CHAPTER ELEVEN

Rachel POV

Marriage, they say, is the union between a man and a woman to become husband and wife and I feel proud to say he's mine at last. I am happy because I married the man of my dreams. It's my wedding day and even though it was a small garden party with few families and friends, I still feel like the happiest woman on Earth.

In Yoruba land, it is expected of the man to come to the bride's family home to plead with them so he can have her hand in marriage. The man would be given some lists of items to buy and on the engagement day, he would come with his family members to request for the bride's family's support in taking the woman as his wife and will also pay her bride price. After the celebration, he can either take his wife to church or mosque for holy solemnization.

I neither got engaged by being requested of nor taken to church for holy solemnization, we only went directly to a small hall and got joined together. Aderemi came with his parents and two of his friends and I went with my parents, Mary, Tommy, and Olufemi.

When it was time to kiss his bride, he was hesitant to kiss me but with my eagerness, I stood on tiptoes, drew him to myself by his suit, and locked my lips with his. He looked shocked and flustered, maybe because he wasn't expecting such audacity and boldness from me but I just didn't care. I felt proud for acquiring what I've always wanted.

"This will be your room while I occupy the master bedroom" He gestured me into the room. The room was quite spacious, enough to swallow my room in the hostel. He picked up the pillow lying idly on the floor and placed it on the neatly laid bed. I nodded my head in a way to show that I understood him even though I was utterly disappointed. I know we aren't married for real, I know I want to keep myself for the man that will love me truly but I wish he could suggest that I sleep in his room, at least, I should be the one to turn down the offer. Maybe deep down, I want to sleep with him; I shut the thought out of my mind before I get myself into trouble.

"Whatever you do in your room is cool and besides I won't be home every time because of my training, so you will be left here with my housekeeper. I hope you will be okay with that?" He questioned.

"Of course. I will also be able to read for my exams at home whenever I'm not in school" I replied.

"Take care of yourself. I've got things to do with my friends. See you later" With that, he left the room. I noticed he hasn't looked me in the eyes since the stolen kiss. He seemed to be uncomfortable with it and that is so heartbreaking.

After we were joined by the officiating minister at the hall, we ate and drank wine. Aderemi introduced me to his friends who were also footballers like him. They seemed nice but I felt hidden jealousy in them.

Olufemi was dressed in a dashing grey suit that you'd confuse him for the groom, but my hubby looked better and more handsome. The guy kept on giving me looks that made me kind of uncomfortable. I felt the longing, jealousy, lust, and friendship, all in his eyes but my feelings are directed towards one species.

Our little reception was fun. I couldn't throw the bouquet, not when there were old folks and few young at the party. I hoped that one day I would be able to have my wedding in a grand style, the way I've always wanted when I marry the best man for me. I wish- I just wish- Maybe it will be him, I mean this man I married just to help him bring back his love.

Just then my phone rang. I didn't feel like picking any phone call but what else can I do besides stay in this gigantic mansion and walk around. I picked up the call without even checking the caller.

"Hello to the newest bride in town" I smiled. I know that voice so well, I can recognize that voice among thousands of voices in the world.

"Who will it be if it's not the bride's naughty friend" I replied. I moved around the room, checking and observing, and to be frank, I was not disappointed. The wardrobe was filled to the brim as if I have places to go. I pulled out one of the dresses to check the tag and I almost dropped it out of shock. Fuck! This is too expensive for an arranged bride.

"Did you even hear what I said?" Mary asked from the other side. I was too stunned to give her an immediate reply.

"What did you say?" I questioned.

"Before I answer that, can I know why you gasped?" I felt like I was being interviewed for a job.

"I saw something that surprised me. He filled the wardrobe with clothes and not just any kind, but expensive ones" I squealed.

"You deserve that girl. You are helping him to get what he wants back. He will want you to make heads turn and make someone jealous" This girl just knows what to say at some point.

"Use the clothes when you still can, girl" she said.

"Even if it's just 6months" I tried to remind myself.

"Yes, even if it's just for 2 months, just enjoy the ride baby girl" she almost screamed into my ears.

"Mary, our deal starts today".

"And?"

"I'm nervous and anxious but I feel like I can do this" I told her.

"Then do it and get it over with".

I left the wardrobe and sat on the soft bed. I rubbed my palm on the bed to feel how soft it was and I couldn't help but wonder how a person wouldn't want to sleep for hours on such a succulent bed.

"So, what do you think of him? Where is he?" That question made me feel vulnerable but it's not time to break down into tears.

"He left as soon as he dumped me in this room. It was as if he doesn't want to be close with me" I explained with an effort to erase the hurt from my voice.

"Rach, he's scared of himself. Who knows, things might change soon" she said quickly and I laughed. A burst of genuine laughter since I entered this house.

"I know this isn't why you called, so go straight to the point before it's too late, girl" I grinned.

"Since we have anticipated this wedding till early this morning, I'm glad it's now over. It's time to go back to the real world" she's still beating around the bush, that, I know.

"Can you just get this over with?" I muttered.

"We have Human anatomy test on Monday. So stop daydreaming, pull yourself together and read" I laughed so hard that tears almost came out of my eyes.

"Daydreaming? You know the only thing that's certain right now is my education. As soon as I end this call, I will unpack and start my revisions" I got up from the bed and got my school bag, I picked out the books one after the other.

"I trust you. Dad, mum, and Tomide send their greetings. What will you do about Olufemi?" I could hear the amusement in her voice but I wasn't ready to go in that direction, at least not today.

"My regards to them and we will talk about the other person when we see and when I feel like talking about him" I told her.

