The Love Job

THE CAR PULLED over at her father's house and she couldn't help but stare at the building she'd grown up in.

Everything was exactly as she had left it; the colour splash on the wall, the flower pots beside two huge pillars, the neat compound-It was as neat as her father.

The woman at the back seat of the car, sighed mentally and she rubbed her temples with her left hand, trying to soothe and rid herself of the anger that seemed to be brewing fast.

"Madam, we have arrived," The voice of her driver tore through her thoughts like a hot blade.

"I'm not blind," She sneered, not even batting an eye at him. Rather, her gaze were transfixed at the cars parked in the compound.

One was familiar; the plate numbers to be precise. The other was not.

Are there important guests in the house or did her siblings manage to find their way back here? She scowled her face in disappointment at her thoughts. Neither seemed like a good reason for her father to call her from work.

Tearing her eyes from the scene, she directed her attention to her driver and immediately furrowed her brows at his height.

While she remembered firing her previous driver, she couldn't remember hiring this one. He had made her wait an extra 3 minutes after a long day at work.

"When did you start working for me?" She mumbled and started arranging her already organized handbag.

"Yesterday, Ma,"

She paused. Ma? Who did he think she was? His grandmother?

She rolled her eyes and caught his gaze in the rearview mirror. His brown eyes met hers and for a while there, she felt disgusted.

"Did Patricia fill you in on the things I expect from you?" she looked away and fished out her phone.

"No Ma,"

That's it!

She whipped her her head up and held his gaze in the mirror. "I don't want you to call me that. I'm your boss, not your mother." He averted his gaze, lowering his head. "Ms. Ivonne is your only option. If not, you're fired," He turned back immediately. Surprise and disbelief fully settled on his brows. He openhis mouth to speak but she beat him to it.

"You will not speak unless spoken too. Whatever I discuss in the car-on the phone or with someone in here- is purely confidential, I must not hear it outside. You will turn a blind eye to my work and my private life..." She paused and he nodded, turning back to the steering wheel.

"I can see that you're elderly," she announced. "...maybe in your late 40's or 50's or whatever. Old people like to think they're 'experienced' and try to give 'advice' and all that bullocks!" she rolled her eyes dramatically.

"When you're with me, you will swallow all that. I don't need advice from anyone, much less a driver," There was no way one could miss the tone of disgust in her last words.

"Your job is simple: drive," The irony of this was that she couldn't drive. It just wasn't her thing.

She had yet to find a teacher who would not flirt with, annoy, frustrate, or bore her. She even tried females and discovered that was a no-go too.They had terrible mood swings and would even raise their voices at her. Big mistake. One call to the agency and they would end up crying at her gate.

Stupid!

Then there were the ones that were calm. Too calm for her liking. They either tried to start a conversation with her or tried to cheer her up by telling horrible jokes and making goofy faces.

Then her best friend intervened by getting a 'hot' guy to teach her how to drive. He wasn't Ivonne's kind of hot, he was her best friend's kind of guy; Fair, spotless skin, average height,

huge-and she meant huge-biceps, rock-hard abs, and a huge tattoo covering his back down to the band of his pants.

How did she know this? Because he was topless, like, the entire time.

When Ivonne eventually got the police to get him off her property, her bestie did it again.

This time she hired a brown-skinned man. High cheekbones, brown eyes, small lips. He had wide shoulders and chiseled a torso that women don't just notice, but grab.

But not her. Not Ivonne Johnson who would rather spend 24 hours in her office than have a man flirt with her.

He didn't flirt though. Thankfully, he had a ring on his finger, but his fiancé was a total pain in the ass. She called every five seconds asking 'where are you?'

It was so much that they couldn't make it to two days before he quit. Apparently, she thought he was getting down with some other girl.

Shaking the memories out of her head, she continued, "Punctuality is also necessary when you work for me. If you're even a minute late, you're fired, no two ways about that." she sighed "However, you do get days off every Saturday and Sunday. If you're having health issues, I'll let my doctor see you and no it's not coming out of your paycheck" she finished with snake-like shake of her head.

Her father's words rang in her head "I need to see you now. We have something very important to discuss." And here she was wasting her time with a driver.

Taking out her phone, she proceeded to open the door of her car "Wait here," He gave a nod but didn't say anything.

Good. Too much talking pissed her off anyways.

The sun beamed down hard on her back and she winced as she walked quickly. Her heels hitting the floor, announcing her arrival with every step.

Out of habit, she ran her hands down her tight black skirt paired with a pink-white striped top. She was already regretting her clothing choice and was about to lose her mind if she didn't get from under the sun!

Not bothering to slow down to knock, she barged in and her nose caught the sweet aroma that lingered in the air. Her stomach rumbled, wanting a piece of what the nose had perceived.

One of the joys of living in her Father's house was that they had toe curling food that could rip an orgasm out of you. The chef was skilled and knew just the right amount of things.

Her Mother didn't enter the kitchen much, so Ivonne never learnt how to cook from her, but from Chef Elvis.

A man in his 50's by now. He had actually threatened to never make a sponge cake ever again unless she let him teach her the ways around a kitchen and looking back at it now, it was worth it.

She turned her attention to the noise coming from the dining table and headed there. The voices are all too familiar.

She might as well turn back now knowing that there were people she didn't want to see, but her feet didn't stop.

She emerged from the side and stopped just in front of the dining section. Her siblings were obviously enjoying their mother's company as neither seemed to notice her.

Not wanting to intrude- plus she was in a hurry to see her father-she turned to leave.

"Amaka?" Came a voice she knew too well. She turned to face her elder brother David and tried not to glare at him for using her native name.

"Well well well, look what the cat dragged in," Now this one, this voice, belonged to someone she loathed.

Her face void of emotions, she faced her elder sister who wore one of her fake smilesas usual.

"Well,i always knew the bird never flew far away from the nest." Her smile fell and Ivonne heard her brother chuckle.

Growing up around their old man was like living and dining with parables.

"Good one," David commended, earning him a killer look from Daniella.

Ivonne smirked. Turning her attention to where their mother sat comfortably turning a blind eye to their little...exchange, she placed her lips in a straight line.

Her mother stared at her with unknown intent, eyes scanning her from head to toe and she fought the urge to shudder.

"Good afternoon, Ma," Ivonne greeted and watched her mother's face birth a smile.

"Afternoon my dear," Ivonne mentally scoffed. "I'm glad you're here, hope all is well." She spoke so calm and gentle like she was afraid of being heard.

"Yes. No worries. I'm just here to see Dad, I'll be on my way as soon as possible." She meant that.

If her mother was concerned, it didn't show. "Ok, you look good. What have you been eating lately?"

Ivonne paused for a while as she stared at her mother with her brows drawn together in confusion. "Food," she and David said in unison.

Daniella scoffed and waved her hand in the air.

Her mother threw her head back in laughter and Ivonne had to admit, the woman was beautiful.

"I don't have time to stay and chat," she glanced down at the glittering watch on her wrist "I'll catch up with you later, Dave." She said and hurried up the stairs.

For what she had in mind, was to speak to her father and maybe get back to the office real quick. But from the look of things, her mother had other plans as she was on her tail.

It couldn't be Daniella. Her sister knew better than to walk with her. There could be blood, a broken leg, and of course a ruined face. None of which would belong to Ivonne.

"What do you want now Mom?" She said with exasperation, not caring to slow down

"You will tell me where you're rushing to," Mrs. Johnson hissed, causing Ivonne to have a bit of mercy. Her mother caught up and they began to walk at a slower pace.

"You can't just walk in here and out of here anytime you like. Like you own the place," her mother broke the silence.

Ivonne furrowed her brows, "Since when do I need permission to come back here?".

"You say it like you come here on your own accord. When do you ever show up without being summoned?"

"When I'm free," she answered truthfully.

"And when are you ever free from work?" It was a pretty obvious question.

