Part forty six

No proofread😞

Monae's POV

"Michele."

Sadly, it isn't and my greatest fear at the moment has come thrligh. Now can the floor open up and swallow me?

"Drake." That voice, at once goosebumps flooded my skin and my heart thumped faster that it was when he spoke for the first time.

The deadliness lying beneath his tone had that effect on me and I wished I hadn't dragged Drake and his wife into my mess, I needed no one to tell me Michy was livid and he wasn't going to spare Drake.

He hasn't made any attempt so far but we all know it won't be too long before he did and before he does anything I have to stop him, I don't know how but maybe somehow.

I just hope this works. I stood up and walked to him, I hated I was getting that close to him, I never want him in my breathing space but for the sake of the people who cared for me in my darkest moments, I have to throw aside everything aside even if it means touching him and holding his hands to calm him down, I will.

I ignored the budding fear and looked at him as I lifted my hands to touch his, "Mich--"

"Quiet." He said rather calmly for someone who was angry, without sparing me a glance, his piercing eyes were still fixated on Drake and just that one word from him had the power to silence me.

Like the scared and defeated soul I was, I drew my hands back and didn't move.

"When were you ever going to tell me?"

The two men held each other's gaze, their jaws clenched.

"Never--"

He nodded and a small smile formed on his lips. "I expected that from you, after all you are my best friend." Michy removed his hands from his pocket and spread them wide, "and the world's best friend award goes to..." He said, walking around Drake, "Mr Drake Sterling! The world is yet to find such an amazing friend like him who without a second thought securely hid his friend's wife away in his house for a month and watched him suffer in pain like he has been casted into hell, every single day for those four weeks!--"

Don't call me your wife!

Stfu, you are...

"I did so because you hurt her and remember my warning to you." Drake angrily said as he pushed Michy away from him.

"Keep your fucking hands to yourself when you're talking to me." He warned and exhaled deeply. "And yes, I remember every alphabet you said but you also know I didn't intend to hurt her."

"You saw that coming because I warned you, I know nothing about what you intended and what you didn't intend to all I know is you hurt her and you paid--'

"You know what? Get the fuck out of my face, I'm not about to waste my breath on you." He unlatched Drake's hands which were gripping his collar and backed away from him, trying his best not to let his anger get the best of him. Raking his fingers in his hair, he finally looked my way with a stoic expression, "I came here for my woman and that only. If anyone is a full bloodied man like me, they should try to stop me."

My eyes widenes in fear, over my dead body will I do that! "I'm not going anywhere with you!" I declared on top of my voice, taking him by surprise. He's very wrong if he thinks I'll stupidly and meekly follow him back to his house.

"You don't have a choice, darling." He said with an air of confidence which didn't surprise me, he is used to getting what ever he wants but I'm sorry to burst his bubble, I won't go.

I might not have a choice but I won't follow him either.

"I said," the fear and nervousness I felt were gone and the only emotiok I felt within my body and soul was anger and hatred for this man standing in front of me. I hate that he's acting as if everything is perfectly fine between us when he hurt me! "I. Am. Not. Going. Anywhere. With. You!" I seethed, stabbing his chest with my chipped long nail and gazing into his eyes.

Something flashed in his eyes, defeat--hopefully yes because he stepped away from me and looked elsewhere, raking his hair and tousling it while taking deep breaths.

Then he turned to me after a while, "fine," he sais and nodded, "then we will do it my way."

"You dare not--"

Jozelynn grabbed his hand, restraining from pouncing on Michy, Drake, baby. Stop it, let them be and don't interfere in something that involves them and it's about time they solved whatever conflict that is between them and reach a peaceful resolution, please." Her words hit him and he gave up, entwined their hands together while giving Michy a death glare.

However Michy smirked and the coners of his lips curked into a smug smile, "you should listen to your wife, at least she's the most sensible one and not interfere in other people's issues, mind your business."

"Michy!"

"Okay," he flickered his eyes from me to her, raising his hands up, "sorry, sorry, not a word more." And placed his finger on his lips that still had the smug smile.

Drake leaned down and said into my ears. "We're just a door away, don't hesitate to scream if you feel suffocated by him and I'll deal with him."

Even though I hated things has turned out this way and I had no other choice than stay in this room alone with him for God knows how long, I still found myself laughing at what he said. Somewhat I felt lighter than before and nodded.

Jozelynn grabbed his ear amd twisted it, "You'll do no such thing, c'mon out." She dragged him out of the room, leaving me all alone with Michy.

When I heard the door close, I slowly walked towards the bed and sat down then dropped my head in palms, why do I feel drained all of a sudden?

It's like all the energy in my body has been sucked out, I sat there not saying anything. Neither was he, silence befall us and I was thankful he wasn't talking, I've had enough of him for today. He should just get out and never come back.

"So, are you going to follow me or do I have to carry you?" He said, breaking the silence much to my dismay.

"In your wildest dreams, I'm never leaving this house with you." I replied him, louder this time to get the message clearly across to him if he was deaf the first time.

"Really?"

I threw him a bored look. "Did I have water running in my mouth when I was talking?"

