MATILDA’S POV
I paced round my living room with my phone pressed to my ear. “You won’t believe that girl, Tessy,” I hissed, my voice was loud and filled with hatred.
“She had the audacity to stand there, look me dead in the eye, and sprout such nonsense as if she owns Arlan.” I continued.
Tessy’s amused laughter rang through the line. “Saraya again? That girl doesn’t know when to stop. You’ve got to teach her a lesson, Matilda. Don’t let her think she can walk all over you.”
“Exactly,” I snapped, running a hand through my hair. “She’s arrogant, entitled, and entirely too bold for her own good. I mean, Alex has spoiled her rotten, and now she thinks she can challenge me over Arlan.”
“Don’t let her steal your man,” Tessy warned, her tone dripping with mock sympathy. “I can’t believe Alex’s daughter is so wayward. She’s no match for you, though.”
I smirked. “She won’t get the chance. I’ll make sure of it. It’s such a pity, Alex doesn’t know he has a slut for a daughter, but I know exactly how to deal with her.”
Before Tessy could respond, a sharp knock on my door interrupted our conversation. I froze, my eyes darting to the front door. My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, I wondered who it could be at this hour.
“Tessy, someone’s at the door,” I whispered into the phone, lowering my voice instinctively. “I’ll call you back.”
“Alright,” Tessy said. “I’ll be waiting for your call.”
I ended the call and moved cautiously toward the door, my mind racing. My fingers hovered over the control panel of the CCTV system, and when the screen flickered to life, I froze at the figure in it.
“Arlan.” I rubbed my hand over the screen.
His face was hard, his jaw clenched tight, and his eyes burned with fury. Even through the grainy image, I could see he was in rough shape-his clothes were disheveled, and there was a visible bruise on his cheek. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to expect, but then I pressed the button to grant him access.
When he stepped inside, his presence filled the room, and the tension was immediate.
“Arlan,” I said, concerned as I walked toward him. “What happened to you? You look-”
“I’m not here to talk about me,” he interrupted, his tone sharp and cutting. He looked at me with an intensity that sent a chill down my spine.
I folded my arms, trying to maintain my composure. “Then why are you here?”
He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. “Why are you stalking Saraya?”
The accusation hit me like a slap, but I quickly masked my shock with feigned ignorance. “Stalking?” I echoed, my voice rising slightly. “What are you talking about, Arlan? I don’t know what that bitch told you but you’ve got it all wrong.”
“She is not a bitch, she has a name and her is Saraya.” He retorted.
I hated the way he called her name. I inserted a finger in my right ear and blew air on it like what he had just said meant nothing. “Well, I see her as one and until my perception of her changes, she will continue to be a called a bitch by me.”
“What do you think you are doing Matilda?” Arlan asked in a deep baritone voice. “Getting her to misunderstood our relationship wasn’t enough and now you’re stalking her? How crazy can you be?”
“I just said you got it wrong.” I snapped at him. “You’re not even asking me what happened.”
He wasn’t buying it. “Don’t play dumb, Matilda. Saraya told me about the grocery store incident and I’m sure you followed her. So tell me, why were you even there in the first place?”
I scoffed, letting out a hollow laugh. “The grocery store? Really, Arlan? I happened to bump into her there, that’s all. Coincidence is what sensible people call it, nothing more.”
His jaw tightened. “Coincidence? You expect me to believe that? There are dozens of grocery stores in your neighborhood. Why would you go all the way to hers?”
I felt my temper flare. “Is there a law that says I can’t shop wherever I want? Do I need your permission or hers to spend my hard-earned money in a store just because it happens to be in Saraya’s neighborhood?”
“Stop twisting this around, Matilda,” he shot back. “You’re crossing a line, and you know it.”
I threw my hands in the air, exasperated. “This is ridiculous, Arlan! You come barging in here, accusing me of God knows what, all because your precious Saraya can’t handle a simple encounter? Maybe she’s the one with the problem, not me!”
His gaze hardened, and for a moment, the room was silent, the tension thick enough to choke on.
“You’re not fooling me,” he said finally, his voice low but firm. “Stay away from Saraya, Matilda. I’m warning you.”
