The next day, anticipation bubbled within Jessica as she arrived early at the bustling airport, her eyes scanning the crowd for a glimpse of Michael. She hoped to catch a glimpse of him upon his arrival and play the role of a couple with him, attracting onlookers and paparazzi. Sunlight flooded through the windows, casting long shadows on the polished floors as travellers bustled past, their voices blending into a soft hum.
Near the arrivals gate, Jessica lingered, her heart racing with anticipation. Each moment felt like an eternity as she searched for Michael amidst the crowd. But as time slipped away, hope dwindled, replaced by a sinking feeling of disappointment.
Meanwhile, Michael anticipated that Jessica might try to follow him. He arrived at the airport in disguise, using the VIP entrance alongside Robert, who accompanied him. Their careful planning thwarted any chance of Jessica spotting him. Consequently, Jessica had no opportunity to see him. Frustrated, she decided to board the plane while Michael settled into the first-class cabin, engrossed in reading online news on his iPad.
Jessica was confident that Michael had boarded the same flight because Patricia had sent her the flight number and made arrangements for them to be on the same plane. She tapped her manicured nails impatiently on the glossy pages of the in-flight magazine. Her eyes, however, weren't on the luxury watches or exotic destinations advertised; they darted across the cramped economy cabin, searching, scanning. A frown etched itself between her brows as realisation dawned. Economy? Michael wouldn't be caught dead in this sardine can.
A slow smirk played on her lips. Patricia, with her keen planning, had confirmed his flight and even arranged 'coincidentally' for them to be on the same plane. But where was he? Surely not in first class, basking in luxury while she stewed in the back? The thought fuelled her simmering anger. He was playing her, she knew it! His mother, ever the matchmaker, had spilled the beans about his Lagos trip, and she knew that Patricia would never deceive her. She felt that Michael, aware of the plan between his mother and Jessica, was intentionally keeping his distance from her.
Could it be that Michael was aware she was following him to Lagos and intentionally deceived her, knowing that his mother, who wanted Jessica for him, would inform her about his departure for Lagos? Jessica thought. Her seductive outfit, carefully chosen to captivate him on the flight, suddenly felt wasted. But a new plan sparked in her eyes. There was only one way out of this plane, and she wouldn't miss him this time.
The ticking clock mocked Jessica with each passing second. One hour and fifteen minutes felt like an eternity trapped in the cramped economy cabin for Jessica, each tick of the clock amplifying the nervous flutter in her chest. Jessica knew she had to endure the flight and patiently wait for the plane to land. Soon, Michael would be hers. But through the boredom, a triumphant smirk tugged at her lips as she pictured his surprise. 'Sorry, Chioma,' she muttered under her breath, a cold sneer replacing the smile, 'but I have no choice but to claim my man and leave you heartbroken.'
As the plane's wheels made contact with the runway, a low rumble echoed through the cabin. Jessica's grip tightened on the armrests, her heart racing with each jolt as the aircraft descended onto the tarmac of Lagos airport. Outside her window, the familiar sights of the airport terminals came into view, but there was no sign of Michael.
As they disembarked, Jessica caught sight of Michael ahead, moving purposefully towards the airport's VIP entrance. Her breath caught when she saw a sleek, red Ferrari, like something out of a movie, pull up to the entrance. Its engine sounded powerful and smooth, like a happy cat purring. Out stepped Michael, looking confident as ever, accompanied by Robert. They exchanged a few words before Michael slid into the passenger seat, the Ferrari gliding away from the scene in a blur of speed, taking him to a different hotel, not the Sharton Hotel. Robert, who was with him, hailed an airport taxi and got in.
As the Ferrari sped away, Jessica felt a surge of urgency. She needed to follow them. Dashing through the crowded terminal, she navigated her way to the taxi stand. Spotting a green sedan at the curb, its driver gesturing impatiently, she quickly approached. 'Sharton Hotel,' she said breathlessly, flinging open the door and settling into the worn leather seat. Believing that Michael was heading to the Sharton Hotel, she informed the relatively old taxi driver, who wore black-rimmed glasses, of her destination.
The journey seemed endless as they weaved through the labyrinthine streets of Lagos. Jessica's mind raced with thoughts of Michael, his swift departure leaving her feeling adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
Just as the taxi was about to stop in front of the main entrance of the hotel, Jessica received a message from Patricia. It stated that Michael would no longer be staying at the Sharton Hotel but at the Pearl Hotel instead, in room number 1009. The message also mentioned that if she informed the hotel staff of his Identity Number, they would open the door for her. Patricia added that Jessica could mention she was Michael's future wife, confident that no one would dare refuse her, unless they were seeking trouble. Jessica cursed Michael under her breath as she finished reading the message.
