Page 78 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Okay.” She hangs up right away. Rather than return to the room, I head to my office, open my laptop, and check the link to Dele’s GPS. She’s driving towards home. I close the link and head back to the room. Everyone stops when I return.

“I need you guys to finish up and send me the breakdown,” I say, walking out. Kevin is right on my heels.

“I’m heading home; something is wrong with my wife. Stay in the meeting and update me on what’s discussed and what needs to happen.”

“Got it.”

I return to my office to pack up my laptop. I text Martin that I’m on my way down. Getting off the elevator, I call my dad.

“Hello.”

“Dad, Dele can’t make it today.”

“Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. She’s working a few extra hours,” I lie to him. I don’t need him worrying any more than I am, plus not knowing what’s wrong doesn’t help.

“She works too hard. Have her call me when she gets home.”

“Dad, she’ll call you tomorrow morning.” I answer.

“No, I want her to call me today.”Seriously?

“Fine, Dad.” No point arguing with him; he’s not going to stop.

Martin is waiting in the car when I get out of the building. I get in.

“Head home.” He pulls into the street. Our drive is short, but in that brief time, my mind is reeling about what could possibly be wrong with Dele. Soon as he pulls up, I dash out of the car and onto the open elevator. I almost knocked an old lady down. I quickly apologized and move on. At our door, I quietly openit. The house is quiet, but I see her backpack on the living room floor.

Yes, something is wrong. That bag is always close to her. I remove my shoes and move quietly to our bedroom. The door is slightly ajar, and I can hear her sniffs and tears. I slowly push the door open and see her on the bed, but she doesn’t even notice I’ve opened the door. She’s so far gone in her tears.

My first thought is to get into bed with her, but startling Dele is never a good thing. It’s best to let her know that I’m here.

“Dele,” I call in a low tone. She lifts her head and turns to the sound of my voice.

“Hi,” she croaks, wipes her face, then sits up in bed, pulling the sheets close and wrapping her arms around her knees.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she whispers, wiping her tears. I move closer to her and wrap my arms around her. She rests her head on my shoulder.

“Ayo mi, why are you crying?”

“Why are you back so early?” Clearly, she hoped to cry her eyes out and be good before I got home.

“You never call me after work. What you do is send me a text, and most of the time, it’s to tell me if your plans are changing. You don’t miss time with Dad. Today you called me and asked me to cancel on your behalf.” She chuckles.

“I didn’t realize I’m that predictable.”

“Not predictable, just sharing with me.” I pull away from the hug and kiss her forehead. She straightens her legs and leans back on the headboard.

“A girl was brought in today. She escaped her kidnapper. He’d locked her up for months, beating and raping her repeatedly. Her friend was the only one who kept looking for her. What if no one had looked for her? I guess I just got emotional and entered a labyrinth of despair with no exit. My mind just darkened onwhat could have happened to me if I hadn’t run from my uncle’s place or if Aunty hadn’t helped me. I can’t imagine living in an endless circle of torture with no end in sight or anyone coming to help.” I take her hand and lift her face to look at me.

“I’m sorry that girl’s situation triggered you, and I’m thankful she had a friend who didn’t give up on her, just like your Aunty and Amaka helped you. Floppy is dead, and you never have to worry about him again.” She nods. I let go of her hand and move closer, cupping her face. “No one is ever going to take you away from me. I need you to know that I will always send an army for you, and I will always protect you. Do you understand?”

“I do.” She pulls me into a hug, clinging tight to me. “I understand, my Lion of Blythe.” I chuckle and hold on tight as well. We stay together, the sound of our heartbeats being the only noise in the room. She pulls away from the hug, but I take over her mouth, kissing her. She kisses me back, my hand sliding under her T-shirt, squeezing her breast. She moans.

We lay wrapped in each other, her head on my chest, our breathing slowing to normal.

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