'Free' didn't just mean free from work, it meant free from staying home, shopping, and doing other important things rather than going back to her father's house.

What would she even be doing there anyway?

"You already know that answer," she replied nonchalantly.

"Anyway, how has work been?".

Ha! If she could, she would have run down the hallway laughing till her throat became dry.

Ivonne scoffed, "Oh please Mom, get to the point."

"You see, this is why I don't talk to you as often as I do with your elder sister!"

"Why? Because I see through your pretense and lies?" She snapped.

"Shut up!" Mrs. Johnson yelled. "You will not talk to me that way, I am your mother whether you like it or not,"

I don't. Ivonne said mentally.

"Whatever you say Ma," she rolled her eyes.

"Apologize to me this instant!" Mrs. Johnson demanded and stopped walking.

Ivonne turned to face her, holding her gaze and arching her brow. "You know me better than that Mom. So why don't we drop the act, I haven't had the time for this and I never will. There's no else around so you might as well be real when talking to me."

One would hear her and say she was being extremely rude to her own Mother but this was a common thing between them. There wasn't any peaceful feelings between the two. At least not anymore.

A smile tugged at her mother's lips and she folded her arms. Leaning on one hip, she eyed her and Ivonne just rolled her eyes. It was a good thing she didn't look like this woman, she'd rather look like a monkey.

Her mother was short, curvy, and beautiful, but always had this cold attitude that encouraged Ivonne to search for her adoption papers when she was little. Sadly, she didn't

find any.

"Your father also called for Daniella, I think it's time he hands over his company to one of you."

She should be surprised that her Mother was telling her this, but she knew it was just to rub it in her face that the company won't be hers. Like that could ever happen.

"Thanks for the info," she said sarcastically and turned to leave.

"When she eventually gets that company, you should know that I'll make her give you a part of it."

Ivonne arched a brow and turned to face her Mother who looked just about ready to eat her up.

She's not worth it.

She turned and made her way to her Father's room "Good luck with that,"

*****

Staring into space, Mr. Johnson lost track of time. He could hear his children's laughter from downstairs. Even though he didn't know why they were laughing, he couldn't stop himself from smiling.

He would be lying if he said he didn't miss them staying home. But, sooner or later, they were bound to leave the nest and soar. Though they were more than 20 years of age, in his eyes they were still children.

His wife was having a good time downstairs as her laughter seemed to increase. He should almost feel guilty for not making her laugh this hard whenever they weren't around. But he refused. He shut down every thought and feeling of guilt. He didn't have time to spend with her, his career was on the line. He needed to work to cater to her needs anyway. She turned out to be a very materialistic woman.

But the time has come for him to step down, to hand over the company to someone. He needed someone to take his company to the top. Someone who was honest, selfless, and of good

standing.

Mr. Johnson paced slowly around his room, revelling in his glory and success. Who would have thought a man like him, the son of a poor driver, would become a multi-millionaire one day?

He smiled and walked towards the huge glass window, enjoying the view below. A good example of his status in the county. He wasn't seen as an equal, but now he could boast on top

of his success.

If only his father lived long enough to enjoy it with him. With the rate at which his company was progressing, coupled with his net worth, his father would have been proud.

At least he wasn't completely alone as his mother was around, though kept in some home for the elderly. Her

choice.

At last, he had cut the tie of poverty to his family name. Anyone who heard of Mr. Daniel Okoro Johnson, would tremble. He let out a laugh. If anyone could hear his thoughts, they would

probably say he was a narcissist. But to him, this wasn't pride. He liked to call it self-respect. He couldn't deny the fact that he was very rich and of course very famous.

Turning a bit, he saw a small table holding wine and two glasses. Mr. Johnson poured himself a glass, paused, then began to fill the other glass.

"I was beginning to think you weren't going to come," he turned to face his daughter. It looked as though he was staring at the female version of himself. She stood with her back to the door.

"You know, courtesy demands that you knock before entering someone's domain." He sipped his wine while holding her gaze, reveling in the taste of it. He made a mental note to order more of this.

Ivonne gave a small smile. She opened her mouth to speak but her Father beat her to it.

"An apology would be nice. You see, saying sorry goes a long way."

She calmed herself, "I-".

"But know this, you can't retake the step that leads to a thousand mile". He smiled.

She hated when he did this to her, cutting her short sentences with proverbs she was sure he made up himself.

As she gazed upon her father, it seemed like she hadn't seen him in forever; he seemed to have recovered fully as he was not with his walking stick.

He was still the same: a bald head that shone as if he rubbed ororo on it, a strong, hard, clean-shaven face- he wasn't one to keep beards unlike her brother- and dark skin that none of her siblings inherited.

She was the only one amongst her siblings who looked like him... maybe

that was why her mother didn't treat her like the others. Who knows?

Ivonne stood for a while, and only moved when he offered a glass of wine. She rushed to grab it and once she did, he turned to face the big window in front of him.

She broke the silence, "Should you be drinking?". Her father just shrugged.

She stood beside him in silence, enjoying the view. Her house didn't have this great view, but she still liked it there. Sipping her wine, she told herself to check the bottle later so she could bring it home.

"The view was actually one of the reasons I chose to live here. Well that and because I wanted to flaunt my money."

She knitted her brows and looked at him. She didn't quite understand what he said.

" I can see you're confused." Only then did she realize he was looking back at her. He looked away after a while. "Living Gold Estate is one of the most expensive, luxurious, and sophisticated estates in Nigeria."

"Mmm, true." Ivonne said, turning back to enjoy the view. " But I'm guessing that's not why I'm here, correct?".

Mr. Johnson chuckled at his daughter's impatience and walked towards a couch that was a few steps away from where he was standing.

"Have a seat Amaka," he sank down into the chair.

Why won't they just call her Ivonne!

"How was your day?" The question made her roll her eyes.

"My day was going great at the office." She wouldn't lie.

"And now? How is it?".

"Oh God! I don't really know. Daddy please just tell me why I'm here so I can get back to the office and do some work," She urged, rushing the words as if she had hot yam in her mouth.

"That's one of the reasons I called you here. You see Amaka, even when you were a child, I would always tell you, 'all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy',"

Well Ivonne was sure of one thing, she wasn't Jack. The thought made her lips curve into a smile and she quickly looked away.

"I know you've put in your best for the company and I appreciate it... I want to retire from my position as C.E.O. That means one of you will be my successor,"

Finally! Could this be it? The moment she'd been waiting for? Her stomach churned in joy and anxiety.

"It would have been a lot easier if Emeka was interested. I would have passed it down to him as he is my only son. But he has other plans already."

Ivonne kept nodding her head, waiting patiently for her Father to get to the freakin' point!

The sound of the door closing made Ivonne turn towards it. There, Daniella stood in her deep blue sundress and black heels.

"Did I miss anything?" She asked in her annoying sultry voice. She sashayed to a chair beside their father and sat.

"No, I was just about to get to the good part," Mr. Johnson said, his gaze elsewhere. "I was telling your sister here that I want to step down and hand over the company to one of you. But I fear I might hand it over to the wrong person and my business will suffer and disappear from the surface of the earth." He moped.

"What exactly is your point?" Ivonne asked, there was no time to waste. Time is money. His words.

"Patience little... "

"Don't even start. I was not talking to you," Ivonne snapped.

"But I was talking to you. What are you going to do about it?" Daniella asked. Obviously looking for trouble.

"Shut up and mentally shove dirt in your face." Was Ivonne's reply.

"See, this is what I'm talking about. If this were the office, you'd destroy everything with your bickering." He shook his head at both his daughters' constant disagreements.

"I'm sure if you both had a little bit more love in your life, you would actually care for one another." That caught their attention.

"Say what now?" Ivonne was shocked.

"Love for her?" Daniella pointed to Ivonne, her face twisted in disgust.

"Yes," their father replied. "In fact, if you had partners who loved and cared about you, I'm sure they would help you open up with your family more!"

