Rita's POV
Practically, I’m literally starting a new life today.
And to start with, i'm gonna stop doing some things and start some new things.
Geez! I can’t believe that I’m kinda eager to find a partner, all of a sudden. Let's see how it goes, how long it would last and if it'll make me happy atlas!
I woke up very early that day, quickly engaged in some simple domestic chores which didn't take much of my time because I have the whole small house to myself.
I searched for and jostled out a really nice outfit out of my wardrobe, with a matching pretty footwear. I'm fashion conscious but these days I've been less concerned about whatever I put on simply because I have this sort of mentality that there's no guy out there to wear a dress to kill for. But today I say Bye- bye to that mindset.
I blsuhed secretly when I realised that my mode of dressing has captivated men's attention.
Gosh! When and why did I start thinking about guys? Yet I won’t give them a minute to talk to me. Ain’t being too pompous or full of myself instead I see them as strangers. I’d choose Friends to lovers rather than strangers to lovers.
But come to think of it, I prefer friends to lovers but I’ve got no friends other than Evelyn and Adam.
Accepted, I have to meet and mingle with people, Strangers.
Several thoughts ran through my head as I tried to fight off the old mentality.
*
Thank goodness I arrived at the office earlier than yesterday. Haven exchanged pleasentaries perfunctorily with some colleagues, I looked around forr Evelynbecause she arrives at the company before me. Talk of the devil, Evelyn walked in.
"I guessed right, I actually saw you alighted from a cab but since I wasn't so sure. So I didn't wanna yell out your name" Evelyn said as she walked closer and gave me a greeting peck.
"We were gonna meet here anyways." I responded. “You don’t need to embarrass yourself out there by yelling out my name”
"Oh another stressful day." She sighed and took a seat.
"Good morning Rita" She added.
"Good morning to you too" And I suddenly remembered what she did yesterday. "And Evelyn what have you done?" I screamed at her.
"What have I done? Like what? How? I don't understand" She pretended.
"I don't understand" I imitated her with an ugly expression.
"You told Janet Johnson to hook me up with a guy!" I fired.
"Well that's not a bad one, I was only helping as a friend" She said, ignoring the fact that I was mad at what she did.
I stared at her, waiting for her to at least apologize or give me better reasons why she did that.
"So how did it go with the guy she introduced you to?" Evelyn asked me instead.
I rolled my eyes.. “Jokes on you, It will never go well”
"Don't tell me you ignored him?"
I snubbed her and sat properly "I didn't, but sure I will, soon"
"C'mon Rita..."
Just then my phone rang, it showed an unknown numberyet I slid to the receiver anyways because it could be someone important or an urgent call.
"Good morning, You're speaking with Rita Martinez, please who is this and how may I help you?" I spoke in a polite and official manner.
<>"Oh Goodness, I got the right number. Hello Rita" An unfamiliar muscular voice.
"Hmmn Hi, please who am I into?" I asked again.
<>"Zane"
Now the name sounds familiar.
<>"From Kikachat. Hello? remember me? From Janet Johnson?" He added when I didn't say anything.
"Oh" I shot a glare at Evelyn. Yeah it was all her fault. She caused all this.
"Who's that?" She mouthed back but I scowled at her.
"Hello Zane, it's great hearing from you" I responded, acting all nice.
<>"Same here, you have a lovely voice Rita" He complimented and I smiled.
"You do not sound bad as well" I told him.
"Hmmn but how did you get my contact?" I inquired.
<>"Oh that, err... It's online, easy to find" He said.
"Really?” I exclaimed. I actually thought I took down my contact a long time ago because of this same reason. Avoiding calls from strangers.
<>"So where are you right now?" He asked.
"At work"
<>"Oh right, it's work day. So what are you presently doing?" He asked me, being friendly and perhaps romantic too.
I blushed a little; apart from my parents, there's no one else to ask after me and my day. That's probably why Igot flattered.
"Hello? You are blushing! You got a guy Rita!" Evelyn clapped her hands.
Everyone initially minding their businessed started to stare at me.
"Uh..noo" I stammered.
Oh shit! I covered her mouth with my palm right away. I've almost forgotten that she was watching me and taking notes of my expression being an annoying upcoming love doctor that she was.
"Uhh.. I'm at work, I'm working Zane!" I said rudely likeI got upset with his caring attitude.
<>"Oh sorry, I'm probably disturbing you" He innocently apologized.
Evelyn and I were still busying struggling. I managed to hold the cell phone on my ear while I covered her mouth with the other hand to stop her from spewing nonsense again. And she was just there trying to get herself free from me and she also wanna listen to my conversation with Zane. While we struggled, I didn't know how I clicked on the loud speaker icon.
