THIRTY FIVE

Initially l had planned to cancel the whole thing because l couldn't stand seeing Hilden after he lied about something as menial as an affair. Why was he so adamant on keeping this one a secret. Is it because he loves her? Or he is afraid that l will rat him out to his father? or maybe my eyes are so used to deception that l was quick to assume. Whatever the reason is, it doesn't sit well with me.

Another reason for my hesitance was the fact that he had made a reservation at our restaurant for his get together. Did our relationship mean so little to him that he didn't mind inviting his new Mrs to the place that helped form our relationship. The place we first laid eyes on each other. Where l handed him my heart on a silver platter.

But my absence would be an invitation to pursue a relationship. What girl in their right mind will turn down a chance with Holden. And knowing the man and his l am too humble to turn down a girls advances attitude, he would most probably encourage her actions. I am already in competition with Celia, a former beauty queen. She even won the title of Miss World.

I didn't put much effort but l was presentable enough. I don't want to come across as if l am trying too hard. It might make the girl think she stands a chance. The basics of reverse psychology. If l am too dressed up it shows that l am insecure and the girl will take it as an opportunity to win Hilden over and not dressed down either because then she will think l don't care enough for the relationship. But if l look like l usually do, like l am not trying hard but not dressed down either she will know not to mess with me.

Another trick l used was arriving late as my guide to relationships had suggested. This is a tactic animals apparently use to claim their territory. Dumb right, but how could l possibly argue with Tescopolian. The famous guide to everything relationships. I sat in my car running through all the points l would make tonight, starting with staking my claim on Hilden, then talk about the wonderful relationshp we have, but in equal intervals so that the woman doesn't see that something is amiss.

I felt confident with my plan cause Tescopolitan has never led me astray. I put on an extra coat of my lipstick and sprayed on my favourite perfume and started executing my plan in phases.

Phase 1: strut into the restaurant, making sure everyone's eyes are on me. This was the easiest part of my plan. Being an arm candy for majority of the time in my previous relationships made it easy to do this. Men are such predictable creatures, just a simple look and they fall. And that is exactly how l turned all heads

Phase 2: As soon as l see Hilden, kiss him like there is no tomorrow. By the looks f it, it seemed he was waiting for me. This meant that he meant his words earlier, he had no interest in the woman whatsoever. Knowing Hilden, he would be all over her like a new drug in the market. I didn't even have to execute this plan as Hilden pulled me into his arms and kissed me as if he too was proving a point. What that is is beyond me

As soon as he let me go l was able to get a good view of the woman who was stealing my life and she was beautiful. But not the kind of beauty that turns heads and makes men fall to their knees, the loud and unforgiving kind. She was the kind that is warm, peaceful, that makes you stare at her all day. The kind you never get tired of seeing, that could break a lot of hearts without trying.

And she didn't seem to care about the show that Hilden and l had just put on. This meant a whole knew playing field. The events of the night changed my stance on the whole ordeal. I could tell from her interaction with Hilden that there were no ulterior motives and she was just an unlucky individual stuck in an unfavourable situation.

How could l hate on someone who was not at fault and simply a victim of circumstance.

"so....?" Hilden started on our routine before we go to bed mandatory phone call

"so..."

"what did you think about tonight? Did you enjoy yourself?" he started off easing us into the conversation

"It was nice, she seems nice." l offered not knowing what he expected me to say about the whole situation

"That's all, no questions or inputs?" he asked probably confused by my indifference to the whole situation

"I don't know what you want me too say Hilden. I met her, she seems nice." l said getting frustrated by his questions

"You know what forget it. I just wanted to know your honest opinion of the woman l am getting married to because if you didn't like her, l would make my father cancel the whole thing. But since you are not willing to be mature about this goodnight. see you when l see you." and with that he hung up

had l been acting immature about the whole situation? Did l want Hilden to throw away his birth right because of my feelings? Something he had worked so hard for. It is an indescribable feeling, knowing that for my sake Hilden would leave it all behind, all that he had ever wanted in life just for my sake

'It was not my intention to make you feel that way. She seems lovely. If you want, l can try to get along her for the sake of the company. I love you' -Isabel. I sent him a text and drowned my sorrows in sleep