"Alright Ma'am" she mocked

"I need to get ready and read. I will see you in school on Monday. Bye baby" I ended the call. I picked up the Human anatomy textbook and other reading materials and sat on the bed.

I wasn't in a great mood to read and I felt grateful to myself for reading weeks before now. Even if I start reading now, it would just be a revision. I know Mary was worried about me but I want her to shelf all her worries. If this love thing doesn't work, then my education should work. At least that's one thing that won't betray me if I put my all into it.

I dropped the books confused if I should read or not but picked it up again on second thought. I left the room to go check the house well on my own. Everywhere was silent, a confirmation that my hubby has left the house. I was moving towards the living room when I heard a clattering sound to my left. I moved closer to the area I heard the sound from and realized it was from the kitchen. I looked around, marveling to see every kitchen utensils arranged so well that you'd think he has another woman in his life.

I walked in to take a look at the kitchen and observe my new environment when I came face to face with a beautiful woman. With her look, she will be in her mid-fifties, tall, robust and good-looking. Aderemi didn't strike me like a man that keeps sugar mummies in his home. Damn! I feel jealous.

"You must be Mr. Aderemi's Wife. You look more beautiful than the words I've heard" she moved closer to me to assess my face and smiled, wow she's got a beautiful smile.

"Who are you, please?" I asked, still dazed from seeing her.

"I guess Mr. Aderemi didn't tell you who I am. I'm Edwards Joy and I'm the housekeeper and cook in the house. But you can call me Joy, ma'am".

"Isn't calling you Joy too disrespectful? I'm Rachel Jones but you can call me Rachel" I told her.

"It doesn't matter. You can call me Joy since I like you and it's so good to meet you in person" I liked her immediately. Some people would have given me a disrespectful look since they are older but she looked humble. I realized later that she has been helping in the house as a cook for four years which was when Aderemi was called to play for the Nigeria Super Eagles. Her husband died 6years ago and she needed the money to take care of her two kids who were in the university.

She might be older, but she treated me like a friend and also a boss. With her in the house, I was never lonely. She cooked every Wednesday and Saturday, that was before I came into the house but with my arrival, she made every meal for me unless I wasn't around.

I know for a fact that even if I'm not lucky with a husband, I'm lucky to have a friend I can speak freely to besides Mary.

................................

"I will miss you" I said, swallowing the lump in my throat. I looked into his eyes, searching for the reciprocal of what I was feeling. I've not seen much of him since we became a couple but whenever he was, he always find time to engage me in a little discussion. At first, it was awkward but over time, It became natural. Whenever he talks, there's an aura of freeness that radiated through him. Truly Mia doesn't deserve this gentleman.

Within the twinkling of an eye, the time for the world cup came and he had to leave for Abuja. I reached up to adjust the polo of his neatly well-ironed grey suit. He has been training vigorously even at home and I wish that they reached the finals not because of others but for him and his hard work. His shirt was neatly tucked into his suit pants. My eyes were fixed on his face and there was an unspoken intimacy that passed by us. Maybe it was just my imagination but the expression on his face was similar to one who shared the same emotion as mine. I will miss this stunning and handsome man.

I allowed my eyes to fall from his face. I knew that if I continued staring at him, I might burst into tears which will expose what I've been hiding from him. It's better to keep my affection to myself so that my feelings won't be used against me later.

"Before we know it, the world cup will be over" he told me.

"I know. I wish you all the luck you deserve".

"Thank you" he answered.

I helped him with one of his small suitcases and motioned him to his car. They aren't traveling to Russia immediately because they have to see the President in Aso-rock so that he can give them his blessings and also know the players representing the country.

He opened the door to the driver's side and entered the car. I knew I would be lonely without him but maybe I might find solace with Mary and Joy. I knew I wouldn't be around the house often not only because of the preparations for my exam but also because he has become a part of me. He rolled down the glass and beckoned on me to move closer.

"If we reach the finals, you might have finished your hospital final exams before we come back. Anyways I wish you good luck in your upcoming exam" he said and looked directly at me.

"I might not have told you this before but I trust you when it comes to your academics. You will surely nail it. I will keep in touch" he said, and drove off.

The tears I've tried so much to hide rolled down my face with renewed force. I couldn't believe he had said those words to me kindly and sincerely; they meant a lot to me and geared me to ensure I pass my exams successfully.

It's not easy staying away from someone you are used to but I hoped he let me have a video call with him, at least, just to see his face. I know I don't own him, I know he's not mine...yet. This 6months is for me to either make this work or ruin our chance together.

I didn't even know Joy was with me until she touched my shoulders.

"He will be back" she murmured.

"I know. I just feel..." I couldn't finish the statement before I burst into another round of sob

"Will you still deny your love for him?" She questioned. I looked immediately at her face. I guessed what I tried to hide isn't hidden after all. I guess he's the only one oblivious to this.

"You knew?" I asked still dazed by her question.

"I've known from the beginning but you still need to hide it from him. You know the game of cards, you shouldn't show all your cards before the game is over. Come on, let's go into the house, let's celebrate their victory in advance". Even with tears in my eyes, I couldn't stop the smile that crept to my face. Joy always had ways to make me forget my worries.

I followed her into the house and she immediately went to the kitchen to get our dinner prepared while I sat on the sofa. I wanted to pick up the remote control when my phone beeped to notify me that I had a message. I picked up the phone and unlocked it to check the sender but it was from an unknown number. I almost threw up when I saw the message that stared at me.

"HE CAN NEVER BE YOURS".