I grab my things and I walk towards my car; I notice a person resting on my car but I can’t see the person clearly since they’re on the other side of the car and is backing the car. On reaching my car, the person turns fully, completely facing me, the person turns out to be Nek, “hi” I say.I say it in a manner that clearly indicates that i need him to move, in a manner that says what are you doing here. Nek looks at me like he’s trying to understand what’s going on in my mind, he doesn’t say a word; he just keeps looking at me.“Could you please excuse me”, I say as I move closer to the car. He doesn’t act like I say a word, he remains fixated on the car; I remain silent as I look at him; with an annoyed look etched on my face. I know Nek very well, he can be stubborn sometimes; so I know it’s better not to argue with him in this situation, I should let him figure out whatever he’s trying to figure out on his own.“Why didn’t you wait for me to go to church” he asks, finally breaking

Taina POV I pause as I think about it; “I agree it doesn’t look good on you; and it won’t look good on me, if it were the other way around. I won’t stay late out of the house, but I’ll spend time with anyone I want and how long I want; but I’ll keep to the terms of the contract”Nek remains silent; the look on his face his blank, he looks emotionless; underneath all of this, I can tell he’s pissed but I don’t acknowledge it. “Can I go?” I ask.“Taina” he softly calls my name as if steeling his emotions, “yeah” I say. “Is this because I said I wasn’t going to give our marriage a chance; cause we both initially agreed that this is contractual”I sigh, “I’m not trying to be vindictive; but I think it’s best we both don’t get too involved in each others life. I don’t know about you but it could send mixed signals to me; I could start falling in love with you, when you’re only trying to fulfill your supposed duty”“Let’s just keep it professional” I say tiredly, I just want to be in my ro

“Maybe my wife should be more around me; then I can smile more” he says; my heart starts fluttering, “where is she” I say playfully to dull the moment and calm my heart.“She’s right in front of me” he says turning to face me; he reaches out to hold my hands. I try to speak but no words come out, it only comes out as a squeak.“Taina to be honest; I know this marriage wasn’t what you initially wanted. Even apart from the money, I know you could have walked away before the wedding but you still gave it your all. Sometimes I feel like I’m not deserving of you; and I’m sorry for not treating you better” he saysHis eyes are still pinned on mine as he continues to speak, “I’m just learning to let people in; so it’s a bit difficult to let you in. I’m not promising anything concerning our marriage; but I promise you that I’ll be here throughout our marriage. I want to have a relationship with you; I want us to be friends” I feel a bit sad that it’s just friendship; but I also didn’t expect

It’s the morning of the day I’m supposed to get my wedding gown fitted; I feel very giddy like I’m an actual bride. I wash my hair and bow fry it, take my bath and dress up for work.I grab my bag and head downstairs towards the dining room, Nek isn’t here yet, he’s probably in his office. The maid serves my food, “thank you” I say; I bless the food and start eating not bothering to wait for Nek.The irony of this is that I’ll still have to wait for him since we are going to the office together. 20 minutes has gone by after I’ve finished my meal and he’s still yet to show up.At this rate we are going to be late; I walk to his office and softly knock on his door. Without waiting for a response I softly push the door open. “Nek!” I involuntarily say; Nek’s head is laid on the table as he sleeps softly.He must have been in here working throughout the night; he’s such a workaholic, “Nek” I say as I gently tap him. He wakes up instantly, stretching his arms, “do you need something?” He a

“And you don’t?” I ask, “I do, maybe that’s why we’re a perfect match” he says jokingly. I playfully roll my eyes at him. My mom and the others are yet to arrive; I know mom would be here on or before 5pm.I wonder where Tela could be, there nothing mum hates more than when people arrive late; Tela and Jamie round definitely get grilled if they show up late.One of the staff offers Nek and I wine, “I don’t drink” we say in unison, the staff nods, “what would you like instead”. “Water” Nek says; “and you ma’am?”, “ I’ll have apple juice, thank you”.The staff excuses herself; “You..” Nek says, but he’s cut off by Tela who stepped in, followers closely by Jamie. I excitedly hug Tela; while Nek and Hamie exchange manly handshakes. I move to hug Jamie and Tela moves to hug Nek, “I really thought you both were going to be late” I sayTela laughs, “not at all; I don’t want to get in trouble”. Jamie and Nek look lost: they wouldn’t understand unless they knew my mother well. “Has mum arrived