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It's the next day, meaning I get to meet Christian. I think I should give him a city tour before we leave.

Before we plan to leave.

Last night I couldn't break it to my folks about it because my dad had to sit my mother down in the living room when she got back from her 'ladies meeting at church'. I'd like to believe it didn't go well because there was an argument that suddenly erupted. Their muffled voices could be heard from my room- they were that loud.

Today's mood is different , a quiet house with small talk. My father made himself breakfast for the first time in Lord knows how long, and my mother did not leave their room since.
On the other hand, Gabe is livelier as ever, all smiles and giggles with his dad as they have breakfast. Noni is trying to match their energy, I know she heard our parents argue, Gareth probably did too.

As I watch all this activity from the dining room over my cup of tea , I can't help but wonder whose fault this is...mine? Haha, maybe. I don't mean to point fingers but this all wouldn't have happened if- y'know.

At the same time I'm cool with it. Inasmuch as this counts as me defying my parents and the life they want me to live, I see it as a learning curve for us all. Sure, they wouldn't want to be a bowl for village spit, but for how long will tradition do more harm than good in bringing individuals together in matrimony against their will?

I just stated mad facts there. Anything to seize this arrangement between James and I.

All this comes back to Christian and I, surprisingly I'm thinking about all this as though we're definitely going to get married, lol. What if we don't work out the way we're so sure that we will.

I shake my head to erase the thought,we'll work out. I can't be negative about something this deep.

My father walks past, a tray in hand with his cup and saucer from breakfast.

"Hey, let me help," I hurry to grab the items when he stops me.
"It's alright," following him into the kitchen where he places them in the sink.
"How are you today?" he sighs at the question.
"I'm okay?" He fold his arms, staring blankly out the window , "I'd like to believe I am. I know it doesn't look like it but- follow me," he beckons, heading out the door to the backyard.

We stand in the centre of the garden, lush green grass and stone path on our left hand side leading to the gazebo. We're surrounded by different plants and flowers that my mother cares for with her life.

"You see how it looks out here? The sky, the birds...it's peaceful," I look up as he spoke, taking in our surroundings.
"I want peace," he continues, "You might've heard the argument last night. There was no peace when we went to bed nor when we woke up. Your mother and I are having one of those arguments where she doesn't have her way and caves in,shutting everyone out,"

There is a long pause. Birds continue to chirp with the tall trees brushing against each other, a harmonious blend.

"You are free to leave. I'm sure we've kept you long enough," he clears his throat, "I know what we had planned did not go accordingly, but from my end, the short conversations we had were worth while."
"What about yesterday? You haven't given feedback," I fidget with my hands, anxious to hear his response.

He looks at me but deep in thought, I can't put my finger on his expression.

"It was good," is all he says.

——
"Good Morning ma'am, and welcome back," Wendy places a small box of Lindt chocolates in front of me.
"Why thank you," I smile at the gesture, opening the box and popping one in my mouth.
"Love the new look too," she compliments, I couldn't agree less.

Today I sashayed through the office hallways in a wavy honey blonde ombré wig matched with a black blazer dress and suede heels. Of course there was no one to witness my little show because I'm an early bird but as usual, I don't mind.

I nod with a thumbs up at her, savoring the chocolate melting in my mouth.

"Anyway, I have re-organized your diary so your consultations start next week," she informs me, diary in hand.
"And I just might request that the board gives you a raise," she shyly tucks a strand of her straight bobbed hair behind her ear.
"You're too kind, Ms Yané,"
"The work you've done in my absence is beyond commendable, Wendy. I'll be dammed if you don't get a bonus at the least," I huff, pulling a file out and getting some paperwork done.

Since I got back things have been a little bleak back home. Of course I left because my father released me, but my mother's words have been stuck on me since.

James hasn't returned and my mother hardly calls. It's just my dad's occasional texting to ask how being back feels because phones aren't really his thing and he only uses it because of Noni and I.

So far there's no chatter about my family the way James over exaggerated it. Even if there was, who cares?

My phone vibrates on the table momentarily and I glance at it, a message.

Just now
Christian: Passing by your house after work. We need to work on the party.

I toy with the collar of my blazer briefly before responding so I return to work.

"The lioness is back," that can only be Pete's voice.
"Sure am," my eyes don't leave my paper, circling a few figures with my gel pen.

"You look different,"
"Mr Van Buren-" his scent grows stronger, and I finally take notice of him sitting opposite my table.
"Just here to give an update on Logan Square, my notes," a thin booklet slides over to me.
"Hm," my brow arches at him for a second, the booklet now in my grasp.
"I didn't want you to feel pressured when you got back so I filled in. Wendy helped here and there," I read through the booklet, nodding in understanding.

"Mr Greear wasn't in either, suspicious," he leans in, elbows positioned on the edge of the glossy surface.
"Is that so? I'll have to check in with Mr Logan and take over from here," I change topic.

