Duped

Accident

Location: Lagos road- hospital.

Time: 10:00am

Bella moved swiftly across the road. She checked the time 10:00am. Just the right time. She looked back to the road where she just crossed from and sees Mrs omotola (David's Mum). A few metres from her was Nat trying to park the car.

Perfect.

Mrs omotola moves to the sidewalk waiting for the one way road to be clear so she can cross over. A red van was driving with full speed in the opposite direction of the one way road. She doesn't notice it as she was concentrated on the other side. Seeing the other side clear, she proceeded to cross still oblivious to the high speed vehicle heading towards her in the opposite direction. Just a few feet away she notices but it's too late now. She screams and in a flash, she was pushed out of the way. Bella had push her and herself into the sidewalk. The van had speed off into thin air.

There is commotion as people gather around to see what was going on. Nat hearing the noise hurries to the scene and helping his mother and Bella up from the ground.

"Mum are you okay? Did you get hurt?"

"Are you okay ma? Did you get hurt?"

Both Nat and Bella inquired.

"I'm fine just the pain of falling that's all" she paused looking at Bella " my dear you are bleeding on your head and have bruises, come on let's go to the hospital, you need to be treated".

Nat gives Bella a hand support and they all cross the road and into the hospital.

Bella was treated and bandaged, she and Mrs omotola were given drugs to help heal and reduce the pain. They were currently sitting in the receptionist hall.

"I can't thank you enough for saving my life from the hands of all this reckless drivers who find it comfortable to break the rules of the road. Who knows what would happened if you hadn't been there" Mrs omotola said shuddering at the thought.

"Ma you have been thanking me since we entered into the hospital, all thanks should go to God, he brought me there at the right time" Bella responded. She wince in pain and was happy in her heart, it was worth it.

"So where are you headed so we can drop you off?" Nat asked, he was grateful that she saved his mother from accident. He couldn't even imagine what could have happened if she wasn't there.

"Actually I just came out from the supermarket nearby when the accident happened, I bought some equipment and things I would be using for a baking contract, I planned on taking it to an address that was given to me by a friend, so that's where am headed" she brings out her phone and shows them the address.

Nat and his mum looked at the address. Mother and son wore similar looks of surprise.

★★★—————————————★★★

David was full of worry. Nat had told him there was an accident, he left work immediately and went home. He entered the sitting room and rushed to his mother who sat in one of the chairs.

"How are you mum? Did you get hurt? Where?" He asked frantically,tears gathered in his eyes. His mum was everything to him.

"My son, I am fine, someone was there on time to push me at of the way"

Just then, Bella entered the room. David was beyond shocked.

"Bella?" He walked up to her. He was surprised to see her. She was supposed to arrive at his house in the evening, he had planned to tell the family before she came but fate had other plans.

"Bella was sent by God to save me in the nick of time" His mum said.

"It's nothing, I just couldn't see someone in trouble and not help" Bella said with a wide smile.

David reached for her and pulled her into a hug. He was so grateful to her for saving his mother's life, He was happy to have found such a beautiful soul. His heart was bursting with waves of emotions and feelings for this woman. Perhaps love.

"David, it's okay" Bella said in between laughs of joy "I have bandages on"

"Oh, sorry" he pulled away " Thank you so much for...."

"Please, no more thank yous, your mum has thanked me enough" she cut in and everyone laughed.

"Bella told me about the contract and your idea, it was really kind of you, it's a very good idea and welcomed by me" His mum said. "The helps have taken the goods and equipment to the storage room".

"Actually the people called from Abuja, the wedding contract was shifted to tomorrow, they said the couple would be traveling next week so that's why it's shifted back to the day after tomorrow, I am to deliver it tomorrow by evening". Bella explained.

"Oh, how would you be able to work? You aren't healed yet?" David's mum asked.

"I can manage, the injuries are not that serious besides I will call my workers to help too"

"Alright, that's fine. Please join us for lunch. It's almost ready"

"I'm fine ma, I should be on my way, next time"

"I insist" David's mum pressured.

"Please stay, why don't you spend the night instead? You will need to be up early tomorrow to start. And it's not like you have anything to do when you get home, you stay alone. How will you take care of yourself with the wounds?" David said with a pleading face.

"David I'm not in a wheelchair or bedridden" Bella answered rolling her eyes.

"I think he is right" his mum chirped in. She couldn't pass off the chance for her son to get closer to Bella.

"Yeah, Bella stay. You have no excuse" Nat who have been watching everything that was going on said.

"Well...." Bella said with a thinking look on her face. She felt smug in my heart. She told her that it would work. "Okay".

"Yes" David said smiling widely and giddy like a child.

