Part thirty nine

Michy's POV

It was almost 2:30pm by the time we arrived at Drake's house and judging by the cars parked in front of the house, I can tell this is a party for only those in his circle, how does that feel so weird? I'm used to seeing his house taken over my fleet of cars and a lot of people when he throws a party.

I walked up to the door flung on both sides by Nae and Heidi who were still adding finishing touches to their look. I rolled my eyes as I cast them a side glance and shook my head, girls! They were the reason we are late and they're still not done like, how were these people created? I'm still trying to fathom how.

The door was instantly opened as if someone knew of our arrival and was waiting on us and I was right. Jozelynn, Drake's wife opened the door wider, ushering is in with a bright smile on her face. I smiled back politely and didn't cringe like before as we stepped in.

My eyes caught her dress and I look at her with my mouth slightly opened in surprise. Here I thought she apologizing and fixing her relationship with Drake and the whole gang was a shocker!

She noticed my expression and playfully slapped my hand, smiling shyly. I did a double take and I must say the floral kaftan looked really stunning on her.

"You look gorgeous." It didn't feel or sound weird complimenting Jozelynn now that I know she's genuine and has changed for the best. I really couldn't stand her before, I always did my best to avoid her whenever I was around here but today it's different.

She actually smiled, her face heating up at my compliment. "Thanks." Then her eyes shifted to the ladies beside me, surprise and what looks like fear flashed through them as she recognized one of them. "He..Heidi, is that you?"

"Yeah Joz..." Heidi smiles weakly, I had to butt in seeing how the two were. They had some issues to resolve with each other but now isn't the time.

"Sorry to interrupt but I believe you've not met my girlfriend yet, I'm I right?"

"Yes please." She admitted and quickly looked over at her and smiled. "But I've heard so much about her."

"Really?" Nae asked as she looked at me, I shook my head. I didn't tell her about Nae it must have been Drake. That idiot never knows when to shut up when it comes to me.

"Yeah from my husband." She pulled her into a hug, "I'm glad to finally meet your acquaintance, I'm Jozelynn Sterling."

"I'm Monae Araba Daniels, it's nice to meet you two."

I snapped my head to glance at Nae, a puzzled look on my face. Why did she introduce herself as that?

"Oh such a nice name for a pretty girl."

Nae blushed and smiled politely. "Thank you."

"Finally see who decided to show—Heidi?" The bugging voice of my idiotic friend sounded seconds later, I looked behind Jozelynn and saw him walk towards us, his face looking so stoic but then it changed to shock when he saw my sister.

Jozelynn tensed when she heard him call her. I felt bad for her and Heidi as well, in fact all three of them. This is a moment I don't ever want to be in, having the woman you always craved for and who's thoughts never gave you the happiness in your marriage at your house just when you finally decided to fix your marriage and make it work with your wife who thinks you're still hung up on your crush is the most awkward moment ever.

"H..hey Dra..Drake." She looked anywhere but not him.

"When did you come back?" The old Drake will have immediately pulled her into his arms and hugged the living day light out of her but this one stood beside his wife and circled his hand around her and pulled her closer to him while maintaining a friendly smile on his face.

"Three days ago."

Then he cast an accusatory glance at me, I gave him an I'm sorry look suddenly feeling uncomfortable more than anyone else. I honestly didn't mean for this to happen, I didn't think of that when I accepted his invite. I couldn't even reject it, Drake and I are best buddies, the person I'm closest to aside Scorpion, I couldn't possibly do that when I knew he needed me around.

I should have maybe reconsidered bringing Heidi along knowing who things were. Damn, I've ruined everything.

"Look guys, I honestly didn't come here to ruin party with my presence or anything but can we seriously do this after the party? Please."

He looked eyes with her for a brief time before averting it somewhere. "Sorry but we aren't bothered in the least, we're just surprised that's all but yeah sure, there are things that still need to be settled." If anyone who knew Drake very well then it's me, I know he's anything but not bothered. He's only saying it to convince himself he isn't but I know better.

