THE BILLIONAIRE'S DESTINED WIFE

ALISON'S POV.

I was glad when the time came for me to go back to campus. The day had begun with a cloudy sky. As I set out about midmorning, the sky began to show signs of an approaching thunderstorm. It broke up the town just as I reached the campus and entered the passage leading to the hostel. I rushed in, scarcely escaping the downpour. I was absorbed into the warmth of the room. As for my previous attendance in class, I had a lot of assignments to do before school resumed, but none of them were done because of how busy I was in the house.

Huh! I gasped for breath, stood in the room, and surveyed the sky. It was dark gray with the rain which fell as if someone up in the sky was letting down an endless sheet of curtains.

I signed the wall clock and it was getting to 11 am,

"Melissa should be on campus by this time but she isn't here ", I realized that something was drawing g irresistibly toward her." Was it the suspicion that she went to her boyfriend's place or something might happen on her way here? I soliloquized

I kept wondering how in the world it was going to be possible for Melissa to hide something from me.

I was left in a deepened sense of mystery, both as a result of all that I had heard of her and what I had seen of her. I wished to stay longer and learn more but I had a lot of work to be done.

I started packing and sweeping and did everything supposed to be done in the hostel.

The thunderstorm had blown itself out. The sun came out and I had to dry the napkins I used for the cleaning.

I took a bucket and headed towards the path to fetch water when I saw Melissa approaching.

"Melissa! Why are you now coming?

I was told you left early from the house to campus but I didn't see you when I came!

"Tell me, where were you?

I furiously asked her.

She kept quiet and I felt something bad in me,

I realized that she was weeping.

"Won't you talk to me? I retorted!

"What's wrong Melissa?

She could not bring herself to utter a word.

She threw herself heavily against me sobbing quite loudly now

"Well, if you won't talk to me it's okay, it will all be over Melissa.

"Everything is going to be alright, " I said to console her.

I helped her with her bags and took her to the hostel.

I served her the breakfast I prepared and made sure she had enough rest, I left her to fetch water and I came back to see her sitting quietly on the bed with his cheeks supported in her palms.

"Now tell me, Melissa, what's bothering you?

"There is nothing wrong Alison! I will be fine,

I'm not in the mood, I want to be alone so you can go.

"I will get back to you when you're okay, the cold air is taking me away to have a rest.

"Okay, Alison!

"In case you wake up and I'm not here, it means I'm off to the shopping mall.

"I've heard you, Melissa "

"Okay dear friend "

"Bye".

I walked straight to my room feeling bad about Melissa's sudden change.

~ TWO~

The cold air nipped my bare skin, leaving goose pimples on my body as I took my bedspread to cover myself, I slept almost 3 hours but I wasn't satisfied. That's an unusual thing to be but today the chilled climate got me.

It was one of those rainy seasons in my town and also no classes were held because school just resumed,s o I decided to have a

"Could it be that the weather made me feel like sleeping all day? I questioned myself and signed at the barricade clock."

"It's getting to 4 pm", I screamed and started rolling myself onto the bed,

I was already done with my cleaning and washing and had to prepare a meal to be served in the evening. The previous activities made me feel tired and I was also stressed

With the little strength that I had, I jumped from my bed and went to melissa's room but she wasn't there

I was quite disturbed but I was relieved in no time.

I went to the kitchen and started preparing the supper, I went to serve it on our dining table and set off to the 'bangs' to braid my hair when I met Melissa on my way

'Melissa, what kept you so long? I thought you were shopping but there is nothing that shows

'Alison I have good news for you, stop thinking about the shopping stuff because you're going to love what I'm about to say.'

'I was on my way to the junction for a Bolt when a Mercedes-Benz halted just behind where I stood,

I couldn't believe what I saw. I marveled then!!

'The son of Mr.smith who owns the biggest shopping mall was the one who came out from the car,

Looking at how young and cute he is, I think you would love to be with him as a girlfriend"

"Melissa So this is good news? I guess you're okay now!

'Alison stop acting like a kid', be a woman!!

"Do you know something? He's in this institution and also a first-year student offering political science ", I even wonder why he loved to choose this university!

"It's good though, but with the levels and how rich his Dad is I don't think an arrogant son of a rich man will prefer this noble institution as we call it "

"So because of him you didn't go shopping right ?" you're not serious in life"."Why are you saying that Alison?

