Chioma sat on the bed she shared with her mother after taking a bath. The room was filled with sunlight and a gentle breeze, as the window was wide open, causing the curtains to sway. She wished her friend Chisom was there with her to enjoy this serene moment. Chioma felt grateful to have such a wonderful friend like Chisom—they were practically like sisters. Chisom was lovely, funny, talkative, and kind. Chioma also cherished her friendships with Daniel and, recently, Audrey. She hoped that Audrey wouldn't be upset when she learned about her relationship with Michael.
Realising she needed to hang her wet clothes outside to dry, Chioma got up from the bed and headed to the bathroom to fetch the bucket of damp laundry she had managed to wash earlier. As she began hanging the clothes on the clothesline, she noticed Peter approaching the yard. Curiosity piqued, she quickly finished hanging the clothes and went back inside. She ran a brush through her messy hair before Peter knocked on the front door—she didn't want to appear untidy when he approached her.
Observing her reflection in the mirror, Chioma thought that Peter looked too well-dressed to belong in a neighbourhood like hers. He wore a perfectly fitting black suit. It seemed he had parked his car nearby and decided to walk to her house, possibly to avoid drawing too much attention. Chioma didn't usually care about her appearance, but this time she wanted to make a good impression, not wanting Peter to report anything negative back to Felix. She knew Felix must have sent him.
As Chioma prepared to leave the bedroom, she heard a knock at the front door. She hesitated but realised that not opening the door might give the impression that she was hiding something.
Peter, still waiting at the door, glanced around the compound. He knocked again and again, but no one came to open the door. His gaze shifted to the long line of laundry hanging on the clothesline.
After contemplating for a while, Chioma finally opened the door and asked, 'What are you doing here?'
'I would never come if Sir Felix didn't ask me to,' Peter replied.
'Well, you can deliver your message and leave already,' Chioma said with a shrug.
'Can't you let me in for a cup of tea?' Peter asked, staring at her intently.
Chioma was astonished by Peter's request for a cup of tea. Was he trying to test her? Sighing, she responded, 'I will let you have a cup of tea because you look tired.'
'No, I don't look tired. I simply want to drink tea,' Peter replied.
Chioma nervously bit her lip, feeling unsure if she would regret her kindness. But why would she regret being kind? 'Promise me you'll leave afterward and that you won't tell anyone that Felix sent you here,' she pleaded.
Peter smirked. 'I won't promise you that because I know Felix loves you, and in return, you love someone else.'
Chioma was startled.
'Don't worry, I haven't told Felix anything yet. And I can't disclose the details of my findings. But it's all related to your attack...' Peter walked inside as Chioma held the door for him. He made his way to the sofa and placed the bags on the centre table. He was concerned about Felix; he didn't think Felix would handle the shock of learning that the woman he loved was in love with another man, who happened to be his best friend and cousin.
Chioma went to the kitchen to make tea for Peter. From the living room where he sat, Peter could hear the clinking of cups and a hissing noise, indicating that Chioma had placed a wet kettle on a stove. Nearby, the clucking of hens could be heard, suggesting that the neighbours reared chickens.
As Chioma reappeared, Peter asked, 'Why did you let Felix keep hurting himself? I know I never loved you for my boss, but... I think there's some goodness in you.'
'I wanted to tell him so many times...'
'But, just like in movies, you didn't get the chance to tell him,' Peter finished for her.
Chioma sighed, seemingly in agreement.
'I understand that he believes he owns you and never gave you a chance. You're too smart to let this continue. Everyone will blame you, and Jessica will be the hero.'
'I take the blame,' Chioma responded.
'You do, but how?' Peter raised an eyebrow.
'I am a coward...' Chioma confessed.
'And foolish,' Peter added with a smirk. 'You're not only hurting Felix, but also Michael, Audrey, and so many people.'
Tears welled up in Chioma's eyes. She didn't know what to say.
'It wasn't your fault, but everyone will blame you for this,' Peter assured her.
'Why haven't you told Felix about this?' Chioma asked.
'Thankfully, I wasn't given an extra without a face role. But then, I was only assigned a minor role to play in the love story, so it's none of my business...' Peter explained.
Chioma was shocked by everything happening around her. None of this was her fault, but she was certain that she would be blamed. Before Peter could finish his statement, the kettle let out a shrill whistle, prompting Chioma to quickly rush to the kitchen, leaving him with an unreadable expression. He didn't know why he hadn't told Felix about Chioma and Michael yet. Maybe it was because he felt it wasn't Chioma's fault or perhaps he believed it wasn't his place to meddle.
'Chioma, when will you tell Felix about this?' Peter asked as she returned with two mugs of tea and a plate of freshly baked bread Andrew had bought that morning before leaving for work. 'Are you prepared for the headlines?'
'Did you come here to torture me?' Chioma retorted.
'Why would I do that?' Peter looked up at her. 'I came to bring breakfast to you. Sir Felix asked me to. I advise you to resolve this problem as soon as possible. Once it's settled, you'll owe me a free lunch.'
It seemed that Peter had a good heart and showed care towards her, so Chioma didn't mind a small request like this and nodded. 'Thank you, Peter.'
'You're welcome.' Peter finished his tea and stood to leave. 'Hope you enjoy the breakfast.'
'No.'
Peter turned to look at Chioma with raised eyebrows.
'I don't want to take it. I have already had breakfast,' she explained. She paused, considering his words. 'You're right, I should tell him already.' She reached for her phone on the table to dial Felix's number, but Peter stopped her.
'This is not something you should rush into. I understand that you rejected the flowers I sent because of this, right?' Peter asked.
Chioma didn't say anything. She only stared at him.
'Just take the food, at least reward yourself well for what is about to happen,' Peter suggested.
'Please, take back the food. Tell him that I don't feel hungry. He could find someone else to give it to. And if I must accept something from him in the future, it will be when we no longer have these awkward moments... So, please, take the food with you.'
Peter looked at her for a moment, then he reached for the bags and carried them away. He didn't say a word, he simply turned and left. Chioma didn't know what to say. She loved Michael so much and couldn't bear the thought of being separated from him if he were to find out about Felix's love for her. She trembled, unable to even move from where she stood.
She realised that if she had stopped Felix from giving himself false hope, she wouldn't be in this state. It wasn't her fault, but who would believe her? Everyone, including Audrey, might think she was a user. Despite rejecting Felix's love and gifts multiple times, he continued to pursue her.
Blinking back tears, she dropped down to her knees. She wished that her relationship with Michael had been publicly announced. Maybe then Felix wouldn't have continued his pursuit. Michael had so much power and could choose any woman he wanted. As one of the eligible bachelors, love shouldn't have been his priority. His priority should be to marry a woman from an influential and wealthy family background. But no, he didn't love any of those women; he only loved Chioma Chima.
Chioma knew that many people would react negatively to this relationship. She anticipated the hate and belittlement that would be thrown at her. Because she wasn't ready to face all of that, especially from the media, she had begged Michael to keep their relationship a secret until she was ready to face everyone. But now it seemed that her fear had manifested before its time. She was confused, caught in a dilemma.