The moment I met you (Chapter 154)

  By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Felix was very displeased. Of course, he knew there was something behind this breakfast. Michael had noticed it and decided to call him over.                     

Nicholas glanced at Felix and said, ‘There is no such thing as love without money…’                                                   

‘That is what old folks say and believe… but for us younger generation we believe that love conquers all,’ said Felix as he sipped his wine.        

‘Including money?’ Nicholas chuckled. ‘Without money there is no love… well, if you can manage a poor girl as long as you won’t come running for help, then we have no problems.’

‘We won’t.’                                                                            

‘Felix, don’t tell me you’re in love with a poor girl as well?’ Nicholas glanced at Felix and asked.                                   

Felix didn’t reply. Instead, he grabbed his jacket and excused himself.       

The moment I met you (Chapter 153)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 ‘Uncle Nicholas, this woman has all that I want and need in a woman. You don’t have to lecture me nor should you lecture your children. Everyone has right to choose whom to marry.’               

‘We still have right to reject those we don’t like for our children,’said Isabelle.                                                                                               

‘Aunt Isabelle is wrong to judge someone before you get to know them.’                                                                                  

‘I’m not judging you. But I still need you to consider your family. Marriage is a family affair not a personal affair.’             

‘But I am the only man to marry my wife, not family.’ Michael emphasized word for word.                                         

 ‘My point is, you should bring the girl home first. Your parents should get to know her first…’Isabelle said gently.                         

‘I don’t need to know her because I am sure not to like her.’ Patricia’s voice was without warmth.                                                   

‘Then, be sure to hate me too, mum.’ Michael stood up and left. He looked angry.                                                                           

After Michael was gone, Felix turned to Edward. ‘Uncle, why should you ruin such a lovely breakfast? I thought you knew how much Michael hates it when you try to force him to marry someone he didn’t like? He is a man, and has the right to choose any woman he wants… I truly don’t know who is the girl that Michael loves but I know he will never settle for anything that will ruin his life.’

The moment I met you (Chapter 152)

  By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

‘Indeed? How would you feel if her life is ruined because of you?’                                                                                                   

Sensing the hidden meaning in Edwards words, Michael shot him a cold glance and said, ‘ Then, I will destroy the world.’    

Felix’s lips curved into a smile. He seemed proud of his cousin.                                                                                               

Patricia glanced at Michael expressionlessly.  Michael refused to meet her gaze.                                                         

 ‘As far as I know this family has built a century years of reputation. You don’t dare break that because of an ordinary woman. Son, I have always been proud of you. Don’t ruin that.’                                                                                                              

‘Edward, just let your son be. I know Michael’s a good boy. He will eventually come to his senses and perhaps marry Jessica.’ Nicholas was gentle with his speech, but Michael was hurt by it.

‘I will never marry Jessica. I will marry that lowly girl from the slums and nobody, I mean nobody will stop me.’ Michael said coldly.                                                                                   

‘You mean to go against us?’ Patricia spoke up.                         

‘If I need to, then I will.’                                                                 

          

‘You’re free to fall in love but the woman must be someone of reputable character…’Nicholas looked at Michael and said meaningfully.

The moment I met you (Chapter 151)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 Patricia appeared too, wearing a casual white Chanel dress. She was looking graceful and elegant.                                                                           

Everyone sat down to eat the lavish food spread on the table. What seemed like a father and son breakfast turned into a family feast? Michael sat across from Felix and the two of them seem to have thoughts running through their minds.                                                                     

‘Now that we’re complete, I think I should use this opportunity to ask some questions,’ Edward said, and both Michael and Felix glanced at each other.

‘Is Michael getting married to Jessica?’ Isabelle asked with a smile.    

Michael was angry at Isabelle’s innocent question, but he was still able to conceal his anger.                                                                           

 Edward glanced at Michael. ‘Son, how come you don’t want to marry Jessica?’                                                                       

                   

Michael was silent.

 ‘Son, I had you proposed to a lowly girl, was that true?’           

