When Louisa and her children finished dinner, she went straight to bed while Chioma took the dishes to the kitchen and washed them. Once she finished, she sat on the sofa to watch television. The evening news covered a proposal at Star Restaurant, but there was no mention of Chioma and Michael. Chioma had asked Michael not to announce their relationship to the world just yet, and no reporter would dare go against Michael unless they wanted to be blacklisted. So, while the proposal was mentioned, Michael and Chioma's names were not.
At that moment, Chioma's phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the phone and saw it was Daniel calling. A smile, genuine and warm, tugged at the corners of her lips as she reached for it.
'Chioma, tomorrow is Saturday,' Daniel's voice boomed through the receiver, excitement crackling in the background.
'Mhm, I'm aware of that,' Chioma replied.
'Exactly! So, what's on the agenda for this fabulous Saturday?' he pressed, anticipation bubbling over.
'Work, as always,' Chioma answered with a sigh.
'Well, guess what else?' Daniel's voice boomed, leaving her even more intrigued. 'I got permission from your boss! It's settled.'
Chioma furrowed her brow, confusion replacing her initial amusement. 'What's settled?'
'Emeka says you can join us at the mall tomorrow!' Daniel's enthusiasm bounced across the phone line, washing over Chioma like a wave. He paused, catching a hint of hesitation in her reply. 'Chisom and your brother are coming too. Plus, I took care of everything with the customers, so you don't have to worry about that.'
The prospect of a shopping spree sent a jolt of excitement through Chioma. A Sunday outing, however, would have been ideal, especially considering her new work schedule. But with Daniel taking the initiative and securing permission, a wave of indecision washed over her, leaving her feeling caught between two tides.
'Fine, I'll consider it,' Chioma finally conceded.
'Perfect! Chisom and I will swing by the house tomorrow, and then the four of us can head out together. My treat, of course,' Daniel declared happily.
'I got it, you handsome big brother,' Chioma chuckled, a warmth spreading through her chest.
Hanging up the call, her phone lit up again, buzzing with a WhatsApp message from Audrey, asking about her plans for tomorrow. As she started typing a reply, Andrew walked over with a bowl of popcorn and handed it to her.
Chioma smiled gratefully and reached into the bowl, grabbing a handful of popcorn. She popped a few kernels into her mouth one by one. 'Daniel is taking us out tomorrow?' she glanced at Andrew and asked.
Andrew chuckled, nudging her playfully. 'Yup. Are you worried he might confess something?' he teased. 'Don't worry, he knows you're already taken and wouldn't do anything to ruin that.'
'Why did he break up with his girlfriend?' Chioma asked, her curiosity piqued.
'She was cheating on him,' Andrew revealed.
A wave of sympathy washed over Chioma at the news. 'Oh, that's terrible,' she murmured.
'Thinking about becoming his new girlfriend?' Andrew teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Chioma pursed her lips and remained silent, her gaze flitting across the room.
'Sis, why don't you answer me?' Andrew persisted.
'It's nothing,' Chioma finally responded.
'Hey, I was just kidding, sis,' Andrew said gently, noticing her sudden shift in mood. 'Why the long face all of a sudden?'
Chioma hesitated for a moment before blurting out her biggest fear. 'What if Michael cheats on me too?' she confessed, her voice trembling.
Andrew's smile softened further, replaced by a look of reassurance. 'He won't, Chioma. Michael seems like a good guy. I'd bet my life on it,' he declared with conviction.
Andrew's words gave Chioma assurance and hope.