I can see the way he's affected by her, the way he's whole demeanor has changed just by her presence and Jozelynn is no less. She's still insecure, I can see the fear in her eyes as if Heidi was going to snatch Drake away from her like she's always said.

****

"Damn Michy." Marcus said yet again, his eyes looking into the crowd, "your woman is so fine, she's a whole package."

"Take your ducking eyes off my woman or I'll pluck me out."

"Chill bro." He raised his hands in surrender, respect and seriousness on his face, "I have no intentions on pouncing on your possession, especially not when I know how much she means to you."

"Good." I smirked in satisfaction and I heard Shawn laugh beside me. "Then take your eyes off her, I don't like the way you're looking at my woman."

"Like how?"

"You know how don't ask." I irritatedly told him, sipping the alcoholic liquid and glancing in the direction he just took his stupid eyes from.

I introduced Nae to the rest of the boys after we all agreed it was best to wait till after the party before bringing up the past and talking about it and I'm beginning to regret doing so. I hate the way their eyes are following her around like a hawk, watching her every move when they know she's mine and mine only. They have no intentions on smashing on her but I don't like how their looking at her, without a doubt, I see lust in there and it pisses me off and bothers me as well.

They have wives for Christ's sake!

And on the other hand, I'm beyond relieved Drake and Jozelynn were cool with Heidi's suggestion at least if externally but I can still see how Drake occasionally steal glances at Heidi with longing eyes when he thinks no one is watching or the way he seems to be holding onto his wife so tight, I think the poor lady is bruising inwardly and outwardly but she's doing her best not to show it.

"You know something Michy? I'm not being a spoil sport but that girl, I mean your woman. She's so beautiful and from my experience, beautiful girls don't owe anyone loyalty, not even the one who treats her like a queen."

"I won't deny it but you should also know my girl isn't just any beautiful girl. She's Monae and unique, I've witnessed first hand who she is like so thank you for your concern and I assure you, I know who I am dealing with."

"For the records, I was only looking out for you. I don't want you to end up like us."

"I know bro, you guys can be so stupid sometimes but deep within I know the great guys you are at heart."

"Myself and Shawn will pretend we didn't hear the first line of what you just said."

"Yeah man, but all jokes aside, Michy of all the years we spent together I never knew you were into black girls."

"That's because I never dated one. But it doesn't mean I'm not into them, you should know by now as my friend, I don't have racial preferences when it comes to the women I get involved with."

"True that." He nodded as he refilled his glass. "I can literally count all the women you've been involved with, you've toured round the world man." He teased and the two idiots guffawed, I could tell they were starting to get tipsy.

Speaking of tipsy, I looked down at the glass and scrunched my face, getting up. "Excuse me boys, I'll be back."

"Where are you off to?"

"Gonna get myself a glass of juice, this drink is damn strong." I scrunched my face in distaste, the liquid is too strong, it keeps burning my throat when I take a swing. It's a feeling I've always had but today and lately, I detest it. I used to find pleasure in how it burns me, I only recoil at the feel of it in my throat.

Shawn gulped down his and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, looking up at me. "Wtf man? What seriously has happened to you? You used to love whiskey a whole lot but now all you wanna drink is juice, juice like a greenhorn."

"Let's just say I've quit the old ways and I was damn serious when I said that."

"Must be the effect of that girl." Marcus chirped in holding a glass himself, only he wasn't drinking, he was looking over at his wife with murderous eyes as she conversed with one of Drake's clients.

Serves someone right for always cheating on the poor lady. I thought in my head while looking at them, it doesn't appear the two have any amorous thing going on. Rather, from what it looks like, it seems they're friends or some sort but who knows they might be more? You can't trust anyone lately, everyone is busy living a double life.

Somehow he tore his gaze from them and looked at me and snickered teasingly.

Shawn nodded and fist bumped him. The two snickered and it ended as quickly as it started. "Fr man, she's totally changed this hardcore bastard we all had to put up with."

