“Chioma, I know who this is,” he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of resignation. “It’s my ex-girlfriend, Joyce. We dated for a short time, but it didn’t work out, but somehow, she has refused to let go, she’s been… persistent since then.”
I couldn’t help but feel a surge of relief at his response, although the situation was far from ideal. “Persistent?” I questioned, trying to hide the unease in my voice.
David nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. “Yes, persistent. She’s been trying to get back with me, but I’d hoped she’d move on eventually.”
I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding, “So, there’s nothing between you two?” I asked, seeking assurance.
He shook his head firmly. “No, Chioma, there’s nothing. I left that relationship because she was too… wild. I have no interest in going back there. And you don’t have to worry about her, she can’t do anything. I won’t let her hurt you, I promise.”
His words were soothing, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders
“You should block her number. She’s just trying to cause trouble, and we shouldn’t let her.” he said, handing my phone back to me.
David’s voice softened as he continued, “Chioma, you have to know that since the moment we reconnected at the restaurant, you’ve been on my mind. After I walked out the other day, I couldn’t focus on anything else. It got to a point where I lost my appetite and couldn’t eat anything.” David explained.
If I wasn’t a doctor, I might not have believed the part he said about him losing his appetite. But, thank God I know better. Loss of appetite can actually happen for a variety of reasons, including illnesses that are caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections, medical conditions like chronic liver disease, hepatitis, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder) and kidney failure. Cancer affecting the digestive tract and taking certain medications can also lead to loss of appetite. In David’s case, the cause of his loss of appetite seemed to be more psychological. Psychological causes of loss of appetite include sadness, depression, anxiety, grief, stress or even boredom.
“Femi, my friend had to insist that I should see you when things were getting out of hand” David continued, “he said I had messed up after I shared your voice note with him and explained everything that happened” he added.
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I nodded, my heart warming at his honesty. “It really hurt that you didn’t give me a chance to explain. It hurt even more when you left my messages unread for days ” I replied recounting my own moments of sadness after he left.
He looked genuinely remorseful. “I’m truly sorry for that. I didn’t know how to face you after I realised I was wrong.”
He went ahead to tell me how Olamide, his family friend who was also aware about his loss of appetite and depression had told Joyce, his ex-girlfriend about everything. Apparently, that was how she got to know about me. He disclosed that Joyce and Olamide were best friends.
I listened intently, trying to process everything he was sharing. “And this ex-girlfriend of yours… She knows about me because of Olamide?” I asked, feeling a mix of curiosity and irritation.
David sighed. “Yes, it seems that way. I suspect she might have told my ex about you and even given her your number. She probably took it from my phone.” David explained.
I frowned, trying to wrap my head around the situation. “So, this whole thing was orchestrated by your ex and her friend?”
David nodded solemnly. “It seems that way, but I promise you, Chioma, there’s nothing between me and my ex. She’s history, and you’re the one I want.”
His words were sincere, and I found myself wanting to believe him. It was a bizarre turn of events, but David’s explanation made sense, and his honesty was reassuring.
I leaned back slightly, my eyes locked onto David’s. His sincerity was evident, and I felt at peace with him as I listened to him speak. I extended my arms, and he understood my silent invitation, drawing me into a warm embrace.
His arms wrapped around me securely, and for a moment, all I could think about was us. It felt right being in his arms, like a missing piece of the puzzle finally falling into place.
As we pulled away, David’s eyes held a newfound determination. “Chioma,” he began, “I don’t want to keep playing this guessing game with you. I can’t stand the thought of losing you to someone like Rowland.”
I smiled, understanding the depth of his concern. Rowland’s presence had always been a looming shadow over us, and I couldn’t deny that his persistence had made me question my own feelings.
David continued, his voice unwavering. “I want us to be more than friends, Chioma. I don’t want any more uncertainties between us. I want our relationship to be properly defined.”
His words hung in the air, and I found myself hesitating. It wasn’t that I didn’t share his feelings; it was the fear of the unknown that held me back. My past experiences had left me wary of rushing into things, and despite the undeniable connection I felt with David, I needed time to process it all.
I met his gaze, my own eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. The suspense in the air was palpable as the weight of his question settled between us. David had laid his feelings bare, and now it was my turn to respond.
But in that moment, I couldn’t give him an immediate answer. The past had taught me to tread cautiously in matters of the heart, and I needed to be sure, for both our sakes.
“Uhm…” I began, taking a step back. The room seemed to hold its breath as I searched for the right words to say, leaving our future hanging in the balance.
Find out what happens next tomorrow in episode 16.
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