STOLEN PARADISE

CHAPTER THIRTY - FOUR

Antonio looked at his watch and sighed in defeat as he looked around him. He had planned to break thins off with Sharon once and for all so that there would be no more deception but things didn't work out that way. Sharon pulled him back to the sofa they were seated on.

"Wait for lunch," she said with concern. She was in jean pants and Antonio's T-shirt.

"Tomorrow is my Wedding Anniversary Sharon! I can't continue to fall for your seductions."

"My seductions? I love you, you love me so, what is wrong with us spending quality time together?"

Sharon smiled and held his face in her palms to get his full attention.

"Remember this was all your idea and it is a very effective one. Very soon Antonio, we will be married in the UK and live together as man and wife."

Antonio released himself and sat down. He hated himself than he could even begin to understand. Sharon sat on the arm rest of the sofa and said,

"I love you Antonio but when are you sending the divorce papers?"

"After we get to the UK." Antonio replied quietly.

Sharon squealed gleefully and bent her head, giving him a passionate kiss. Antonio stood up, totally guilt stricken.

"I need to leave. I remember Funmi wanted us to go for Christmas shopping."

Sharon stared at him with curiosity. "I've been noticing some changes in you and I don't like it." Antonio suddenly punched the wall nearest to him, making her jump.

"Lies! All lies! We have been seeing each other at least three times a month since I got married and I'm sorry but I can't hurt Funmi anymore."

Sharon was confused. What was going on?

"What are you saying Antonio? What are you telling me?"

"I hate myself for what I have done to Funmi! She is a wonderful, caring, God-fearing and hardworking woman with a heart of gold. If she finds out about this..." His voice trailed off.

"We have to stop."

Sharon stood up, visibly upset.

"Why? You don't even care about her!"

"That is where you are wrong Sharon. I'm very sorry but haven't you noticed that my heart is no longer with you? I ... I think I love her. No. I love Funmi and I refuse to hurt her any longer."

Sharon slapped him hard across the face.

"You are lying! You are nothing but a coward! You are just scared of your family and what the entire world would say about us, right?"

"I fell in love with Funmi months back. I just kept coming here to keep you company because I knew you were still hurting."

Suddenly, the front door opened and Funmi walked in.

"So you sacrificed me instead?"

***

Antonio knew it was "game over" the moment his wife walked in. He felt like a wounded lion locked up in a dungeon. He had loved both women and now he was going to lose them both.

"I just confirmed that the evidence of your affair was not doctored but the real thing." She said with a short and bitter laugh.

"What am I even saying? It was not an affair because you were never really my husband."

"Funmi, I'm sorry." Antonio said weakly.

"I decided to come here to ask Sharon why she kept on with your escapades and look what I found! My husband who claimed to love me was in bed with his ex, just a day before our anniversary." She laughed again with tears running down her eyes.