I showed him the middle finger, laughing nevertheless as I walked away. Everything they literally said is damn accurate, I'm not gonna refute their claims and for a reason, I like it when they say it. I love that Nae has that effect on me, I love that she makes me want to be a better person, how I'm I so blessed?

As I approached the kitchen, I felt the urge to use the bathroom and since I've been here a lot of times, I diverted my steps to the left side where there was one.

However I stopped in my steps as I stood in front of the door, deciding whether I should just leave and find another bathroom or find out who had the nerve to love up in someone else's bathroom when I heard the sounds of skin beating against the other and moans which were being suppressed.

I chose to find another one and leave them to do their thing since it wasn't my business but they could have at least done that somewhere else. Before I turned back, the woman moaned and I made out her voice immediately, I've heard it so many times.

Elyse?

To say I was surprised was an understatement, I was shocked, how is this possible. Like wait, I'm I hearing things? It can't be her, she's too innocent and frail for something like this.

I thought I didn't hear it right till I heard it again and again. I was disgusted by them, her especially since she has a husband who happens to be my best friend. I wonder if Shawn knows about this or he's under the illusion his wife is so perfect and dainty that she can't do something like this.

I bet he doesn't know, how would he? She has us all fooled with her innocent face and act and I'm even still doubting if it's really her. The truth is, it's her, I know her voice too well. She's the only wife who isn't so bad to deal with among the wives of my gang and I've chatted and laughed with her so many times, I can make it out anywhere.

I stared at the door in disbelief then walked away, my thirst for juice and urge to use the bathroom completely abandoned. I found my way to the boys and as I got nearer to them, I contemplated on whether telling him about it or just keeping my mouth shut. Shawn is definitely going to hate me when he finds out I knew and never told him but I also just can't bring myself to tell him, I don't want it to be like I'm trying to ruin his marriage with my lies cause I know Elyse will deny and make it look like I'm cooking up stories.

What should I do? I sat down and picked up the glass of whiskey I hated and gulped it down while looking at where I just came back from, minutes later, I saw Elyse enter the living room and glance over at Shawn who wasn't aware of what went on and is showing something to Marcus on his phone.

Her eyes fell on me and she broke into a smile, giving me a wave. I only nodded, having it not me in to give her a fake smile and looked behind her to see the man she had done that with but saw no one, how wise! They decided not to come together in order not to arouse suspicion, little did they know I already knew what they were doing inside the guest bathroom.

I think I saw someone come out but before I could look at his face, Shawn nudged me. "Don't tell us you're jealous seeing Drake talking with your woman."

"What?"

"If it isn't that then what has gotten you so mad like you're ready to punch some asses?"

"Nothing." I replied for his own good, he loves her a lot and I don't want to be the reason for his heartbreak and lack of faith in love. Perhaps things won't be bad if he finds out himself right? "Where are they?"

"There."

I looked towards the direction he pointed and truly saw Drake talking to Nae. She was smiling so hard at something he was saying and saw him point to one particular award he's mostly proud of.

Someone in my place would have gotten mad or jealous at the sight but I wasn't. I was rather intrigued and confused as I looked between the two.

Why didn't I always see this?

The more I looked, the more the similarities between them kept growing bigger. I noticed they had the same shade of blue eyes, their facial structure looks so much the same and they have a mole like the Marilyn Monroe kind. I've seen it on Nae but didn't really pay attention to it till now.

Is it what I'm thinking is it?

Can they be related?

I quite remember from the information Scorpion sent to me my baby is mixed race, her mother is dead but her father is very well alive. Can it be her father is Mr Sterling, Drake's father because the similarities are so striking..of all his children, Drake is his carbon copy and they all share his blue eyes.

Speak of the devil and he appears, the important dignitary we all have been waiting for. The one who the special announcement won't be made in his absence, the man I have a feeling is the father of the love of my life, Mr Zyiare Sterling!

He walked in with his chest pushed out in pride and an aura of confidence oozing around him, flung on his side by his beautiful wife who never seems to age despite being in her forties, Moesha Ivy Sterling.

They drew the whole crowd in with their majestic entry, all eyes turned to them and the whole room fell silent.

