“I’m involved in various businesses. Investments, you know?” he finally managed to say.
I furrowed my brows, not quite satisfied with his vague response. “Investments?” I repeated, probing further. “Can you be more specific?”
“I deal with financial investments, especially cryptocurrency. Sometimes, I dabble into forex trading but that is a bit too volatile, so I only do that with money that I can afford to lose.” he explained. “I also do some real estate investment. I have property both in and outside the country. I buy properties at very reasonable prices and resell them to make my profit when they have gained value. I also rent out some of my property. I have real estate agents that manage all my property.” he continued. “Also,when the opportunity arises, I invest in other businesses and make my profit as agreed,” he finished.
David’s explanation shed light on his multifaceted business ventures, and I couldn’t help but be impressed. “Wow, you’re a mega businessman,” I exclaimed. “That’s quite an impressive portfolio.”
A faint smile crossed his lips, his earlier unease dissipating. “Thank you, Chioma. I’ve worked hard to build these ventures over the years.”
I couldn’t help but be curious about his initial hesitation. “So, why were you hesitant to tell me all these?” I asked.
David’s expression turned thoughtful as he leaned against the kitchen counter. “Well,” he began, his voice carrying a tinge of vulnerability, “it’s because people who know what I do tend to judge me. They say cryptocurrency is shady, forex trading is for the lazy, and they accuse me of taking advantage of businesses I invest in. To be honest, I was reluctant because I just didn’t want to have that argument all over again.”
“I understand,” I said softly. “It’s not easy when people don’t see the hard work and passion behind your choices.”
David nodded, a sense of appreciation in his eyes. “Exactly. But now that you know, I hope it doesn’t change how you see me.”
I smiled warmly at him. “David, I’m impressed by your drive and your dedication to what you believe in. It doesn’t change a thing. In fact, it makes me admire you even more.” I said.
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“That’s reassuring” he said with a smile, as he opened the oven to check on the chicken he had been grilling. “Oh look, our chicken is finally ready” he said beaming from ear to ear as he wore his oven gloves to pull out the oven tray carrying delicious looking succulent pieces of chicken that were grilled to perfection.
In a few minutes, we were seated at the dining table digging into a three-course meal of caesar salad followed by shrimp-fried rice and grilled chicken with ice cream for dessert. I have to admit, David is a damn good cook. In fact, that description doesn’t do him any justice. “Hope you enjoyed the meal?” he asked, after we were done eating, “I loved it” I replied, “you even cook better than I do” I laughed.
I had eaten so much that I felt bloated like someone who had constipation. Constipation is difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements that persist for several weeks or longer.
Constipation happens when your large intestine absorbs too much water from your poop causing it to dry out and making it hard in consistency and difficult to push out of your anus.
Normally, when food moves through your digestive tract, your small intestine gradually absorbs nutrients from food. The partially digested food then passes from your small intestine to your large intestine where water is absorbed from it and then it is pushed out as poop. When water is absorbed from the partially digested food, it becomes more solid. If you have constipation, food may move too slowly through your digestive tract giving your colon,a part of your large intestines, too much time to absorb water thereby making your stool become dry, hard and difficult to push.
Constipation can be caused by stress, lack of exercise, resisting the urge to poop, not drinking enough water or lack of fibre in the diet –fruits and vegetables are a good source of fibre. Constipation can also happen as a result of a medical condition or taking certain medications.
You can prevent yourself from having constipation by drinking adequate water, taking foods rich in fibre and exercising regularly.
After clearing the dishes, we settled on the sofa, chatting away and enjoying each other’s company. We decided to watch a movie. As the movie played, we ended up cuddled up together, the warm glow of the screen reflecting in our eyes.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, jolting us both from our movie-induced trance. David glanced at me and then reached for his phone. With a few taps on the screen, he brought up the doorbell camera app and saw Femi standing at the front door.
David got up to answer it, and I stayed on the sofa, curious to meet the elusive Femi once again. When they entered the living room, David introduced us.
“Chioma, I’d like to officially introduce you to my best friend and right hand man, Femi” he began, pointing towards Femi. Femi was tall and dark in complexion, he had buff muscles and was good looking like David. He also had good dress sense just like David. It was like David had carefully handpicked someone with similar physical attributes to be his best friend.
