Engaged

Ayonadu who was still searching for ibitien saw her talking to her parents as Shiella ibitein's cousin joined in.. not too far away from where he stood in the crowd, so he struggled through.

ibitein! someone called and she turned around and she smiled.

Go on child, her father said.

"Hey you bullies" she said still smiling...

it was Dorathy and Lydia the village bullies. She was the only one allowed to call them that only because they worshipped her and she was their beautiful goddess...

Oh please, how long do you intend to call us that..I thought we've gotten over this... Dorathy said with a gesture

And looking on the bright side we've changed, Lydia added

Well that's a miracle for a change of heart because the last time I saw you two was when you had a fight with 'that poor girl'... Florence! she said crouching her brow with an unpleased look.

That's all in the past now... and besides we have nothing against her anymore Dorathy said with a pleading look.

Yes! And we thought about what you said and we took your advise for a change... but if she tries taking something that belongs to me I won't hesitate to deal with her Lydia said without realizing she had spoken out her thoughts.

That's sounds like a personal issue you have with her, is there something you're not telling me...ibitein said looking at her intently.

uh- uhm no no it's nothing... I - uh Lydia stammered looking at Dorathy for help.

uh-- ye- yeah it's just a misunderstanding Dorathy intervened. we saw you talking to a really handsome man... who was he? they changed the topic, the last thing they didn't want was letting her know that they were still having issues with Florence and making it a big deal" Lydia precisely"

Oh that...I almost forgot, he is my fiancee now, she said flaunting her diamond ring.

Wow that's a diamond ring... their eyes widened.

it's beautiful... they tittered

Wait... did you say he is your fiancee? Lydia asked.

Yes I did.

You- you're engaged? Oh my God that's a good news, Lydia and Dorathy both said in surprise.

Yes..and he said "he will be coming tomorrow with his kinsmen to pay my bride price", she excited.

And he's so handsome Lydia said in daze.

I know right, he's an angel sent from heaven.. she said but paused

If only ibitein knew where he came from and who he was.. he was nothing close to an angel.. he was the devil in disguise.

What's wrong? is something bothering you? Dorathy asked seeing the worry in ibitein eyes.

Oh it's nothing..

Really? because you look worried.

isn't it too soon especially for you guys... she signed.

You don't have to worry about anything as we anticipate for your wedding tomorrow... you just relax, Dorathy said

Thank you so much.. I'm re--

ibitein!! come with me I've got something important to tell you, come on..Ayonadu said holding her by her wrist and taking her away leaving Lydia and Dorathy behind.

This is the second time today someone is treating us like we didn't exist.. Lydia said annoyed, after what happened earlier she was really mad at Ferdinand and now Ayonadu..

How rude, Dorathy glared at him.

What is it? she asked

Come with me, he replied

wait.. you hurting me she winced. Where are you taking me to? she asked

His grip on her hand was strong but he didn't stop until they were far away from the crowd and then he slowly let go of her hand.

What is it..? she gave him a questionable look but he didn't respond.

After a fleeting seconds of pacing back and forth, he blurted. You can't marry him!

Wha- what! she huffed. What do you mean, "i can't marry him?" i mean who are you to tell me who to and who not to marry, you're in no position to tell me that she looked at him confused.

Although he was hurt by her words he decided to ignore her. I'm your friend and I care about you, he said simply.

Are you sure you are my friend.. because if you are my friend you would accept whatever decision I take... instead, here you are judging my decisions like always. she said furrowing her brow.

Even if your decision are hurtful? he asked

I will never make a decision that will hurt anyone, she replied

You don't understand ibitein, he responded

What is your problem? why are you doing this..? she asked confused.

I'm just trying to protect you..

Protect me from what? uh? Please tell me what are you protecting me from.

I'm just protecting you from him.. he's- he's not good for you and he's a g--

Tell me who's good for me then! she stopped him from saying anything more. uh tell me.. You? uh? she laughed just because you harbor some feelings for me since we were young doesn't mean the other person is bad.

ibitein!

No don't touch me, she retorted

His not what you think he is.. he's just trying to lure you into something.. i- i don't know exactly but he is going to hurt you, he tried to warn her.

If there's anyone that is trying to hurt me now and anyone I have to stay away from ''it's you'' she said sharply.

He exhaled and sighed. All these years I've done nothing but love and respect you.. and all you've done was give me pain.

You're giving pain now and if this is how our friendship will end then I'm fine with it she said as tears filled her eyes.

You don't even know him..he said as tears clogged his eyes.

That doesn't matter anymore, she said as tears started dropping from her eyes

Ibitein! please!

That's enough.. aren't you tired of it already because I'm tired.. I'm tired of you, I'm tired of everything.. so please stay away from me, she almost yelled, she turned around and he watched her walk away.