<>"So when would you be free? We have a lot to catch up on, you know. What time would you leave your workplace?" Zane inquired. It was loud and clear.
Jeeez... I trembled and quickly reduced the volume.
"6:00pm!" Evelyn yelled.
“Evelyn!!" I hollered her name.
“Bye Zane, Bye." I hung the call instantly and confronted Evelyn.
"Why are you shy that there's a guy who's into you or who you eventually might be into? Look, you were blushing" Evelyn said before I could even vent my anger on her.
"Stop saying nonsense, I don't even know him yet" I fired back but when I noticed that everyone in here was staring at us.
"C'mon" I lowered my voice.
"Okay. Like you just said 'not yet'. So is he the guy you were matchmade with?" She whispered curiously.
"We were not match made, he was only introduced to me" I gave an eye roll.
"Whatever, it's the same thing in terms that it is mostlikely you end up with him” She said.
“Rita got a guy?" Adam interrupted us.
*****
To Be Continued
Rita's POV"We were not matchmade, he was only introduced to me" I rolled my eyes."Whatever, it's the same thing in terms that it is mostlikely you end up with him” She said. “Rita got a guy?" Adam came over and interrupted us."Oh baby.." His girlfriend stood up and gave him a tight hug and he reciprocated by kissing her on the forehead."So is there anything I've missed?" He asked again and I gave Evelyn a-don't-you-dare-speak look. I know I'm exaggerating by being unnecessarily shy and embarrassed but enough of this humiliation. She dare not tell him yet that there's a guy I got hooked up with and I may eventually fall in love with him along the line.. Oh nah! what did I just think of?"Are you guys hiding things from me now? I thought we were best cliques, best friends?" He suspected when he noticed our voiceless communication."Well dear, it's ladies stuff..hmmm?" She said, romantically pinching her boyfriend's cheek."Hmmn accepted but little do you know that some people are e
Rita's POV"I feel so tired" I groaned as I threw myself on the bed.Wait a minute! I paused; realizing the room, looked so neat, tidied and well arranged.Oh! the new me, new way of life stuff. I hissed a little because I have almost forgotten.And oh! the deal is to start with that guy in my Kikachat.Haven undressed, close to being nude; I lied on my bed. Click on the chat app but I found none. Like no message at all. A guy who is interested in me should be persistent, isn't it?I even refused to pick up his subsequent calls and he couldn't even leave a message for me.Darn it! When I was just faking to feel loved by him.."Yen! Yen! Yen!! Give every guy a chance" I mimicked Evelyn then I rolled my eyes.I guess the destiny set aside for me is to remain single forev-My phone beeped.-ever.I picked up the phone quickly. A message from Zane! No, several messages.. Beep! Beep! Beeping in..~~>"Hi dear, how are you?"~~>“Are you back from work?"~~>"I'm sorry for calling you several
Rita’s POV Dring! Dringggggggg! My phone beeped loudly, jerking me up from sleep that morning. I yawned tiredly as I stretched my hand over to pick up the ringing phone. I stared at the phone screen blurrily ~ It was Eveyn. "Evelyn!" I mumbled, trying to sit upright. “Good morning! did you get the notification too?” “What notification?” “Mrs Blakeston wants us to be at the office an hour before the usual arrival time” Evelyn announced. “Huh! Why is that?” I rubbed my eyes tiredly. “She said she has an important information to pass across and we must all be present” Evelyn replied. I yawned loudly again. “Oh good I called you, I know you wouldn’t have seen that nor woken up yet. Now go get ready, let’s hear what she has for us today after days of being absent” “I hope it’ll be a good news though. That woman has never said anything pleasing” I murmured. “So see you at work!” Evelyn disconnected the call. I just sat there on the bed, thinking about nothing in specific just t
Rita's POVI sluggishly walked to the new boss, Mr Finn’s office.I was so scared and it was so obvious.“There you are” Finn said. I stood in front of the door, agitated to move closer to him.But he ordered authoritatively and laughed hysterically; “Come closer and have a seat”My heart raced, I trembled and managed to sit opposite him.“I can see that you are shocked I turned out to be your new boss in disguise” Finn spoke.“I'm… I am sorry” I stuttered.“Why are you apologising?” He asked but I didn't say anything, I couldn't even look him in the eyes. I thought he was jovial and nice but he wasn't, he pretended to be. Ugh! This was a simple test that I have failed.“You are sorry because you treated me like a low life sneaking into your comfortable life. You were rude, you underestimated me. You didn't see this coming, did you?” He asked.No, I never underestimated him, that’s just Me; I do not like to make friends. How do I explain that to him when he already misunderstood? Ev