Melissa stunningly questioned her friend.

"You're asking me or telling me? "Don't be deluded by these guys, be vigilant and stop being a fan of these rich guys please".

~THREE~

Alison! It's not what I intended to do, but it's the atmosphere that changed...

"He was asking me questions and a whole lot about this institution.

"With his dressing, speech, and how he is well-behaved, I think he's a good person to be taken as a friend.

"Whatever!Melissa.

"Let's cut this and accompany me to the 'bangs,' I have to get my hair done before classes start on Monday.

"Okay, No problem let's go, but I hope there is food in the house because the way I'm hungry only God knows".

"I'm done with supper Melissa, all you know is to eat but not to prepare!

"Melissa burst into laughter, you mean I'm a lazy girl?..

" Yes, you are!..

"Alison said and gave out a beam,

"I will cook for you too, don't worry.

"Okay, Melissa,

Alison said that and went together with Melissa to the 'bangs '.I was feeling excited because Melissa was now in the mood.

THE NEXT DAY~

Somewhere on the path from our campus, we walked briskly towards the shop to avoid the heavy storm that suddenly came. I was frankly puzzled and could not understand the sudden change in the weather again.

I was afraid the rain will fall on our way home,

Alison, I pray that it won't start raining before we go home.

"I hope so, I would have come with an umbrella if I knew it would have rained for the second time. Now here we are, the rain is about to fall ."

It's all good! Melissa said that and I sat down to get my hair done. Now, the rain fell more than how it used to fall, I was shivering because I wore a blouse with short jeans. I tried and comported myself with the cold air that was blowing through the window of the shop.

*************

Soon, my hair was done, and the fresh and ripe beauty I possessed was stunning. I was looking like Queen Elizabeth, I stood up, turned around, and took a snap of myself before I got to where Melissa sat waiting for me.

"Wow that's my beautiful Ange, you're second to none on campus, you look like a mermaid. "She teased!

"Melissa please don't complicate it for me, you're going too far.

"I'm blushing already".

I laughed and pulled her out of the shop before she said something else. "Alison, the rain is non-stop, what should we do then? This shop is already occupied.

"Oh my bad", I yelled.

"I'm even confused, I started turning around to get a cab that could get us home.

We stood there for more than 30 minutes without getting a cab. I was fed up but Melissa assured me.

"Calm down Alison " we will get home soon.

"Okay let's hope for the best ".

A Mercedes-Benz came to halt, a door opened and a well-dressed young man got out. He was holding a briefcase, his beard was well-trimmed and it pointed sharply downwards like a tip of a sword. The size of the beard perfectly matched the tie on his chest and his eyes were hidden behind an enormous pair of black spectacles. Everything about him seemed to announce how responsible he is. I was stunned by his looks and I started to admire him but I tried to control myself.

"Alison, Alison, Alison!

"YY-eyes melted like an ice cream that has been defrosted.

"Sorry Melissa, did I hear you mention my name?

I asked with an unusual tone that sounds different from om Melissa's hearing.

"Alison, what are you looking at?

"Ohh you're crushing on him, right?

"I can see what you're seeing, I'm glad he melted you with his looks.

"Melissa, what are you trying to convey with such an empty statement?

"Please don't bring it! I was getting furious but she kept teasing me,

"Why is she acting like that?

Does she know the guy? I retorted.

"Melissa, let's forget about this and think about how we can get back to the hostel.

"No need to worry, the guy is approaching us.

"What ? and why is that so? Do you know him somewhere? I asked with a soft tone but she didn't reply, all she did was smile.

~ FOUR~

Is this the son of the richest man she told me about this afternoon? I muttered, feeling so bad and confused with the lust I endured when I saw his looks.

"OH my God, he's near".I pretended to use my mobile phone but Melissa caught my clue.

"Laughing out loud ", you're very funny Alison! Why should you act like you're busy with your phone when you're not?''No matter what you will do, we are still moving with him if he insists. It's getting to 7 pm and we are still in front of someone's shop".

"Enough Melissa, I've heard you !, if he asks us to join him in the I will surely do as you wish, that's the only option I have now "

"You are now talking and behaving well"

"Whatever Melissa"

Melissa chuckled and focused on the guy as he asked her the reason why we were still outside, standing in this heavy downpour.

