STOLEN PARADISE

CHAPTER FOURTY -FOUR

Shalom everyone. How are you all doing? My apologies for this very late update but I have prepared a very long chapter just for you to enjoy. Don't forget to comment, like and share. God bless you.

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Antonio requested that she closed her eyes and she did so. By the time they got to their destination, he told her to open them and what she saw stunned her.

"Antonio!" She gasped in surprise. "This is beautiful! When did you do all of this?" The swimming pool area was totally transformed into a mini romantic restaurant, just for two. The pool had pink flower petals covering its entire surface and there was a big bouquet of red roses on the round dining table which was covered with a white lace fabric. The table was set and he was the chef for the day and her waiter but also her date.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she saw the beautiful setting and the romantic melody playing in the background did not make it easier for her. She hugged him tightly as he finally let her down to stand, with his help. Funmi sat down and admired the flowers and the bright lights that shown on the pool area.

"Antonio, you outdid yourself. You shouldn't have gone into this much trouble." Antonio smiled and sat across her,

"It was not trouble. I just wanted to show you how serious I am about us. I wanted to let you know the extent I will go to make our marriage work."

"Thank you so much Antonio, I feel so special."

"You are special. Now, let me bring in the main course. I will be your waiter and date for the evening."

There was a small pink box on the table and he urged her to open it.

"Happy 18th Month Anniversary Funmilola."

Funmi was so overwhelmed she became speechless. She opened the box and found a gold necklace with a heart shaped pendant. She opened it and saw a miniature photo of their wedding.

"I want you to carry that with you wherever you go, to remind you that I love you and will not break my vow ever again to you."

She smiled happily as all the doubts and fears that had plagued her mind dissolved into nothingness.

"Thank you so much Antonio but I didn't prepare anything for you." She said regretfully.

"You are here with me and that is all that matters now and forever." He said softly and stood up to get their meal.

Funmi was still in shock and quickly wiped the tears that escaped her eyes.

His parents couldn't have put him up to do this right?

She sighed as the thought passed through her mind.

Loudly, she said to herself,

"Funmilola, there is no harm in enjoying this beautiful night and beginning."

While it lasts.

****

The dinner went well; the food and drink was great and surpassed Funmi's expectations. She had a great time as they re-visited happy times together.

"Dessert is coming right up." Antonio said and got up.

"You are a bad guy for spoiling me like this. Once I get on my feet, I will stop cooking in this house altogether." Antonio laughed and left for the kitchen.

Funmi poured herself a glass of wine and enjoyed the cool night air. Antonio's phone that was on silent began to brighten up on the table. There was an incoming call. She picked the phone and saw that it was an international number. She decided to wait for him to come back to answer it. But it kept on ringing and so far three missed calls reported. She finally sighed and thought it must be urgent for the caller to be so persistent.