“Or else what?” I challenged Arlan. “Tell me, what would you do?” I added. “Because at the moment, I’m so interested in what you would do if I don’t stay away from your Saraya.”
He scoffed and nodded his head. “If you’re going to be like this, then I think we should put a stop to our friendship.” He walked to the door, turned the knob but I wasn’t done.
“Can you tell Alex, you ended our friendship because you’re lusting after his daughter?” I asked and I saw his hand left the knob of the door. A satisfied smirk played on my lips. “Because if you can’t, there is no stopping me from spilling the milk.”
He turned abruptly. “Matilda!”
“I’ve had enough of your escapades and threat, Arlan.” I yelled at him. “You want to end our friendship, fine, go ahead but shouldn’t you have a genuine reason to give if our circle of friends should ask and meat see what they think about you frolicking with your best friend’s daughter.” I emphasized on each words with disgust.
Arlan’s face darkened, and for a moment, I thought he might snap. But supposedly, he took a deep breath, his lips pressing into a thin line.
“You’re unbelievable, Matilda,” he said, his voice calmer but no less dangerous. “Dragging Alex into this just to threaten me? That’s low, even for you.”
I stepped closer, crossing my arms over my chest. “Oh, don’t you dare act like you’re some saint, Arlan. You’re the one crossing boundaries with Saraya. Maybe you should be the one explaining yourself to Alex and not me.”
His jaw clenched, “I’m going to say this one last time,” he said. “Leave Saraya alone. If you don’t, I would show you a side of me, you don’t know exist.”
I scoffed, trying to mask the flicker of panic his words ignited. “You wouldn’t dare. You’re too much of a coward to risk your precious reputation.”
Arlan’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “Try me, Matilda. I’m done playing your games.”
With that, he turned and opened the door, slamming it shut behind him. The sound of the door sent a cold shiver down my spine, leaving me standing there in stunned silence.
For a moment, I didn’t move. My mind raced and I suddenly felt like throwing up. I covered my mouth and rushed to the restroom.
After throwing up, reality hit me. “Could I be pregnant?” I asked myself and giggled at the thought of me being pregnant. “It’s too early to assume. I have to visit the clinic tomorrow.”
I headed back to the living room and grabbed my phone and dialed Tessy again.
“Matilda,” she answered immediately. “What is it?” She asked me. “You sound off.”
“Arlan,” I hissed. “He came here accusing me of stalking Saraya.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line before Tessy let out a sharp laugh. “That’s rich. He’s so blinded by that little tramp, isn’t he?”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “But it doesn’t matter. If he wants a fight, I’ll give him one. And when this is over, Tessy, Saraya won’t know what hit her.”
“Go girl, I trust you.” Tessy hailed me.
“There is something I … I,” I stammered. “I think you should know.”
“What is it?”
“I think I might be pregnant.” I revealed and drew a gasp from Tessy.
“Oh my goodness.” Tessy screamed out in excitement.
“Hush, lower your voice.” I cautioned her. “Nothing is confirmed yet, I would have to visit the clinic tomorrow.”
Still gleaming with excitement. “You should, once it’s confirmed you’re pregnant. Arlan would have no other choice than to be with you.” Tessy replied. “I don’t believe Arlan would choose Saraya over his own flesh and blood.”
I nodded, agreeing with Tessy. “I don’t believe either.”
“Matilda, I have a question for you.” Tessy said in a serious tone.
“Shoot.” I urged her on. “I’m all ears.”
“I mean you can as well just Alex what is going on between Arlan and Saraya and get it done with, without having altercation with anyone.”
“You think so?” I asked her. “And I wish it was as simple as that.”
I sighed. “Telling Alex everything would betraying and trust me, he would never forgive me for it. Have you also thought, exposing them could make them elope?” I asked. “Just the thought of it gives me goosebumps.”
“You’re such a deep thinker, I’ll give it to you.” Tessy finally said.
“We should call it a night,” I suggested. “I’ll be sure to give you a call when I’m back from the clinic.”
“What about meeting up?” Tessy suggested.
“Sounds good.” I seconded her suggestion. “See you tomorrow.”
“See y’all.” Tessy blew kisses to me.
“Bye.” I ended the call and slumped into the sofa. “What a day!” I said, recalling Arlan’s angry face.