Ivonne scoffed at her father's words and Daniella laughed.

"Whatever you say Daddy. Let's get back to why we are here." She changed the topic.

"No," Mr. Johnson said and furrowed his brows. "You just want my company. If it wasn't for that, neither of you would be here. God! I've been sick for over a month and none of you could even take the time to stop by!"

"I sent cards, gifts, and called on the best doctors in Lagos to attend to you!" Ivonne proclaimed, raising her hand.

"I told Mom to check up on you for me and I bought you a car for quick recovery!" Daniella quipped.

Mr. Johnson stood angrily and began to pace. "Cards, gifts, best doctor? Did it ever cross your mind that just your presence could go a long way?"

He didn't like scolding Ivonne, especially after all the mess that he'd put her through while she was growing up and even up till now.

She was his favorite daughter and though she did try to show care by sending him a really good doctor, that was not enough.

When she didn't answer, he turned to Daniella. "And you. You bought me a car? How were you expecting a bed-ridden man to hop in a car and drive?"

The mannerless brat that was spoiled by his wife shrugged, "I don't know. It was meant to be a quick-recovery gift. You see it and it makes you want to recover quickly"

"Typical," Ivonne hissed.

"Enough! Both of you!" He rubbed his hands down his face and settled them on his hips. The silence stretched for a long time as he thought of what to do.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ivonne checking the time on her wrist and Daniella texting on her phone. He closed his eyes and sighed.

One was impatient while the other was indifferent. One was his favorite while the other was just his child. One was considerate and caring to him but had a hard time dealing with feelings and affection- while the other? The other was a complete fake.

At least they had one thing in common? Both were greedy!

But Ivonne... he knew she was the right one for the company. She was so good that their goal for 3 months was met in 1; but the pace made the employees burn out. She and all of her workers are going to burn out!

In fact, if you had partners who loved and cared about you, I'm sure they would help you open up with your family more!

Partners...

He turned to face them and cleared his throat. That got their attention and they waited for him to speak.

"The only way any of you will get me to talk about the company is... by bringing a boy home."

"What?!" They choursed in unison. Well that's a first. They finally agreed on something.

Only when they saw he was serious did they believe what he was saying.

"Can you explain?" Ivonne asked, maybe she was having a hard time hearing.

He rolled his eyes, "You heard me right." He sat on the couch, not batting an eye at them. "I don't see what's so hard to understand. I want son-in-laws, I'm not getting any younger and you both know it. So bring someone home and we'll get back to this conversation. But for now, this matter is on hold."

"So we should just bring anyone?" Daniella asked, earning a look of disgust from both father and sister. "What?"

"No, not anyone. Don't you have a boyfriend? Bring him home and let him know that you're serious. I mean, look at yourselves, very soon you'll be off the market. Beauty fades my dear, so use your charm, and fast if you want to talk to me about the company."

"Wow! I can't believe you're doing this to me," Daniella said and that caught Ivonne's attention. She was acting like the spoiled brat their mother trained her to be, her eyes were already

tearing up, trying to gain sympathy from their father.

"I always thought that the company would be passed down to me- I am the oldest after David. I don't understand why you're doing this to me!" The tears rolled down her cheeks and Ivonne almost marveled at her acting.

Mr. Johnson turned to Daniella, "I can't give you the company because you have no manners, you're a vixen, and too materialistic! Just like your mother. You'll either squander my money on cars, cosmetics, parties, or vacations to different countries every 2 days."

Her father's words made Daniella shut up and lower her head in shame. Obviously she was too embarrassed by the truth.

Ivonne bit her lips to contain her smile. She cleared her throat and her father turned to her.

"Amaka, you... you have a better chance of inheriting my company, believe me, but one of the reasons I set the condition was so you two can bond. I don't know how but I believe it'll help."

Ivonne could feel her head swelling at the praises of her father. She glanced at her sister who glared at her, but she didn't back down, she glared right back.

"Another reason for that condition is that you need to loosen up. You're too strict with the staff, you over work yourself, you hardly go on vacations or take a break... And that is why, come Monday, I'm relieving you of your position..."

"What?" Her eyes widened in horror.

"I'm just giving you a month off. Go and take care of yourself. Get some rest, have fun with your... boyfriend... I'm sure he doesn't like that you're working so much."

Boyfriend? What boyfriend?

She barely had time for herself, let alone a guy. When was the last time she had even been in a relationship? That was years ago and she was never even into the guy...

"Amaka?"

"Hmm?" She heard the door close and realized her father had dismissed them. Sighing heavily, she stood up, straightened her skirt and quickly reached for her handbag.

"Is there something on your mind?". Her father asked and she could hear the worry in his voice.

"There are lots of things on my mind right now," she proceeded towards the door and stopped. "But you know what?" She turned to face him, "Maybe a vacation could help my relationship with... Nelson."

Her father's face lit up at the name. "Oh! Nelson? That's a nice name. When do I get to meet this Nelson?"

"Very soon. I'll be on my way now. Bye, Daddy." And with that, she hurried out of her father's room.

She didn't even bother to say goodbye to her Mother as she didn't see a reason why. She hurried outside and rushed into the car.

"Where to Ma?" Her driver asked as he started the engine.

Where to? Her schedule was with Patricia and she never thought of duplicating it as she believed that she would always be with her P. A.. But now that her dear father had insisted she take a month off... a whole Month off. 31 days off, that is she would sit at home doing nothing.

"Ms. Ivonne?" He called again.

"What? What is it? Leave me alone. I heard you the first time. I'm thinking ok? Just sit there, shut up, and let me think!" Ivonne yelled, calming her down a little.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Ivonne,".

"Just shut up!".

"Ok, Ms. Ivonne,".

Ivonne groaned, "I said shut up!".

"Ok, Ms. Ivonne," he replied again.

"Ah! Do you think I'm joking?".

"No, Ms. Ivonne,"

She opened her mouth to speak but knew that he would respond, so she brought out her IPad and sent a quick message to Patricia, telling her to send the schedule.

Almost immediately, her phone beeped.

'Ms. Ivonne, your father called a few hours ago and said that you were taking a month off, so I'll be handling your schedule. He said you would be unavailable from Monday onward, so the competition you're hosting would still be run by you. But for now, you have nothing on your schedule.'

A few hours ago? He just told her a few minutes ago.

Seems like he had decided it even before she got here.

Shaking her head, she knew she was supposed to go somewhere, but where? It was 7pm and a bit dark already. Plus, her head was still ringing with her Father's words. Bring home a man?

Sure! You'll just go down the road and buy one!

Inside her bag, her other phone rang and she knew she received a message. Taking out her smartphone, she couldn't recognize the number but she opened the message anyway.

'I'd like to believe you haven't forgotten about my engagement party, Ivonne! You better get out of that office before I come over there and pounce on you.

Love,

Kemi.'

Uh oh, angry bestie ready to strike.

KEMI HAD REALLY outdone herself this time. She looked around the house, taking in everything she had done herself.

Her engagement party wasn't a big one, but it was quite expensive.

Okay, maybe a little more than just 'quite'.

It had taken her exactly three weeks to make everything look so perfect.

It would have taken less than three weeks if she had not waited for her best friend to assist her. But she should have known better.

Ivonne was always too busy to even have lunch with her. Their friendship was a rather complicated one.

Though they met up in Ivonne's office-as Kemi's parents were business partners with them as well as major shareholders-but other than that, they kept in touch through calls and video chatting before bed.

Just thinking about it was enough to make her shoulders slump. She pursed her lips as she stood at the entrance of the door, welcoming guests. But for some reason, Ivonne seemed to have chosen death.

Kemi's phone vibrated and she quickly fished it out of her pocket. She hurried outside the house, far away from the loud music playing to answer her call.

"Ivonne!" she sneered into her smartphone. "Where are you? I don't like this. It's been almost an hour. You better get here fast or,"

"Don't kill me just yet." The voice came from behind and Kemi turned to see her best friend. Her eyes dropped lower and she took in Ivonne's outfit.