"I miss this side of you so much, I thought I'd never see it again."

"Tsk, stop being pathetic and get out!"

"I asked kindly, don't force me to be ruthless."

I rolled my eyes no less, is he deaf and dumb or he's choosing to be? "And I said I won't follow you so get out, is that so difficult to understand?"

"I forgot you can be too stubborn sometimes." He stated the obvious as he slid his hand back in his pockets, walking towards me.

"Stay away from me!"

"Or what?"

"I said stay away from me-- put me down!" The bastard hoisted me on his shoulder as if I weifhedess than a paper.

"Not a chance babe."

*********

Releasing a huff, I rolled my eyes and shifted in my seat to face the window and look out of it. As I looked out, I felt his gaze on me, so heated, I kinda squirmed in my seat but didn't give him the satisfaction of seeing how it affected me and crossed my hand tighter than ever over my chest.

For some minutes, I felt his heated gaze linger on me before he looked elsewhere prolly the road since he was driving at a top speed enough to get us into an accident and lose our lives.

I'd never forgive him if I end up dying when he could have just left me at Drake's house then drive at this stupid speed and die alone, at least the burden of him will be lifted off me.

Will you be happy if he dies?

My subconscious asked and although I was tryna act like I would be okay, I know I won't. I may be angry at Michy and wish for something bad to happen to him so be feels the pain I'm going through and of all the things, death isn't on the list.

I can be mad and angry at him for as long as I want but I can't deny that I still love him, more than ever. The days weeks I've spent away from him couldn't do anything to make them affection I have for him vanish without a trace. Only it got more from not being able to see him, laugh at his jokes, cuddle and rub-- stop it!

Yes I love him and that's that, it doesn't call for me to dig up old memories that will only be the death of me.

Unconsciously, I looked away from the window which I've even lost concentration on, to Michy and found him not beside him. Something gnawed at my heart and I quickly turned around to look for him and saw him approaching my door.

It was then I realized the car wasn't moving anymore and that we had arrived.

He couldn't see me because of the tinted window, I took that opportunity to look at him properly, I don't know why but I did.

It serves him right.

I noticed he had lost a weight and looks like someone who's recuperating-- seeing he was at my door, I quickly shifted my gaze to the driver's seat and crossed my hands over my chest again when he opened the door.

"We're home." He announced with his hand stretched towards me.

I scoffed, "this isn't my home, take me back!"

"This is your home, was your home and will always be your home so stop being childish and let's go inside."

Turning to him, I eyed him, "never." Then crossed my leg over the other, "I'll never go inside that house, not even my dead body will go in there."

"Are we seriously going to do this again? Your fat ass drained all the energy in me so imma just have to drag your ass in there if you still insist."

"Don't try me Michele."

"Or what? Hit me? Slap me? Then go ahead but I won't let you out of my sight again and even you know I mean so it will be better for us if you quit the childish tantrums and go back home with me."

"I won't."

"I guess I'd have to drag you." He concluded and opened the door wider then made for my hand, he gripped it tightly.

To my horror, I realized he was serious about what he said. I struggled to remove mine from his and the more I did, the mkre he gripped it harder. I grabbed the car seat for support, "fine!" I yelled on top of my voice.

"Fine what?" The bastard asked with a smile.

"I'll..I'll willingly come with you."

"I didn't hear."

I shot him a glare to see him grinning like an idiot. He can grin all he want, I know my time will surely come and I'll gave the best grin. "I said, I'll willingly go with you!"

"Now that's more like it." He said triumphantly as he let go off me, "I always knew how to handle your stubborn ass."

"I hate you."

A grin spread across his stupid face, "That's so sweet, babe. I love you too."

*********

As he opened the door and I stepped inside, I began to feel some type. Walking into the house brought back this happiness I haven't experienced for days now within me but being in his room, oddly, this inner peace has suddenly settled on me as I took in room as if for the first time.

It's as if this is where I should always have been, I'm feeling like I am finally home after wandering for so long.

But this isn't home, this isn't my home.

And it's scaring me, I don't want to be here, I shouldn't be here! I stopped in my tracks and abruptly turned around, ready to bolt out of the door.

By a stroke of ill luck, I collided into Michy at the door. He left me after opening the door, he rested his eyes on me, looking at me closely till it dawned on him what I was going to do.

Then his face twisted in anger, Michy grabbed my shoulders and shook me, "how many times are you going to leave me?"

"Not once, not twice but every chance I get, I'll run away from you!"

"Try as much as you want, I'll always find you and drag you back home to where you belong with me."

"I don't belong to you or this house neither do you belong to me, have you forgotten so soon why I left this house?"

"I haven't forgotten the reason why you left this house that is why I brought you back because you got it all wrong."

"Are you seriosly going to tell me everything was a lie and that you never had a past with Imo which you hid from me?"

He released me and walked away. "I..I uh think you need to go take your bath. I'll get you something to eat, you look very drained--"

Grabbing his hand, I pulled him back, "answer the damn question and get this shit for which you brought me over here and stop acting like you care or you're mf boyfriend because you are not!"

