DANIEL'S POV
Things with Valerie aren't going well these days. She's trying so hard to stay strong, but the world seems hellbent on punishing good people.
I wish there was something I could do to help her. Poor Val-being kind and pure in a cruel world is like walking barefoot through broken glass.
"Babe, do you want honey or soya?"
Lucy's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
She stood near the kitchen counter, balancing a tray with a bowl of corn purée and a side of freshly made bean cakes.
"Soya," I replied absently, still staring at my phone.
"Alright," she replied, setting the tray down on the dining table.
Before I could lock the screen, she leaned over my shoulder, peering at my chat. Her light perfume mingled with the aroma of her cooking.
"What... who are you chatting with now?"
she asked, her tone in suspicion and arched a brow.
Lucy was possessive-too possessive sometimes. Then again, if I had someone as "perfect" as me (her words, not mine), I'd probably be protective too.
"A friend," I said casually, placing a quick peck on her cheek before setting my phone down.
Her eyes still on it for a moment, thankfully she didn't push further for more information.
Instead, she grabbed my hand, and we walked to the dining table together.
I have nothing to hide but I know one could contact that will throw her off if she saw me chatting with it.
Due to our close relationship,my girlfriend Lucy hates everything Valerie.
We settled down on our chairs.
"Your bean cake is the best. Those market women have nothing on you!" I declared as I rubbed my palms together in anticipation, eyeing the neatly molded moi moi cups.
Lucy rolled her eyes, though I caught a flicker of pride in her expression.
"You haven't even tasted it yet," she said, trying to suppress a blush.
"I don't have to! You don't make mistakes, babe. Nothing bad comes from you."
"Stop being silly," she said, chuckling.
I leaned closer and kissed her neck, my fingers brushing through her hair.
"Daniel, don't mess up my hair! Do you know how expensive it is?" she scolded, smacking my hand away playfully.
"I paid for it," I reminded her with a teasing grin.
Her playful mood changed instantly, her pout turning into a glare.
"And so? Does that mean you can just ruin it?"
"Sorry, ma'am," I said quickly, raising my hands in surrender.
She huffed but relented, serving me a plate and spooning three helpings of soya onto it.
She took honey for herself, and we began eating in silence.
The quiet didn't last long.
"Umm, about your coworker... the one whose fiancé dumped her?" Lucy asked suddenly.
"My friend?" I corrected.
"Whatever," she snapped, waving dismissively. "Why is she that stupid?"
I paused mid-chew, that wasn't expected.
Lucy continued.
"Why can't she move on? Why embarrass herself like that? I swear, if I were her, I'd slap some sense into myself. She's just... ugh!"
Lucy groaned, her fork stabbing aggressively at her food.
I swallowed slowly, studying her. She could tell I was judging her.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" she demanded, her voice defensive.
"You don't like her, I get it," I said evenly. "But try putting yourself in her shoes. You don't know... what might happen tomorrow,what if you find yourself in such a condition."
The words left my mouth before I could stop them, and I knew I'd just lit a match in a room full of gasoline.
Lucy dropped her spoon with a loud clang, her face twisting into disbelief.
"Daniel, am I the one you just talked to like that?"
Her voice switched to a thick Nigerian accent-a sure sign she was furious.
"Daniel, you said I might be next? You want to dump me? Try it! I swear, I'll kill you and then kill myself!"
I couldn't hold it in. I burst out laughing, which only made things worse.
"Ah, Lucy, relax! I was just saying-"
"You can never even try it with me, and you're already laughing at me, abi? Daniel, I am not Valerie! You hear me? I am not her!" she shouted, standing up and pushing her chair back violently.
"Sorry, sorry! My bad, ma'am," I said, raising my hands again, though I was still grinning.
She glared at me, then declared dramatically,
"I'm not eating again. I've lost my appetite!"
Before I could protest or convince, she stormed out of the dining room, leaving her half-eaten plate behind.
"Babe, you can't leave me with all this food!"
I called after her, but she didn't respond.
I shook my head, smiling to myself.
That temper of hers...
Still, I wasn't going to let the food go to waste. I covered her plate and put it in the kitchen, knowing full well she'd be back to microwave it once she cooled down.
After cleaning up the dining table, I headed to the room, preparing myself for whatever battle awaited me there.
I knocked gently on the door before letting myself in.
She was sitting on the bed, arms folded, staring at the ceiling like she was trying to burn a hole through it with her thoughts.
Her lips were pressed into a stubborn pout, and her brows furrowed in that way that always made her look both angry and adorable.
"Babe," I called softly, standing near the doorway.
No response.
I stepped closer and sat down beside her on the bed. Still, she didn't look at me.
"You're really mad, huh?" I asked, trying to gauge her mood.
"Leave me alone, Daniel," she said coldly, her voice low and sharp.
I took a deep breath. This wasn't going to be easy.
"Lucy," I started, "you know I didn't mean it like that. I'd never want to hurt you. I was just trying to make a point about compassion. Maybe I said it wrong, but you're too important to me to ever lose."
Her lips twitched, but she didn't respond.
I decided to change tactics. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out my money and stole a glance at me.
I smirked and started counting the bills.
"I think it's time for you to visit a spa or something,have some fun and relax..like a queen "
I handed the money to her.
She tried so hard not to smile as she stunned me avoiding my eye contact.
I had to keep my eyes on her, making it hard for her to keep a straight face.
"Give me joor".
She said in a Nigerian accent and we both laughed.
"You're lucky you're cute," she said, poking my chest playfully.
"And you're lucky I'm madly in love with you," I replied and kissed her.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, interrupting the moment.
We froze.
"Are you expecting anyone?" Lucy asked, her voice low, her brows furrowing.
"No," I replied, glancing toward the door.
My mind raced-who could it be at this hour?
The knock came again.
"Daniel," Lucy whispered, gripping my arm. "If it's your 'friend,' I swear..."