"Hey "

"Hi"

I replied with an unusual tone.

"Please, I'm Joel, a student at the science and technology university adjacent to the shopping mall ahead of us. I can see that you want a cab that can take you, girls, back to campus. will you mind if you join me for my driver to alight you at the hostel?

"Yes we mind", Melissa quickly.

"Thank you very much for your concern Joel ".

"Don't mention it ", he said with a cheerful face.

Who knows what he was up to? He has finally seen the girl he hardly could see roaming about on campus. "This girl is mine, I must try and confess the love I have for her ."He said that to himself as the two girls sat in the car.

AUTHOR'S POV

Alison was still angry and at the same time feeling like "a fish out of water ".

The car drove with a light speed which assured Alison that she will be on campus before 8 pm.

"I have a lot to do "She guessed! forgetting about the evening meal she prepared before they set off to the bangs. "Tomorrow is Sunday, I have to prepare for church and also get ready for classes which will start on Monday. "

"Hu, I wish I was done with all these assignments.

She said that to herself and turned to look at Melissa who was busy chatting on her phone.

Joel was sitting at the right side of the driver with his notepad and a pen he had in his pocket.

He started writing the feelings he had for Alison and today was a fateful day for him.

He has finally seen Alison and how happy he was that he will do everything to win her heart. Joel continued to write everything he felt for Alison and placed it on his chest. when he was done,

he whispered through the air; "Alison is the woman I would love to be with in my entire life".

He put the notepad down and tore another piece of paper and wrote his details on it.

He folded it and placed it in a white envelope, he intended to give it to Alison when she got down from the car.

In no time, they reached campus. The driver got down and opened the door of the car for them to get down.

Alison and Melissa went to Joel and thanked him very much for his help.

"We appreciate what you've done for us Joel, God bless you.

"Amen dear".Joel said that and handed the envelope over to Alison but she refused to take it.

Joel at this point got embarrassed and was about to get back in the car when Melissa called him back and collected the envelope.

~FIVE~

Joel gave the envelope to Melissa but he was still ashamed and embarrassed by what Alison did.

"Please make sure you give it to her when she is okay, tell her to text me tomorrow after church service.

"Okay Joel, I will do as you said.

"Goodbye "

"Bye, take care, dear "

Joel sat in the car, feeling so bad about what Alison did ."I will never give up on Alison. He said that and gasped for breath. The driver alighted Joel at the boy's hostel and drove back to the house. Before then, he narrated a message that was being told by Joel's father. The last words said by the driver pierce his heart but that was not going to stop him from loving Alison.

"Don't waste your time on someone who doesn't admire you, aim high to accomplish your goals "

"Goodbye"

That was the message he feared most, but he still insists on not giving up on Alison.

***********

At long last, we are home, thanks to Joel, the groom of my lovely Alison who is going to be his bride.

"Cut it, Melissa, please don't start your jokes.

"Joel or whatever he calls himself, he's not going to be in my lane. I'm not ready for those playful acts you guys concentrate on here on campus!" "He's a playboy, I guess so!

"How did you know he is a playboy and what shows?

"Melissa can't you see he just wants to "eat up my grains ``?He just wants to sleep with me and leave me astray. That's his aim, sure of what I'm saying.

"No Alison, trust me as a best friend, you don't have to talk like that, just take your time and study his moves on campus, with that, I am sure you will know his real character.

"Okay Melissa, but I wonder why you trust him so much, perhaps you're trying to be between time goes on I will know what to do.

"I'm not into his wealth or anything he has ! Alison retorted, I'm okay with the little I have ".

"No worries my dearest friend Alison, just follow what I said.

"I forgot Alison! Joel told me to give you this envelope, he said to text him tomorrow after church.

"By the way I'm hungry, is there anything for me to eat? She grimaced.

Alison placed the envelope on the table and told Melissa to go to the dining hall.

"I can see that you're very hungry, there is more food for you to consume. I prepared the evening's meal before setting off to the "bangs "so don't worry.

Melissa was very happy to see her favorite meal on the dining table. She keeps thanking Alison for preparing her favorite meal.

"Wow, my favorite food "is cheeseburgers with chocolate drink", I can't wait any longer to consume this meal.