                   

‘Very true,’replied Michael.                                                           

                   

‘Do you think you will be happy with her?’                                

          

‘She’s my heart’s better half. So, yes I will be happy with her for the rest of my life.’  

The moment I met you (Chapter 150)

  By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Michael?’ someone called and Michael turned his head to see who it was, though he recognised the voice. It was his cousin Audrey, wearing a wine red dress with beautiful patterns on the chest. Her long hair fell down beautifully on her back.  She was with Celine and Felix.          

‘We came to drag the breakfast with you,’ Felix spoke with a smile as they neared.                                                                                                             

‘Is that so? Then, you’re very much welcome to have it all,’ Michael said.                                                                                                                             

‘That will be grand. We’re family after all,’ Edward added with a smile.  

‘Why don’t I ring your parents to join us for breakfast, that way we’ll have a complete family,’ he glanced at Felix and said. Before Felix could refuse, Edward had already rang Nicholas to come over with Isabelle. ‘I had wanted this breakfast to be father and son breakfast but since you are all here, family breakfast will be better, right Michael?’

Michael didn’t answer. He had invited Felix and his siblings over because he didn’t want his father to bring up the issue of Jessica. He knew that there was more to this breakfast, and wasn’t ready for such. But seeing, his father ring Nicholas to come over with Isabelle, Michael felt that a serious topic might be discussed. Well, it was best to tell everyone his stance, once and for all.                                                                           

Few minutes later, Nicholas appeared dressed in his luxurious black suit, and freshly polished black shoes. Isabelle who was behind was wearing a blue-coloured dress and matching high heels. With her shiny black wavy hair, she looked like an elegant and gentle mother. Of course, she was a gentle woman. 

The moment I met you (Chapter 149)

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

‘Okay, madam,’ nodding, Simon left the room.                                    

‘Son, what has gotten into you? Your father wants to have breakfast with you at the garden. It’s no big deal, right?’ Patricia looked over at Michael. 

‘Besides, today’s Saturday.’                                                                      

‘But I need to bath first, right? You know am a germaphobe…’                                                                                                             

Patricia smiled. ‘Son, I know you’re the clean type…’                               

‘So, am going to take my bath first before heading to the garden.’ Before Patricia could speak more, Michael left his room.                      

Sighing, Patricia left the room as well.                                                   

After bathing and changing into a casual white suit, Michael headed for the garden. At the garden, Edward was standing with his back towards Michael and his arms crossed across his chest.                                    

‘Dad?’                                                                                                         

Edward turned around and smiled at his son. ‘Did you have a goodnight sleep?’                                                                                                                

‘It’s obvious, isn’t it?’                                                                              

‘That was why I asked no one to wake you. Today’s Saturday, I was hoping to enjoy the day with my son. Do you mind having breakfast with me?’                                                                                                         

‘No need to be polite. I’m your son… we have often times shared breakfast together.’                                                                                           

Edward nodded with a smile. The breakfast looked delicious as always. The large table was filled with different delicacies.                                   

The Njemanze villa looked magnificent and the garden even more luxurious, with green trees, manicured lawns, carefully planned pathways, colourful flowers symmetrically scattered across the garden. At the middle of the garden was a big fountain surrounded by manicured grass and white lilies. By the left was a pond, filled with white ducks which were splishing and splashing. Seeing the Njemanze gardens was like stepping into a fairy tale. 

The moment I met you (Chapter 148)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu           

Chioma pouted and remained silent.                                                               

‘Sis, why don’t you answer me?’                                                                      

‘Nothing.’                                                                                                   

‘You don’t seem happy all of a sudden… I was only teasing you.’                                                                                                                                            

‘I was just wondering… what if Michael cheats on me too?’          

‘He won’t… he’s a good guy, I can bet that with my own life.’ His smile was relaxed and handsome.                                                                                   

Andrew’s words gave Chioma assurance and hope.                                      

Michael woke up from the morning sunlight flooding into his luxurious room. Blinking his eyes he looked at the clock and found out that it was almost nine o’clock and nobody woke him up.                                                 

Pulling on his shirt he pressed the button on the nightstand and a servant came in immediately.                                                                    

‘Prepare the bathroom for me,’ Michael ordered.                                

