The CEO Dilemma

Chapter five (Bond of trust)

While Desmond focused on Freya and thoughts of her stayed at the edge of his heart, he decided to make the drive home.

As Desmond began to drive his mind drifted back to their last meeting. He remembered her eyes sparkling in the moon as she smiled at him.

A longing desire to see her more and whether there is a spark of connection between them slowly began to build within him.

Finally, he arrived home, his mind still racing with thoughts of Freya. He knew he had to see her again, and soon.

He made a mental note to visit the restaurant the next day, determined to confirm his suspicions and find out if there was a chance for them.

As Desmond entered his home, the maid informed him that his father was already fast asleep, and his mother had quickly retired to bed.

He felt a bit concerned about his father, as they hadn't spoken all day, but he was surprised by his mother's early bedtime, as she wasn't typically one to sleep early. At least, he thought, he was spared from her constant nagging for the time being.

Desmond headed upstairs, where he took a bath and changed into a white sleeveless top and black shorts.

He then made his way to the rooftop garden, where he poured himself a glass of wine and called his best friend, Mikel. "Hey, buddy! Come over to my place, we need to catch up. It's been a while," Desmond said.

Mikel replied, "Of course, I'm on my way! In fact, I'll be there in ten minutes. You sound excited, don't worry, I'll be there soon." Desmond ended the call and poured himself a glass of wine, sipping it slowly as he awaited Mikel's arrival.

Sipping his wine, Desmond could not help but reflect on his mother going to bed so early; she had been acting strange of late, and he wondered if everything was okay.

He cast that thought aside and directed his mind to the pending discussion with Mikel. He had a lot to share and was anxious to hear his friend's take on many issues.

Just as he was lost in thought, Desmond heard the doorbell ring. He made his way downstairs, wine glass still in hand, and opened the door to let Mikel in. "Hey, buddy! Come on up," he said, leading Mikel to the rooftop garden.

As they settled in, Mikel noticed the wine glass in Desmond's hand. "Ah, I see you're already started without me," he said with a chuckle.

Desmond laughed. "Just getting a head start, my friend. I have had a long day." Mikel raised an eyebrow: "Long day? That's an understatement, I am sure. What's up? You sound quite excited."

Desmond took another sip of the wine, savoring this moment before getting into the story. "It's this girl I met-her name is Freya, Mikel, and I think that I might just be in love with her."

Mikel was shocked. "Whoa, that is huge news; tell me about it."

Desmond launched into the story of his encounter with Freya, leaving out no details. Mikel listened intently to him, nodding his head and making supportive noises as Desmond poured out his heart.

As they talked, the night wore on, the stars twinkling above them like diamonds in the sky. Desmond felt a wave of relief wash over him; he was glad he had shared his secret with his best friend.

Mikel leaned in, his voice full of excitement. "Dude, that's awesome! You have to tell me more about her. What's she like?"

Desmond's face lit up with a smile. "She's out of this world, Mikel. Smart, funny, and beautiful. And she has this sparkle in her eyes that just draws me in."

Mikel grinned. "I can tell you're smitten, my friend. So, what's the plan? You're gonna ask her out?"

Desmond's face turned contemplative. "I don't know yet. I want to, but I'm scared of being rejected. And then there is something else, Mikel-something that holds me back."

Mikel's face turned solemn. "What is it, Desmond? You can trust me.

Desmon shrugged, not knowing whether to show his secret or not. Still, something in Mikel's encouraging gaze made him talk. "My parents, Mikel, they want me to marry Bella, and I am clueless as to how to escape from it."

Mikel widened his eyes, astounded by such news. A mask of disbelief adorned his face, eyes almost popping out, and voice in a pitch which sounded surprised: "You mean Bella Michael? The Bella Michael?".

Desmond nodded, his face serene. "The same one."

Mikel quickly regained his composure, his face returning to its usual cheerful state. "Oh, I must have come across her on i********: or something. I don't know her personally."

Desmond's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind racing with thoughts. Why was Mikel acting so strange? He was his best friend, and yet, he seemed to be hiding something.

"Anyway, like I said, I don't have feelings for her," Desmond said firmly. "It's just an arranged engagement, and I'm only going through with it to please my parents."

Mikel nodded understandingly. "I get it, buddy. But are you sure you're ready for this? You don't know her that well, and neither do I, for that matter."

Desmond shrugged. "I don't have a choice, Mikel. But I appreciate your concern. Maybe we can figure something out together."

Mikel's face turned thoughtful. "Let's not rush into anything, Desmond. Let's just see how things go, okay?"

Desmond nodded, a tide of relief washing over him. Perhaps Mikel was right; perhaps he shouldn't rush into anything. But he couldn't get the nagging feeling that his best friend was hiding something from him.

“But wait Desmond why are you even talking about love, you just met this girl it could be an infatuation are you sure you know what you feel or you are just simply thrilled cause a girl left your bed before you woke up”Mikel asked inquisitively.

Desmond pondered on what he just heard for a while as questions ran through his mind “could this be true, could it be an infatuation, or might I just be interested cause she left when no girl has.

“Since you have no definite response, that could be your answer you might not love her”, nam said. Desmond tried to explain “But!” Mikel abruptly cut him off “ There is no but anything you don’t love her, he said with all seriousness.

The more they talked, the more Desmond began to feel that something was subtly different in Mikel's manner. He seemed more reserved, more cautious, and Desmond wondered what was behind the sudden change. Little did he know, Mikel had secrets of his own, secrets that could change everything.