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Saturday came and he was over at my place to take me to see Lili.

I was all dressed up before he arrived because I was so determined to know who this Lili was.

We have gotten over the last Sunday night and was back with our usual self.

I was doing most of the talking while he drives.

He turned to the road that looks familiar.

I know the road very well but didn’t say anything.

He drove until we got to a big restaurant.

I was shock as the place stare back at me.

It was my favorite restaurant, where I usually come to dine with Richard and it was the same place Richard brought me to before breaking up with me.

Ever since then I never stepped foot there again, coming back after staying away for so long brought back lots of unforgettable memory.

That night was like a suicidal night, my heart was shattered into pieces. I thought I was going to die but here I am again back to the same place but with a better man in my life whom I’m not yet sure if what JoJo said about his manhood is true or not.

He received a call again from Lili and was saying “yes… yes” during the short conversation. He laughed, maybe Lili said something funny.

I felt a tingle of jealous with the friendly way he freely speaks to Lili.

I guess he wants us to eat first before we continue to Lili’s place. But despite the place used to be my favorite restaurant, I was not hungry.

I breathed deeply as Ohio took my hand.

He asked me if i was alright, I nodded even as the whole memory of that place came rushing back.

I asked him what we are doing in a restaurant, if he wants to eat or what.

He replied

” we are here to see Lili. Becca, this was our initial plan… we both agreed on it today and you have looked forward to meeting Lili. Why are you suddenly acting uninterested and cold?

He squeezed my hand gently to make me feel comfortable.

I followed him quietly without another word, wondering to myself if Lili was waiting for us in a restaurant.

Immediately we entered the place, a Lady appeared, spreading out her hands to Ohio who took her into his arms.

After they gave each other warm hug, I saw the lady’s face clearly and almost screamed out.

she also looked at me with shock written all over her. Which means she recognized me too.

I was dumb founded as I looked into the face of the kind Lady that took me home that night.

She even gave me her complimentary card and I didn’t even know where I dropped the card after that night.

Her word came rushing back to my mind.

…This is my business card, just in case you need someone to talk to. My name is Lydia. I live with my family…my husband and two sons close to the restaurant where I work. Listen to me, this is not the end of life…. i understand how painful and thorn you are right now but give yourself time, you will be fine. You are beautiful and will get over all this. Is his loss not yours, don’t blame yourself for any of this. He was blind not to see the good woman in you. I can lead you inside if you want…

Those were her exact words to me that night. I remembered every detail.

The realization baffles me greatly.

So, all this while Ohio’s Lili was Lydia. But who is she to Ohio?

Lili was beautiful, young and very cheerful.

I feel at peace seeing her again, it was a good time to thank her properly for that night she showed me sisterly love.

It was indeed a small world, I never thought I will meet her this way again after avoiding the restaurant for a very long time.

“Becca, meet Lili. She is the one I have being talking over the phone with and the owner of this restaurant. She is a great cook, I haven’t seen anyone that can beat her cooking yet…

Lydia blushed, I smile but I still wanted to hear more. How is Lydia related to him? Is she a friend, an ex, his wife or what exactly?

I was beginning to get impatient. I spoke before Ohio will continue with the introduction.

“I have met Lydia before. I never knew she was the Lili you have being talking about. This place used to be my best restaurant but I stopped coming after my ex broke up with me here. That night I was devastated but Lydia offered to help and even took me home that night. I lost her business card and I never get a chance to thank her for her kindness.

Ohio shouted “wow” and Lili snapped her finger excitedly.

“ehee!… I knew that I have seen your face before. We have a lot of customers coming and going here, I couldn’t figure it out. I remember that night very well and what a coincidence that the lady after Ohio’s heart is same one that wanted to die because of an unworthy man. I told you that with time you will get a better man who deserves you and here we are…. you are lucky to have a man like Ohio and he is blessed to have you because I see your selflessness that night. You are transparent and love deeply. You have nothing to fear Becca, you are in safe hands.

