CHAPTER 3

Efua’s POV

From the endless chattering coming from outside I could tell that the house was packed with people. I sat down in my room contemplating on going out or just sleeping in because I was really exhausted with the preparations for the event. It was so hectic and it felt as if I had cooked for a million people or even more. I think I also lost a gallon full of tears because those onions didn't go easy on me.

"Efua darling," Mum called knocking on my door.

I rolled my eyes and went to seat at the dresser.

"Come in mother,"

She came in looking as pretty as ever. She was actually pretty and her make up was applied just right to accentuate her beauty. She wore a green fish gown that carved her hour glass figure nicely. It was a pretty dress with a lot of sparkles for an old lady. Her black weave was braided, packed into a big bun and adorned with a lot of glitter, ribbons and sparkles.

"Wow you look gorgeous mum," I complimented honestly and she giggled.

"I know right Amaka did a great job," She checked herself out in the mirror.

I scowled and shook my head at how ridiculous she was behaving.

"Why aren't you dressed yet honey?"

"But must I come out I mean---" I sighed.

"Efua I know you don't like your step dad and you aren't comfortable with him around but please do this for me at least. I'm your mother; I carried you in my womb for nine months,"

I rolled my eyes at how cliché she was being and that's when I realized that even though I resented her for not believing me when that pervert sexually assaulted me in my teen days, I still loved her and I couldn't deny it.

"I'll be down in thirty minutes,"

"Thank you dear... I love you," She breathed heading to the door.

"Oh and you better look pretty young lady ...there are a lot of young business executives outside that I’d love you to meet,"

I scowled surprised that my Mum was trying to set me up on her event. There were times she wouldn’t let me go near anyone she knew because of my attitude. Well I guess wonders will never end.

She left and I realized that I didn't have anything in mind to wear.

Luckily for me Talia was online and who else would I go to for fashion advice other than the hip accountant in the hospital.

“Tally dear...um I kind of need fashion advice,” I texted quickly.

“Pinch me is the o so serious ‘I can do everything by myself Efua’ asking me for fashion advice?” she replied almost instantly.

“Don’t make me regret my decision,”

“Fine calm down...I guess it’s for the dinner right?”

“Yup,”

“You know that red cocktail dress you wore for my birthday gala ...the one I got you,”

“The one with the abominable slit? I'm not comfortable in that thing!”

“Well you were or are hot in it. Either that or the purple gown we got from Giselle’s,”

“Okay thanks dear,”

“UWLCM!! And Efua have fun…. and take a lot of selfies,”

“Whatever mum,” I teased and she sent an angry emoji with knives and guns. I giggled at her little tantrum and hurried to my closet.

I think I'll go with the red dress. I actually like it for a particular reason and not because of the attention I received from guys; maybe a little of that. Don't judge me!

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I was ready and set to go after what felt like ages. I looked at myself in the mirror and nodded. I looked good. My long hair fell almost reaching my waist and my curves were stroked by the dress. The dress was strapless and my cleavage was quite prominent. I wrapped a red veil round my shoulders, picked my red Versace purse and headed out. As I turned after closing the door I bumped into someone and almost fell to the ground but the caught me by the waist.

"Be careful sis," a voice chuckled and I realized it was Alade.

"Hah! Thank you Alade that was close,"

"Very,"

He said still holding my waist and our eyes still connecting for a little too long.

"Uh you can let go of me now," I croaked.

"Oh yeah sorry you look ...really pretty tonight sis,"

He said letting go of me and stepping back a little.

"Why thank you...you look charming yourself,"

"Yeah ... But not as good as you,"

I blushed and rolled my eyes. This was getting awkward and I began to feel as if I was in a novel or in one of those cliché soaps.

"Later bro," I said before strutting away.

The beautifully decorated garden was packed with a lot people. Guys in dark suits and fancy native attires while the ladies were all in different colors of gowns.

I strolled around with a glass of brandy on my hand. I chatted with a few people. So far seven guys flirted with me and I ignored them all.

An old buffoon came and was asking me to be his girl promising to buy me anything I wanted. I just laughed and went away. I blamed it all on the dress if not; I would have spat my brandy in his face and pushed him into the pool. The people I continued to meet were unfamiliar to me and I longed to see at least one familiar face- even if it were Amaka’s. Deciding on just sitting, I sat down under a shed and got playing candy crush saga while sipping more brandy. I heard some noises at a distance and looked up to see Amaka literally dragging someone over to my direction.

"Sweetheart come and meet one of my closest friend," I heard her say faintly. I didn't bother to look at his face since they were still headed towards me so I continued with my fun game of candy crush.

"Efua!!...Efua!!!" I sighed pitying the poor guy that landed into Amaka's trap.

My face went pale and my heart did back flips as my eyes landed on a pair of familiar brown eyes.

"Efua?"

"J...jimi?"

A/N: After so long, a weird way to reunite. What do you think?