Page 58 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“What is it?” she shakily asks.

“Floppy is dead.” A loud gasp escapes her. “I had Bruce investigate him based on the information you gave me. He didn’t stop his ways, and someone took him out.” I feel her tear on my chest. I pull her into my arms and wipe her tears. “He’s dead and can’t hurt you anymore.” She nods as I hold her close.

“You have no idea how relieved I feel, knowing that monster is dead.” Her voice shakes.

“When you’re up for it, I can show you the pictures.”

“No, I don’t want to see it. I believe you. Seeing his face would just remind me of what he did. Knowing he’s dead, I can be free of the invisible hold he has on me.” I pull her closer and kiss her forehead. “Can you please look into my uncle?” she asks.

“Yeah, I think I can manage that.”

“Thank you, Luke.”

“You’re welcome.”

I keep my arms wrapped around her. It doesn’t take long for my hands to cup her breast. She turns to me with an arched brow. The movie starts to play, but our eyes are only on each other.

“Can’t blame me. I was starved for seven days.”

“Five days, Luke.” She smiles, kissing me.

Chapter 39

DELE

Luke and I are in our own world for the next two days. He managed to convince me to reduce my work hours and focus more on school, which really isn’t a difficult request. I called my parents, and Luke got to speak with them. They had lots of questions for me, and I had to reassure them that I am fine. Dad isn’t happy to hear that I got married without them knowing. I explain the situation, and he’s appeased for now. Though my dad still demands to know when Luke and I will have a traditional wedding. Luke is a little too keen, in my opinion, to say right away. I remind them that it’s best after I graduate, and that Luke’s dad is better. Another hurdle jumped.

Overall, it is a good call. My brother doesn’t warm up to Luke. He feels that marrying Luke is derailing the planned move to London.

I reminded him that part of our plans required that I graduate with my degree, so the plan isn’t derailed. At the rate he was expressing his annoyance, I switched to speaking in Yoruba soLuke wouldn’t understand, but he could tell that my brother isn’t accepting him.

The next few days go by fast. I’m home most of the time before Luke gets home, and we either go out or have a quiet evening at home.

One evening, he returns home with four boxes and sets them on the living room center table. I set my books aside and lean closer.

“What’s in it?” I ask.

“You’ll have to open them to find out.”

I roll my eyes at him and open the first one—a simple two-tone necklace with white and yellow diamonds from Effy. I smile, leave it open, and open the next box. It’s Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole rose gold set. My mouth drops open. I turn an incredulous look at him.

“Keep going,” he says.

The third box is a bigger diamond set—earrings and a bracelet I already own, along with a matching necklace and ring. A complete diamond set. The fourth box is Cartier: a Trinity collection of ring, bracelet, earrings, and necklace. I sit back and turn to him.

“Thank you, they are all beautiful pieces,” I say, looking at them again. “I love them!” I jump on him. He wraps me in his arms.

“Glad you like them. We have a black-tie event coming up on Friday for you to wear them to.”

“Yes!” I shout in excitement. Then I remember that I need a dress.

“What event?” I ask, perplexed.

“I can assure you it’s going to be boring, but I have to attend on behalf of the company, and I want you there with me.”

“Okay, but you know I don’t do well with boring, so you must promise not to leave me alone.”

He raises his hand and says, “I solemnly promise to stay next to my wife all evening at the upcoming boring black-tie event.” I poke him.

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