She was wearing a red v neck halter dress-her breasts fully displayed. The gown hugged her curves perfectly-clinging to her like a second skin. With silver block heels and her red pick-and-drop hair held up in a bun, she held a small silver purse and put on light make-up as usual.

"Oh my God!" Kemi found herself saying. "Are you mad?" she asked with playfulness in her tone. She eyed her boobs once more. They were very large and the outfit placed them on the market.

"A little decency would be nice. You're gonna give every man a boner there."

Ivonne's lips curved into a huge smile and she pulled a stunned Kemi into a hug.

"Well you're not looking bad yourself," she said and pulled away.

Kemi was wearing a white long-sleeve jumpsuit that hugged her breasts and small round hips. Her black shoulder-length wig laid across one of her eyes. She looked real sexy, and her small lips painted red added more to it.

Being a short lady, she wore a four inches maggie heel. Adding to her five'five.

"I thought you weren't going to come." She stated.

"Oh c'mon, I wouldn't miss your engagement party for the world!" Ivonne said with burgeoning excitement.

Kemi grinned, "Uh-huh. Come on, let's get you inside before you get stolen," when Ivonne giggled, she continued. "It's a good thing you didn't forget."

"Tell me about it."Ivonne said in a small panicky voice. Her eyes darted around as she avoided Kemi' s gaze.

"I knew it! You forgot, didn't you?" Kemi asked. Her index finger in Ivonne's face.

"N-No. Blame Patricia."

"Ah!" she placed a hand on her forehead and the other on her waist. Of course, blame the P.A. It was a thing with Ivonne.

Kemi couldn't call her 'irresponsible' as that was not even in the least of bad things to name Ivonne.

"No really. I knew there was something I was forgetting but I couldn't quite place my finger on it. I even put it in my schedule–"

"You put my engagement party on your schedule?" Kemi interrupted with a frown. "You're supposed to know that by heart. How could you? Ivonne, you'll never seize to amaze him." she shook her head and reached down to hold her hand.

"Come here."

Kemi rolled her eyes as she dragged Ivonne inside the house. She made her way to the stairs, not stopping for a second to attend to the guests. She had plenty of time for that.

***

"That is it, ooo," Ivonne threw her head back, emptying her glass for the third time while telling them what had transpired in her father's house.

"I don't even know what I'm going to do at the moment. I feel so confused and...lost." she added with her lips turned down.

Her brother, David was the first to speak, "So...my sister is dating Nelson Mandela?" He burst out laughing and no sooner, Kemi joined in. Both earned a frown from Ivonne.

"I'm sorry...i'm very sorry but, of all the names in the world, Nelson was the one you picked?" Kemi asked in between laughs. This was poor coming from the queen of liars.

Ivonne shrugged, "When he said to bring a boy home, my mind went straight to the Nelson in our company that's getting married next week. I wondered why a girl in her right mind would take him home to see her parents, hence the name. But what else was I to do?" she grumbled, shaking her shoulders vigorously.

"I had to say something," she pointed out. "Did you miss what he said, bring a boy home and we will discuss the matter!" With a groan, she took the bottle of champagne. Filled her glass to the brim, and gulped it down.

"Take it easy, Amaka. Drinking won't solve anything right now," David snatched the bottle from her.

"I honestly can't believe your father is doing this to you," Kemi said with quiet empathy and slowly she shook her head. "It's a good thing I'm the only child, I already have the company all for myself."

Ivonne glared at her.

"But yeah, this is about you, not me," she backed off quickly with a show of her hands.

"He knows very well that Daniella would wreck that company," David mused.

"Yeah, he said so himself," Ivonne chipped in. Her voice was distant, sounding lost in thoughts.

"Then why is he doing this?" David groaned.

"He said something about me and Daniella bonding" her brows twitched and she pursed her lips.

"Puh-lease!" Kemi scoffed. "That is never going to happen."

"Uh huh." Ivonne gave a nod.

"I'm just going to leave you two to talk. Maybe let off some steam together. I have to go downstairs to check on the guests," Kemi said and rose to her feet.

She reached for her drink and gulped it down. Placing the glass on the table in front of them, she turned to Ivonne, "Don't you dare go anywhere. I'll be back in a few minutes,"

Ivonne raised both her hands in surrender "Yes, Ma'am."

Kemi smiled and turned to David. She leaned down and placed a kiss tenderly on his lips.

Ivonne looked away immediately. Their sweetness could very well blind her for life. When she heard the door close, only then did she face her brother.

"Fucked, is not enough to describe your situation." David announced with a gloomy sigh. He leaned back on the couch and crossed his legs.

They were in his study.

Ivonne watched him for quite sometime, lifted her chin and asked what David still considered to be a very dumb question.

"Why are you getting married?"

At first he paused, more like froze as his body stopped all possible movement. Then slowly, he turned his head to hold her gaze. Confusion settled on his brows.

"What?" he asked breathlessly.

"I said why-"

"Jesus! I heard you for the first time. Can't believe you were gonna repeat that." he hung his head in shame for her.

Ivonne rolled her eyes. "I mean it. Okay. Then answer this," she leaned forward, "Why marriage?"

David furrowed his brows and his lips curled, "Er...What?"

"I mean you can stay single." She threw one hand lifelessly in the air. "Have kids. No cage,yet you still choose to be held a prisoner. I'm curious as to why you made that decision."

David blinked even as he still gaped at her, "You think marriage is a cage?"He asked and she nodded. Not sure why he found that surprising but he did.

"You cannot possibly find being together with the one you love as imprisonment." he informed and when she looked the least convinced, he leaned back on the couch.

"Let me break things down to your level," he began. "Have you ever fallen in love?"

She couldn't help the small smile that crawled on her lips "Do you even have to ask?"

"It's obvious," he informed and she shot him a sideways look.

"I clearly think that marriage adds unnecessary pressure to couples. It's either they are perfect or nothing." Ivonne spoke the words with a hint of disappointment in her tone.

"Love doesn't have to be perfect, Amaka," David pointed out. Still couldn't believe his little sister had that mindset all along.

"The couples don't have to be perfect. It's all about commitment and communication, responsibility and at the end of the day, you being able to make sacrifices and understanding when you're wrong-"

"Ugh!" Ivonne scoffed. "It feels like geography class all over again. Please make it stop." she placed her hands over her ears while shaking her head.

"Stop being so dramatic!" David huffed. "I'll be honest, I never wanted to get married. I didn't even believe in love because I had no time for it. But everything changed when I saw Kemi. I have to say, it was love at first sight. I love everything about that girl. From the top of her head, down to her toes."

Ivonne gulped. She smiled and folded her arms as she listened to him.

"I'm marrying her because I want her to be mine. I want to wake up each morning with her in my arms. I want her to stay with me forever. I want to grow old with her. Whenever I think of children, I see them with Kemi by their side."

Ivonne was at a loss for words. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out.

David seemed to notice this and chuckled. "Seems crazy right? I know."

"Woah!" She managed to say. "Well, good for you."

"Trust me, I understand if you haven't felt that way for anyone. You have a big problem, sis. Best you notice it now before it's too late. I should say it's partly your fault," he said nonchalantly with a raise of his shoulders.

Ivonne was taken aback and recoiled at his words. She furrowed her brows and pushed her head forward "My fault? How exactly do you mean?"

"Well for one, it's not your fault you're a workaholic. You grew up with it. Then it became your fault when you harboured that spirit even after leaving your father's house." He narrowed his eyes.

"Mmm," was the only thing Ivonne could reply. She knew all of this already, but listening to it again and remembering their horrible childhood made her heart so heavy.

She clenched down on her jaw. "I still don't understand how I have a part in this being my fault."

"Do you have to be so impatient all the time?"

"Patience is not something I exhibit brother, you know this."

