Chapter Forty-one

Damian. 

In my penthouse, I race down the stairs while quickly typing on my phone.

I still have some crucial tasks for my father to complete. I've made a start, but I need to finish up, especially regarding our first construction site that was just completed yesterday.

Dad came over to celebrate, but it felt more like he was celebrating me rather than the work itself.

I don't get why he hands off so many tasks to me when he has Dayo and Darin available.

I was about to call Nathaniel when—

"Whew! It's a girl," my friend Calvin announced, whistling as he walked in and flopped onto my couch.

I thought he was talking about the woman I've been avoiding in the mansion for the past two weeks, but—

"Owen?" I said, noticing him at the bar. And why are all my friends—Calvin, Elliot, Brandon, and Owen—here so early, just after 8 in the morning?

"This ink portrait looks—" Brandon said, unable to resist touching everything.

"Hey," I thought, sounding more like an exasperated parent than I intended. "That piece of art cost me three million dollars. Please, don't break it." But he wasn't paying any attention.

The clinking of glasses drew my attention. Owen was trying to choose a bottle of wine. "Damian, you've got such a refined taste. It's hard to decide what to pick."

Without asking for my approval, he grabbed a bottle. Before I could protest...

"Yay!! Whoop!!" My friends cheered as Owen popped the cork.

I slapped my forehead in frustration.

"These guys are something else," I muttered. "Can someone please explain what's happening? I have a flight to catch. Hello?" I continued, as Owen began distributing glasses of champagne, including one for me. "Thanks," I said, taking the glass while standing on the stairs. The others were lounging on the couch and sofa, except for Brandon, who kept fiddling with things.

"Why don't you let the plane wait and tell us a story instead?" Owen suggested. Was he serious?

They weren't about to let me leave. It had been a while since we'd all been together, but today wasn't the day for catching up. I had a flight and a business trip overseas.

With no sign of them moving, I reluctantly took a seat in an armchair. "What's going on?"

Elliot's face lit up. "That's the spirit!" He looked at the others, who were grinning like they'd just pulled off a big prank. "Let's start with Owen, and then we'll talk about the woman at your mansion."

I wasn't worried about the woman. Had they been to my mansion and found her there? Maybe, but that wasn't important right now.

I glanced at Owen, who was still grinning. "What's going on with Owen?" I asked Elliot, a medical doctor. "Maybe you should check him out. He seems to have a fever or something. Can't you see he's smiling for no reason?"

They all burst into laughter.

I still didn't get it.

"Dude, don't be so dramatic. Owen just scored another goal, and this time, he even took out the goalkeeper," Calvin said with a grin.

Really? Was that true?

I understood the situation but decided to play along.

I stared at Owen in shock. "Philomena had another baby?"

"Yep!" he replied, beaming with pride as he raised his glass. "A third one. After two little knights, I fought my way through the ladies' vineyard before finally earning the key to the queendom." He winked.

This guy…

So, it's a baby girl?

As the others whistled, Calvin chimed in with a grin, speaking in Nigerian pidgin, "You're a strong man, but remember, you were born of a woman."

I stood up to celebrate with my friend. It was worth canceling my flight for someone like Owen. "I'm so happy for you, man." I clinked my glass with his, and the others joined in.

"Look at him, all smiles," Brandon said, taking a sip of his drink.

Owen shook his head as he settled back down. "You're acting like it's my first baby. It should be 'A happy dad,' not just 'A happy man.' I'm a dad for the third time—give me some credit."

"Didn't I offer to be a godfather or father-in-law when we were at the hospital?" Brandon said, making me nearly spill my drink and choke.

"Are you serious?" Calvin said with a playful scowl. "I even told Owen to set a date so we could discuss the baby's dowry—"

"Jesus…" I almost choked again. These guys were relentless. Were they for real?

Owen is not liking the joke at all. I could see it written all over his face. "No, no, no, no, no. None of your sons are getting my daughter for a 'Bride' you guys can fight and die all I care. I don't want the sons of womanisers crossing my daughter's path." 