Meanwhile, the sleek red Ferrari purred to a halt at the Pearl Hotel's grand entrance. Stepping out, Michael smoothed his designer suit, the crisp fabric whispering against his hand. The doorman, eyes widening in recognition, bowed slightly. Inside, the lobby hummed with activity—the clink of silverware from the restaurant, the murmur of conversation, and the rhythmic swoosh of the central fountain. Heads turned, whispers followed his path as he strode towards the elevator. He held his chin high, relishing the hushed respect that clung to him like an invisible cloak. A press of the button, a chime, and the polished doors slid open. Stepping inside, the scent of expensive cologne mingled with the faint aroma of lilies. With a purposeful jab, he sent the elevator soaring towards the top floor, the cityscape shrinking beneath him.
As the elevator neared his floor, Michael's phone chimed. He glanced at the screen, recognizing Jessica's name flashing across it, but he decided to let it ring and slid it into his pocket, ignoring the persistent buzzing. Finally, the elevator doors slid open onto the top floor, and he stepped out into the hushed hallway, his footsteps echoing softly against the plush carpeting.
Pausing before room 1009, Michael retrieved his key card from his pocket, the cool plastic pressing against his fingertips. With a deft swipe, the door clicked open, and he slipped inside, enveloped by the hushed ambiance of the suite. Closing the door behind him, Michael reached for the switch, bathing the room in a warm glow as the lights flickered to life.
Effortlessly, he slipped out of his jacket, feeling the gentle caress of the fabric as it glided down his arms. Draping it over the back of a nearby chair, Michael walked towards the bedroom, his steps purposeful and unhurried. Retrieving his phone from his trouser pocket, he punched in Robert's number, his thumb tapping out the digits with practiced ease. 'Need you here,' he said to Robert over the phone.
On the other hand, as Jessica caught up with Robert at the entrance of the hotel, she noticed the subtle curve of his lips as he greeted her. It was a smile, fleeting yet unmistakable, as if some hidden thought had momentarily amused him.
In Robert's mind, memories flickered like scenes from a movie reel—countless instances of lovestruck girls pursuing their beloveds, their hearts set on reconciliation, a scenario often successful in movies.Yet, he knew Jessica's pursuit would be in vain. It wasn't just a matter of probability; it was a truth he couldn't deny, even to himself. Robert thought to himself as he glanced at Jessica. Despite wanting Jessica for Michael, Robert still knew that it was impossible to control one's heart when it came to love.
'Madam Jessica, I never thought you had such a childish side as to chase Sir Michael over here,' Robert teased lightly, the words carrying a hint of amusement. 'I'm sure you've seen plenty of romance movies.'
Jessica's smile faltered, a spark of defiance igniting in her gaze. 'Just help me see Michael,' she pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. 'Please.'
Robert's smile softened. 'I understand,' he said, his tone sincere. 'Trust me, I want to help. But I will do that starting from tomorrow. Sir Michael won't be pleased to see you now. He has a meeting with the Lagos State governor at 3 PM and another meeting at the branch office building at 5 PM. As you can see, he is quite occupied today.'
'Why can't I be a part of his schedule?' Jessica yelled, her anger evident.
'Do you trust me?' Robert asked calmly.
Jessica sighed and, after a moment, replied, 'As if I have a choice.'
Robert smiled reassuringly. 'I will try to create a good opportunity for you.' With that, he walked inside the hotel.
At that moment, the light drizzle began to fall, carrying the earthy scent of petrichor. Jessica watched as a couple strolled hand-in-hand, their laughter muffled by the pattering of raindrops. The woman, visibly pregnant, rubbed her arms for warmth, a shiver rippling through her frame. Sensing her discomfort, the man's eyes met hers, a silent question passing between them. His hand moved with practiced ease, unzipping his jacket. With a gentle gesture, he draped it around her shoulders, the fabric enveloping her like the embrace Jessica yearned for. They pulled closer, a silent language of love painted in the rain, sending a shard of longing through her. She observed the woman's pregnant belly, a visible sign of their deep connection, which stirred a bittersweet longing within her. The thought of creating a child with Michael briefly flickered through Jessica's mind, igniting a momentary spark of hope and joy. However, she quickly dismissed the possibility, acknowledging the harsh reality that it may never come to fruition. Despite her inner turmoil, she couldn't tear her gaze away from the couple's intimate moment. They appeared to be a married couple, unabashedly displaying their affection in public, a sight that both warmed and pained Jessica's heart.
Tears welled up in Jessica's eyes as she continued to stare at the loving couple. The scene played out like a cruel movie, highlighting the void in her own life. Michael, she knew, would never do that for her. The image of Chioma, warm and content in his arms, flickered in her mind. Jessica was certain that if Chioma were feeling cold, Michael would have done the same for her, but he would never do such a gesture for her. Michael would never play the role of a loving partner with her, yet he seemed to effortlessly do so with Chioma.
A sob escaped her lips, tears blurring the world around her. 'Michael,' she whispered, the rain mingling with her tears, 'I didn't want to chase you...but I couldn't help it. I've tried, but I can't convince myself to let you go,' Jessica whispered, wiping away her tears. Her gaze remained fixed on the couple as they disappeared from sight. 'I love you, Michael. I've loved you since the day I was born.'
Jessica stood at that spot, lost in her thoughts. She cried until she was exhausted from crying. Then, like a foolish idiot, she began to laugh. Turning away, she headed for the front desk to book a room.