David just shook his head, "You really need this vacation, Amaka. Try to take a break from everything. Just go out, have fun. Do you know you're seen as a demon in that company? Like...literally the whole staff hates you," he laughed.

"And do tell, you find this funny because?"

"Ugh! You are such a killjoy!" he teased. "Have you ever heard of your nicknames?"

"Nicknames? What are you on about?" She asked with a brow raised. Her curiosity reached a new height.

"They fear you like a god who has come for blood," he continued laughing. "They literally call you anything that means 'witch' not minding the language."

"Are you being serious?" She became amused.

"You think say I dey joke?" *(You think I'm joking?) "They won't tell you because you'll fire them."

She shrugged, "True."

If she was supposed to feel bad about that, they might want to try a lot harder to get a remorseful feeling from her. 'Cause right now, she was feeling hot!

"Anyway, what was I saying?" She turned her attention to him and watched him think for a while. He scratched his neatly cut beard and swiped his tongue across his small pink lips.

His hair was cut down to the root and the edges were neatly visible. David was a very handsome man. He was fair in complexion and tall. Maybe about six feet. A few inches taller than Ivonne and Daniella. The two were five-ish.

He wasn't too built in body size. But she had seen his rock hard abs and also heard too much about it from Kemi.

One of the disadvantages of your best friend dating your brother. You get to hear about their sex life–she cut her thoughts right there!

"Ah yes. Sorry about that, I think I'm a little drunk. I was about to say that you should go out and have fun. Plus, you think you're happy being single? Think again little sister."

"Whatever! I don't need any man in my life, and the only reason I need one now is because of the company-"

The door opened and Kemi rushed in looking a bit shaken up. "Your Mother is here with Daniella. Let's go and meet them."

"Alright. How about my Dad? Is he here?"

"No my dear. I'm sorry he didn't show up," Kemi cooed.

"Nah it's fine. He already told me he wouldn't be able to make it, he's still recovering. But he'll turn up for the wedding. Let's go." David stood up and held her hand pulling her to him-

"For the love of God! Go already." Ivonne groaned.

Kemi grinned, her dimples popping out on both sides of her chubby cheeks, making her look cute.

Ivonne considered her brother a very lucky guy. He had a cute Fiancé and a gorgeous little sister.

"I'll be down in a minute." she said, " I just...just need to gather my thoughts."

"Ok. I'll be back in a few," Kemi yelled as she pulled open the door.

After they left, Ivonne reached for the champagne and filled her glass. She gulped it down in one sip.The talk with her brother actually made her feel funny.

The way he had described Kemi being with him was lovely. He almost made her realize how much she had denied herself all these years.

Almost.

She couldn't even remember the last time she was in a relationship. For some reason, men were only interested in her money and status while she was only interested in sex.

She did remember being cheated on once, in her own bed. The moron brought some girl to her house. She threw his ass out and got rid of the bed. Not like she even liked him enough to care.

He complained a lot and talked too much. Besides, it was just their second day of dating. It was because of a blind date that Kemi set!

During the date, she'd texted a lot, talked little, insulted his speech, and barely paid attention to him. And then when she paid attention, she condemned his outfit, ridiculed his sense of humor and left early without even telling him.

The next day, he somehow found her house and she left him all alone to go to work and when she returned, the moron had a girl riding him.

The ones that she mingled with were the ones she met in clubs. They were just there to have fun and so was she. In order to not drive them away, she would talk less. And that satisfied her.

But she wasn't getting any younger. August next year would make her twenty six years old.

Ivonne stood and began to pace the large room.

For once in years, she didn't think about paperworks, products, programmes, and firing people. Instead, she thought about a man.

One who could give her what she desired; her father's company.

Ivonne huffed. Placing both hands on her waist she paced for a while, thinking about what to do.

She turned her attention to the direction of the door when she heard it creak open. "Kems, I've been-" she stopped and her hand dropped in disappointment.

Her elder sister, Daniella stood there in a long sleeve, yellow gown. Her long legs on full display, she complimented it with block heels and it would take a miracle not to stare hard and long at them.

Her black round eyes darted over Ivonne's body and her crimson lips curled in a smirk.

Her face was perfectly pancaked with makeup, she was after all, the face of the company but Ivonne had the brains.

"You shouldn't mistake me for anyone else, dear sister. That's not a nice way to show love." Daniella said, making sure to gag after the 'L' word.

Ivonne rolled her eyes. She didn't want to talk with this drama Queen.

"What do you want, Daniella?"

Ignoring the question, Daniella closed the door behind her. Still holding her gaze, she sashayed towards the couch, sat, then poured herself a drink.

"Mmm," she hummed once she tasted it. "This is so good. I think I'll get this at home. Mike would love it!" She smiled up at Ivonne.

Ivonne arched a brow at her. Where exactly was she going with this?

"I don't suppose you came here just to tell me about Mike, correct?"

Daniella frowned "What? No, not in the slightest. I'm here to rub it in your face that you're a loner," she giggled while Ivonne scoffed.

"We both know that I am more than qualified to manage Dad's company. I have the brains for it."

"Well, nevertheless, I'm not giving it up without a fight." Daniella hissed.

"I'd love to see you try because no matter what, I'll still bag that company."

She thought for a while before sipping her drink, "I know."

Well, that was surprising.

"We both know that this 'bring a boy home' thing is just for show. I don't know what he wants to prove, but why don't we dance to his tone a bit". She faked a grin and giggled.

Not wanting to agree with her, even though she had no choice, Ivonne took her purse and walked towards the door.

"Are you leaving because of me? Oh don't bother. I don't plan on staying long." Daniella said, and quickly finished her drink.

She turned back to face her sister who stood up and held her gaze. Daniella looked a lot like their mother. Her small black eyes, oblong face, pointed nose, and pink small lips. Her flawless fair skin. She was busty, but didn't have curves like Ivonne.

Maybe that was one of the reasons why she hated her. That or the fact that their father loved her more?

Who knows?

"Don't let me ruin the rest of your day, little sister."

"No, don't worry about me. I just hope your presence here doesn't bring bad luck to the couple." With that, she walked out.

Walking down the stairs, she continued to think. Now more than ever, she needed a guy. Not just any guy, but a Nelson.

Why was her father doing this? He was trying to build something between herself and Daniella, but it was too late for that.

Plus, was he trying to imply that just because she was a girl, she wouldn't be able to handle the affairs of the company? The discrimination between males over females made her want to puke. It was obvious her

brother wouldn't be facing this if he were interested in the company.

But David wasn't interested in a skincare company. He loved mass communication. After leaving Dad's Company 6years ago, he had opened his own radio station which was doing really well.

"Uhm hello? Is this mic working?" She was just in time for Kemi's speech, or whatever it was meant to be.

Kemi hit the mic a few more times, "Can everybody hear me? Hello?". She said again, this time with a little pout in her voice.

"It's working," David said as he stood beside her holding a mic.

"Ok," she grinned. "On behalf of David and myself, I just want to say thank you, to everyone here. I'm sure you all have more important things to do at this hour but you chose to drop that to celebrate with us. Thank you so very much.

"Also... a special thanks to my bestie, Ivonne Johnson. I know she'd rather be in her office right now working her brains out as usual... I just pray it doesn't run away one day."

That made everyone laugh. Ivonne took a glass of wine from a waiter and raised it up, "To David and Kemi, and I hope my brain doesn't run away either."

"Cheers!"

Everyone cheered and the DJ continued the music. It was the cool jazz that Ivonne enjoyed.

From the corner of her eyes, she could see her mother and Daniella talking with some couples.

Daniella wore her fake smile. She was doing that thing where she smiled while her eyes widened and kept saying 'oh my gosh' in a purr.

Glancing down on her black wristwatch, she read it was 9 pm. She felt like going home, to the comfort of her king-sized bed.

"Ivonne," Kemi held her hand to gain her attention. "What are you standing around for? Come on, let's dance!" She wiggled her hips to the rhythm of the music.

