Chapter 8: Genuine love or just Infatuation?

Ronald's POV.

I've been searching for a chef for several months now, and it hasn't been easy. I can't go on with my normal life without worrying about Divine's safety. I need to find the chef as soon as possible before they can reach Divine. She's like family to me, and I can't bear the thought of anything happening to her. I know she won't be pleased when she discovers what I've been doing behind her back. I promised her that I would never lie, but here I am, breaking that promise, doing things I swore not to do. It's not by choice. I have to take these actions to protect her. I hope that one day she'll understand.

"Sir, if this person had intentions towards Divine, they would have made a move by now. Don't stress yourself out. Jack is searching for them in the field, and we'll find them and resolve all of this. Just make sure Divine doesn't find out anything about it. It'll keep us on the safe side," KG says, and I agree with him.

"Would you like a drink?" I offer, and KG accepts. As we enjoy our drinks, Jack calls KG, and he puts it on speaker.

"KG, I've found the chef," the voice on the other end of the call says, and I can't help but smile.

"Good work, Jack. You'll receive a bonus with your payment this time," I say, satisfaction evident in my expression.

"Thank you, boss," the voice on the call responds happily.

"Just ensure you bring him to the safe house. I'll be there in 30 minutes," I instruct before hanging up the phone.

"Let's go. We don't have much time," I say to KG, and we leave. I'm relieved that I'll finally uncover the truth, why someone has been after me.

*******

Today is a beautiful, scorching day, perfect for relaxing and forgetting about everything. However, that doesn't apply to me, Divine. I have to head back to the office and tackle my work, finishing up Mr. Johnson's calculations on the house's cost. I would have loved to spend time with my partner, but he's always occupied with work. I mostly catch glimpses of him in the morning since he returns home late. Lately, though, he's been leaving early before I even wake up.

"Tim, please bring me a cup of coffee, just the way I like it," I instruct my personal assistant over the phone and promptly return to my work. As I'm busily dedicating myself to the task at hand, my phone buzzes. It's my friend Tola.

"Hey, babe! What a pleasant surprise to receive a call from you," I say, and Tola's voice on the other end responds.

"I know, friend. I haven't been able to call because I've been caught up with things."

"What have you been busy with? I thought maybe you were enjoying the sun in Nigeria," I comment, and Tola chuckles in response.

"I am enjoying it, but how about you? Are you doing well?" Tola asks. Before I can answer, Tim enters the room with the cup of coffee I had requested earlier.

"Place it on the table and close the door on your way out. Thanks, love," I tell Tim, and he follows my instructions.

"I didn't catch that," Tola says curiously.

"I apologize, that was my PA, Tim," I say, clearing my throat to regain composure.

"So where are you working? You mentioned having a PA," Tola inquires.

"Well, I can't discuss all of this over the phone. I need to sit down with you and share everything that I've been going through. When are you coming back?" I reply, taking a sip of my coffee.

"That's why I called—to let you know that I'm back in town. I'm no longer staying at Kemp Park; I'm in Midrand now. Can we meet up?" Tola reveals.

"That's great! We can meet and talk. When are you free?" I ask.

"I'm free today. I'll send you the details of where we can meet around 2:30 PM," Tola suggests.

"Perfect. Let me get back to work, and we'll talk," I say.

"Sure," Tola responds before hanging up. As soon as I finish the call with my friend, I return to my work. However, a few minutes later, Tim interrupts me.

"Tim, what do you want? I need to focus on my work," I say in a slightly annoyed tone.

"I'm sorry, my love, but we need to talk," Tim says, and I close my laptop, giving him my attention.

"Okay, you have five minutes, starting now," I state, glancing at my watch.

"Well, I want to discuss your choice of direction," Tim murmurs, leaving me perplexed.

"What direction are you referring to, Tim?" I ask, my eyes widening.

"I'm talking about your relationship with Mr. Ronald Bowie."

"Tim, darling, you're my friend, but this is not your concern. Please stay out of it. I know what I'm doing," I respond, feeling anger welling up inside me.

"You can talk to me however you want, but I must try to save my friend before it's too late," Tim insists.

"Save me from what? I'm fine, Tim. Am I going to die or something?" I retort, rising from my chair and pacing around the office.

"That man Bowie is dangerous, difficult, and all the negative words you can think of. Crossing him could cost you your life. He's not good for you, and deep down, you know it," Tim insists, approaching me and gripping my shoulder.

"He loves me, Tim. He wouldn't do anything to harm me. He's changed, you have to see how he talks about our future together," I reply, a wide smile on my face.

"Look at yourself, you can't even stop thinking about him. He's older than you, for heaven's sake. Please, stop all this. You don't love him; you love the idea of him," Tim urges.

"Tim, honey, go back to work. I'll think about it," I say, urging him to leave. As he walks out, shaking his head and mumbling, I can't help but feel torn. Tim raises a valid point. I noticed a certain allure in Ron, but is it genuine love or just infatuation?

...............

Sure, he's attractive and charismatic, but I need to take the time to truly get to know him before things get too serious. Right now, I'm not even certain if I can envision a lifetime with him. He's always preoccupied with work, and we can't even find a moment to sit down and have a simple coffee together. Divine must carefully consider her options and think this through.