"Thank you so much, Alison, you're a good cook.

Melissa keeps praising Alison as she enjoys the sumptuous meal prepared by her friend.

~SIX~

After the meal, Alison came back to the room and did the assignment she was told to do, she ironed her church attire and arranged things at their appropriate places. She then called Melissa and they both went to the kitchen to wash the dirty utensils. They mopped the floor, washed the dirty napkins, and went to fetch water, they came back and took their shower, dressed I'm their beautiful lingerie and continued their daily routine.

Melissa took her laptop and completed her previous assignment given to her three days ago before school resumed. As fast as she could, she made sure what she did was correct without errors, she happily stretched herself and managed to start up with the lesson which was going to be treated on Monday.

Alison went to the bedroom and laid her bed properly. She took her storybook and started reading it. She read almost half of the book before she said goodnight to her friend, forgetting about the envelope Melissa gave to her.

"I enjoyed reading "SEX TRAP", it's a nice book.

I recommend it to you.

"Goodnight dear"

"So soon Alison!"

"Remind me some other time, so that I can try and read it too.

"Yeah dear, it's an educative story altogether with good moral teachings, I'm feeling tired, I have to go and sleep.

"Okay dear, Goodnight!

sound sleep"

"Same to you "

Alison yawned and whispered a silent prayer to herself, she climbed her bed and started snoring like a piglet.

Melissa later joined Alison after completing her task.

She turned off the light, prayed, and threw herself on the bed to sleep.

AUTHORESS' POV

Sunday arrived gently, and the dusk descended on the compound unannounced. The night shadows of science and technology university buildings and clusters of trees had just vanished from the ground. The sun was now rising, spreading its rays like lean long fingers of light through the school mansion. Alison stretched herself and jumped off the bed after reciting her morning prayers. She walks straight to Melissa's room to wake her up.

It's getting to 8 am, she signed at the wall clock.

"Wake up! Wake up!" a soft, hushed voice, accompanied by a gentle but firm pat on Melissa's back called her from the farthest realms of her sleep. She opened her eyes slowly and helplessly tried to stretch her limbs .she turned to the other side to continue her sleep but still, Alison's voice whispered,

"Wake up !"Wake up ".

Melissa, it's already past 77 and we have to tidy up and attend church service. It's Sunday!

"Mmmmmmmmmmmm.I'm still feeling sleepy, Alison.

She said that and yawned, staring at Alison like a helpless "pussy cat ".she started dozing off and was about to sleep again when Alison laid her hands on her shoulder, cautioning her to obey what she said.

HUH!, she signed.

"Melissa, you better be serious! Alison angrily said that! Henceforth, I'm not going to tolerate this behavior of yours !"Why should you be in bed at this time of the day when you know we have something to do?

~ SEVEN

"I've heard you Alison, but you can't be pestering me with this routine all day, "sorry to say this but you're not my Mom! I'm just your friend."No problem Melissa, I know I'm not your Mom but trust me, I'm doing what I can to help you as a friend. I want the best out of you that's why.

"Mark my words, things will be smooth for you as a woman. Not beauty or wearing fancy clothes and stuff but rather your dignity as a woman is important first."Time and tide wait for no man" "Respect your time and manage the use of it.

All this while, Melissa's face was dull. The words Alison said sounded meaningful so she was quietly listening to them, feeling ashamed for her previous reactions.

"Lastly, a good friend is someone who does not leave you aloof with your matters".

"I'm going to start up with the work, see you later. Alison said eagerly. She turned and was about to open the door when Melissa called out her name, "Alison! Please I'm sorry for what I said earlier, you're right with what you said, you don't stand aloof with my matters and that's what a good friend possesses ".

"No problem," It's fine, I'm off to accomplish the task, see you later".

"Alison, wait! I want to join you. She shamefully said.

"Okay dear"

Melissa changed her nightwear and wore her blue shirt with underwear.

"I'm done, we can go now", sorry for the delay ".

"No problem ".

Melissa followed Alison to their courtyard, they shared the chores and started working in a hurry to finish early."It's already 7:30 pm, Alison yelled.

"But we are almost done with the work so we can get there on time, church service starts at 8:30 am".