‘I’m sorry sir Michael, your father wants you to relax today. He says you should meet him at the garden for breakfast.’                               

‘Are you stupid? Prepare the bathroom for me first.’                            

The servant looked at Michael with fear in his eyes. ‘Sir Michael your father wants you at the garden.’                                                  

Michael stood up. ‘So are you saying that I should fire you?’ His voice was cold, causing the servant to shiver.                                                       

The servant shook his head.                                                                            

‘I don’t want you to keep your father waiting, Sir Michael.’                      

Patricia walked inside. ‘Simon, why don’t you go ahead with your duty? I need to talk to Michael,’ Patricia said, placing the sheets she was carrying on the bed.      

The moment I met you (Chapter 147)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 ‘I already took permission from your boss and it’s settled.’                                    

‘What’s settled?’Chioma looked confused.                                           

‘Emeka says you could go with me to the mall. Chisom and your brother are coming also. And if you’re worried about the customers I have arranged everything…  So, you don’t have to worry.’                

Chioma really did want to go shopping, but she would have preferred Sunday… especially now she was working. But since, Daniel already took permission, maybe she might consider going.                             

‘Fine, I’ll consider it.’                                                                                          

‘All right, I will come to the house with Chisom, then we four can go together. My treat,’Daniel happily said.                                                             

‘I got it, you handsome big brother,’ She chuckled.                    

Hanging up the call, she got a Whatsapp message from Audrey asking what she had planned tomorrow. As she was about to reply, Andrew walked over with a bowl of popcorn and handed it to her.                                                                                                                                       

‘Daniel’s taking us out tomorrow?’Chioma glanced at Andrew and asked.                                                                                                                    ‘Yup.’                                                                                                                             

‘Are you scared he might confess something?’ Andrew chuckled. ‘Don’t worry, he knows you’re already taken and wouldn’t do anything to ruin that?’ Andrew extended his hand and pinched her cheek lovingly.                               

‘Why did he break up with his girlfriend?’                                             

‘She was cheating on him.’                                                                        

After hearing the reason from her brother she felt sorry for Daniel.                                                                                                                                

‘Ooh, do you want to be his girlfriend?’Andrew teased her.      

The moment I met you (Chapter 146)

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 When prince saw Audrey behind Celine, he waved at her.                            

Celine turned around and took the cake. ‘Thank you.’                    

‘It’s really delicious. You might want to teleport some to Prince from the phone,’Audrey joked.                                                                                    

‘No, Celine doesn’t have to teleport the cake. She isn’t a witch,’Prince smiled. ‘I’m okay seeing it from here.’                                                

Audrey waved a hand. ‘You two continue with your bedroom talk.’ She strode upstairs to her room.                                                                            

Audrey’s words made Celine blush. After a long chat, they bade themselves goodnight and retired to bed.

When Louisa and her children finished having dinner, she went straight to bed while Chioma took the dishes to the kitchen and washed them. When she was done with washing up, she sat on the sofa to watch the television. The evening news was covering the proposal on Star Restaurant. But the press didn’t mention a word about Chioma and Michael because Chioma had begged Michael not to announce their relationship to the world just yet. No reporter would dare go against Michael except they want to be blacklisted. So, the proposal was mentioned but Michael and Chioma’s name weren’t mentioned.                            

At that moment, Chioma’s phone suddenly rang.    She glanced at the phone to see it was Daniel calling.   Smiling, she reached for the phone.                                                                                                                   

‘Chioma, tomorrow is Saturday…’                                                                

‘Mhm, I’m aware of that.’                                                                        

‘What do you have planned tomorrow?’                                               

‘Work, of course.’        

The moment I met you (Chapter 145)

  By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

‘Here, I accept the lavish birthday.’                                                        

‘Thank you, Audrey. I will have to invite few of my classmates.’                                                                                                                        

Felix didn’t really like the idea of the 18^th debut birthday but since the girls are welcoming such, he had no choice than to gladly welcome it.       

