Page 25 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Actually, we don’t need to. It’s a sci-fi movie, and I don’t really like those kinds of movies, but I lost a bet, and I must go with him. Now I have a perfect excuse to bail on him.” I nod.

“What was the bet?” She smiles shyly.

“Promise not to laugh.” I return a straight face, but I’m already laughing inwardly.

“The bet was, I had to sit and watch Rocky Road ice cream glazed with caramel melt.” I didn’t expect that. By her looks, I can tell it was a bet she lost before it started, and I’m pretty sure my brother set her up to fail.

“You didn’t let it melt?” I ask with an amused smile.

“I don’t like waste.” She replies with a straight face.

“That’s your excuse?” I chuckle, trying not to laugh, but she laughs.

“Yes, and I’m sticking with it.” I nod, but it’s fun to see her laugh.

“Well, good night. I have a study group at ten. I should be back by one.” I want to keep talking with her, but I can sense she’s keeping me at arm’s length.

“Good night, Dele. And please, use the money for your dad’s medication.”

“Thank you very much. Night.” She turns and heads to her room. I go to the wine fridge cabinet and open a bottle. I fucking need a drink to get through the night. She has no idea what the faux leather pencil skirt is doing to me.

Chapter 15

LUKE

The next afternoon, we are driving to my dad’s place. Dele is quiet on the drive while my mind can’t get past how beautiful she looks in the one-shoulder brown dress. It hugs her curves perfectly. We pull into the garage parking and get on the elevator.

“Should I be worried?” she asks.

“No, you’ll be fine. Forget what Osei said and just judge for yourself.”

“Okay.” She exhales. I take her hand, and it warms my heart when she doesn’t resist. I use my key to unlock the door and go in. The nurse gets up right away.

“Hi, Susanna. I’d like you to meet my wife.”

“Hi!” She hugs Dele immediately. “Welcome, dear.” She leans into me. “She’s pretty,” she whispers.

“Thanks.”

“Mr. Blythe, Luke is here,” Susanna calls out.

We follow her, and I can sense Dele relaxing a bit. My dad is in the living room, watching the news, which is all he does these days. He’s in shorts and a T-shirt. He turns my way, his eyes zooming to our locked hands.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hi.” His voice is low.

“I brought my wife, Ayodele Blythe.” His eyes widen. He looks at Dele closely.

“Hello, my dear. Welcome to the family.” He smiles at her and extends his hand for a handshake. Dele drops my hand and moves closer to shake his. “Sit, dear. I’m happy to meet you,” he says, and she takes the seat closest to him.

“When did you get married, Luke?” His voice is stern. I haven’t moved to take a seat by Dele.

“Yesterday,” I lie. He would be upset if he found out it was two days ago, and my mom found out before him.

“My invitation got lost in the mail, I guess.” He sounds upset.

“No, Daddy. It was just Dele and me. We’ll wait for you and her dad to get better before we have a proper wedding and invite everyone.” He nods. That seems to satisfy him a bit.

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