RitaI hung up the call last night and told Zane that I needed to sleep early so I won’t wake up late today. Early to bed, early to rise works for me all the time.Assuming Mrs Blakeston was still our boss, I could be a little bit late to work and she wouldn’t notice aside that, Evelyn would always cover up for me. But Mr Finn, the new boss? He’ll definitely notice that I came to work late. He’s on my neck and he’s indeed watching me really closely.Although I got to the office pretty much early, Finn was already in his office.Only few workers were around including Adam whom informed me that Mr Finn had already asked after me. I dashed into his office as quickly as possible.“You are late” Mr Finn said to me.“But It’s not resumption time yet” I argued.“As for me,, you are late to work” He repeated.“Many other staffs are not at work yet” I paused. “Even Evelyn” I added.“What matters is that I got to the company before you. So you are late” He insisted.“Okay” I murmured.He didn’t
Rita’s POVZane hasn’t even called me throughout today neither did he leave me a single message. None.I shook my head and whined inwardly.What sort of unserious relationship have I gotten myself into?Oh jeez, maltreatment at work and as if that isn’t enough for me to handle, only to get home and get snubbed by my online lover.I continue to rant even as I prepared and ate dinner to while away time. Yet, no call or text from Zane and he wasn’t even online. And Oh! I would have blamed myself for overthinking oroverreacting because this is what to expect once you date someone online but my ex, Jared had my time always. This one is totally different from Jared.Okay, maybe i’m actually being extra. Should I call Zane instead?Uh no! It’s too early to show him so much interest and concern. Yes, it’s early to let him know that I enjoy speaking to him all the time. He’ll find out that he has eventually won my heart. He’ll know I'm beginning to ove him. Geez! Let’s not call it love yet, I
RitaToday’s just a too good day; first, Finn was busy throughout and he didn’t have the chance to ill treat or provoke me. Although, we had little free time for ourselves because clients kept trooping in and going out because It’s a Friday, party day! Although, we were so busy yet I felt so happy this very day.Finally, it was recess, enough time to chat with my online boyfriend Zane while we had our lunch at the office cafeteria.Adam and Evelyn sat next to eachother, doing their usual lovey-dovey stuff while eating. I sat opposite them, eating and engrossed with chatting with Zane, I was blushing and smiling, oblivious to the environment. Little did I know that Evelyn and Adam were watching me.“When exactly are you gonna tell us about your new boyfriend “ Evelyn caught my attention.“He’s Zane. The same guy Mrs Janet Johnson hooked me up with” I responded.“Oh wow. That guy. So thanks to me” Evelyn said.“Nah. Thanks to Janet Johnson instead. Oops! I haven’t even appreciated her al
Rita’s POVWithout our consent, he sat with us; the only available seat was next to me, opposite Evelyn.He sat next to me! I could hear my heart throbbing!!“Hi” Finn said again, surprisingly, he was smiling cheerfully.We three greeted him perfunctorily and in a somewhat fearful murmur.“I came to say what a great work you’ve done. I saw how we had so many clients miling into your department. And I must say, that section in the company does the mostwork” Finn said.“Unfortunately, we are under estimated” Evelyn replied informally. “Boss” She then added.She seems free with him as he was with her. I noticed Adam was jealous. Him and I just sat down there and said absolutely nothing.“I came to say thank you to you guys. Ignore the under estimation, my gratitude alone should go a long way” Finn said.“Nope. An increase in salary will do. At least, almost the same as what those in the official section receive. You have just admitted that we are doing a better and harder job than they ar
FINALE“We find love in unexpected places, trust me” Rita remarked after she and children had just finished watching a love movie."Oh wow, so that's how you met dad, in an unexpected place?” The sharp little boy who was named, Anthony blurted.Rita laughed softly as she snuggled deeper into the couch cushions, her kids perched on either side of her. "Indeed it was, my darling angels. Your father and I met at the same place of work” She briefly told them.The little boy furrowed his brow, still struggling to comprehend how his parents' love story began in such a mundane."Actually, we met before we met" Rita said, even making things more complicated for the children."Mom, I'm still having trouble picturing this," the little girl named Lily, who looked like her mom chipped in. "What kind of workplace was it? How do you mean you met him before you met him? What does that even mean?” She questioned."And how did you two even start talking?" Anthony added.The little children questioned
Epilogue 5:As Rita drifted off to sleep, a smile still lingering on her lips. Finn stood in front of the bassinet, gazing down at the two tiny bundles of joy. He reached out and gently ran his finger along the little boy’s cheeks, marveling at the softness of his skin, the delicate curve of his nose. He did the same for the little girl, admiring her dainty fingers and her rosebud lips; she looked like her mom while the baby boy looked like the father, Finn.He carried the little boy since he was awake and playful. He held their son in his arms and sat on the rocking chair next to Rita’s bed. He gazed down at the tiny baby, his heart bursting with love and wonder.All of Finn's previous doubts and fears about fatherhood had melted away, replaced by a fierce, all-consuming love for his children. He couldn't wait to watch them grow and develop, to be a part of their lives every step of the way. As he rocked his son gently, Finn thought about all the things he wanted to teach his child
