Page 279 of Invisible Bars
“Well... y-you’re our first official guest. So consider it your private five-star suite.” I chuckled. “Come on."
Chiamaka hurried up the elegant stone steps. Once she entered the foyer, her eyes darted around in awe at the opulence surrounding her—the polished marble floors gleaming under the sunlight, the gracefully curved staircase leading to the second floor, and the stunning chandelier cascading from the ceiling, each crystal catching the light and scattering it like rainbows.
When Chiamaka reached her room, her jaw dropped all over again.
The walls were a soft beige, adorned with delicate gold accents that added an air of sophistication. At the center of the room, a plush king-sized bed beckoned, draped in sumptuous velvet pillows and covered by an inviting faux fur rug. A mirrored vanity caught the light perfectly, hinting at the glamour of the space.
“I’m not dreaming? This is mine?”
“It’s yours,” I assured her, beaming with joy at her reaction. "Now let’s goofficiallymeet my husband."
We made our way to the patio, where Imanio stood on a phone call, exuding a relaxed confidence. He was dressed casually in a fitted black t-shirt and slacks, yet his commanding presence filled the space.
Chiamaka hesitated, suddenly feeling shy as we approached him.
Once he noticed us, he quickly ended his call and gave us his undivided attention.
“Imanio,” I said softly, gesturing toward Chiamaka, “I’d l-like for you toofficiallymeet my sister, Amaka.”
He stepped forward, extending his hand with a warm smile.
“Welcome. Whatever you need, we got you covered. You’re family now.”
Imanio wasn’t big on words—especially not with strangers. Well, unless he was angry. Honestly, I was shocked he even got out a full sentence without grunting.
Chiamaka took his hand, eyes wide. “Thank you.”
“I’ll introduce you to the s-staff tomorrow,” I added, squeezing her hand. “You’re gonna love Ms. Shirley—our chef. But I have to warn you—don’t ask her for too many sweets.”
Chiamaka shook her head in disbelief, a smile spreading across her face. “I can’t believe this is my life!” She twirled around again.
“Believe it,” I replied with a warm smile. “Welcome home.”
I flopped onto the bed with a soft thud, my limbs splayed out dramatically like a starfish. Moments later, Imanio emergedfrom the bathroom, a towel draped casually over his shoulder and a teasing glint in his eyes as he raised an eyebrow.
“That bad, huh?”
I rolled over onto my side and groaned, “What the h-hell did I just sign up for?”
He smirked. “Sisterhood.”
I let out a long, exasperated sigh. “Sounds like it could get e-expensive.”
With a gentle gesture, he came over and pressed a sweet kiss to my cheek. “I got you.”
I smiled. “I know.”
Once we were settled in bed, I shifted to face him, my thoughts racing.
“So… I was thinking.”
Imanio’s smirk widened, his eyes half-lidded in amusement.
“Here we go,” he said, as if anticipating the wild journey of my imagination.
Ignoring his playful jab, I began to tap my fingers nervously on his chest.
“W-what if I had my own car?”
