Chapter 63: Excuses and slammed doors.

GIOVANNI.

I almost bolted off the chairs at her words. She couldn’t be serious right?

Marriage?

To her?

With her?

I wanted to laugh. Where did she think this was heeded? What did she think this dead end of a relationship was heading to? There was not even a relationship, to begin with.

The look on Matteo's face told me he was struggling to hold the laughter in. I passed him a glare that shut him up. I sat up quietly to meet Fifi’s gaze.

“Marriage?” I asked her like I hadn’t heard her the first time.

“Yes.” She nodded waiting patiently for my response. I smiled. She smiled back. What was she thinking? That I would agree to this? Well, she thought wrong cos I was about to burst her bubble.

“It’s a good idea.” I started and smiled when I saw the triumphant look on her face. “But I don’t think we are ready yet.” I deadpanned.

“What do you mean?” She asked the smile wiping off her face.

“Exactly what you heard, Fifi. We can’t get married. It’s not my focus now.” I informed her.

“But you just said it’s a good idea.” She snapped starting to get upset.

“Marriage is a good idea generally, Fifi. It can happen to anybody.” I expatiated on my point and she scoffed.

“So, why can’t we get married then if it’s a good idea?” She asked.

“Because we can’t!” I snapped.

“Why are you saying we can’t? We’ve been betrothed ever since we were kids. We are of age now so I think it’s time to start acting on our father’s wishes.” She stated and I facepalmed.

“The more reasons why can’t get married, Fifi.” I snapped through gritted teeth. “Just look at us. Our relationship is non existent.” I reminded her.

“Well, I’m not the one who keeps giving excuses each time I suggest something.” She jabbed at me.

“They are not excuses.” I tried to keep my calm. “I have been busy. I am always busy working.” I told her the truth.

Well, it was half truth. I was always busy working to avoid her.

“You are making it sound like you are the only one who’s got a job. I have a job too yet I still try to make time for us. What do you do?” She was starting to get pissed at me. I shook my head running my hand through my hair.

“Well, instead of getting into arguments like this, I suggest we just try to work on the relationship.” I snapped. I couldn’t believe I was saying this. I was just saying all this to get her off my back for now.

I would have to cut her off when it’s time. It’s not yet time.

She pretended to think, leaning back on her seat and studying me.

“But we can still get married. We can take a break and while we are on our honeymoon, we can work on it. It is as simple as that.” She said.

Easy for you to say.

“I can’t get married to someone I share no chemistry with,” I told her. She nodded.

“Yeah, me too.” She chuckled but I wasn’t buying her pretense.

“Alright but on one condition.” She said. I nodded urging her to bring it on.

“That you would truly work on our relationship as you have said. You won’t leave it to me. You won’t turn me down when I bring suggestions. You will be in this fully with me.” She said. Matteo made a cackling sound and I passed him a glare. I nodded.

“Good. Any break or sign of lack of communication, I would be calling your dad to let him know that we are ready.” She warned me and I chuckled lowly. I watched her get back on her feet and took her hand back. Then, she came closer to me, bent forward, and pressed a kiss to my cheeks. I tried to act unaffected by the absurdity.

“Bye, babe.” She smiled. She waved at Matteo before walking out. I heaved a sigh of relief once she was gone.

“Man, you are in some deep shit,” Matteo said and I sighed. As I facepalmed, I couldn’t help but think about Kiki. I had to apologize to her. I had messed up badly.

“Here, ”I handed him the files for the presentation. “Take charge of it. I trust you to handle it.” I told him. He nodded.

“But where are you going?” He asked. I already got my things and was starting to walk to the door. As I got to the door, about to step out, I turned around.

“I want to get my girl back.” I threw him a smile and walked out. I got into the elevator which took me down. I wondered how she would receive me. When I got down the building, I called out to Pete. He rushed towards me and got the car door for me.

“Where are you heeded, sir?” He asked when he had driven out.

“Take me to Kiki’s house,” I told him. He must have sensed the desperation in my tone cos he smiled. I on the other hand was starting to get nervous. I had never gotten nervous at speaking to a lady before.

But this was Kiki.

She wasn’t just any lady.

She was a peculiar one.

I tried to busy myself with my phone while he drove through the hazy neighborhood. From the moment he drove in, I sensed this was where she lived. In the slums.

It was heartbreaking to look around. I didn’t know she lived in a place like this.

But what had I been thinking? Pete soon stopped at her house. He got the door for me and I came down looking around. There was nobody in sight. Pete showed me her apartment and I asked him to wait behind me while I went for it.

I exhaled and brought my hands to knock at her door. It took a while for someone to respond. I heard her come in so I took in a breath and exhaled. Then, she unlocked the door.

A look of shock rang across her face for a split moment as she stared at me. I opened my mouth to speak but she hissed. What she did next caused me to flinch.

She slammed the door in my face.