When Michael returned to Njemanze villa, the servants bowed their heads and murmured respectful greetings. He strode past them, his eyes fixed on the gleaming marble floor, barely acknowledging their presence. His face, carved with perfection, held a glacial beauty that made it impossible to look away. His mother, Patricia, always teased him that his beauty was a passport to any place he desired, a 'White House Pass' as she often quipped.
Entering the opulent living room, Michael's gaze flickered to the sofa where Patricia sat, enveloped in a plush blanket, mesmerised by the flickering images on the television screen. Her pink pyjamas clung to her slender frame, the softness a delightful complement to the glossy waves of her dark hair cascading down her back.
Patricia turned at the sound of his arrival, her face blossoming with a sunbeam smile. 'Michael!' she exclaimed, rising from the sofa and sweeping him into a warm embrace that lingered a beat too long, her voice filled with warmth as she murmured, 'So glad the contract went well, son. I saw the news.'
'Mhm,' Michael nodded. 'Mum, you didn't have to wait for me. You could have gone to sleep.' It was evident that Michael cared deeply for his mother.
Patricia smiled, patting Michael's head. As a petite woman, she had to tiptoe to reach his head. 'Your father will be arriving tomorrow evening. He called a few minutes ago to inform me,' she shared.
'That's good to know,' Michael replied.
'You'll still have to maintain your position as the CEO of Moon Corporation,' Patricia reminded him, her eyes twinkling. 'He mentioned retiring as chairman.'
Michael nodded and then ascended the grand staircase to his lavish room. As he opened the door, his eyes fell on Jessica, sprawled on the plush sofa, her attention captured by an Indian drama on her tablet.Top of Form
A single strand of dark hair escaped her meticulously styled bun, framing the delicate curve of her neck. She was undeniably beautiful, often described as breathtaking by those who encountered her. She possessed the kind of beauty that could fuel a million dreams.
Jessica revealed a seductive smile upon noticing Michael's presence in the room. 'Michael, come and watch with me,' she beckoned, rising from the sofa. 'I'm sure you'll enjoy this romantic Indian movie.' She ran a hand through her hair, releasing it from its bun and letting it cascade down her beautiful and delicate face in a display that seemed calculated.
Michael glared at her. 'Who allowed you into my room?' he asked sternly.
Jessica set her tablet aside and approached him, her bare feet padding softly on the floor. Placing her hand on his shoulder, she wore a sweet smile that only seemed to infuriate him. 'Your mother let me in,' she explained, her voice gentle but firm. 'Aunt Patricia said I'll be accompanying you to the airport tomorrow evening to pick up your father.'
'That won't be necessary. I'll arrange for someone from the company to pick him up,' Michael replied coldly.
'Silly... would you prefer someone else to pick up your father?' Jessica exclaimed, displeased with Michael's response.
'What concern is it of yours?' Michael saw through her intentions. 'Do you want the paparazzi to capture us together? So we can become the most searched couple on social media?'
Jessica bit her lower lip, feeling wronged. 'Aren't you my boyfriend? We're already the most searched couple on social media,' she retorted, turning her face away. 'Michael, I'm not an outsider. I'm your woman. We've known each other since childhood. That should mean something.'
Michael scoffed. 'You've never been my woman. You're just my childhood friend, even though we both know that we weren't really that close even as children. It was clear that I never wanted you around me.'
'Don't say such nonsense,' Jessica turned to face Michael. 'Being your childhood friend makes me your childhood sweetheart. Yes, maybe you didn't love me back then, but I tried my best to make you talk to me. That makes us close.'
Michael's mocking laughter filled the room as he strolled to the wine rack, pouring himself a glass. 'Don't play the fool, young girl. I am not and will never be your man,' he scoffed, lifting the glass to his lips and taking a sip. 'Stop pretending like you're the protagonist of an Asian drama or a soap opera. You don't even fit the role of a leading lady. It's not your place.' With a cold smirk, he curved his lips dismissively. 'You're better off playing dead.'
'I don't understand your nonsensical words. I love you, and I'll stick by your side. We'll get married eventually, because destiny can't be changed,' Jessica declared, her fingers gently smoothing down a few stray strands of hair. Her simple gesture held an enchanting allure, yet Michael seemed oblivious to her beauty. Despite her alluring white silk sleep dress that accentuated her appeal, Michael showed no interest. 'I'd even be willing to become invisible for you,' she muttered.
'I want you to leave and go home,' Michael stated, his gaze fixed elsewhere.
'Why would I do that?' Jessica questioned, a hint of defiance in her voice.
'Because this isn't your home, got it?' Michael tilted his head, his eyes meeting Jessica's.
