𝟑𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥

~~ 23. ~~

"Is it not better if you end the deal?" Bayo said calmly watching his friend's reaction. Demilade frown.

"What? I can't end the deal Bayo. I need this. And also... I know she needs the money. I know she won't accept anything from me if she decides to leave. I shouldn't have said those words."

"Yeah, he shouldn't have said it," Bayo said and Demilade glared at him. "I know you don't want to hear that words but you have to. How many times do I tell you to just learn to trust other women? Every woman is not Yimika and Angela. You closed your eyes to other things. You picture every woman to be Yimika. They were the wrong ones. Stop comparing them as one. You got to stop this arrogant attitude of yours. " Bayo said angrily.

He was quiet. He knew Bayo was right. He doesn't trust women. And he is afraid to commit. He even sees every one of them as his past lovers. Betrayer. Cheat. And Extortionist.

"Remember she isn't my girlfriend. It's a fake." He said quietly without looking at his friend.

"I know but you got to do the real thing soon. If you can't handle a fake, how will you handle a real girlfriend? There is always going to be an argument. We are humans and we are not perfect. We see things differently. But you've got to be patient Demmy. You've got to have faith and trust them. There are many times I have to apologize to Helen for things that are just ordinary. For things that aren't my fault. But I have to do it because she is my wife. Because she is a woman and they need love, care and pampering. "

"But I already apologize. She might even be gone before I get home today."

"Well, you have to keep apologizing. That should serve as a little punishment for you. You need to handle that pride of yours. And I think you've got one." Bayo said and smirked.

He didn't like Lola the first time he met her at Fareed's sister's dinner party. He had pictured her as one of those girls that are easily bought with money since it didn't take long for Demilade to convince her. She appeared in a radiant cloth at the dinner that got most of the ladies jealous and talking. Even Helen talked about her dress. And he thought she might had extort a lot from him to get that dress.

But she was a different person from the one he pictured. She was nice, easygoing, and respectful. And even as she acted as his pretty girlfriend, fooling everyone, she knew her place. She didn't move beyond that. She talks only when need be. She doesn't involve in unnecessary chatters with the ladies like she knew her place. And she isn't lousy.

During the visit to his home. She had been a nice host. She wasn't even angry that Demilade hadn't warned her about their visit - something he knew Demilade did intentionally. And she was nice to him and his wife. She even indirectly insulted and cautioned him in their presence. Something most ladies won't bother doing.

Demilade might not say it. But he knew that Demilade had got a match. He got what he wasn't expecting from the deal. A challenge.

He wanted a puppet who is going to bow to his money. But instead, he got a big challenge that he can't seem to control. And also his emotions are getting in line.

Lola might be the right woman. But he isn't going to tell him that. His friend got to discover that on his own. He only prays silently that Lola will change her mind about leaving the house and ending the deal. He really wished earnestly for it.

Demilade just looked away from his friend. As much as he hated being talked to, which Bayo knew very well. He still does. He is always honest and true to himself. He will say it even if it hurt him and his feelings. And he will end it with a joke. But the words had already done their job.

He won't lie to him. He will say the truth to his face. That is why he is his best friend.

Uche walked into the office and approached her boss's desk. She nodded a greeting at Bayo who replied with his signature smile.

"Mr Demmy, your time with your friend is over. You should be on your way to the site at V. I. The branch at Ibadan had sent the weekly report on the warehouse development and the shipment entries." She said to her boss.

Demilade rubbed his temple with his finger. For the first time, he wasn't interested in doing any work.

"Send me the reports when Mrs Okon has checked them. Tell the driver to prepare the car. I will be down soon." He answered.

"Alright." She said and she left the office.

"It's hard right?" Bayo asked watching his friend. Demilade didn't understand what he meant. So he raised a brow, quizzically. "Dealing with personal stuff and work."

"I do it always," Demilade said.

"No, you don't. This is not about your mom or grandma. This is more personal. Your own life. You are dealing with a woman for the first time in a long time. And it seems complicated." Bayo said like he knows the feeling so well. He smiled seeing his friend's face. He knows he isn't wrong.

"Don't worry, you will get used to it."

He picked up his briefcase and stands up.

"It's not new Demmy. We all go through it. It will get better in time." He added.

"You are talking like she is my girlfriend."

"Fake or not. Deal or not. She is for now. That's what everyone thinks. Even your mom. Maybe you should practice how to be a good boyfriend."

"Why do I get the feeling there is another meaning in that sentence?" Demilade asked with the arch of his brow quirked up.

Bayo shrugged. "I don't know. But it won't be too bad going on a real date with Tiwalola. She is pretty. And I like her. But that is only if she still wants to see your ass."

Demilade pick a pen and threw it at Bayo. And he laughed loudly. He couldn't help but join his friend. He felt relieved for the first time that day. And he was glad and grateful that his best friend came around that day.

"I will make things right. But it is just a deal." Demilade said with a tone of finality.

"If your royal highness says so," Bayo said with a bow and Demilade laughed before they both walked out of the office.

It's been long right? I'm so sorry for the late update. You won't imagine what I am going through personally and educationally. It's been quite tough now. But just manage this one. By January everything will be back to normal and I can promise a regular update.

So here is another chapter, Lola refuses to talk with Demilade and the guilt is eating him up. I think he actually deserves it. God has caught him 😂 😂 😂 😂

Let's see what will happen next. I've got some nice chapters to come. Until then.

Thanks for reading.
Xoxo
Rhoda.