The two girls tried as much as possible to complete all their chores before they signed at the wall clock again. "It's 7:50 am. Melissa said that and rushed to the bathhouse for a quick shower. she came back to iron her church cloth whilst Alison got to the bathroom to take a bath."Wow, I'm looking adorable in this dress. Melissa turns around and looks at herself in the dressing mirror.

She applies her face cream and wears a shiny earring with its necklace, she goes to her footwear shelf and chooses a red heel that matches the white fabric she wears. she places her Bible, notepad, and pen in her bag and walks straight to the mirror again. "Wow, I'm looking fresh and cute, my fair color matches this latest design I've sown."Ain't I the cutest? she says this to herself as she turns herself around in front of the mirror. She then calls Alison's name and tells her to get ready for she is done with hers."Alison, Alison! What are you doing with yours?

"Yes I'm coming, I'm applying makeup on my face.

Alison was beautifully dressed in her blue dress and was applying makeup on her pretty face. She finishes quickly and takes her bag as she calls Melissa to come over.

"Melissa, I'm done, let's go, it's 8 am".

The two girls luckily got a cab at their junction and they headed straight to the chapel.

EIGHTH~

It took about ten minutes for them to get to the chapel. People turned around to look at the ripe beauty the two girls possessed, forgetting that a pastor was standing in front of them. They were blushing and glittering like the stars. They ascended the staircase eagerly and quite unexpectedly Melissa made a sound from her throat to let the congregation concentrate. Alison stretched her hand and grabbed Melissa by her cloth and pulled her safely beside her to sit down." we are more than celebrities ", she said mockingly. She bows down her head and started to let out the laughter that rumbled through her throat. They both gasped for breath and paid attention to the pastor as the preaching began.

***********************

JOEL'S POV

Sleep came to me very late that night. I was still thinking about what my Dad's driver said and what Alison did. All the same, I was praying and hopefully waiting for Alison's response. In my room alone now, I felt extremely embarrassed with Alison's behavior and was also afraid that she might not accept my offer."No, "No, I yelled.

"Something good must come out of this "I screamed!"I've been ignoring this big lump in my throat, "I shouldn't be crying tears for the weaker days, I'm stronger now but something is missing, whatever it is I must struggle for what my heart yearns for. I sorrowfully said this with tears that flew down my cheeks."I must get Alison, she's hitting my pillow on the bed. I screamed out her name, mentioning and having a flash of the day I made contact with him

That was a memorable day. As I sat on my bed, I forced myself to sleep. In my sleep, I saw a second door which I guessed led to Alison's bedroom. I had secretly finished the survey of the bedroom when the voice I had long yearned to hear broke upon my ears with such a melodious sweetness I could have listened to it all day. I called her name and I saw her approaching where I stood.

She came out of the room and I drew closer to her, I held her hands and hugged her. I was about to kiss her forehead when two guys from nowhere kicked me down and pulled Alison from me.

I checked the aching in my heart and swallowed the lump in my throat. I tried to stand up and ran towards the guys as they pulled Alison to the left path of the road which was adjoining Alison's house but it was too late. I screamed and cried out her name, feeling so weak and sad. I couldn't rescue her.

An Oldman came to where I was and patted my back.

He assured me to fight for something that belongs to me and not the other wayside.``fight for something that belongs to you and not something you can hardly get to be yours ``.Those words hit me and I felt the last words the driver said when he alighted me at my hostel. "What's the meaning of this? I said that in a low tone and turned to ask the Oldman for an explanation of what he said when I suddenly woke up from sleep, sweating profusely. "Huh, I sighed, why this dream? I soliloquized!

~Nine ~

I bowed my head and supported my forehead with my hands. I started feeling warm because of the sweat so I went to take a shower and came back to relax on my couch. After some minutes, I went to take a glass and poured orange juice, and started sipping it. I was about to sip for the fifth time when I heard my phone buzzing ."Beep, "Beep", Beep', the phone was still ringing but I refused to answer the call. I was feeling sad to the extent that I did not want to talk with anyone, not even my Dad and Mom."I wondered why the person was still calling me even though I wasn't answering".I stretched my hands to place the glass on the center table when I heard the phone ringing again." Who must that be? I questioned myself and picked up the phone.

"Alison!!!., I don't believe what I'm seeing .it's this real or I'm dreaming?

