Chapter 4 APOLOGY

Denzel and his friends, Charlie, and Bennie sat at the bar, laughing and joking as they sipped their beers. They had just finished a game of pool and were celebrating Denzel's win.

Charlie suddenly said"Man, you're on fire tonight! I didn't know you had such skills."

Denzel laughed before replying"Hey, I've got hidden talents. You just don't know me that well."

"Yeah, like your secret love of karaoke." Bernie chuckled and took a sip from his beer.

Denzel snapped playfully"Hey, that's not a secret! I just like to have fun."

"Well, you're definitely the life of the party. Let's get another round." Charlie said.

As they waited for their drinks to arrive, the conversation turned to their jobs.

"Man, I'm so glad I don't have to deal with Nadetta's boss. He sounds like a real piece of work."

"I know, right? He wants her to go on this business trip with him, and I'm not having it." Denzel shrugged.

Charlie raised his brow "Why not? It's just a trip. You're being paranoid."

"Yeah, Denzel, you need to relax. Nadetta can handle herself." Bernie said too.

Denzel sighed deeply"You guys don't get it. I don't trust him, and I don't want Nadetta getting mixed up in his business dealings. Plus, I don't want her to be away from me for that long."

Bernie chuckled"Denzel, you're being possessive. Nadetta's an adult, she can make her own decisions. And besides she's been working with him for years, you need to trust her more. You're not her father."

"He's just trying to protect her," Charlie said, rolling his eyes.

"Protect her from what?" Bennie laughed. "Her own decisions?"

Denzel: "You guys don't understand. I have a bad feeling about this."

"Bad feeling?" Charlie repeated, chuckling. "You mean you're just jealous."

"Jealous?" Denzel said, his voice rising. "I'm not jealous. I just care about Nadetta's well-being."

"Sure you do," Bennie said, grinning. "That's why you're trying to control her every move."

Charlie laughed "Denzel, you need to let go and trust Nadetta to make her own decisions."

"Yeah, man, you're being unreasonable." Bennie said too.

"You guys can't understand,I'm gonna apologize to her for raising my voice on her but I'm never letting her go" Denzel insisted, shaking his head sideways.

"Denzel....

"Go get married,then you guys can understand my feelings" Denzel cut Charlie off and stood up.

"Yes married man" They both laughed.

{ A SMALL APARTMENT - KEATON'S HOUSE }

Keaton came into the small living room and sat opposite her friends Morgan and Bella

"Girls,I met someone who looked exactly like me today at the mall" Keaton began and their eyes widened in surprise

"Wow,did she see you? Did you talk? Bella asked,with so much curiosity lacing her voice.

Keaton nodded" out of nowhere, I see this woman who looks exactly like me! I mean, exactly. It was like looking into a mirror."

Morgan shook her head"What? That's wild!"

Keaton nodded "I know, right? We talked,but what she said surprised me"

"What? They both inquired in unison.

Keaton continued " So she told me to pretend to be her while she goes on a business trip..

Morgan Covered her mouth with palm shockingly.

"You're joking,right? Morgan exclaimed, surprised.

"Wait, what? How is that even possible?" Bella questioned.

Keaton nodded and continued"I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. So, Nadetta's husband, Denzel, is super possessive, like I said. And Nadetta wants to go on this trip, but she knows Denzel will freak out if she goes alone."

"So, she wants you to pretend to be her, to distract Denzel while she's away?" Bella cracked

"Exactly! And I'm thinking, why not? It's not like I have anything better to do. And it'll be a fun adventure, right?" Keaton shrugged

Morgan moved closer to her and held her palm"Keaton, are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, pretending to be someone else's wife?"

Keaton laughed"I know it's crazy, but I've already agreed to do it. And Nadetta's promised to make it worth my while."

"Well, I hope you know what you're getting yourself into..." Bella said slowly.

"I know. I need the money. I'll be able to pay my mom's hospital bills too, that's one of the main reason I accepted so don't worry,I'll be good" Keaton reassured.

"I hope so. So I'm going back to school tomorrow guys" Bella stood up and said.

"College student,huh? Morgan joked.

"Whatever. I'll be done in a year time" Bella clicked her tongue and walked out while Morgan and Keaton continued talking.

**

{ DENZEL'S MANSTION }

Denzel walked into the room and met Nadetta on the bed, working on her laptop. She looked at him before moving her gaze back to her laptop.

Denzel rubbed his forehead and sigh.

"Baby" Denzel called calmly and bent to peck her cheek.

"Hey, Denzel. How was your day?" She replied casually,not sparing him a glance.

Denzel smiled.

"It was good. But I'm really sorry for the way I acted the other night. I feel like I've been suffocating you and I promise to do better." Denzel stated calmly.

Nadetta closed up her laptop and faced him.

"I appreciate that, Denzel. I've been thinking a lot about us and I think we need to work on our communication and trust issues."

"Absolutely, I agree. I don't want to lose you, Nadetta. You mean everything to me." Denzel cooed and held her palm into his.

"I don't want to lose you either, Denzel. Let's work on this together, okay?" Nadetta replied.

"Okay. And I have a surprise for you. I was thinking we could go on a weekend date, just the two of us. Would you like that?" Denzel inquired.

Nadetta smiled"That sounds lovely, Denzel. I'd love to."

"Great! I'll start making plans. And again, I'm really sorry for my behavior. I love you, Nadetta." Denzel said again kissed her lip lightly.

Nadetta smiled and replied"I love you too, Denzel."

"I made dinner,you should freshen up and come downstairs to eat" Nadetta said and stood up

"Yes baby. I'll go do that" Denzel replied and loosened his tie,then walked into the bathroom.

No need to worry him again since she already had plans on going while her doppelganger replace her for the main time.

**