Jeff drove back to his apartment and joined his company of friends. There were bottles of empty alcoholic wine scattered on the large center table.
They hailed Jeff as he made his way in and welcomed him with a glass of whiskey.
“Guy, you have to be fast with that chick before she catches on,” One of his friends said and jabbed him by the side.
“She is going back and forth, I am getting upset but l have to maintain my cool else I get bursted… One major constraint is my father. My plan was to eat her deep while I continue to make empty promises about marriage but father has his own plans, he wants me to marry her off so as to form an alliance with her family. I can’t be tied down with marriage,” Jeff responded.
“You can also use marriage to your advantage. After getting the best out of her, you go ahead and file for a divorce.. Isn’t it as simple?” One of his friends said and others nodded in affirmation.
“Divorce isn’t as easy as that nowadays. Moreover, it will be too painful for her. I don’t want to hurt her,” Jeff responded.
“What!? Jim! Don’t tell me you are falling for her already,” one of his friends yelled. “No, I’m not. I am just being humane,” Jeff said. “The last time I checked, humanity is missing in our rules,” another said. “Yeah but she is different. I just….” Jeff said but his voice trailed away.
“How far is the other ongoing plan?… I mean the wife of Evan’s CEO?” Another one of his friends asked.
“Didn’t you hear the news? The recent fire outbreak in her husband’s company was a spoiler but I still have my cards… The pictures and videos are alI intact.” Jeff responded.
“Jimmy Jeff! Jim! Jim! I trust you for that. You’ve never missed any target,” another one of his friends hailed.
“Be sure you get it all nailed. This is the real deal. Being the director of Johnson Electronics is one of your father’s tactics to tie you down. He can do and undo. Also, do not get funny ideas about your girl. Love isn’t our tuff,” one of the gang members said and patted Jeff’s shoulder.
*******
Lisa was in a frenzy. She could not wait to see Alex. She drove down to the hospital and rushed into Alex’s room.
“Alex! She screamed, “you are back! You are back indeed!” She rushed towards him and hugged him without hesitation.
Alex winced but whispered, “I’m sorry you’re here…I thought you would have left me.”
“How could I? You were burnt and in a coma. You played your cards well…” Lisa teased. “It wasn’t intentional,” Alex stuttered.
“Let’s not think about anything. Let’s just celebrate your return… I’ve missed you, the company missed you, your kids missed you, we all did…” Lisa said and plastered a kiss on his cheek.
There was a knock at the door. A nurse cleared her throat noisily and walked in but Lisa refused to let go, she held tightly to her husband.
“Ma’am, the doctor will like to see you when you are done,” the nurse said. Lisa nodded and continued with her enterprise.
“You have no shame,” Alex said. “Do I look like I care?” Lisa muttered and rested her head on Alex’s shoulder. Tears coursed through her face unhindered and Alex stared at her in wonderment. “The fire is indeed a blessing in disguise,” he thought.
Alex soon fell asleep. Lisa considered him for a while and slipped out of the room. She made her way to see the doctor in charge.
“We will observe him for a week. We need to be sure of his stability before fixing him up for facial surgery,” The doctor informed Lisa.
“Is that all that is needed?” Lisa asked. “Yes. His face suffered major burns, he would need grafting. Other burns on his body are not as fatal. They could leave scars but they will heal up.”
“Alright, thanks so much for your steadfastness,” Lisa said and returned to her husband.
*****
Beep, beep, beep, Jane’s phone rang.
She picked up and realized it was Benny. “Why is he calling? It’s night already” she muttered as she received the call.
“Hello,” Jane said smugly. “Hello Jane, are you aware? Mr Alex is back! His wife is right at the hospital. I guessed she was too elated to give you a call,” Benny said.
“Wow!” Jane screamed and jumped up excitedly. “I will be right there,” she said and hung up.
******
Lisa cooed over her husband, all she wanted was to be with him. Despite his burns and incoherent articulations, she wanted to talk to him and ensure he was still with her.
The door suddenly flung open, it was Jane, “Oh! Hope I did not interrupt anything? I am sorry, I was too excited to knock,” she apologized.
“Common! Come on in… Do I look like I care? Lisa encouraged the already embarrassed Jane.
She walked in and Benny followed suit. It was a sweet reunion. They were all happy to have Alex back.
“Please, let’s make this confidential until he is done with the surgery. It could be burdensome if this is revealed to the public now,” Benny suggested.
“You are right” Lisa responded and they continued to discuss in low tones.
“Can we just take a stroll?” Benny requested suddenly.
“Why not?” Jane said and followed him out of Alex’s room.
“Have you considered my request?” Benny asked suddenly.
“What do you want from me? l told you I am engaged and it is approved by both families… Infact, I’ll be going home this weekend for discussion on my wedding plans,” Jane responded.
Benny suddenly took hold of one of her arms and spinned her around until she faced him again. He inched his face close to hers and his eyes traced her lips with fire in them.
“Tell me something, do you love him? Are you sure he loves you back? Are you happy about the betrothal? Are you sure you won’t regret it? Your body language tells me you don’t love him,” Benny said and wound his arms around her tiny waist. He hinged his mouth for a kiss but Jane snapped out of her daze. She tilted her head sideways and avoided the kiss.
“What.. what the hell do you think you are doing!?” Jane stuttered but her voice trailed away. She was clearly flustered.
Benny wasn’t deterred. He slowly tilted Jane’s mouth back to his and bent all the way. He brushed his lips on hers and Jane clamped her eyes shut.
He held her tenderly and took her lips in his, he kissed her softly.
“Excuse me, what do you think you are doing?!” Lisa barked out from behind. She had followed after them when they left Alex’s room.
Jane’s eyes flung open. Benny’s hold lasted a second. His mesmerizing stares pierced into Jane’s mind. Jane held his gaze for another second before struggling out of his hold.
Benny let her go and turned around. He bowed slightly and said to Lisa, “overlook my indulgence ma’am,” he said and left the scene.
Jane was a shade of red. She also escaped the scene without saying a word to Lisa.
Lisa remained confused and stood rigid to a spot. She started this and she hoped she did not push Jane into error.