Bonus chapter

8 years ago(2 months after the accident)

I got into my apartment and pulled the winter coat off my body. "Whew! That was a heavy one" i muttered and locked the door. I strode over to the kitchen to make myself a cup of hot coffee and just as I was about to take a sip the door bell rang which made me groan in annoyance.

I left the kitchen and went over to get the door. "Martina" a handsome tall stranger stood at my door with a killer smile on his face. He seemed familiar but I couldn't recall where I met him. Maybe he was part of the memory i lost.

"Hi, who are you?" Hurt flashed in his eyes and he sighed. "Can I come in?" He asked and though I was reluctant I still gave him a room to come in.

I shut the door and offered him a seat. "Coffee?" He nodded and I went to the kitchen and made an extra cup. I returned with our cups of coffee and handed him his own.

"You really can't remember me?" He asked in a hush tone and I looked away from his hurt face. "I'm sorry..... "Stefano" his name sure pressed a button in my head but I still couldn't remember. "I wish i could Stefano but I had an accident two months ago and I've still not been able to recall what happened in my life in the last few months, I'm sorry" he nodded in understanding but it didn't eradicate his emotions and it made me wondered what we may have shared.

"That's by the way. I guess we'd have to start again and on a good note cause I'm sure you wouldn't want to remember how met last time" he had a teasing smile on his face and it made me curious. "Why? How'd we meet?" I asked and he shook his head.

"It's best that you remain oblivious" he ended the conversation and sipped on the coffee. Though I really wanted to find out I still didn't push it cause It'd only cause my head to ache from trying to recall.

"How did you find me?"

"I've been searching for you since after your sisters barged into my office to get inquiries on your whereabouts. I followed their instructions that requested me to mind my business but I couldn't keep up with that anymore because I wasn't at peace so I set out to look for you. It happened that I ran into one of your sisters at the airport and she gave me your location and here I am, so how have you been?"

"Except the fact I can't remember all that happened in the last few months I'm doing great. Would you love to join me for dinner? I just got home from work so.... "I didn't plan to stay for long Tesoro but your coffee aroused my appetite so I'd stay for dinner" I chuckled and shook my head in amusement. "I'd be back" I told him and went to the kitchen to make dinner.

I craved for an African dish so I settled for Jollof rice with salad and fried plantain. An African colleague of mine offered me a plate yesterday and I loved it so I decided to get the recipe.

I took two cans of soda from the fridge and set the food on the island. "Stefano" I called and few moments later he was in. "Mhmm that smells nice" he complimented and I thanked him.

He had a taste and moaned in delight. "Wow! This is lovely. Is this an Asian dish?" I laughed and shook my head. "African" I corrected

"Wow! It's lovely. I've heard a lot about Africa and I'd love to visit there someday maybe South Africa or Madagascar, how about you?" He asked and I stayed silent for a while thinking of a where I'd love to visit.

"Nigeria or Ghana or maybe Mali" I said. "Well we can visit Africa together" he said casually and I stared at him bewildered. "Y.. you would want to go with me?" He looked at me then back his food.

"Of course yes, I mean visiting a fun and large continent alone would be boring so I'd love to go with you" i smiled rather blushed and looked away from him. "So where do you work Martina?" 

"At toy store down town" he stopped eating and intensely stared at me. "Why? I mean your sisters are insanely wealthy meaning your parents left a good fortune for y'all so why a toy store?" I nibbled on my lip and pushed the curl that fell on my face back.

"All my life I've lived under the control and protection of my parents and my younger sister and now things are back to normal I'm out to create a life for myself. The fortune my parents left for me is stock up in the bank for future purposes but for now I just want to know how it feels to live a simple life and on my terms which was why I got an apartment" he gave an impressed nod and took a bite from his chicken.

"But why a toy store? If you don't mind me asking, didn't you get a degree?"

"I do have a degree in pharmacy but I wasn't able find a decent hospital or pharmacy I could work in"

"Really? That's great cause my company has been looking for a pharmacist to hire"

"You are a doctor?" He chuckled and shook his head. "No an engineer" i was impressed by his line of profession but I said nothing.

"So why'd..... i own factories sweetheart and we need health personnels to be available in case of emergency cases and a pharmacist or registered nurse is best suited for that and it's fortunate I found you, that's if you're willing to take the job" he gazed at me with hope in his eyes. Though I enjoyed working in the toy store I couldn't turn this big offer down so I agreed. "Yes I accept the offer"

"That's great. You can come in with your résumés on Monday thereafter you'd be instructed on what to do" I smiled with joy bubbling in my stomach. "Thank you so much Stefano" he waved it off and we continued our dinner.

After we were done he helped me put the plates away even though I objected but he was bent hell on helping me so I let him.

"I really enjoyed the night Martina, thanks for entertaining me" I smiled and nodded. "I should be the one thank you Stefano. I mean you took it upon yourself to search for me and even offered me a job, I really appreciate that" I sincerely told him and we remained silent while staring at each other.

"I'll take my leave now" he broke the silence and I nodded. I followed him to the door and he turned around to look at me.

"Lunch next time?" I chuckled and shook my head. "Are you asking out on a date Stefano?" He laughed and shrugged. "If that's what it is then yes" he smiled and took my hand in his. "I'll be looking forward to that amorè" he kissed the back of my hand and left.

I stood at the door smiling even after he had left. I came to my senses at the drop of the snow that was carried by the strong wind. I went in and locked the door.

I arranged the kitchen and living room and switched off the lights before heading to my room to freshen up. I wore a thick white sweater and a matching color knee socks and jumped into my bed with a novel in my hand.

I gave Makayla a call and just after I hung up Maja called. I was thrilled and satisfied with the life I have now and wherever mama and papa are I hope they're both happy with the lives we have. Finally Makayla and Maja left their dangerous life behind and that was one of the greatest gift I had received in a long while.

I spent hours getting lost in the words of literature until I began feeling sleepy. I shut the book and stretched out tiredly. Not long after I closed my eyes I got a notification from my phone and I picked it up to see it was a text from an unknown number.

I tapped on the message and what was written on the screen had me smiling like a kid.

Sleep well beautiful, see you soon

~Stefano

I'm definitely having a good night. I said to myself and closed my eyes with a satisfied and thrilled heart.