The Life I Never Wanted

Chapter 111

Lost in the ocean of wishes, Naime walks down the street listlessly. Dad, I miss you deeply. If you were here, you would have understood me; you always do, even in my silence.

Hey!

Hey …..are you ok?

Do you want to get yourself killed?

She was lost wondering what was happening, where she was, and what had happened.

Are you ok? Again that voice continues. She looked up to meet his gaze, calm, searching, and with deep concern on his face. She felt peace. She was relaxed. She broke away from her thought, stood up with his hand guiding her judiciously.

“I'm sorry sir”

I was lost in thought, didn't hear hocking at me. She said as she cleared her voice.

Whatever that made you this absorbed in your thought could have gotten you killed, he said with quite a calm voice but firm and gentle. Naime was finding it difficult to comprehend what he was saying, she was deeply attached to him. Maybe because I miss dad so much and he's almost the same age as him. She thought. She had been scolded but all she could hear in his tone was LOVE AND CARE. What in God's name is wrong with me? She mutters.

She stood up and dusted herself off, sorry for wasting your time. Thank you.

“Okay “ can I at least drop you off?

I mean with the way you were lost in thought earlier, I won't be comfortable leaving you to yourself, he continued. And please don't say no. He reached for the door and held it open and signaled her to enter.

The drive all through was quiet. Contemplating whether to start a conversation or not. Oh, Naime, compose yourself. She mutters under her breath.

Take the next turn by the left axis, my destination is on the left.

Okay__Is that your or your boyfriend's house?

Naime met his gaze and looked away.

That's my bestie’s house. She said flatly.

“So what made you wallow in deep thought?

I'm not sure I want to talk about it, I will alight at the next bus stop.

Can I at least get your name? So that I could reach out to you later? He inquires.

I'm Naime Williams. I'm putting up with my bestie for now. Anyway, thanks for getting me back safely, and sorry for the inconvenience.

Have a nice evening with lots of rest and keep whatever is bothering you out of your mind for a moment. He said as he nodded his head with a grin. Thank you and have a nice evening.

She stood there and watched as he drove away slowly and out of sight.

What in God's name is wrong with me? She mutters, With everything that is happening right now I still have time to be thinking about a random stranger. I will just run a bath and rest. She hissed.

The birds chirping, sunlight driving away the darkness of the night. Another new dawn. Naime lay still gazing through the window, the door clicked open, and she jerked up. Reach for the side light and turn it open.

“Hey” how are you? I didn't wanna wake you when I stepped in last night. Hope you rested enough?

Yea! I'm fine. She stretched and continued. I'm sorry I overslept, I had to force myself to sleep at an early hour this morning. I've rested well enough. Oh please enough of me.

How is Bobby? I hope he's not upset by my response yesterday.

Please don't stress yourself about that it's nothing, but, really how are you? She asked searching her face as though the answer would fall from it.

I'm fine. Naime affirmed. I'm fine. I have been able to think things through and I think Ima down to a conclusion.

Let's hear it. Priscy chips in.

I think for now is best I avoid my family and I mean stay off, everyone will think strength. I don't know if I could stay here for a while before I get a place.

Come girl, you need not ask, you can stay as long as you want to. My parents bought these units for my sister and me and as you already know she left for abroad. I have already spoken with Mumsy for permission, and you are permitted to stay as long as you wish. Oh hold on I just got a beep on my phone someone is at the door.

Right there in front of the door stood a middle-aged man in his 50s. Mr Leonard Ashford ceo of Ashford Group. A widower and one of the most sought-after bachelors. He always hides his identity no one has been able to identify him. She could feel his grey eyes scanning her through.

She was lost for a minute but retained her posture. Hello, can I help you?

Certainly miss. He said with a bold smile pasted on his face.

I'm asking of Naime Williams. Is she home?

Is she expecting you? Priscy who was taken unaware asked.

“Yes,” his smile boldly written on his face.

Okay, give me a minute

Babe, your guest is here.

My guest? She stood up.

Yes, he introduced himself as Leo, are you expecting him? She watched as her face lifted a bit in excitement. Come on, he's waiting. I'm surely missing out on a lot of details she murmurs.

Hi, I wasn't expecting you. She said as she opened the door and held it for him to step in.

Yes I know I was in the neighborhood, had to make sure you are alright. Meanwhile, you are looking better. I should be on my way.

So quick?. Why I'm I suddenly feeling sad at the thought of him leaving? Her thoughts running wide. Do you mind stepping in for a cup of coffee?

I had to turn down the offer, he said with a steady gaze on her. But, can I buy you a drink sometime?

She shredded her shoulder. Then we have a deal, you can't go back on your words. Okay, ladies, I bid you to excuse me and enjoy the rest of your day. Bye-bye.