STOLEN PARADISE

CHAPTER TWENTY - TWO

Hassan's words rang in Antonio's head as he drove back home. His decision was clear; Sharon's relationship with him remains as before but he would keep Funmi happy for his peace of mind. When he got home he locked the doors and went straight to Funmi's room. He didn't knock and got inside. He found her reading her Bible. Funmi looked up and stood up from the bed.

Antonio could see fear in her eyes as he surveyed this strange territory. She closed her Bible and waited for him to say whatever he came to say.

He felt pathetic and foolish for being such a nincompoop all this while. He looked at her simple grey round neck top and sweatpants. He sighed inwardly at her plain appearance. If she wanted him so badly, couldn't she find something sexy to wear around the house?

"I'm sorry for hitting you. I do not have any excuse for my actions and inactions." He said remorsefully ad suddenly took bold steps towards her and crushed her in a tight hug.

"Tomorrow is Saturday, let's go out and clear the bad air between us. Good night." He let her go and left the room.

His heart pounded hard against his chest as he got inside his room. Never in his many years as a lawyer had any case or rival made him as confused as he felt when he hugged her. He ran inside his bathroom to shower and clear his mind.

Meanwhile, Funmi was no longer able to read her Bible. She was confused as to what just happened before her.

"What a terrible apology!!!" She said out loud and sat on her bed with her arms folded across her chest. She couldn't comprehend what changed his mind suddenly from being a complete idiot to sensible human being. She didn't know what to make out of his shallow apology either. Should she forgive him; how he mistreated her ad move on or should she fight him to the bitter end?

What would be her gain if she wages war against him? Eternal damnation.

She laughed bitterly and finally decided she would treat him as he treated her.

"Abba, what is this deceptive man up to?"

**************

Excitement mixed with apprehension battled in Funmi's mind and woke her up early the next morning. She freshened up and went to the kitchen and began preparing a feast for the outing. She baked, fried and boiled different snacks and light meals. By the time Antonio woke up, dressed up and came down the stairs, a medium sized picnic basket and cooler box was ready for the day. Funmi was only happy because her life of misery was about to end. She smiled a little as she remembered the awkward hug he gave her the previous night. She didn't reprimand herself for celebrating. She took her phone and dial Kemi's number. The latter almost immediately answered as if she had been waiting for the call.

Funmi quickly filled her best friend in on what happened and about to happen.

"I am so happy for you girlfriend! You are happy, I am happy." She exclaimed o the other end.

"Do you think he is beginning to like me or something?" Funmi asked in a childish manner. Kemi laughed and replied,

"You are falling for him."

"Don't be silly! Why would someone who hates me just suddenly fall in love like that? This is not an Asian drama please."

"Someone who hated you Funmi, past tense."

Funmi smiled a little upon hearing that.

"Either way, I don't feel anything for him." Funmi said defiantly.

"Explain yourself Saint Funmi." Kemi retorted.

"Well, it is only natural for a human to be happy when their sorrow ends. You know it is more like what the people of Israel probably felt when they crossed the Red Sea to safety."

Kemi laughed out at the comparison, "I hear you. Enjoy every second my love and I will be praying for you both."

"Thank you." Funmi replied and cut the call.

She was dressed in a white sleeveless summer dress and white sandals. For a change from her knobs, she wore a silver drop earrings that Kemi gifted her some years ago. She was looking bright and cheerful by the time she walked to the living room where her husband waited for her.

Antonio convinced himself that he was only taking he rout to ease his guilty conscience. Nothing could ever make him fall for Saint Funmi. He was looking rather cute in a grey sweater and blue jean pants with a cream coloured hat on his head. He had looked through the basket while Funmi went back to her room to do last minute touch ups. He was amazed at the collection of pastries in the basket as well as the Vienna and mouthwatering packaged snacks. He told himself he would enjoy her cooking as long as they were married. It took a lot of discipline on his side to reject her meals all this while. Sharon could cook but not as well as Chef Funmi.

Obviously. Antonio, you are a world class playboy.

He got up and took the basket to his car and came back just when Funmi was descending the stairs. Was his breath taken away?

No. She isn't as beautiful as his Sharon. She tried too hard. Definitely not his type anyways.

"Let's go. I already took the basket to the car."

"Thank you." She replied in sincerity.

He smiled in return and escorted her outside. He opened the car for her and ushered her in like a gentleman.

Funmi just went with the flow but she promised herself not to get lost when his darkness sets in.

Shalom everyone!!! Hope you like the new chapters. I just had to make sure I updated and hopefully before the weekend ends I will update a chapter or two more. Don't forget to vote, comment and share. Stay blessed and beautiful.