Page 16 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Did you walk away from Anne?” I retort with the obvious question.

“Fuck no!” He scoffs at me.

“There’s your answer.”

“So, relax. Osei already said she’s coming and will be here.” I nod, but my heart is pounding against my ribcage. It’s a good thing she’s unaware of how I lose all control when it comes to her. A few minutes later, Osei comes in, smiling.

“Dele is here.” And relief washes over me. I signal to the pastor, who has been very accommodating, that we are ready. He gets up, and the door opens. I swear my heart stops for a moment. She’s stunning. Her friend is behind her, but my eyes are only on Dele.

Declan taps my shoulder. “See, she was worth the wait.” That’s when I blink.She’s worth every second of my thirty-five years waiting for her.

She’s wearing a white, deep V-neck, long-sleeved dress with feathers on the wrists. The elegant style accentuates her figure. The dress is long with a front slit and buttons from her slit to the center of the V. Her makeup is flawless, her braids are pulled into a big chignon at the base of her neck, showing off her slim neck. A matching feather headpiece with a birdcage veil adorns her as an accessory. I notice the diamond earring on her ear and a matching bracelet.Where the fuck did she get that bracelet from?She moves with a ginger step next to Osei. When she gets closer, she undoubtedly takes my breath away. I can’t help but grin at how lucky I am. I take her hand as she hands the bouquet to her friend.

The pastor gets closer, recites all the words. I don’t hear anything he says until he asks if I take her as my wife.

“I do,” I hastily answer and hear Declan snicker behind me.

When he asks if she will take me as her lawfully wedded husband, she’s hesitant. Then, “I do,” slowly escapes her lips. The pastor continues to speak, but our eyes are on each other. We go through the motion of putting the ring on.

When the pastor says, “You may kiss the bride,” I gently pull her to me and take over her mouth. I’ve waited months for this moment. She kisses me right back, and a soft moan escapes her. I pull her body to mine, forgetting my surroundings and feeding my inner craving for her. A tap on my shoulder stops me. Her mystified eyes bore into mine. I read her face, the pieces of thepuzzle clicking into place. Recognition sets in; she knows I’m the balcony guy.

Chapter 11

DELE

After agreeing to marry Declan, I’d called Amaka to tell her about my decision and the agreement.

“I’m surprised you’re telling me after you’ve already decided,” she’d chastised.

“I’m sorry. I decided to just go for it and not overthink it.”

“He’s Osei’s brother, and we trust Osei; he can’t be a bad decision.”

“I hope you’re right.” I meekly stated.

“Relax, he can’t be that bad. At least you’re getting out of your comfort zone. I’m proud of you,” she says with excitement.

“Please, come and stand-by and for me, so I don’t run away before that day. He intimidates me.” She was quiet for a while. I had to look at my phone to see if the line had suddenly disconnected.

“Maks,” I call out.

“I’m here. Are you trying to tell me you’re attracted to him? I need to Google this guy, then.”

“Please, don’t Google him. Promise me you won’t Google him. Come and see him and make your assessment in person.”

“You still haven’t answered about the attraction.”

“You haven’t promised either.”

“Promise; now answer the question.”

“Yes,” I answer in a whisper, as the thought of voicing my attraction to Luke out loud is scary. “It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t like me, and he’s only agreeing to marry me because he doesn’t like me, and I won’t catch feelings for him.”

“How are you going to handle it when he starts fucking girls all over the place?” Trust Amaka to be blunt.

“I’ll bury my head in my books or find a guy who will fuck me into oblivion.” She laughed out loud.

“I’m so coming to see this guy, and I will try not to Google him.”

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