"It's him, isn't it?" his eyes bore into mine, searching for an answer.
"Thank you for all your help,Pete. You can go now,"

The day goes by swiftly til afternoon. I make my way to Logan Square, passing by the construction site. Christian is nowhere to be seen, which is understandable because he probably has other things to do. I take a detour to the management offices to meet with Mr Logan instead, the lavender fragrance in the lounge tingling my senses.

"Good afternoon,Ms Yané. I assume you're looking for Mr Logan?" the lady at the reception desk asks.
"Good afternoon and yes I am. Is he in?"
"Yes, he's just in a meeting that will be done in about ten minutes,"

The meeting with Mr Logan took a while, before I know it it's five in the evening.

I drive home just in time to get dressed in more comfy clothes and fix supper when a knock is heard from the front door.

Christian.

Dropping the knife on the chopping board, I hurry to the door and open it.

"Wow," he says breathlessly, taking in my appearance.
"Hey," I squeak, taking his free hand and pulling him inside.
"I brought some stuff we could work on b-but I must say... you look lovely," he says
softly, almost inaudible.
"Thank you," I lead him into the kitchen, his hand still in mine.

"Is this one of the wigs you mentioned to me about?"
"Yes, still a couple more," I pull out a bottle of white wine, for a good cause this time. *wink*
"I'm sure they'll leave me just as breathless," he thanks me silently and brings the filled glass to his lips.
"I guess we'll never know," I shrug.

He chuckles, "You look ravishing in anything you put together, Imani."
"There you go again with your English," we share a good laugh, basking in the moment.

"So, what did you bring?"
**
"Sweetie!!" Hannah squeals, we both jump around excitedly by our table.
"You look so bomb in this look!" Kenya praises.
"Yess, queen," Hannah adds.
"Thank you, ladies," I smirk before finally sitting down with my homegirls.

It feels like ages since we had a night out, and we better do the most because Kenya's wedding is fast approaching. I don't know why but I feel like the honeymoon period will stretch and I won't get to see my baby so might as well turn up now.

We dance to the music blasting from all corners of the room, hyping each other as we moved to the beat while still by our table.

By ten, we make our way to Kenya's house because for some reason it's always the closest to wherever we'd be.

"Isn't Adrian sleeping?" I whisper, cautiously walking behind Kenya, Hannah tip toeing behind.
"I'm not sure," she responds quietly.

After finding out that he was basically fast asleep, we crash in the guest room for the night.

Morning arrives and I wake up to the smell of strong coffee and pancakes. Hannah is still sleeping, the turn up must've been alot to take in.

"Hey, you can wear these," Kenya walks in with two t-shirts and pajama pants for Hannah and I.
"Thanks, girl," I yawn, running a hand through my disheveled wig. I slide into the clothes as she approaches the door.
"Oh, Christian is downstairs," she winks, and I gape, rushing for the bathroom.

My face is a mess. Thankfully, we all wiped our makeup off before bed but now I look like I battled a bear.
I quickly wash my face, fix my hair with my fingers and lightly slap my face a few times before stepping out.

Christian is in the kitchen with Adrian, seated by the kitchen island with a mug in one hand.
"Aha, the second runner up is up," Adrian announces and we all crack into laughter.

I walk towards Christian and snake my hand round his muscular arm resting on the marble island top.

"Good Morning," my raspy voice gets the best of me as I whisper in his ear.
"Good Morning," his husky voice is alluring as he moves to my cheek and plants a kiss there.

We talk for a little while and Kenya excuses herself to check on Hannah.

"Good,now that she's gone... how's it going with the party plans?" Adrian leans in.
"Great actually. We've been making these cute stone like cherub carvings- Christian's been teaching me. The theme colors are a mix of blue grays and white," I light up and stab a pancake from the dish, placing it on my plate.

"And a venue?" Adrian asks.
"Imani's place has a spacious backyard we can use. I got tables and chairs for the guests amongst other things,"
"You two are working working," Adrian applauds, "I owe y'all big time."
"It's nothing, Adrian. Anything for you two. Besides, you can always pay us back with some good food at the wedding," Christian shoves me playfully at my statement.

After breakfast at Kenya's, I get a ride home from Christian, stopping by a few stores to find extra decorations for the party. My phone vibrates on my lap at our last stop before heading to Town Hill.

New Message
Dad♥️: Hello. Hope ur good. Missing u. Greet Christian for me.

I smile at the text and turn to Christian, who is oblivious to it. My heart is at ease knowing that I am with this man. And despite my mother being the bitter person in all this, my father is more accommodating after meeting him. I'm surprised he's even giving mention of Christian, or the fact that he's been siding my mother this entire time as she pinned me down with her constant clan preachings.
And though I'm not one hundred percent sure that my dad is all for this, this is a good start knowing where he stands.

My hand rests on Christians knee as he drives, noticing him give a small smile.

Guess this is what love feels like.
_______________________________
Thank You all so much we're at 2k reads and 100+ votes! 🌞 I appreciate it so much.♥️
I'm still pacing myself, but I don't want to make the wait too long for you all. So I'll work on that.
Also, apologies for grammar errors and all. Working on that too♥️
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