********

The party was still going on even after the grand and rather dramatic entrance.

Drake stole our attention as he clinked glasses together, hushing every conversation that was going on after the arrival of his parents and a short speech. His wife drew nearer to him and he happily snaked his arm around her waist then looked down at her and kissed her forehead. "May we have your attention please."

You already have all of it dimwit.

I smirked, wrapping one hand around Nae's waist while the other held onto a glass of juice. I looked to my left and saw Heidi standing beside Shawn, their hands entwined as they also looked at the couple at the center of the crowd. Shawn and Heidi go way back, they were best friends for as long as I can remember, she leaving kinda strained their friendship but I can see they're still tighter than glue.

"Before I begin, I want to thank you all for coming here this afternoon when you should be with your family and spending quality time together. My wife and I and my entire family are very happy to have you with us to as close friends and family to share in our joy with us. We all are aware and witnesses to the shitty marriage my wife and I shared and it was a big surprise when we announced to you all we were going to find love with each other since we are stuck with each other till forever so why waste the years acting as strangers, each ruining his life."

"We're happy to tell you all, Drake and I found something we never experienced in our four years of marriage together, love. We found the most beautiful thing but that isn't all, in falling for each other, we shared something so beautiful and divine..what every married couple will attest to and with a heart filled with excess joy and excitement, we announce to you...."

"Your changed man here and his wife are...going to be parents soon! We are expecting a baby and we couldn't wait to share it with the people who matter to us in our lives. Thank you so much mum and dad, I never understood your choice for me but and now I can't be any happier because you gave unto me a very amazing woman. I want y'all to help me thank my wife, my love for making the happiest man there ever has been."

I found myself grinning more than a Cheshire Cat. Damn, I was surprised to be honest. Of all the possible things I had running through my head, this actually was the last..in fact, it wasn't even on the list. Years ago after they got married myself and the boys wouldn't have ever imagined Drake and his wife we ever going to be on the same page, the the two hated each other's guts but here they are, so in love and expecting a baby and I'm so happy for them.

Overly happy for them for working out their marriage and coming this far and I wish they live like this forever, they both deserve it. Although they have made some mistakes married couples weren't supposed to do I believe as they have changed, God has forgiven them and is going bless their marriage and new family bountifully.

"Let's go and congratulate them."

"Yeah but wait, I've to make sure Heidi is okay..you know how she's sensitive when it comes to babies."

"Oh yeah, I'm sure she's holding up real good." Turning to my side, I saw my sister still holding onto Shawn and wipe under her eyes lightly then took in deep breaths, her lips quivered, evidence she's on the verge of tears. "She's got this, Heidi is a very strong person, she's tougher than we know." I said, looking on sadly. I wish I knew how to wipe that pain she always feels about pregnancy and love, I wish I could change back the hands of time and undo every wrong that was entered out to her by that bastard and nasty prick!

God help you if I ever set my eyes on you!

******

Monae's POV

I opened my groggy eyes for the fourth time today and yawned. Under the cushiony blanket, I felt around for my phone and eventually found it. I unlocked it and checked the time and realized it was only three in the afternoon, I yawned again and tossed it on the other side and removed the blanket from around my up Ofer body.

As I did, the harsh chilly air from the air conditioner instantly hit my skin, sending a jolt through me and I swiftly pulled it over my body again, turning on my side to move to the next phase of my sleep.

I woke up earlier this morning before Michy left for work and didn't feel like getting out of bed. Oddly, I wanted to do nothing but sleep all day, I feel as if I partied hard last night and was trying to regain my energy but I didn't, I'm hella tired from staying up all night and watching Michy work on a very important deal and paperwork.

My phone vibrated and again as quickly as the first one, I planned on ignoring it but then changed my mind and picked it up, annoyance in my movement.

Despite my sour mood, I found myself smiling when I saw the message was from Imogen and she was telling me about her arrival back in the country. Almost a week and some days ago, she called telling me of a business trip she was embarking on which I presume was pretty busy since it took that long than her usual to come back.