Jessica rolled her eyes, a charming yet exasperated expression crossing her face. 'Aunt Patricia asked me to stay. You can't force me to leave.'
'So?' Michael's tone brooked no argument.
'So, I'm going to spend the night here. I've stayed in this mansion before,' Jessica retorted, lowering her head and idly playing with her manicured nails. 'You can't make me leave.'
'If you won't leave willingly, I'll see to it personally,' Michael warned, his words sharp as ice. With a final, steely glance, he turned and exited the room.
Jessica watched his retreating figure, determination hardening her gaze. 'You think you've won, but I won't give up so easily. I'll hold on until you have no choice but to make me your wife.'
Meanwhile, Michael headed for his mother's room when he found out that she was no longer in the living room. His face carried a solemn expression as he pushed open Patricia's bedroom door. The notion of his parents trying to match him with Jessica didn't sit well with him. Just because they had known each other since childhood didn't mean he should be forced into marriage. Feelings couldn't be coerced, and as his anger fueled his entrance into the room, he halted when he noticed Patricia engrossed in a video call. Her voice tinged with warmth and laughter as she conversed with the man on the screen—no doubt her husband, Edward.
Patricia's long, dark hair spilled over the pillows, framing a face that glowed with an inner light. She leaned against the headboard of their expansive bed, her fingers delicately tracing patterns on the sleek surface of her Ceramic Black Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, her gaze locked on the screen with a rapt attention that spoke of a love that defied distance.
Michael patiently waited until Patricia ended her video call. When she hung up, she glanced at him with a smile.
'Son, your father wants the three of us to pick him up from the airport tomorrow evening. Isn't that great?' she said brightly.
'The three of us?' Michael echoed, his anger simmering anew.
Patricia nodded, her smile still present. 'Your father wants to keep it low-key, avoiding paparazzi and their prying eyes. Since Jessica is already a part of our family, I asked her to come along. She'll be joining us for the airport pickup.'
'I won't go,' Michael flatly refused.
'Why?' Patricia raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback. 'If you want, you and Jessica can go alone to pick him up. Perhaps you would appreciate some time alone with her, since you're always busy with work and rarely have time for dates.'
'Mum, you and Jessica can go and pick up Dad. I don't want to be in the same car as her and give her false hope,' Michael stated firmly.
'Your decision will hurt Jessica. Aren't you being a bit harsh?' Patricia questioned, concerned.
'I don't care about how she feels. I don't want to keep leading her on. She has the opportunity to be with anyone she wants... just not me. She's not the one for me,' Michael replied, frustration lacing his voice.
Patricia's eyes narrowed. 'Then who is?' she demanded, determined to get an answer.
Michael fell silent for a moment. He couldn't bring himself to tell his mother about Chioma Chima, the girl he had met by chance yesterday and had fallen in love with instantly. He wasn't ready to disclose this to his mother and face the barrage of questions that would follow. He barely knew anything about Chioma apart from their brief encounter on Jimmy Carter Street and the accidental car incident earlier today—these were the meager threads that bound him to her, and yet, within those fleeting moments, his soul had whispered its steadfast certainty: she was the one. He was certain that Chioma was his soulmate, regardless of her background, wealth, or social status.
Glancing at his wristwatch, Michael realised it was getting late. 'It's already late. Get some sleep, Mum.'
'You look adorable when you're serious,' Patricia smiled at him.
'Mum, go ahead and sleep,' Michael said, signalling that he didn't want to continue with the topic as he turned to leave.
'Michael, you know how much I love you, right?' Patricia suddenly expressed her affection.
Michael halted in his tracks, puzzled by his mother's sudden statement. With one hand on the door handle and the other in his trouser pocket, he slowly turned around. His every movement exuded allure and charm, which explained why he attracted the attention of both women and men alike. However, he firmly rejected the advances from men who wanted him to be their gay partner, determined to maintain his integrity.
Patricia's gaze held his, her words a delicate balance of affection and warning. 'Choose a woman who will never tarnish this family's name. A woman of impeccable lineage. Tell me, my son, who could be more suitable than Jessica?'
Michael remained silent, absorbing the meaning behind his mother's words. Without saying a word, he opened the door and stepped out of the room, understanding the implications.
Jessica's family ranked as the second wealthiest in Nigeria. She was practically a princess within her family, enjoying every privilege. Her father held the position of the governor of Imo State and was the chairman of the Nnaji Group, the second-largest company in Nigeria, with Moon Corporation leading the way.
Michael wouldn't marry Jessica for her wealth. While he was prepared to sever ties with the Nnaji family if necessary, he hoped it wouldn't come to that. Having known Jessica since childhood, he wanted to maintain a positive relationship between their families. However, he wished Jessica wouldn't push him to the point where cutting off ties became inevitable.