman but she thought it was probably Antonio.

"The knucklehead probably forgot something at home," she told herself.

She looked at the time, it was just a little after eight. She checked the intercom camera only to find her parents-in-laws. She opened the door quickly without another thought.

"Ekaro (Good Morning) Mummy and Daddy."

They hugged her at once making her feel so peaceful. She ushered them to sit then went back to the kitchen to bring them something to eat. Thankfully the ungrateful Antonio didn't eat any of what she prepared so she warmed some of it up to serve her parents in law.

"Please come to the dining and have something to eat."

They accepted and joined her there.

"Wow! These look absolutely too good to eat." Mrs. Babalola exclaimed in approval of the breakfast.

"Thank you Mummy." Funmi replied, all smiles.

"So, how are you two getting along?" Mr. Babalola asked. Funmi was not surprised anymore, in fact she wondered why they didn't ask earlier.

Funmi presented her best smile, "we are all good just that he doesn't eat well."

"A workaholic like his father." Mrs. Babalola responded, throwing playful daggers at her husband with her eyes.

"It is okay. Let me eat in peace." Mr. Babalola said and dug in happily. Funmi excused herself as they ate to pick up her handbag and leave as soon as they do.

And truly about twenty minutes later, the couple said their goodbyes giving the excuse of passing by because of conference they were attending nearby.

"Please visit us soon Funmi. Bring that rascal home to see us." Mrs. Babalola said half teasing and half threatening.

"I will do that Mummy." They hugged her once again and left.

Funmi picked her car keys and rushed out to lock the door but too late, the gate was opening once again.

"Why is this happening again?" She murmured in irritation.

To her amazement, it was Hassan, Antonio's best friend.

"Hassan!" She exclaimed with a smile.

"Am I allowed to hug the special wife?" He was teasing her and she busted into laughter at his shot at comedy. She shook his hands and led him to the living room.

"Modest bride," he said with a smirk. Funmi observed how fine he was in blue jeans, white sneakers and a white golf shirt and that smile on his face was a murderous one. He was in the "sunshine" personality category and she hoped his character was as good as his smile.

"Chef Funmi, I smell something delicious."

"How did you know I was home?" She sidestepped his flattery. "Come to the dining and I will get you something to eat."

"Now we are talking Chef Funmi." He said with a megawatt smile.

After eating his fill, Hassan revealed that he was supposed to meet Antonio so they could leave together for a client's place who needed a good lawyer.

"He left for work early this morning. I'm sure he forgot." Funmi said in his defense.

"I have carrot cake and croissants if you need more food..."

He smiled and gulped down his glass of juice.

When he was done, he stretched himself and stood up. Funmi came with a neatly packaged small lunch pack with Antonio's brunch.

"Please drop it at the office when you get there because your friend doesn't eat."

"I would do anything to have a wife like you; loving, caring and a great cook!"

Funmi was not fooled as she was aware that his friends like Sharon for him too and not some girl his parents picked out for him.

"I'm glad you don't hate me too." Funmi blurted out.

Hassan smiled ruefully, "I am aware of how he has been treating you. It is just that he loves Sharon and they had planned their future together and you coming into the picture shattered all of it. That is why he is bitter towards you."

Funmi sighed and replied, "You are welcome to join him in hating me. I do not want to be in his life either! But what could I have done when his father was dying? I couldn't allow any chance for him to worsen." Hassan looked at her with sympathy,

"I know what you are feeling about this and that you are in so much pain too. I know you don't love him so I am asking you to save yourself further trouble and divorce him."

Funmi sat down on one of the chairs in the dining room and slowly replied her adviser, "It is not possible Hassan. I made a promise in front of God, my family and the church. I cannot go back on my words and I promised "till death do us part. I am bound by that oath for the rest of my life."

Hassan was horrified by her boldness.

"So you are going to remain in a loveless marriage? Funmi, leave this man while you can. Leave before your persistence turns his heart into a bitter well which would in turn become rage!"

"Thank you Hassan, but you need not worry yourself. Have got this under control."

Hassan shook his head and quickly said his goodbyes, which Funmi was of course very much grateful for.

It was not good riddance to bad rubbish but riddance to the voice of reason.