Journey to 'I do'

19- Love Novel or Korean Drama?

As I embarked on my daily routine of getting ready, I decided on a business casual look—wide-leg jeans paired with a plain white tee and a stylish blazer. Comfort mixed with professionalism; it was the perfect balance for another day at the office.

The workday unfolded like any other, filled with meetings, tasks, and the usual hustle. As the clock ticked towards the end of the day, I gathered my belongings and made my way out of the office. Little did I know, a surprise awaited me.

A familiar black Maybach caught my eye in the parking lot, and for a moment, disbelief hung in the air. There was no way he was here. Muhammad had actually come all the way to talk to me? The repeated mantra in my head echoed my incredulity. This couldn't be real.

As I approached the sleek car, the tinted windows only added to the mystery. My heartbeat quickened with every step, unsure of what awaited me inside the luxurious vehicle. He gracefully rolled down the window, revealing a billion-dollar smile that could rival any leading man in a romantic movie. The effort to suppress a chuckle at my stunned expression danced in his eyes.

Shaking my head in disbelief, a smile began to form on my face. "I can't believe you're here," I exclaimed, my voice a mix of surprise and delight.

"Why not?" he responded, his tone confident. "I told you I was coming." The air around us crackled with a sense of unreality, as if we had stepped into the script of a love story where unexpected gestures and grand declarations were the norm.

He motioned for me to get into the car, and I eagerly complied, settling into the comfortable passenger seat of the car.

"Please tell me you're here to take me to that smoky jollof place in the bush," I remarked, making him burst into laughter.

"Yes, that's exactly where we're going," he replied, his smile infectious as he kept his eyes on the road.

During the drive, we delved into random conversations. He asked about my well-being since leaving Abuja, inquiring if the recent events had left me feeling a bit stressed. The thoughtful questions extended to the upcoming wedding plans.

Over dinner, the conversation flowed as naturally as the ambiance of the restaurant allowed. I couldn't help but express my astonishment once again, asking, "Why did you spend so much to come to Lagos just for this conversation? My trip is only four days this time."

He smirked, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Let's just say, it didn't cost me as much as you might think. Maybe I found a shortcut in the sky."

I raised an eyebrow, puzzled by his cryptic response. "What do you mean?"

"Just don't worry about it."

I laughed, assuming he made some clever driving reference. "You really are full of surprises, Muhammad. But seriously, don't be this spontaneous again."

"Why wait that long? I know you'd be stressed out thinking about the conversation," he replied with a playful grin.

"Yes, but still, please don't catch me off guard like this. I need a bit of warning," I pleaded, half-jokingly, as we continued to enjoy the evening.

As we delved into the heart of our conversation, I couldn't help but bring up the fact that we had been talking for months, learning about each other, and spending time together. "Isn't that a talking stage already?" I asked, seeking clarification.

"I guess you're right," he responded, his gaze meeting mine with a thoughtful expression.

With a playful tone, we both agreed that a talking stage should last about 2-3 months. "So, you have three months to declare your intentions, or I'll cut you off to give my other suitors a chance," I joked, and he laughed in response.