"Huh, God! I said and rushed to get water to wash my face and took a deep breath.

I quickly rushed in and I saw her text message, "please Joel I was told you wanted us to go on a date this evening, I'm sorry to tell you that I can't go and besides I'm not a close friend of yours.``we just met in this institution so I'm so sorry for this, you can come over to our hostel for a visit this evening and explain what you wrote in that letter of yours to me".

" You're always welcome, thanks for your time Joel".

I stood for some minutes without blinking my eyes," has she accepted the friendship or she is still having doubts? I think so because the way she is sounding means she wants to get time for herself.

"Well, let me just visit her at the hostel this evening, she might accept my proposal there.

I went inside to do whatever I was supposed to do and prepared for the visit.

AT ALISON'S HOSTEL~

Alison and her friend came back to the hostel before noon, they both thanked God for the safe journey and dispersed to change their clothes. They put on their new clothes and came to the living hall.

"Alison, what's popping, should we get some food to eat? Melissa asked!

"I think we should get ourselves some snacks before we prepare something to eat as our evening meal.

"That's a good idea Alison", but wait! Melissa retorted .please II want you to accept Joel if he comes here in the evening to propose again".

"He is the chosen one, can't you see he is your soulmate?" soulmate??? Alison screamed in Amazement, "How is this possible ?"Melissa, please stop spoiling my mood.

"I know you don't have such feelings but just accept him, very soon you will catch up with him .."you just try and do as I said".

Alison signed and accepted what her friend said.

"Probably, we will meet this evening, I'm not going to concentrate much on him "."I don't want any guy to deceive me, that's what I'm afraid of "." I understand Alison but trust me Joel is type of, he won't let you down"." always remain faithful in your life ".

"I've heard you, Melissa, I will be waiting for him this evening, I won't rush because when he gets addicted to me he might find a way of luring me into sex."Boys are fond of approaching girls because of sex and that's not love but rather lust ".

"My dear sister, it takes time. Let's continue with our meal and prepare for our visitor".

Melissa said that as she continues to chew her snacks.

"I love these snacks Alison you're you're your material. After their conversations, they both went to their bedroom to have a nap.

"It is getting to 4 p.m. and he's still not here ". Alison said that as she signs at the wall clock.

She went to Melissa's room and told her about the delay and how upset she was.

"He might be on his way here, just calm down.".

Not long after what Melissa said, a knock at their door Interrupted their conversation.

'it might be him ' Melissa said !"Are you sure ?, "yes I am, apart from Joel, wholesale was permitted to come here? "No one "

"Go and check who's at the door".

Melissa said as Alison got to the door and welcomed their visitor.

"It's Joel, he's now here ", oh my goodness what's he up to? , I can't control my sight on him"

Alison murmured those words to herself as she gave way for Joel to enter their living hall.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

When he was in, Melissa was stunned by how he looked in his casual appearance, looking like a world-famous tennis ball player.

Oh my God, Alison said again in a low tone.

His gentle walk and body gestures were so strong that Alison couldn't take her eyes off him." Just a twinkle of an eye, he's now in front of us, I told you to relax Alison". Melisa said that to Alison and excused both of them to have their talk. "I will be in the room wish you all the best Alison".she, said with a beam and left the place .''Hey pretty "

"Hi Joel, " Alison said in a low tone.

"First I would like to thank you for giving me permission to enter your hostel".Joel made a sound with his throat and continued.

"I'm very grateful and happy to be with you here, it's like I'm dreaming but it's real'.

'You're welcome Joel ".

"I'm also grateful that you understood me for what I texted to you yesterday ".

"You're here now, so feel free and say whatever you had wanted to tell me not long ago before today".

Joel started to look around, not knowing what to say.

He was that shy type and Alison was his first dream girl to approach.

He feared Alison would not accept his offer this time around, also the nightmare he had was still pulling him back.

"I-I-I, he repeated that letter and paused, holding his chest as If it was falling.

Alison knew what he was up to but she pretended she didn't know anything and sat there to watch Joel who was finding it difficult to declare what he had wanted to tell Alison.

"Should I serve you with juice ? I think it will cool you down ".

"Okay, thanks".

Alison stood up and went for a glass and chilled orange juice to serve her visitor.