Womanisers? 

I laughed. 

See who's talking about womanising. The legend himself. I remember he wasn't that faithful to Philomena when they were still dating. "You're sounding like you never had the habit." 

"That was before I met Philomena," Owen clarified with a proud grin.

The others reacted with surprise, glancing up at the ceiling as if expecting something to appear.

"Anyway," Owen continued, "I'll be holding my baby's day bash on the same day as our reunion party in London. It's next weekend."

"Sorry, you guys can carry on, I don't think I gat the chance." I said, shaking my head. "The baby's day bash—fine. But the reunion? Not happening. I'm too busy." I took a quiet sip of my drink.

"Come on, man," Elliot said, frowning. "It's our reunion party. All our high school classmates will be there."

"Hashtag class of the '90s," Calvin chimed in, drawing out the 's'.

I shook my head firmly, recalling the events of the prom years ago. "You know my reasons. Don't make me go over them again. You all can go to the party without me. I have a lot of work to finish."

Owen started stating out my facts as if reciting a poem. "Years ago, that party happened here in Nigeria, at your father's hotel and you woke up the next morning with a strange girl on your bed. You saw blood stains on the sheets, blah, blah, blah and for the first time in your life, you became scared and ran away." He paused, then continued in his normal speaking tone with a frown. "But dude, that was over fifteen years ago––over a decade. And that party happened here in Nigeria only because majority of our classmates were taking a tour here. But this one is happening in London. Cal, Branny and El are based in the UK. Including you and me. So there's no too much stress this time. Moreover, we're all adults now." He took a deep breath, then murmured something. "After all, that's were I found my lucky piece." 

Yeah, he's talking about his wife Philomena. 

I shook my head helplessly. Of course that's where he met his sweetheart. Although, she was a guest at the prom. And ever since then, they've been together, even through college and all. They had a long distance relationship while they were dating for over three years because she was schooling here in Nigeria and he was schooling there in London. Yet, they still waited for each other––actually, it was Philomena that was faithful and waited. Owen still waited but wasn't faithful. And now look, am surprised that they ended up being a couple with three kids. 

And speaking of which scene happened over fifteen years ago…...I didn't look at the woman's face before dashing out. But I'd remember that we were both teen-agers back then. She was innocent and I wasn't. I had to run away in guilt, living with the grudge that I took her innocence away. Although, I dropped a calling card but till now, I haven't heard a thing from her. 

I really felt bad for whatever happened that night. I regretted it. 

It was the first time I touched a woman without her consent. But it wasn't the first time I touched a woman. 

I know am not innocent too. I 'was' an epitome of womanising and man-whore in my past but apparently changed after my breakup ten years ago with my ex–girlfriend––Charlotte. And ever since then, I decide to be decent.

"Who made you the gentleman you are today?" Calvin asked, raising an eyebrow. "Is it the woman we saw at your mansion?" 

"Like damn, that woman is super hot." Brandon added. 

"But she didn't even regard us. It's like Damian didn't teach her some morals." Elliot said. 

I glare at them. Shooting a warning gaze. "You guys didn't see anything." 

Calvin raised his hands heavenwards as if claiming innocence. "Relax, Day. I just assume you did your wedding in secret and never cared inviting us." 

"What are friends for? Huh? The wedding ring on her finger already spoke too much." Brandon rolled his eyes. 

They're saying all this because they don't understand the situation. They don't know why that woman is at my house or why I'm keeping her there. Everything is part of a legitimate plan, nothing harmful, but they should just stay quiet for once.

"Anyway, she's beautiful, adorable, and captivating," Elliot said, his tone slightly flirtatious. I shot him a cold look.

"All right," I said, agreeing to drop the subject and move on.

