BILLIONAIRE OFF-LIMITS

CHAPTERTHREE

'The course of true love never did run smooth'

- William Shakespeare.

'Uh, it's Malachi'. I said while removing a non-existent stain off my dress trying to distract myself because of my flustered face and the fact that his message is getting a reaction from me is annoyingly disturbing.

'Is there something going on between you two'. Darrien said while driving. I shot up to look at him defensively. ‘What do you mean by that, You know he is married right?’ I snapped more at myself than at Darrien.

'Easy tiger! I was just joking and besides he isn't your type Ama'. I increased the volume of the song playing. 'And where are we going sire?'. I changed the topic trying to get off this topic and more importantly get my mind off Mal but he still didn't answer as he told me earlier it was a surprise and for some reason, Anita thinks he will pop the question tonight. I met Darrien when I was in high school and we were the typical enemies-to-lovers trope. We hated each other's guts

We formed a weird relationship when I went to intern at a law firm while I was in college and guess who my boss was? Yeah, the senior in high school whom I hated with a passion. We reminisce about old memories and from there our relationship blossomed happily.

He is always telling me how he wants to have his family before 30 and hello guess who is turning 30 next year? Yea! Darrien of course so I'm kind of with Anita on this one that he’s going to propose. I rolled down the car window to feel the cool breeze after the rain and then I was aware of my surroundings.

‘No way! Darrien’. I half yelled. I know this place. This place holds a lot of memories. ‘This....this....’ I stuttered.

'Yes, Amaris! our first awkward date'. Darrien said. ‘Aw baby’ I cooed. &Babe you didn't have to go this extra mile’. I know how you feel about this place baby. I caressed his hands.

Our first stupid date was at his mother's restaurant. Yeah, I know right? It sounds so stupid I mean who brings their girlfriend to their mother's restaurant for a date? Darrien! It didn't go as planned as we later helped his mum serve customers because she was short on staff. After the hectic work, we later munched on fries tired as hell. That memory will not be funny.

His mother died while working in this restaurant. She had a heart attack while cooking. It weighed Darrien down a lot. So I know renovating this restaurant is a huge step for Darrien.

'Can we go inside now princess'. He bowed dramatically as he opened the door for me and he took my hands and led the way to the restaurant.

If I was doubting the proposal thing before I'm more than 100% sure he is gonna pop the question this evening.

'Welcome to Alcapagne restaurant gentle lady, how may I be of service?'. Darrien said. ‘Where are the staff and everybody’ I asked looking around ‘Why are we the only ones in here babe?’ I asked still looking around ‘It's just you and me tonight Amaris'. Darrien whispered and softly kissed my neck. I closed my eyes savoring his soft bite.

&So what's for dinner, Chef?’ I teased as he went into what I assumed to be the kitchen and pushed out a tray wheel of my favorite food. Marseille-style shrimp stew. Yeah, my mum is French and a Moet Chandon champagne.

Licking my lips. Oh, baby you shouldn't have gone the extra mile for me i know how hard this is to prepare. He closed the gap between us while serving the meal on the table neatly. ‘Thank you Chef D’.

‘Why are you staring at me Darrien?’ Is there something on my face? I asked while eating my food because Darrien hadn't unlocked his gaze from me since I started eating. 'Nothing Amaris I just can't see the end of your beauty babe’ He said softly ‘You're so beautiful'. Oh my heart! This man knows how and what to say to get to me. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice Darrien bent one knee with a ring until he coughed and turning back I saw candlelight shaped in ' will you marry me'.

Soft tears trickled down my face and I was too stunned to speak. I didn't know how many minutes I've been crying for until Darrien cleared his throat and said 'Is that a yes baby, My knees are hurting'. I laughed between my tears and screamed 'YES!!!!! Yes, Darrien I'd love to spend the rest of my life with you'. His worried face burst into the biggest smile I've ever seen on him.

He inserted the ring into my finger and carried me up twirling me around for what seemed like forever and kissed me. This is what my life should look like. Peaceful and blissful with no sort of drama all I need is to erase this distraction namely Malachi and focus on this happiness-filled life I have before me. All was fine until he walked in again.

'I love you so much Amaris I really do' Darrien softly whispered between kisses

'I love you too D'. I told him back but deep down in me I cannot push away the thoughts of what-ifs involving a particular ex.

I can't wait to share this news with Reid and Anita especially the latter she would be so happy for me. I admired the ring and smiled so fulfilled.

Darrien isn't my boyfriend anymore, he is my fiancée now and I need to focus on that only.

If Nothing, five years ago taught me that Malachi Lorenzo is forbidden fruit and it’s going to do me no good. He is what I cannot have. Maybe in another lifetime, Malachi would be mine and he would be willing to fight for us and not run away like he did in this world.

Maybe…. Just Maybe.