7 CHOCOLATE

I am so sorry people.

This is not an update.

Sorry guys

.

I'm just joking. It is.

The footsteps were getting closer. Would I have time to change ? I loved this onepiece but I didn't know if it would be appropriate. What type of person was he? In my defence, I wasn't expecting him in my home.

And so I backed the kitchen entrance, slicing the pizza. I was going to act like I didn't know he was here.

"How do I look?" I asked Hauwa.

" Just perfect. Stay the way you are. That position, just wonderful. Don't even shake. (We all need a friend like Hauwa)

I heard the footsteps stop and knew they could see me.

You know that feeling when you know you're being watched and very intently at that.

Yep, I felt that way, except I could feel eyes travelling from my feet upwards. I knew how I looked from behind and so I knew what he was watching.

I couldn't help but bite my lip as I smiled to myself. I felt warm all over, and could feel goose bumps on my skin.

I decide to turn and immediately he said

"Flowers for your new home."

This was Ali? InshaAllah, I would jump this man.

"Thank you, I have an empty vase somewhere." I hoped my smile wasn't crooked.

Hauwa took the flowers from me.

"You must be Mila, I've heard so much from Zahra here."

"JAMILAH, its a pleasure to meet you."

He may be superhot but only those extremely close to me called me Mila. It was what my mother called me, that or Marie.

"I brought wine, thought we could toast to your new place. Zahra told me you bought it just yesterday."

"Yes, I did. Let me cool it for just a bit."

Hauwa took the wine from me.

"Your house is beautiful. JAMILAH, although it is small" That was coming from Zahra.

"I think its part of the charm, I would like something like this, brings in a bit of normalcy." Ali was speaking now.

"Exactly what I thought." I wasnt aware I had placed the tip of my fingers on Ali's forearm. He looked down at it which drew my attention. The contrast between our colours was striking. I wondered if he knew about the engagement. I let my hand fall away.

"Time for pizza."

*"*

We were in the dining room, polishing off the last of the pizza and sipping from the wine. Conversation had been flowing and nothing was in the least awkward.

I was growing tenser by the second though. Ali had taken to giving me the most innocent of touches, whether it was quick millisecond taps on my forearm or 'accidental' featherlight caresses on the back of my palm. It all seemed very innocent but I was getting hot and bothered. I didn't know if I was annoyed or glad that Hauwa and Zahra were present. The bethrotal was the last thing on my mind. I kept crossing and uncrossing my legs and everyone could notice. Ali would chuckle when I did that.

He seemed to have a sweet sense of humour though, and everyone was healthily adding to the discussion.

"So, Hauwa , how long have you and Jamilah known each other."

"Almost 10 years now, we studied together at the University of Port

Harcourt down in Rivers state. Medicine."

Hauwa replied as she dropped her wineglass.

"Wow, a doctor, huh. And my father told me you studied business administration also. You must be politically inclined to be a part of the cabinet as well."

He seemed to really look at me then before continuing

"That's very impressive."

"Thank you."

I was happier with that statement than any other thing that had happened today.

"Oh, and JAMILAH is starting a fund for subsidized to almost free healthcare insurance schemes, for poor and middle-class Nigerians. It kicks off in two months. Tell him about it, Jamilah."

Zahra was so bubbly today.

And so I delved into my vision for the health insurance scheme. For a while I totally forgot about everybody that was present.

I could see the difference this would make for Nigerians.

It was something I always wanted to do and when this opportunity came, I knew it was finally time.

It would be called the Jamilah Marie Abubakar Health Insurance Scheme (all in a bid to sell the name) , or for short, JaMA INSURANCE .

I could see Ali morph from a relaxed face to focused and intense. I couldn't say I didn't like this side. I liked both shades of him already.

"I would love to be involved in this, your vision is blinding. It dares me, I like it."

Oh Allah, save me.

He wasn't even aware he was squeezing my hand by this time, he was so focused on what he was saying.

This man was very passionate.

And it was clear he had no idea what was going on. I suddenly felt very guilty.

"You guys can totally Skype about the project. I'll send you her username Ali." Zahra again.

"So, Ali , Zahra says your family wasn't excepting you till about 3 months from now." Hauwa mentioned, saving me in the process.

"Yeah", he let go of my hand.

"Something was going on. I don't know what, but I got very suspicious."

"Ali believes very strongly in his hunches." Zahra laughed lightly.

He laughed as well.

"You know what else I believe in, Zahra, honesty, straightforwardness, transparency. And I know you guys are hiding something from me."

He turned to me,

"I dont think any relationship stands a chance without trust."

I forced myself to swallow. Why was he addressing me?

Me? He chuckled. Did I say that out loud?

"No, my family. My father kept on extending my stay abroad,

'why don't you visit this and this and this?'"

"I knew he was up to something when he told me to take a break for a few weeks and then afterwards he'll inform me on what next I'd do for him. I knew I had to come back."

'Well, its not like you found out he was up to anything."

"Oh, he is. Suddenly he wants me to visit each and every of our family members based abroad."

Zahra and Hauwa burst out laughing. Ali just smiled.

" When will you be leaving?"

He looked at the table.

"Tomorrow morning."

His voice was soft.

"I don't know when I'll be coming back."

"Well, there's always Skype." Apparently Zahra overheard.

All through their visit, I was worried. Should I tell him about the bethrotal?

Was it even my place to do so?

Would it spoil our relationship if he finds out I was aware later on?

Would he hate me?

Please tell me your thoughts guys. And advice Jamilah.

Do you think she should inform him before they go any further in this ruse?

Please please please vote

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