"I wish I were in your shoes, not forced to marry someone I don't like," Elliot said, drawing everyone's attention. "It's been two years since I married Christy, and I still can't stand her—she's not who I wanted. I've told her repeatedly to leave and find someone else, but she's too stubborn to go."

Yeah, it's true. Two years on a row and I haven't heard the cry of a baby in his arms. "So….." how do I say this? "These two years––you haven't consummated your marriage?" 

"Geez," he quickly rebuke, making the sign over his head. "You want me to sleep with that…...that….that poison in the rain?" 

"That woman is beautiful, El." Owen interfered, frowning and highly disappointed in Elliot. After all, Owen is a father and husband now. He can lecture him. "All you need is time to understand her. Two years is fair enough to get used to someone, you're just the one slacking." Owen is always reasonable, that's why I like him. "All those times I use to stop by at your place in Denmark, I discovered that she's a simple and lively person. Damn, stop denying her of her wifey duties and do the right thing. It's been two years, you should be having your second baby by now. Have some sense." 

I agreed with Owen's assessment. I know Elliot has never been fond of Christy, but I'm sure he'll get used to her eventually. It's just a matter of time.

"Hey, why is the decoder out of commission?" Brandon asked as he turned on the TV, trying to get to a soccer channel. It was out of subscription, which wasn't my fault. I barely use the TV when my phone covers all my needs. "Damian, seriously? The match is about to start, and your decoder is messing up." He pulled out his phone, typed a few commands, and soon the decoder was back online.

Moments later, we were watching soccer. "Goal!" We cheered loudly when our favorite team won 5-3.

As the match ended and another was about to begin, the doorbell rang, catching my attention.

I got up to answer it. The elevator dinged, and Maxwell walked in holding… "Good day, boss. Madame asked me to give this to you."

He was carrying a white teacup Pomeranian puppy and a basketball, both placed in a wooden basket. A note was attached to the pink ribbon around the puppy's collar.

I was curious to see what she had written.

I opened the red envelope and read the note, admiring her elegant handwriting—it was as beautiful as she is.

*Hi, I know you've been incredibly busy lately, and I didn't want to disturb you, so I decided to write. I realize I really messed up last time, and I'm truly sorry. My mom has been helping me learn how to manage my temper, and I regret taking it out on you. It won't happen again. Please come back home. I miss you so much.*

Bummi

She wrote. 

A wry smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I shook my head.

I glanced at the tiny white puppy, barely the size of a handful. "Did she choose this on her own, or did you suggest it?" I asked Max.

Max shook his head. "She asked me, but I didn't give her any hints."

Good job, Max. "I figured she'd consult you and Simon." I eyed the basketball. Though I'm not a huge fan of basketball, I'm a competent player. Maybe she noticed my interest in sports and thought I'd like an NBA or FIBA ball.

And the puppy? It's adorable, but it feels like the roles are reversed. I should be giving her something, not the other way around. "Meet Nathaniel in the garden. He has something for you and will explain what to do with it."

Max nodded and left.

I ran a hand over my face. I'm heading to Mexico this evening; otherwise, I'd have presented my own gift to her in person.

I hope she accepts it.

Yesterday, one of my guards told me she wanted to see me in the study but left without knocking. I was furious with him for not letting her in. It was a missed chance for her to meet my father, though I need to remain cautious with family matters.

I'm eager to show her off to the world because I'm proud to have ticked off one of my bucket list items. Yes, I went to London, and soon I'll be off to Mexico for some unfinished business. I don't know when I'll be back, but I hope it's soon so I can finally kiss her.

"Wait, what's that?" Brandon said, drawing the others' attention. Here we go again. I slumped back into my seat, quietly smiling at the basket.

"A little white fluffball—" Calvin gasped, his tone almost girlish.

"Is this a gift from someone, or did you just splurge on a puppy?" Owen asked. When I shot him a sharp look, he quickly amended his comment with a forced smile. "She's adorable."

"Yes, she is," Elliot said as he picked up the puppy and began to play with her. "Aww, hello, cutie."