Kemi was a terrible dancer, so Ivonne quickly stopped her before any of the guests could see.

"Kemi, I want to go home. I need to lay down my head, I'm just so tired."

Her black eyes immediately found Ivonne's. She searched her face for something, Ivonne wasn't quite sure what it was.

"Are you ok? Can't you stay for just a few more minutes? We could talk... oh.. we'll talk tomorrow as it is Saturday, but for now just feel the music. Have a drink. Don't think about anything."

Ivonne watched as she began to wiggle her ass, bending her legs and making herself shorter despite the heels she was wearing.

"Alright... but just a few minutes more."

AYO CURSED UNDER HIS breath as he moved away from the gambling section. He made his way to the bar, bumping into a few people as the club was filled up.

Well what was he to expect? It was Friday night.

A perfect day to get drunk, stay up late and do things that'll leave you shaking your head when you wake up.

Maneuvering through the crowd, he made his way to the bar and quickly slid on a stool. A small sigh of relief escaped his lips.

As if on cue, a sexy bartender-one he had caught staring at him from time to time-walked up and stood before him.

She moved slowly. Batting her eyelids in the art of seduction. Her mouth moved as soon she formed a bubble with the gum she was chewing on. Finally, she stood in front of him, her hands sprawled on the table, boobs on full display thanks to the small shirt she was wearing.

His lips twitched as he lifted his chin and held her gaze. The lady had a smug look.

Oh, she knew she was attractive.

Damn daughters of Delilah! Can't move around in peace without bumping into, at least, a dozen of em.

"Can I get you anything?" she asked in a really loud voice. Trying to be heard over the loud music.

He studied her for a while. The long green hair on her head let down to cradle her small round face. The club did know how to put beautiful women behind bars.

Great body and revealing outfit.

She turned her head to the side, running her fingers through her hair and packing them to one side so that her neck was on full display.

Ayo frowned.

Did she mistake him for a vampire? If yes, she wasn't the type he'd like to drink from.

He liked his women rather...thick and big everywhere.

"Like what you see?" she yelled.

Well thank God for the loud music. She would have purred that instead.

"I'll pass." when she scoffed, he added "I'll have a beer instead."

"You know, there are other things that can get you high instead of a beer." she smirked before walking to get what he asked for.

"There are? I had no idea." he chose to go with playing dumb and that made her chuckle.

"Whatever you say." she gave him his beer, two. He pushed the other one back but she stopped him. "It's on the house." she smiled.

"Wow, aren't you a nice, generous lady!"

She scoffed "There's plenty where that came from and even more when it's coming from me." he knew he had a dumb look on his face because her shoulders slumped. "Three words. Blow. Your. Mind."

He arched a brow at the damsel who was already backing away to attend to someone else. "Okay," she winked and went about her business.

Opening his drink and taking a long sip, he spun around while still seated to face the people on the dance floor.

Ayo scanned the crowd for his friend, but met the gaze of several girls who seemed to want him to come dance with them but he waved them off with a smile.

Today was just not...it. He didn't feel it.

"Hey bruh, what's up?" he didn't have to turn to know who it was.

"And the man returns after countless hours of flirting." Ayo praised, turning to hold his gaze.

Timi grinned.

Ever heard a man being called beautiful? Well, that was Timi. His Mother actually thought she was having a girl due to the signs of the pregnancy and even the scan but then the baby came out having that face of a girl and a stick between his legs. She named him Timileyin. Timi for short. It was a unisex name and one that suit him all too well. He had a round face, smooth too like that of a baby's. Long lashes, curved eyebrows, chubby cheeks and a pouty mouth. To top it all, he was of average height and had a slender body.

"Oh please stop. You're too kind." Timi said and fluttered his lashes a few times. Ayo laughed at the act, picking up his second beer and handing it over to him.

"See anything you like?"

He shook his head, not even thinking twice "Nope, you?"

"Nah, they do have this great sense of humour but nah, I'll pass."

"Then what are we doing here?" Ayo found himself asking. He couldn't believe he had to go through the troubles of leaving the house before asking himself what he would be doing in the club.

"You did say you wanted to have fun." Timi reminded him.

"And?" he queried. "I didn't mean a club."

"Where else do people go to have fun? Plus, there are pretty girls here, Ayo. Just open your mind and stop being stubborn." Timi yelled. "You're not making it easy for me as your wingman oo." he announced, causing Ayo to choke on his beer, bursting out laughing.

"What? When did I say I needed a wingman?"

"It's an unspoken job requirement." Timi made it known. "A best friend is a wingman."

Ayo chuckled at his words. He didn't need a wingman but he wasn't about to tell Timi that. The man would give him reasons-valid ones-as to why he needed him.

He rolled his eyes, bringing forth his beer to his lips when his movements stopped. The brain cells giving the action ceased to function as someone caught his attention.

He couldn't look away and by heavens he didn't want to.

Perfection was an understatement but he had to settle for that. She was an epitome of perfection.

A hand gripping his thighs had him tearing his eyes from the woman as he looked at his best friend whose hand called his attention but eyes were on someone else.

"Holy shit!" he heard Timi say. "Dude. Dude. Dude." he called, tapping him continuously.

Suddenly irritated by the action, he pushed his hand away. Turning his attention back to who deserved it.

She was worth every nanosecond of his time.

Standing at the entrance, she graced the club of undeserving men with her presence. Not like she even dressed for the occasion but she slayed the outfit without even trying.

She owned a red gown that hugged her curvy shape. A gown that kissed and taunted her round hips, flat stomach and big boobs. One that still took its time to show off her long legs. The gown did nothing to hide her fair skin and that even complimented it.

Ayo glanced away, suddenly feeling hot. He threw his head back and emptied his cold drink. A heavy sigh before looking her way again.

Her red pick and drop hairdo was held in a bun. Dropping down to her shoulders.

A girl who didn't care about length.

Her face was void of any form of makeup other than a lipstick that glistered on her small lips.

One who still had eyes for natural beauty and wore it with great confidence.

Her almond eyes were cold. Stopping the guys that tried to make a move. Slender fingers coming up, signifying 'Stop' to those who dared.

Her eyes. They fluttered close every now and then and her body swayed. He noticed the firm grip she had on the wall.

Tipsy but picky.

Again, she was an epitome of perfection.

When she finally took a step, he expected her to stop along the way or stagger so he could swoop in and save the damsel in distress. The way she moved made him doubt if his theory of her being tipsy was true.

It was either that or she was good at putting up an act and always staying in control no matter what.

She walked towards him and soon held his gaze. His breathing turned shallow as he suddenly became aware of every movement he made.

Unable to stare into those cold eyes of hers, he looked away.

His heart was beating fast and loud and as she continued to advance towards him, he only prayed she wouldn't hear it.

Did she still have her eyes on him? He didn't know. He didn't even want to find out.

He scanned the crowd while his eyes itched to have its gaze on her.

Timi appeared in front of him, his eyes glued beside him. When he held his gaze, Ayo could tell what was going on.

'She's here.' Timi mouthed and he gave a nod. When his brows arched, Ayo looked away.

He felt Timi poke him. A sigh. He gave his attention.

'Do something.' Timi mouthed with a frown.

"What?" Ayo asked. More like yelled. Shamelessly. With a smile on his lips.

Timi hit his thighs and moved up close to his ear. "Guy, are you mad? Say something to her!"

"No, you do it. You're the wingman. Make us meet."

"The universe is doing that right now. Look at her!" Timi forced through gritted teeth.

"Na. You know I don't believe in that." he shook his head.

"Why won't you look at me?" the female voice asked from beside him and both men froze.

Drawing in a long breath, Ayo turned.

Oh the universe be praised!

He held her gaze. Those eyes stared up at him in curiosity and her lips pushed up in a small pout.

"What?" he asked. Choosing to play dumb.