"Yes, I know I'm not your boyfriend because I am your husband. Even God knows it cause we took blessings from him in his house and as long as your adopted father doesn't bring back the dowry I paid and return my drinks, you will stay here as my wife." Taking my hand in his, he walked us to the door and shot me a glare ad be let go off my hand. "If I am lying then freely walk out of this door like the stranger you claim you are."

I opened my mouth to say something but closed it and broke his stare. He was damn right, everything he said is the absolute truth, I may have taken off tha ring but truth still remains that I'm his wife according to Ghanaian tradition which we observed during the engagement.

Michy had already paid my bride price to daddy before he proposed, I only came to kmow of it at the party.

For once I was defeated, I had no way out. Glaring at him, I walked away and stood beside the window and crossed my hands over my chest.

"Go ahead and talk."

"Show some respect to your husband but you know what? Forget it, I'll discipline you when I'm done--"

"Will you start talking?" I snapped at him.

"I will and I just one, one single question for you."

"Which is?"

"Is this how weak your love for me is? That it took the words of someone to make you throw away everything we shared and leave--"

I looked at him in incredulity. "Someone you say? I can see you still haven't stopped blaming people for your mistakes."

"I never for once denied my fault or did I? I accepted but what did you do you left me! Is this how deep your so called love you always professed is?"

"Don't question my love besides it?? I don't love you anymore."

"Oh really?"

"Yes."

"Then why can I feel your heart beating for me?" He question, cupping me cheeks and bore his eyes into mine as if he was looking beyond me into my soul and spirit. 'Your eyes, why do I see the love you have for me in them?"

"Lies!" I spat, pulling his hands from my cheeks and turned my back to him. "You're uttering nonsense. I feel nothing for you, not even drop of love neither does my heart beat for you and these things you see in my eyes are nothing but the hatred I have for you." I forced myself to say those words and bit my lower lip to stop myself from crying.

Why I'm I hiding somegbing he has ready seen and knows?

I love him but I won't let him know. What is the need for him to when he chose her over me, forget about his so called hatred for Imogen, he was planning a wedding with her for God's sake! He made it clear I mean nothing to him, everything he said and did to me were only lies to fulfill his lust, he never loved me so why should I make a mockery of myself the more and tell him that I still love him more than ever?

Michy spun me around and once again cupped my face. "Alright, then I dare you to look into my eyes and say that. If you're able to do it, I'll never try to stop you from leaving and never bother you again."

What are you doing Michy and why?

I felt like crying as I darted my eyes about in his. You know I can't do this!

My tongue was tangled, I couldnt say a word or even look into his eyes, I averted them, blinking away a tear.

"Look at me and say it, Nae." He persisted, forcing me to look into his eyes again as he shook my cheeks, "open your mouth and tell me your heart doesn't beat for me and that you don't love me."

"I.. I don't--"

Michy shut his eyes, not wanting to hear what I was about to say and kissed me.

"This kiss, tell me you felt nothing and I'll tell you how much of a liar you are because even I felt your love for me in it--"

"I love you! Are you okay now?"

A satisfied grin plastered on his face, leaning down again, he brushed his lips on mine. "That is an understatement." He looked like a kid who's personally seen Santa on Christmas, he pressed his lips on mine again and this time, I didn't resist.

Enough of the denial, I was dome trying to fight him and what I feel for him. I'm done running away from that which gives me peace.

I titled my head and wrapped my hand around his torso as we deepened the kiss.

"I love you." He confessed and pulled me in a breath sucking hug. My heart leapt, it felt so good. Too damn good to hear those words from him again and having his arms wrapped around me as well. I've missed a lot.

I broke away from the hug, givibg him a small smile. "Not so fast."  "You have proven your point now explain yourself, since I got it all wrong like you said, I want to know the truth."

"Of course I'm going to tell you everything, come here." He said and pulled me with him to the bed and sat us down so we were facing each other. Michy then gently took my hands from my lap and looked up down at me since he was way taller. "Its time I told you the truth."

"This is what I've been wanting for me, I still haven't forgiven you yet so don't try to hide anything more."

"I promise to tell you the truth." He said, resting my hand on his chest then kissed my knuckles. "I can't risk that cause I don't to ever lose you again."

"Okay, okay, stop making me emotional and go ahead."

"I'll try not to. Uh as you already know Imogen and I had a past, she's the one for whom I tattoed the rose on my body. I'm sure by now she must have told you what happened between us right?" I nodded, "what exactly did she say?"

I furrowed my brows as I was confused, what is the need for this?

"I know why so please tell me."

"Okay.." I proceeded to tell me what Imogen had told me about her relationship with her blue eyes neighbour in Summerlin North and how misconception and her insecurity ruined their love story.

"All what you just said is the half truth, I won't say she lied to you."

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

We as Ghanaians have this traditional system like Nigeria where marriage is contracted when a man pays the bride price of the woman he loves either on the form if cash or expensive material possession like cow.

Afterwards they are recognized as husband and wife who can divorce only when the bride price is returned together with the bridal drink, popularly known as Schnap.

So that's what I adopted here since Monae is not only Ghanian maternaly but also born and bred there.