‘I will be going shopping with Prince this Saturday. I had wanted big brother Felix to bring me to a shopping mall today but he didn’t show up. Instead Jessica did.’                                                                                    

‘I don’t need someone that will rip me off. Glad I escaped your wrath,’ Felix said with a chuckle. Then, he lowered his head and ate silently.                

‘Audrey, we will have Dior make your dress. What do you think?’                                                                                                                                          

‘Perfect pink princess dress,’Audrey nodded.                                 

         

After dinner, Celine video called prince.                                      

‘Prince, did that mechanic fix your car well?’                                         

‘Yup.’                                                                                                                  

‘Have you eaten dinner?’                                                                        

‘Few minutes ago. What about you?’                                                          

‘Yup,’Celine said with a smile. ‘Did you miss me already?’                       

‘Very much,’Prince smiled with his eyes.

The two were having a fun chat when suddenly Audrey walked out behind Celine.                                                                                                

‘Celine, do you want some chocolate cake? I bought it on my way from school. You will like it. The chocolate was imported all the way from Italy. It is deliciously yummy-yummy.’

The moment I met you (Chapter 144)

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 ‘I can help you find someone to escort you if that’s your problem,’ Celine offered.                                                                                           

‘That’s my business, not yours. What? You want to bring your little boyfriend to escort me? You seem too highly of yourself little sister.’                                                                                                                                

‘No, I was going to ask Nathan to escort you,’said Celine, feeling a bit wronged.                                                                                                   

‘You don’t really need to celebrate a ballroom-type of birthday if you don’t want to. We can go to the hotspring with Michael.’                          

‘Not bad but I don’t like it for Audrey’s 18^th birthday. I want my big sister to be the best. Audrey’s celebrating her coming of age. She needs to dress up and stun the world. Dad has promised to be there despite his tight schedule… dad will be your first Dance in 18 roses,’ Celine giggled.                                                                                                   

‘Then who will be the last?’ Felix asked.                                                          

‘Well, it will be Audrey’s       special someone, suitor, or her best friend.’                                                                                                                                    

‘Unfortunately, I have none,’ Audrey breathed.                                             ‘I suggest we go to the hotspring,’ Felix said, spooning rice into his mouth.                                                                                                           

‘This is just like the Filipino kind of birthday were a large party is being thrown during a girl’s 18^th birthday… it’s similar to quinceanera or sweet sixteen, which is complete with her hand-picked entourage of 18 individuals… this kind of birthday isn’t new to you guys but you pretend not to know and it’s pissing me off,’Celine grumbled.                   

Audrey picked up an omellete roll with her fork and placed it on Celine’s plate.                               

The moment I met you (Chapter 143)

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

‘You’re the best. I don’t know what I would do without you.’                      

‘Just give me your pay packet,’ he joked and she laughed. ‘Away you,’ he said, shooing her away.                                                                           

Chioma laughed happily. Hailing a taxi, she headed home. When she got home she went straight to the kitchen and saw her mother cooking dinner. Greeting her mother, she went to her room. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she felt that she was fortunate to have a loving brother who always protected her.  She thought of Michael declaring to be her man. She felt, Jessica wouldn’t just keep quiet without doing anything, she thought, then pushed the thought away hurriedly because it made her feel she would lose to Jessica.                                                                                                                                         

After Felix was done with the second meeting, he drove home straight since Michael declined having a drink with him tonight. Nicholas and Isabelle hadn’t returned from work yet.  

When Felix arrived home Audrey and Celine hadn’t had dinner.                  

‘How was school today? Felix was referring to both his sisters.                                                                                  

 ‘Stressful.’ Audrey frowned at the thought.                                           

‘Beautiful,’Celine said with a smile.                                                                  

‘Audrey what makes you say that?’ Felix glanced at Audrey and asked.                                                                                                                                  

‘Isn’t going to the university stressful?’ Audrey answered.                    

‘I know,’said Felix. ‘But it’s obvious that you’re looking for an escort for your debut, right?’