"You heard me." she demanded in a fierce tone.

"Er...okay." he smirked. Not knowing what to say, he asked. "I'm looking at you now. That's good?"

Still holding his gaze, she shook her head slowly. The action was somehow sexual.

Fuck!

"Not how you were looking at me back there. What happened to the hunger in your eyes?" she teased with a cocky smile.

"You saw that?"

She nodded slowly.

"Uhm, okay." he had never been speechless before.

"Hi," Timi intervened and relief washed over Ayo. He had never been this relieved and happy to be with his best friend all his life. "My name is-"

"Would you love to dance?" she asked, cutting him short.

Ayo's throat went dry. He didn't want her to leave.

Fuck! Fuck! Do something. Say something!

"Yes, I'd like that very much." the smile in Timi's voice as he said those words made Ayo clench his jaw in anger.

He watched as a relaxed smile spread to the lady's lips. This time, it reached her eyes. They lit up. Like a kid who was promised candy.

"Good. Go dance. I want to talk to your friend."

Ayo gaped at her.

Timi was silent. He might be a beautiful man, but Ayo was the kind of guy that every woman would drop her panties for without even thinking twice! And to top it all off, he had a charming personality and a gorgeous smile that did the trick. If his smile didn't get them to run towards him fast, his words did and his words only come as backup if his good body did not draw the female before the smile came in.

When he held Timi's gaze, his throat went dry but he nodded. A sign saying he would be okay. But who was he kidding? He would definitely piss himself!

Timi leaned forward and Ayo turned, giving him his ear.

"I don't like her."

He almost laughed but he held himself back as he watched Timi leave with a slight frown on his face.

He knew how Timi felt. He had once said that the gorgeous man and beautiful one always go hand in hand. While women thought it was cute to have babies with Timi because obviously the kids will be beautiful, Ayo was a trophy husband. All females wanted to do around him was flaunt him and then try to trap him down with pregnancy.

But he considered that boring.

Turning back to his...mistress, he smiled back at her. "My friend probably hates you by-"

"I'll be damned if I care." she gave a dismissive wave of her hand and rolled her eyes.

Immediately, she moved closer to him and his hands automatically settled on her waist.

In his defense? He held her steady.

He caught the whiff of alcohol oozing on her. Oh she'd had too much to drink, yes. But she was still in control of her actions.

Maybe.

She leaned forward as if to whisper something in his ear and he gave her what she seeked. But when she latched on his earlobe, sucking and gently nibbling on it, he doubted she knew what she was doing but that didn't stop him from tightening his hands on her waist and moaning at her actions.

"Come." she whispered.

Daughter of Delilah. He reminded himself.

"Come with me and you'll never want another woman for a whole month."

He arched a brow knowing fully well that she couldn't see him. Words failed him and he lost all thoughts of concentration when she trailed her fingers in his head. Caressing and gently scraping.

Fuck! She was good.

She pulled away until she was holding his gaze with a smirk on her lips.

He was panting hard. Just from her touch. He was panting like a dog. She knew what she was doing to him.

The damned daughter of Delilah had a smirk on her lips.

But Refuse that kind of proposal? Not in a million years.

"For a whole month? You've got yourself a deal." he confirmed with a smirk of his own.

***

IVONNE SIGHED SOFTLY as a yawn escaped her lips. She stretched her body, twisting in the most possible way. Sighing from the relief it brought.

She squeezed her eyes open, shutting them immediately at the bright light emerging from her window but after a while, they adjusted just fine.

Finally, she sat up only to wince from the ache her head pounded in.

Slowly this time, with her hands on each side of her temples, she sat. Leaning back against the headboard, she rubbed her temples finding sweet relief.

Glancing around, her gaze fell on her red dress lying on the floor beside the door. She looked down at herself and frowned. The movements of her hands stilled.

She was wearing a T-shirt.

Why was she wearing a T-shirt when she didn't even own one?

She held the material. One of her brows arced in surprise at how soft it was. She brought the material to her nose and took a big whiff.

Male. Cologne.

Ivonne froze.

How come?

But when she got nothing but headaches, quickly, she grabbed the hem of the shirt and threw it over her head.

She tossed it aside and lazily got out of bed. Her hand flying to rub her temples once more as her head began to ache, she walked past the mirror but stopped and took some steps back, wanting to take a good look at herself.

But the girl in the mirror was so pitiful.

She looked like shit. Her face was swollen. Her hair scattered atop her head, they were pulled out of the bun she'd held them in. She was in her blue bra and matching underwear.

Her eyes roamed her body and when she turned her neck to the side-

Was that? No. A hickey?

First, a T-Shirt that she didn't even own and now a hickey?

The more she tried to remember anything of how she got both, the more the headache.

The last thing she remembered was attending Kemi's engagement party.

Giving up on her memory, she glanced around her room. Searching for anything out of the ordinary. Her gaze fell on the clock hung above her bed.

"Shit!" she dashed into the bathroom. Punctuality was after all, what she had to exhibit in the office.

***

"Don't touch anything. I'll handle it when I get back." she sneered. "I have to do everything myself." Ivonne shook her head. She was video chatting with her personal assistant.

The lady, Patricia, bowed her head and the act made Ivonne narrow her eyes.

All her Father knew how to do was hire incompetent people. All of them were second hand products. They couldn't do anything without calling her first.

You made it that way. Her inner voice seemed to remember.

No decision was final without her approval. But if the idiots had a little trust in their skills, then they would generate the balls to do it without her being involved.

That would just give you enough reason to fire them.

"But Ma," Patricia began, "You made it clear that no one should do anything without-"

"Are you trying to be smart, Patricia?" she doubted as she walked down the stairs. "It's a little too late for that now. I already know you as a dumb-star."

The young woman blinked away the tears.

Ivonne rolled her eyes at the usual act that irritated her. "Anyways, call for a meeting with Becky's team and Juliet's, I want to know how the new product is coming along." she climbed down the stairs in a bit of a hurry.

"Yes, Miss. Ivonne. When will you be here?"

She paused. One of her brows arced in shock. "Patricia, get them to wait for me in the conference room. That's all you need to know."

She hung up. "Stupid. They should wait for me to come. What kind of lazy people did my father hire like this?"

She hissed. Her heels hitting the floor with a bit of force. She gripped her handbag a little tighter. Her stomach rumbled and she placed a hand over it.

She didn't eat anything last night and she obviously couldn't wait to eat. She had places to be.

Walking past the dining room, her feet came to a stop when she inhaled a mouth watering aroma in the air.

Ivonne turned towards the kitchen.

She didn't have a chef. She never had the need to hire one and surely one didn't just magically appear in her house but given the strange hickey on her neck, the T-shirt she'd had on this morning, she was prepared for the unexpected.

She let her bag sag to the floor.

Was it her driver?

Her brows knitted and her mouth turned down in a frown.

He already left yesterday to go back home.

She had work today and had completely forgotten to tell him to drive her to work.

Now how would she get there?

Pushing that aside, she focused on what was happening right before her eyes.

Why was there a hot man dipped in caramel in her kitchen?

And shirtless too.

Those wide shoulders. Long legs in black Jeans hanging low on his waist.

For an average built man he did have a pretty slim waist.

"Who the hell are you and what in the world are you doing in my house?"

In my kitchen to be precise. Shirtless and swinging your ass like you own the place.

But that hung as her breath left her when the intruder spun on his heels.

She held the gaze of light brown eyes. One that held amusement. His perfectly curved eyebrows arched in surprise. Full quirky lips slowly pulled back to reveal what she'd call a smirky smile-if that was even a thing, that is.

When he cocked his head to the right, she noticed a touch of dimples.

Good gracious.

It was suddenly so hot.

Her eyes darted lower. Went over his puffed chest. Roamed his undeniable abs-

She licked the corner of her upper lip. Glancing away, she blinked more than twice before giving back her attention.

"Uhm," she fought for what to say.