“Femi, meet Chioma, my…” David began, his voice trailing off for a moment as he seemed uncertain about how to introduce me. Finally, he settled on, “She’s my friend.”
Femi raised an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Your friend?” he teased. “Since when did you start to keep girls as friends?” he asked looking suspiciously at David.
David rolled his eyes, clearly used to Femi’s teasing. “Just shut up, man.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at their banter. It was evident that Femi and David shared a close friendship.
Femi grinned and shook his head. “Alright, alright, I’ll spare you the embarrassment,” he said, taking a seat opposite us. “So, Chioma, I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I smiled warmly. “Likewise, Femi. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
The evening continued with laughter, shared stories, and even more movies. Femi, as it turned out, had a knack for storytelling and kept us entertained with his hilarious stories.
As the night wore on, Femi finally decided to head home. David walked him to the door, and I offered to clean up the popcorn bowls and empty glasses.
When David returned, he seemed a bit more serious than before. He sat down next to me, his eyes searching mine.
“Chioma,” he began, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone, “I know this might be sudden, but I’ve enjoyed today immensely. I’ve enjoyed our time together since we reconnected.”
I nodded, a warm smile on my lips. “I feel the same way, David. It’s been wonderful.”
He took a deep breath, as if bracing himself for something. “Chioma, I don’t want to be just friends anymore. I want something more, something real,” David continued, his eyes locked on mine. “I know we’ve both been through our fair share of ups and downs. But there’s something about you, Chioma, something that makes me want to be a better person, something that makes me believe in a future together.”
His words stirred something deep within me. It was a mixture of hope, fear, and longing. A part of me had yearned for this moment, but the scars of the past still lingered, whispering doubts in my ear.
“I won’t pressure you, Chioma,” David added gently. “I understand if you need time to think about it. But I wanted you to know how I feel, and that I’m willing to take that leap if you are.”
I took a deep breath, my heart torn between the walls I’d built to protect myself and the desire to let them crumble. David’s sincerity was evident in his eyes, in the way he held my gaze, in the vulnerability he’d shown.
“I appreciate your honesty, David,” I replied, my voice soft but firm. “And I want you to know that I value our connection too. Let’s take it one step at a time, okay?”
A relieved smile spread across David’s face as he nodded. “One step at a time sounds perfect.”
With that unspoken agreement hanging in the air, we leaned in, and our lips met in a sweet, tentative kiss. The kiss was soft and gentle, a delicate meeting of our lips that sent a rush of warmth through my body. It was a kiss filled with unspoken promises, a silent acknowledgment of the feelings that had been growing between us. In that moment, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.
But as our lips parted, and we both pulled back slightly, reality began to seep in. I could feel a blush creeping up my cheeks, and a hint of embarrassment washed over me. This wasn’t something I had planned, and I hadn’t anticipated it happening so soon, even though it felt undeniably good.
David’s eyes met mine, and I could see a mix of emotions in his gaze—hope, desire, and a touch of uncertainty. He reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my skin.
“Chioma,” he began, his voice soft, “I didn’t mean to rush things. I just couldn’t help myself.”
I nodded, feeling a reassuring smile forming on my lips. “I know, David. And it’s not that I didn’t want it. It’s just… unexpected.”
“Unexpected can be a good thing, you know.” He chuckled, I couldn’t help but laugh too, the tension dissipating as we both eased into the moment. “You’re right. Unexpected can be very, very good.” I smiled.
It was starting to get really late and David suggested he drive me back home. As we drove back home, we talked a bit more. David told me about his future plans and how he hoped to get married really soon, he also didn’t mince words when he said he saw his future wife in me but was quick to remind me that he wasn’t mounting any pressure but only expressing himself.
As we turned into a quiet, dimly lit street, a sudden, loud thud echoed through the car. My heart leaped into my throat as I turned to see raw egg dripping down the windscreen. David slowed the car, and before either of us could react, three menacing figures emerged from the shadows, holding machetes.
Fear gripped me and I instinctively moved closer to David. The men surrounded the car, blocking our path.
My mind raced, heart pounding in my chest. What had started as a beautiful evening had taken a dangerous turn. We were trapped, vulnerable, and I could feel the weight of fear pressing down on me.
Find out what happens next tomorrow in episode 18 #checkwithdoctoro