We texted back and forth and to my dismay, I felt the drowsiness disappearing, I was wide awake yet that wasn't going to stop me from going back to sleep once we're done.

A minute or two later, a smiling Heidi came into my room with a plate of half eaten Italian eggs Benedict in hand. "Sleeping beauty is finally awake."

"Well good afternoon to you too, Heidi." I said, sitting up in bed and chuckling while typing a reply.

"For a second I thought you were still at dawn, guess I thought wrong." She pushed back the blankets, making a space for herself and sat down then balanced the plate on her lap. "So why haven't you left your room, are you sick?" She titled my head to one side then the other.

"I'm fine, perfectly fine." I assured her and stole her food, "just feel like being in bed." I said in between chewing.

"I do be like that sometimes so I understand, didn't see you during breakfast and lunch that's why I came here to check up you. Michy also called asking about you, I didn't know what to tell him so I think you should call him."

"Okay." I removed the cover and scrambled out of bed, pushing my feet into the slippers. "I'm going to brush my teeth." Her food has aroused the hunger I didn't feel till now so I'm gonna brush my teeth and get something to eat and while I'm at it, I'll call Michy.

"It's about damn time." She groaned.

"Yeah, whatever." I retorted back and laughed.

Getting down to business, I brushed my teeth very quickly and hoped into the shower. I didn't plan to but as I'm here I'm might as well get it done and over with.

Leisurely scrubbing my body, my mind floated back to the party last Saturday, particularly to the man I saw. Drake's father, what's his name again? I recall it was..Mr Zyiare, yes that's him. There's this familiarity about him that baffles me, it's as if I've seen him somewhere before, surely not in person but something that has his face on it.

But where? And what? I need to find out.

"Nae! Brushing your teeth doesn't take that long unless you're giving birth."

"Haha very funny, coming!"

"Heard you."

I rinsed my body and got out of the shower, I snatched a towel and dried my body as I left the bathroom.

"I took my bath as well."

"It's very evident." I looked at her and realized she was done eating and was now lying on my bed, my phone dangling in her hand. "You has a message, scratch that..tons of them."

"Oh yeah, they're from someone." I rather chose not to say who. I haven't been told but from my observation, I've realized all the people close to Michy for a reason known only to them have some sort of unspoken hatred for my adopted family so it's better I don't make mention of them when there around. That's was the reason why I introduced myself as Daniels to Jozelynn at the party.

She nodded and didn't say anything else, I took that as an opportunity to go dress up. On entering the closet, I scanned the racks with my eyes, finding something to wear but gave up and randomly chose a thigh length body con skirt and paired it with a spaghetti strap crop top. Afterwards, I let my hair out loosely and combed it into a fro.

"That's one bomb ass black girl magic I see." Those were the words from Heidi as I stepped into the room. Her eyes sparkled as they took in my hair, "your hair is to die for, seriously. It doesn't even look like the Afro wigs I wear in Berlin."

"You wear Afro wigs?" I questioned as if I didn't hear it right, astonishment was think in it, "like you appropriate black hair?"

She nodded truthfully, "my family never judged anyone by the color of their skin, my mother particularly was very fond of black people though she has like 5% black descent, she made us appropriate their culture and I've never been ashamed of it. I love how tanned and black like my skin looks and I try to look as black as I can, no offense to the white race but I wish I were fully black."

I took in all that she said, I was surprised but not to see surprised. From our first encounter, she looked like an African American, I was confused and her explanation now has erased it all.

"You can be black or white, we're all the same but then again, black is beautiful." I said and hugged her, a huge bright smile on my face.

Heidi pulled back and smiled as always. "So beautiful."

**********************************

Doing double updates💃🏻❤️✨✨ today for compensation😩. I know I've haven't been updating but trust me I haven't been lazying around either, been brainstorming ideas to better this book as it's getting to an end😑 and give everyone a happy ending, Drake is first...so please rate this filler chapter.

The next one comes in two hours, six pages already written, I'm going to continue it and trust me, drama is coming🌪😂