I felt relaxed at Lydia’s word. She makes me feel at peace, with the way she speak. It shows that she and Ohio are not into any Eros kind of love affair. Maybe is a platonic relationship, they have grown fond of each other.

“This is quite interesting to know that both of you have met before. Becca, I know I showed you my family members. My Mom, Dad, Klint and Natalie. Yes they are my family and Lili here is another family member that I didn’t mention, you were so curios to know who she was and I decided to leave all the introduction till we meet with her. Lili is my cousin. We grew up together back in the state before she came down to the country. When my Mom was ill, she was the one taking care of the house, she was a good cook back then and even far better now and we all enjoyed her food. And most important she took care of Natalie during my mother’s absence. We all grew fond of her until she decided to come down here, and later got married. She have two smart boys and her husband is also an international trained chef. They run this place together but sometimes he enjoy staying with his boys, teaching them how to be real men… hahahahaha! Lili has over fed me with her delicious cooking ever since I relocated down here. She sends food to my house, office and I can never complain that I’m hungry anytime she is around. She also thought Dora how to prepare some delicacies. She is really taking care of me like one of her boys, even though she is just “three years” ahead of me in age which is really nothing. She used to spank me whenever I say that back when I was still a boy but not again. I have already accepted to be anything even if she sees me as one of her boys, I don’t mind. All that matters to me is I get fed at all time, I won’t complain…..

We all burst out laughing. Maybe I was laughing even more because I feel so free and very much relaxed after hearing him say Lili was his “cousin”

As we sat, Lili called one of the staffs and gave him menu for Ohio. She seem to know his favourite foods. She asked me what I wanted and I mentioned mine without shyness. I know I said that I wasn’t hungry before but I am now. Lili later left me and Ohio alone immediately our food arrives.

Ohio turned to me with a smile and said.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

“Did you think I will have another woman and still come after you? If Lili was my wife, girlfriend or lover why will I still want to be in another relationship? I know some men keep different women but I’m a whole different man. I can’t keep two women at the same time and I don’t rush into a relationship or rush into anything at all. I take my time Becca and that is what I want you to understand about me. I may see a lady and admire her, either her looks, her hairdo, her styles of dressing but it ends right there. I won’t go further when I know I’m in a relationship with someone. I asked you to trust me and I need you to do just that. I love you Becca…. i understand you might have had several heart breaks and confuse when the word “love” is mentioned. This is why you need to trust me. I won’t sugar coat my word just to please you. I’m too old for such games. Klint, my younger brother got married at 29years. I’m 34 and will be turning 35years soon and I don’t want to make any mistake when it comes to settling down. Becca, I will tell you exactly how I feel and what I want from you, I hate to beat around with words. You got me glued the first period I started noticing you back in the office. And ever since then I have not being able to think of another woman except you…. even when you pushed me off with the news of your engagement I still thinks of you. But still have to respect your decisions. i hate double dating, I don’t adhere anything cheating in a relationship and will not because of my selfishness pressurize you into my life and you will end up hurting another man who trusted you. I stayed away from dramas. I believe even if you are not the right person, I will end up happy with another woman that will understand me. And I’m glad…. that is you Becca” I wanted everything about you right from the day I started nurturing my feelings towards you”

I was enjoying both the food and the words as it poured from his mouth. I love hearing him reassure me of his love. It makes me feel so good and secure.

Even though I’m yet to understand how he loves and want me but will turn off anytime i try to get so intimate with him.

We had a great day with Lili. She asked the managers to take charge in her absence as she took us to meet her family.

I met her husband and two sons. Her house was not far from the restaurant, so it was a short drive.

We stayed over there and the husband made desert and ice tea for everyone, his wife was not left out. They look good together.

We later hugged and said goodbye to everyone before entering the road back to our base.

Ohio went to drop me off and as usual we said our good nights and he waited until I was in before driving off.