Once Chioma arrived home from work, she was too exhausted to move and collapsed onto the armchair in the living room. Just as she settled in, her phone suddenly began to ring. Without checking the caller ID, Chioma answered it immediately. It turned out to be Chisom, her best friend.
'Hey, Chisom,' Chioma greeted.
'Have you arrived yet?' Chisom chirped, voice buzzing with news.
'Yeah, I just got home. Segun gave me a ride,' Chioma replied wearily.
'Daniel just arrived from Lagos,' Chisom exclaimed with excitement.
'Did he come back with a fortune?' Chioma asked, mustering a tired smile.
'Of course. We're going to squeeze some money out of him,' Chisom said, laughing lightly.
Chioma yawned. 'See you tomorrow,' she said before ending the call.
After hanging up, Chioma turned to her mother. 'Chisom's brother is back.'
'Maybe you should consider marrying him. Your brother is dating Chisom, so it would be fitting for you to marry her elder brother. Our families would make perfect in-laws,' her mother suggested.
'Mum...' Chioma started.
'I know you don't love Daniel. Your heart is longing for someone else, perhaps?' Louisa paused and then added, 'Dinner is ready.'
Chioma scratched her head as she got up to head to the dining table. She tried her best not to think about Michael. She wanted to erase him from her mind, at least while she was at home. But how could she not think about him? If only her mother would stop questioning her, she might have a chance to put him out of her thoughts tonight.
'Chioma, how much longer will you keep Daniel waiting?' Louisa asked as she served food onto Chioma's plate.
Before Chioma could respond, Andrew sat down and interjected, 'There's nothing going on between Chioma and Daniel. Besides, Daniel already has a girlfriend.'
Louisa turned to Andrew. 'But I think that boy is a good match for your sister. He's kind, intelligent, and even handsome.'
'Mum, you can't force love. Someday, my sister will find her perfect match,' Andrew said optimistically, casting a blissful smile at Chioma.
Chioma returned the smile sweetly.
Louisa held a bowl of food in her hands and suddenly asked, 'Have you seen that mysterious guy again?'
Upon hearing her mother's words, Chioma accidentally spewed out the watermelon juice she had been drinking. She couldn't bring herself to look her mother in the eyes and quickly wiped the juice stain around her mouth with the back of her hand.
Louisa frowned, her brows furrowing in confusion. 'What were you thinking? Your reaction is quite comical. I simply asked a simple question, and you made a mess of yourself,' Louisa scolded. She reached out her hand, wanting to help Chioma, but Chioma quickly licked around her lips. 'Chioma, what's wrong? Did you really meet that mysterious guy? Is he the reason you're acting like we're in a soap opera at the dining table?' Louisa asked curiously.
Chioma turned her face away. 'Mum, please stop with the questions,' she murmured.
Andrew grabbed a tissue from the side and handed it to Chioma. 'You still have juice around your mouth,' he said.
Chioma nodded, accepting the tissue from Andrew. She dried her lips and excused herself to the kitchen. After a short while, she returned with a dish towel to clean the stain on the table. Once she finished wiping the table, she headed to her bedroom.
Back at the table, Louisa's gaze shifted to Andrew, worry clouding her features. 'What's wrong with your sister? She usually tells you everything.'
Andrew took a bite of his jollof rice and replied, 'Maybe she's just tired,' shrugging his shoulders.
'I hope so,' Louisa muttered doubtfully, taking a sip of water from her cup.