Chapter 14

Rachel POV

I've always been a home girl. My room has always been my haven where I wrap myself in the soft blanket of routine and familiarity. Anything related to a party doesn't really strike me as fun unless it's something that has caught my attention. I wouldn't say I have boring routines, such as, reading, playing football or maybe watching movies, but I seldom attend parties. Mary had forced me to a few I've attended. I remembered wearing a football jersey, ripped jeans and a pair of sneakers to a charity party organized by one of our football Jock's parents, where everyone wore beautiful gowns and tux for men. Of course, that was after a serious and continuous persuasion from Miss Mary. I remembered escaping that event for the comfort of my room, not without hearing complaints from Mary afterwards. The thought alone was enough to bring a smile to my face

"Are you okay?" My husband says from my side. Last time I checked, he's been silent since he took his seat beside me

"Of course, I'm fine. Why?" I turned my head to spare him a glance while whispering, my words only for his ears. His strong pointed nose and piercing eyes commanded attention. With his chiseled features and refined beard, he's an embodiment of a quintessential gentleman. He exuded sophistication and extreme elegance with his well tailored tuxedo. A subtle glint of stud in his right ear hinted at a touch of rebelliousness beneath his refined exterior.

"You were smiling. God knows you have a beautiful smile" I turned a bright shade of tomato, not only because of his compliments but also because it's so hard keeping my composure around him. I wasn't expecting myself to be affected by his presence, not after I've sworn for the umpteenth time to stick to the reason I got myself into this arrangement in the first place. I really need to pull myself together and stop drooling over a simple compliment

I returned my gaze to the window of our limousine, trying to bring my thoughts together. It was as if what transpired between us during the world cup never happened. The world cup came to an abrupt end during the quarter finals, after our team managed to win against Iceland and a draw with the Argentine team. We couldn't go beyond the Croatians in the quarters. We might not have reached the finals, it was a prestige if you made your country proud and my husband did that. I never realized I'd missed him until I saw him at Muritala Mohammed airport. He looked a little lean but still the handsome man I know and have had a crush on. They came back after the loss only to be invited for the welcoming party.

After the world cup dream was cut short unexpectedly, Aderemi came home for a staycation, at least, till he had to go back to England for his club matches. We never spoke of what happened and I never made any indication that I was affected. After that day, I swore to keep my emotions and feelings to myself. We went back to our routines; I, attending classes and preparing for exams and he, enjoying himself and having some exercise since EPL is 3 months away.

I opened the door after a very exhausting day, only to meet him in the sitting room, watching a TV program. He offered me a glass of juice to quench my thirst and brought me food--- it's hard not to fall for this man. I looked up to see him towering over me. I guess the look on my face gave the indication that I wanted to ask a question because he left me in the living room and came back some moments later with an envelope, which he dropped on the table in front of me.

"What's that?" I asked, curious to know what exactly was in that envelope. He must have sensed how tired I was because he picked it up and gave it to me

"An invitation?" I looked up at him

"Yes. It's just a welcoming party for the players and you are my date" he said as a matter of fact. I really want to go. I want to be seen in public with him. I want to be acknowledged as his wife and lover but I'm scared both for myself and of myself. What if my bottled up emotions are spilled? What if the stalker attends the party? I've not even told him about it l. I might not have received any threat since the first time, it still feels like something is looming, looking for ways to escape its place of solace. Aderemi is a moon that's beyond my reach

"You don't want to go?" He interrupted my train of thought

"I want to"

"It's just for a day. I know your exam is coming soon but I promise not to keep you there when we should leave." He paused and continued "You are my wife and people will expect me to come with a companion" I'm not sure if it's a plea I heard in his voice. No, it can't be.

"A few minutes from the comfort of my books won't hurt" I smiled, a genuine one. He looked so cute and I couldn't say no to him. At that point, every of my worries disappeared into the thin air

"Thank you. Do you need me to get something for you or..." His voice trailed off. I'm not sure if the look I saw on his face was that of a renewed interest, but I looked at him puzzled. He confuses me at times. How could this demigod think of getting me some clothes after a wardrobe full of ones I've not even worn? His gesture is enough to crack the ice in my composure.

"There's no need. I can pick something from those ones you got for me"

Thinking about the past few days made me want to sigh, but I realized it's going to call attention I've been trying to avoid. Like a majestic beast, the limousine glided to a silent halt with its tires whispering against the pavement. I heard the door of the driver seat opened and in a nanosecond, he opened Aderemi's side of the car. I could hear the faded sounds of music as if it's been played from a far away land.

As I tried to get out of the car, I was met with his outstretched hand, and with a gentle grasp, he assisted my exit, his fingers intertwining mine in a tender gesture. His touch sparked a jolt of electricity down my spine and ignited a flutter in my chest.

Like a flower unfolding its petals, he ushered me into the gigantic hall. I was marveled at the scene in front of me. I've known some footballers and celebrities, through social media, but seeing them in real life feels unreal. With his arm wrapped around my slim waist, he led me to his friends and team mate

"I've heard a lot about your wife, Rem, but no one told me about her beauty" Usman says from behind us. We both turned around to give him our undivided attention. Hand in hand, he strolled towards us with his girlfriend

"I do not expect you to say that to another man's wife when you are holding a goddess" Aderemi countered. They both laughed, and began to discuss the event. I excused myself from their pep talk and went to the restroom with a smile on my face. You'd think he's found a renewed interest in the way he exchanged words with his friend. As soon as I tried to adjust my make up, two women entered without even giving me a glance

"Did you see the way the girl held his hand like her life depends on it? She snatched another woman's man like it's not a big deal" A woman with a pepper colored wig says

"Aderemi is an innocent prey that has just been caught by a predator" the other lady replied scornfully

"I heard she's a nurse."

"Haven't you heard that nurses are prostitutes? She played her card and won" the woman with the pepper colored wig answered

I felt weak to my toes. It's still a surprise that they didn't notice that the object of their discussion is in the same room with them. I've never been a predator. I proposed this deal to help the so-called prey. I can't even tell the world that I signed a prenup. I couldn't help a drop of tears from my eyes. I must have alerted them with my sniffing because they both looked at me. Embarrassed that they were caught red-handed, they muttered some incomprehensible words and left the room hastily. I felt dejected, rejected and tired.

I left the restroom with all kinds of emotions. Angry. Sad. Frustrated. Attacked. Helpless. Maybe I need a break from this relationship before it becomes an issue. I looked around searching anxiously for him and I found him sitting at our table. I couldn't even mutter what I had in mind when I found him. He must have seen the look on my face, because the smile on his face vanished.

"Is everything alright? I was about to go into the restroom to search for you" He asked sincerely worried

"Yes. Can we go home?" I was scared. Angry. Sorry. Sorry for myself and for Aderemi. Even though what they said was all lies, I couldn't stop hearing their voices in my head again and again. He must have realized I meant what I said because he stood up immediately and helped me to my feet. He signaled to a few of his teammates and coach, notifying them of his exit.

It's just the beginning of our marriage and I'm scared of what's to come