"Uhm." he repeated. A fine soothing voice.

She frowned.

His eyes weren't even in her face, he was checking her out.

How rude!

She leaned on one hip and folded her arms. Noticed how he went up and over and side by side. Before going down her body with his eyes.

She was wearing a black retro bodycon dress with mesh sleeves. A nice cut-out decorated with a bow and a round toe stiletto heels.

"All done?" she asked in a flat tone with a brow arced.

Those eyes shot up to her. A silent dare dancing in them.

"Waw." he struggled to say. "You go to work dressed like this?" he asked. A smile on his lips.

He had really good vocals. And a gentle voice. She quite expected something deeper. One that could make one tremble, seeing that he had a terrific body.

"You barge into a woman's house and-"she leaned to the side. Trying to get a good look at the frying pan over the mild fire.

"-cook for her? What are you? One with a death wish?"

He gaped in surprise and no sooner, his shoulders slumped. He smirked. "Good morning to you too."

Ivonne scoffed.

What a clown!

"What do you want and how did you get in here?" times like this, she knew she should have hired a bodyguard. It was long overdue.

"In your kitchen?" he asked. Glancing at the pan real quick, he turned off the gas. "Well I figured you'd be hungry." his shoulders came up in a shrug as he held her gaze.

She stared immensely at those eyes. They looked so innocent and good.

"Get out of my house."

His brows shot up. "What!"

"I won't repeat myself." she said, suddenly getting irritated. The pounding in her head was threatening to rip her in two and the cuteness overload from him wasn't helping either.

"Oh." he sounded disappointed. "Don't you at least want to know who I am?" he asked and she didn't miss the hint of hope in his voice.

Smooth skin. Hard dark nipples teasing and taunting her.

Speaking of nipples, hers were trying to drill a hole in her bra-

"You're staring."

"You're in my house." she reminded him.

"That gives you the right to stare?" she could hear the smile in his voice and she pictured he had a cocky look on his face too.

No way was she getting lost in those eyes again.

"Listen to me," she lifted her chin. "You better get your ass out of my house right now, else I'm calling the police," as she spoke-more like yelled-her head throbbed and that only fueled her anger.

Unlike her, the stranger was being so calm, relaxed and collected. While she stood there, rubbing her temples and wincing every now and then.

Just how much did she fucking drink?

"Here."

He had a jug of orange juice in his hand. With a frown, she hit the glass down, moving back quickly but not fast enough as some of the juice splashed on her shoes.

"Argh!" she groaned. Irritated immediately. Shaking it off, she faced the stranger in her house with a blank look on her face while he had one of shock.

"One minute. After that, I'm locking you in here and trust me when I say I'll have the police knock you off the earth in seconds." she glared at him, turning to walk away.

He sighed. "It's always the cute, fair ones-"

"What'd you say?" she whipped her head in his direction.

He rolled his eyes and she walked away. Picking her bag from the floor, she checked her watch as she walked out of her house.

Closing the door behind her, she waited.

How the fuck did he get in? He couldn't have snuck in unless-

The door opened and he emerged fully dressed.

Her jaw dropped when she saw the T-shirt that she had woken up in. He had it on.

Did that mean,

The hickey immediately came to mind.

"Did we..." she trailed off. "Did I-"

"Bring me home? Yes" he said dryly. "A shame. You're a lot of fun when you're drunk."

Surely they didn't...

"Fun?" she arched a brow. "What?"

She'd never gone home with a guy this hot to her house before. It was always a hotel and with some...less Greek god.

"Not that, you idiot." she scolded her thoughts.

"What?"

"Leave. Your services are no longer needed." she announced

"Services you don't even remember." the smart fool pointed out.

"Are you trying to be smart with me, young man?" she doubted.

He shrugged.

"I take it you were a guest at the engagement party, yes?"

Damn! Kemi would kill her if she found out that she boned a guest.

"Party? No." he frowned. "We met at a club. The one you staggered into. Already drunk."

Her head began to fill with images of her dancing in a place filled with people but she couldn't decide if it was real or just her imagination acting for her.

"How the hell did I end up with someone like you?" she said without thinking. But it was the truth. The people she'd hung out with in the past weren't this...were less than this.

"You walked up to me, and said to follow you and that if I did, I'll never want another female for a whole month." he wiggled his brows as he sized her with his eyes.

"What?"

His lips quirked.

She stared at him for a while before she chuckled. One that turned into a laugh. "That has to be the stupidest thing I have heard all morning."

Besides Patricia wanting her to wait for her workers instead. What a fool!

One of his beautiful brows arched, "You think I'm lying?"

"Oh I don't think so." her smile dimmed. "I know"

"O...kay. That doesn't make any sense but ok. Listen, you were drunk and I was on my own. Minding my own business when you walked up to me, after snubbing the shit out of my friend, and whispered those irresistible words to my ear." He smiled with content and that just pissed her off.

She was silent for some time. "So you go about taking advantage of drunk women?"

"And you go about dressed in a killer outfit making promises and lying you didn't make them?"

Killer outfit. Point taken.

Silence fell between them.

There was no way she could do a thing like that. She wasn't dumb enough to say something like that.

"Let's say I said that, which I strongly believe I don't," she began. "What makes you think I'll keep to it?"

With the way she was finding it hard to not lick him in her imaginations, she could just about pounce on him.

No! She scolded her subconsciousness.

Tell that to your underwear.

As if reading her mind, he stepped closer to her. Ivonne eyed him suspiciously as her breathing suddenly became hard and her heart began to pound.

He moved closer to her like a predator caging his prey, waiting to attack. When her back rested on the door, he circled in even closer.

What sort of madness is this? She asked herself. She didn't have time for this, as she had a business to run.

"What nonsense are you doing?" she asked, petrified.

He leaned in closer. Their breath mixing as one.

"I think you'll hold on to your end of the deal just fine." he said with a cocky tone that made her push him off.

"Listen you-"

"Ayo."

"What?"

He rolled his eyes, as he put distance between them. "The name's Ayo, Ivy."

"Ivy? Don't you dare call me that". She glared and he raised his hand in surrender.

"Ayo." She exhaled, trying to calm herself down. "This little sham you're trying to pull might have worked for other women, but not this one". She pointed to herself while holding his gaze.

If he was scared, worried or disappointed, it didn't show and that just pissed her off.

"I'm smart. And you're just another dumbstar added to my non-existent list of 'dumbsters'." she made known.

She walked away from him and pointed to the gate while glaring "Out."

"Can I get a goodbye kiss?"

The nerve of this man...

"I'll rip your lips outta your face, you dumbstar"

He gritted his teeth while widening his eyes and began to walk away. "Yeesh. Fine, I'm going. I'll come check up on you later."

"Don't even think about it." She narrowed her eyes and glanced over to her cars. Looking down at her wrist, she was a few minutes late, thanks to this dimwit.

"Hey." she called and he stopped. Turning to her, he arched a brow.

" Surely you can't be so useless after all this..." she trailed off. Eyeing him up and down.

His lips curved to the side and quirked.

Narcissistic bastard!

She sighed "Can you drive?"

Now he was looking at her like the 'dumbstar' that he was.

"Useless." she mumbled. "Just go away. Looking at you makes me sick."

"Bye." he said nonchalantly and walked away.

He turned, giving her a wink but she glared at him and he raised his hand in surrender as he disappeared out of sight.

"Stupid gold digging son of a-"

The honk of a car interrupted her and she hurried to the gate. Only sighing when she recognized Kemi's driver.

The staffs at the office were surely cursing the life out of her that was for sure.

But, if they didn't like it, they could always complain and of course after that, they would be jobless.

She hopped in the car and throughout the drive, she couldn't keep her mind off the 'dumbstar.'

How did someone get so handsome? So well shaped. Yet so arrogantly cocky!

If there was one thing she hated besides everyone in her father's company, it was cocky good looking scum of men.

Damn! Her panties though...