shadow of love episode 68

I smiled, slapping his shoulder lightly.

Greg: Wait a minute, are you a bully?

Me: If I were one, you won't be sitting down here, trust me.

Greg: Aha! Let the ancestors be praised. The food is getting cold.

While I laughed, he got up and drew the stool to where I was, carefully opening the dishes. White rice and tomato sauce.

Greg: We missed coffee, all thanks to you.

Me: And I know you don't wanna miss this one, because you're so not eating this food if you don't shut your mouth.

Greg: The evil Queen. I knew you were the Nigerian Morgana all along but it won't work for you. If I don't eat this, you won't eat it too.

Me: Hells. I'm hungry so ......

Greg; Goodness me, but some moments ago, you gave me this I'm not hungry response. You should be grateful I'm in love with you, if not, I would have had breakfast upstairs while you'll be here, forming angry birds.

I laughed heartily, feeling at peace with myself again.
We ate, cracking jokes and yabbing each other. He was good in everything and I didn't regret falling for him.

Greg: Good. So tell me, was it love at first sight or love at second sight or ?

Me: What are you saying?

Greg: Dummy. I'm asking you when you fell in love with me.

Me: Oh! It's probably the day we got here.

Greg: Liar. Mogana you're lying.

Me: I'm serious.

Greg: Hmmm. What if I tell you that you fell in love with me the day we met at shoprite?

Me: Oops. You failed

Greg: Then its love at first sight.

Me: Maybe.

Greg: Tell me about it.

He crossed his legs like he were in a cinema and that got me laughing, at his display of childishness.

Me: There's nothing to talk about. Girls don't disclose their innermost secrets.

Greg: Then I'll tell you mine, stingy Morgana.

Me: Yes please, I'm all ears.

His words flew, as he recalled that fateful day like it was yesterday. How he didn't notice me till I reminded him to tell the driver my location, how he had to pretend to be a customer at Chitis just so he could talk to me, how he was disappointed when I left without telling him a word about me, even after he helped me from the agbero guy.

Me: Since I didn't do it, what stopped you?

Greg: It wasn't my day I guess, I lost my mum that day, remember?

I nodded and allowed the silence to hang over the room.

Me: I need to see Amber so I'll know what time we'll be leaving.

Greg: Okay, but I'll really want you to stay back for a couple of days, please.

Me: Your offer is tempting but ......

Greg: Come one please, just two days, or maybe four.

Me: I'll think about it as we go downstairs.

Greg: Good. But first things first, I need to introduce you to Gabriella, she asked after the aunty who ran upstairs last night.

Me: For real?

Greg: Come, let's not waste much time. You need to get accustomed to a whole lot of things


Getting downstairs was a big task for me since I was entering another phase of my life where I'll not only take care of my boyfriend but his daughter. He kept reassuring me that it'll go down well with everyone.
Amber, Harry, Kosi, Yvonne and two other guys who's been around were in the sitting room watching football. Amber was on her phone while Yvonne was drinking from a glass. She was the first to notice us as we walked down the stairs.
i refused to look at her, instead, I busied myself by tying the knot of my nightie.
We were at the foot of the stair when Amber noticed us. She flashed me a smile and I hastily walked to her and sat between her and Harry.

Amber: Good morning. I can see you're glowing so there's no need to ask how your night was.

Me: Get out.

I waved at the other guys who were comfortably making noise upon seeing Greg.

Harry: So I'm too small to be noticed huh?

I spanked him playfully before saying my good morning.

Harry: It's really a beautiful morning.

Amber: I was actually waiting for your big question.

Me: Which is?

Amber: What time are we leaving please?

My face flushed in embarrassment as she laughed. I looked at Harry who has gone back to watching football and he had a smirk on his face.

Amber: So tell me, when do you want us to leave?

Me: Come on, don't be like this Amber.

Amber: I'm only trying to be nice, so as not to spoil your honeymoon you know?

Me: You know what, we're leaving now.

Amber: i doubt if you'll be able to leave your newly wedded husband just to return to work. It's so not possible.

I looked at her and heaved a sigh.

Me: You're tormenting my life Amber.

Amber: I know. That's to make life fun. If we dont have one friend who we enjoy tormenting, then, we're not living life yet.

Me: I see, so who'll be tormenting you?

Amber: Harry is doing that already.

It was my turn to laugh as the look on Harry's face became obvious he was listening to us. The house help who had brought breakfast to my room walked in and whispered to Greg before walking out. He stood up and came straight to me.

Greg: Hi Amber, I'm stealing your friend for something really important.

Amber: Don't be like that Greg, asking permission to open the door when the house is yours.

To my surprise, everyone in the room started laughing, which means they've been listening.

Greg: Don't mind these gossips babe, let's bounce.

He held out a hand and I took it, leaving the guys something to gossip about, all except Yvonne who was busy with her glass.
We followed the same hallway I had entered the first day we came here and we came out in another living room which was smaller than the main one. I wondered how many plots of land would have been used to build this castle. Little Gabriella was sitting on a ball sofa, watching little mermaid on the big flat screen which was adjacent to her. She didn't notice us walk in.

Greg: Morning princess.

She got down and was beside her father immediately

Gab: Good morning daddy

Greg: Thank you baby, hope you slept well?

Gab: Yes, thank you.

She looked at me and a smile appeared at the corners of her mouth.

Gab: Good morning aunt.

Me: Morning darling. How're you?

Gab: No, how are you? You looked like you could use a cuddle last night.

I looked at Greg and he pulled me close.

Greg: And she still needs it now, you mind sharing with her?

The little girl embraced me and I couldn't hold back my tears. She was so lovely and well mannered too.

Me: Thanks my dear.

Gab: You're welcome. Please, come and sit down. Welcome to my little quarter.

I smiled widely, surprised at her show of warm reception.
I sat down beside her and Greg sat on the ball sofa.

Gab: Don't ruin my sofa dad.

Greg: It was mine before you stole it.

Gab: But it's mine now so don't ruin it.

Greg: Alright, I won't

I listened to them argue and it reminded me of my relationship with my parents. i was closer to my dad and it always made my mum jealous.

Gab: Isn't it time for introductions yet?

Me: Oh my God.

It was said out of surprised and the little girl turned to me.

Gab: I'm Gabriella, and you are?

Me: I'm Pamela. It's nice meeting you Gabby.

Gab: I prefer Gab. And the pleasure is all mine.

I looked at Greg and he had a proud smile on his face. He deserves to be proud. It's not everyday you run into kids who can express themselves, especially, the rich ones.

Me: Thanks Gab.

She leaned in and gave me a hug while I struggled with my inner thoughts not to end up kidnapping her. Yvonne did a very excellent job raising this girl, I would give her the credits where she really deserves it.

Gab: Excuse me please.

Greg: Don't keep your guest waiting.

She flashed me a smile and disappeared inside.

Me: Yvonne really raised her well.

Greg: My mum did. I just sent her to Yvonne's parents the day I got news of my mum's death. Yvonne can't take care of herself let alone a child.

Me: I'm.....

Greg: No dear. It's alright.

Me: How old is she?

Greg: Will be seven in a couple of months.

Me: Wow.

Gabriella came back with an album and passed it to me before settling down beside me.

Gab: So aunt Pamela, are you my dad's girlfriend?