"Great" Mrs omotola said. "See you at lunch, David go freshen up and show Bella her room. One of the helps will send fresh clothes for you, I've some clothes your size"

"Thank you ma, I appreciate" Bella responded.

David held Bella's hand taking her up the stairs. He felt like a teen who just found out he has a crush on a girl. He was falling for Bella and throwing caution to the wind. Maybe love wasn't so bad after all.

★★★—————————★★★

After lunch, David decided to show Bella around the house. His hands found his way round Bella's as they move to the right side of the mansion towards the garden.

"Your house is beautiful" Bella complimented.

"Thanks" He smiled at Bella.

"You seem all jolly, what's up?"

"Why wouldn't I be, I am always jolly with you around"

Bella blushed. He always has his ways with words that's how he get his way with the ladies.

Don't lose focus Bella....stay strong... She tries to convince herself.

"Thank you for saving my mom's life, I'm forever indebted to you, my mum and brother are very dear to me, I can't even imagine anything happening to them"

"You have a wonderful family, your mom is really nice and Nat looks just like you...ugly" she laughed as she said the last part.

David laughed "ugly... really?, Like I don't make your heart skip a bit".

"You wish" Bella said trying to keep a straight face.

They were both at the garden now, the garden was adorned with very beautiful species of flowers, the area had a fresh air to it and serene environment. The only noise were the chirping of birds and the gushing of water from the fountain in the middle of the Garden.

"Alright then"

David pulled her towards him and wraps his hands round her waist. Bella's breath hitched at the close body contact. Their faces were a few metres apart and they could feel each other breaths. With one hand wrapped round her, David used the other to push the strands of hair on her face. Thrills went down her spine at the gesture. He was careful not to touch her bandages.

"Bella" he called softly. The way her name wrapped round his tongue made her heart thud faster. His piercing stare wouldn't let her look away. It felt like she was lost in them. Her mind wanted to stop feeling this way but her body wouldn't listen.

His eyes traveled from her eyes slowly down to her lips. He needed her so bad, he couldn't resist that luscious lips waiting for him to join it with his. Bella knew what he wanted because deep down she wanted him too

Gosh! what is wrong with me.... A voice distant in Bella's head said. This was not the plan. It totally wasn't.

During her head turmoil, she didn't notice David was leaning in. When their lips met, she got back to her senses but it was too late now. It was a passionate one as if they were telling each other what they feel. Bella felt her knees go weak but David steady grip held her straight.

The man was going to be the end of me.... literally....she thinks.

The sound of a vase breaking broke them apart.... they looked at each surprised and completely ignoring the fact that they just kissed.

They walked stealthily to see what caused the noise. Cornering the maze of flowers, they were met with David's Dad. He was trying fruitlessly to pick the shards of the broken vase.

"What are you doing here?" David said trying not to raise his voice because of Bella.

"What do you mean, my son?, The weather is lovely so I decided to take some fresh air" Mr. David replied calmly. He was in his rare sober mood.

"Yeah, right" David hissed.

"Who is this lovely girl? And what are both of you doing here?"

"It's None of your business and last time I remembered this is my house" David replied sharply. Bella holds his hand signalling him that it was not necessary.

"Good afternoon sir, I'm Bella, David's friend" Bella raised her hand to shake him. David cringed when his dad hand met Bella's. He didn't want any association between the two of them. None at all even a handshake.

"Nice to meet you Bella, I'm David's dad"

"No you're not" David said lowly even though both of them could still hear him.

"What brings you here Bella dear?" Mr. Omotola asked Bella.

"Well....." Bella narrated why she was there. David still stood close to Bella with a glare on his face. If was clear he wasn't happy.

"Welcome Bella, I hope you enjoy your stay here. I'll see you around" he said with a smile and left.

"Come on, let's check out the penthouse" David said as he held Bella's hand and walks nonchalantly.

"You didn't have to be rude to him" Bella said walking with him.

"He deserves it" David said sharply

"I understand, but it seems he has really changed, at least give him a chance"

"You don't know him, I do. All of this is all a facade, few minutes later he is drunk and then you see his true colour. I don't think I will ever forgive him, if not for mum, he would have out on the streets" he said trying to calm his anger, that's why he didn't want Bella to meet him, he might brainwash her like he did his mum.

"Out of all of this, he is still your father, how long will this hatred go on?"

"He is NOT my father, Now....can we continue the tour please?" He answered. His father problems are one of the topics he doesn't like to talk about.

"Sure" Bella said biting her lips softly, she didn't want to upset him more. She felt determined to join them together, it may not work but she is willing to try.

★★★——————————————————★★★

Location: David's family house

Time: 7:00pm

The next day.

Bella's girls (workers) moved around swiftly moving equipment and baking stuff to the kitchen. David decided to stay home, he didn't have any major work that his staff couldn't handle. He just wanted to stay with Bella and maybe lend a hand since she was still on bandages. The two girls ( Bella's workers) jane and grace started mixing the batter for the cake while Bella supervise. They were making three cakes and they were to be delivered in the evening.

"You need any help?" David asked Bella as he walked into the kitchen.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

"Nope, I want to help out"

"David, I have two girls working for me, I don't need your help" she said rolling her eyes.

"Oh really? What if....."he said with a thinking face trying to come up with an excuse to be in the kitchen with her, then suddenly, her phone rang "your phone rings and I have to get it for you" he completed and reach for her phone on the far corner.

"My hands aren't amputated yunno?" Bella said Wondering who was calling, I hope it wasn't....her...she thought.

David gets the phone and read the caller ID, it wasn't saved with a name just the phone number was shown. He picked it so it wouldn't hang up from too many rings.

"Hello?" He said but there was no answer from the other end. He repeated it but still no reply. Just then Bella took the phone from him.

"Must be network problem or a prank call" she said hanging up. That was close, if he had spoken to her on the phone, there would have been a lot a questions and that could jeopardize the plan.....she thought.

"Uhmmm... alright. So how is this baking thing going to be?" David asked.

"It's going to be how it is supposed to. So...you should leave, do you even know how to cook?" She replied happy that he wasn't suspicious.

"How dare you?" He said in mock surprise "I'm an excellent cook"

"Yeah right" she said not believing.

"I'll prove it" he said as he reached beside her to get a pan, something slippery must be on the floor because he slipped and in a bid to stop him from falling, Bella fell along with him to the ground. David's body hit the ground with Bella on top of him. Their faces were on a close proximity with each other. David stared deeply at Bella, he couldn't resist her lips and it seemed like Bella couldn't either because she was leaning in. Their lips were almost touching when Bella realised and turned her face, she stood up and was checking her bandages. She needed to pull the string soon and this seem like the right time.

"What's wrong? Did you get hurt?" David asked as he stood up too and faced Bella.

"We can't continue like this" she said firmly. She looked everywhere else except his eyes.

"What do you mean?" He asked confused.

"I mean the kissing and almost making out....what are we? Friends? Friends do not kiss and make out...so what are we? We can't keep avoiding this topic"

Silence ensued between them. David didn't know what to say. He wanted Bella but something still scares him about this strange feeling called love. He feared heartbreak and betrayal. He didn't want to end up like his parents, like....Nat.

He didn't know how to tell Bella all of this.

"Your silence gave me the answer" she said as she tried to walk away but David holds her hand.

"Bella...I..." He was cut off by grace and she walked up to them.

"Ma, is there any problem? I heard noise and something falling"

"No, No problem. We just had a fall, I think there is oil on the floor there, get something to clean it up"

"Okay ma, your attention is needed by Jane"

"Alright"

Bella pulls David's hand off her as she goes to assist Jane. David stood for a while deep in thought when he got a call from Nat that he is needed at the office.

He walks out of the kitchen, got to his room to get dressed. Taking his keys and wallet, he drives to work.

"Good thing, you are here. The client says they want to see you in person before they conclude the deal" Nat said handing him the files.

He sighs and pinch the bridge of his nose in frustration. he takes the file and go through it lazily, thoughts of Bella wouldn't leave his head.

"are you okay? it's clear your mind is not here"

"it's Bella" he said plainly. Over the years Nat has been his best friend and he didn't find it hard to tell him everything that happened some minutes ago.

"dude, what are you so scared of. you love her man, I have seen the way you behave around her like a freaking teenager. so what if our parents marriage was nothing to write home about, what if I have had my heart broken by a girl I loved so dearly.... it shouldn't affect you because yours might be different. And the way I see it, she loves you as well, I saw when you guys were getting it on in the garden" he winked and laughed.

David blushed a little "whatever. the client must be waiting, let's go"

"Is the business tycoon David omotola blushing? unbelievable. you looked so whipped by her" He teased.

"come on and stop talking rubbish" He said dragging Nat with him.

He was going to give a chance at love, he couldn't afford to lose Bella.

He was putting his neck in the goose of the rope hanging on the ceiling, was Bella going to kick the chair his feet was on and let him breath his last or is she going to save him?

let's bet on the former......

★★★ ———————————★★★

Yello

How y'all doing?

Who else wants David to act like a man and ask Bella out?

I do ?

What plan is Bella always thinking about?

Who called Bella?

I guess we have to read the next chapter or subsequent ones to find out.

Please your feedback will be very much appreciated.

~precious~