EPILOGUE 4:Rita climbed the bed, wrapping her hands around her husband and resting her head on his chest as though she was meant to be there. Finn, on the other hand draped an arm around her stomach, gently touching her big baby bump.For a while, they remained in this position, a comfortable silence descending over them. Finn was never this quiet in bed. Was something bothering him?“What's wrong with you Finn?” Rita asked.Finn sighed heavily after staring at her for a while. Without uttering a word, he leaned into her to claim her lips but she pulled away.“What's bothering you Finn?” She asked again, her voice came out soft, laced with concern.For a moment, he was quiet but then, he spoke."Nothing," Finn replied with a weak smile. "I'm just a bit nervous about becoming a father. I mean, what if I'm not good enough? What if I mess up?"Rita laughed softly. "You're already the best husband and friend anyone could ask for. I have no doubt you'll be an incredible dad too. And remem
Epilogue 3:A few months had passed since Madison and Alex's engagement at Finn and Rita's gender reveal party, and now it was time for their wedding day. The sun shone brightly as Madison walked down the aisle towards her soon-to-be husband, looking radiant in her beautiful white gown.Alex waited at the altar, beaming with joy and anticipation as he watched his bride approach. He thought back to the day they met, and how he'd fallen in love with her from that moment on.As Madison reached the altar, she took Alex's hand in hers, and together they turned to face the officiant. The ceremony began with a heartfelt exchange of vows, each expressing their undying love and commitment to one another.As they exchanged rings, the crowd burst into cheers and applause, their love for the newlyweds evident in their smiles and tears.The party was in full swing, with guests dancing and celebrating, their happiness for the newlyweds filling the air. Not only did the newlyweds shared their first
Epilogue 2:As everyone was sitting around the patio, Rita stood up and announced, "Finn and I have something to share with you all." The guests turned their attention to her, curious about what she was about to say.As the applause died down, Finn stood up next to Rita, beaming with pride. He looked around at their family and friends and said, "We're so happy to announce that we're expecting a new addition to our family.”With a grin on Rita's face, she lifted up her shirt to reveal a small but noticeable baby bump. “we're just so thrilled to be able to share this news with you all.”Evelyn suspended whatever she was doing and ran to embrace her best friend. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, congratulating the couple on their exciting news. Everyone began to chat excitedly, asking questions about the baby's due date, whether they knew the gender yet, and what the baby's name might be.“I and my husband has just scanned the baby, we are yet to check but then, we pleased and
Epilogue 1Ding Dong Ding! The church bells began to ring, signaling the start of Finn and Rita's wedding ceremony. A sense of excitement filled the air. Rita, dressed in a stunning white gown, was surrounded by her bridesmaids, included Evelyn, her few close friends and few nieces, all of whom were helping her to look her best. And Finn, in a sleek black tuxedo, stood at the altar, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his bride.Suddenly, the church doors opened, and everyone turned to see Rita begin her walk down the aisle.Finn walked to meet her on her way to the aisle, interlink his arms with hers and walked together with her.Everyone turned to watch the couple walk down the aisle.The priest continued with the ceremony, his voice booming throughout the church."Finn, do you take Rita to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"Finn, his voice filled
“So since you resigned, do you stay at home all day, doing nothing?”“Yeah, I already sent my application letter to some companies and I just hope one of them accepts me” Rita yawned.“Hmmn, I'm sorry about everything that happened to you” Evelyn said empathically.“Thank you Evelyn, I'm back to square one now”“Since you are searching for another job, are you as well considering moving on because you lost both a relationship and a job” Evelyn began to tease.“No Evelyn. I am done with love” Rita rolled her eyes.“Done with love? What the heck is that?”“Do not provoke me Evelyn!!” She warned by pointing a finger at her, reminding her of those days she badly wanted me to be in relationship and then Love messed me up.“Fine, at least you need to forgive Finn and get this grudge off your chest” Evelyn urged her.“And then the next minute, my nudes will be flying around the internet.. while his’ not there”“No such thing is gonna happen because Finn took them down already”“What?”“I mea
Tears rolled down Rita’s eyes and she kept on replaying the memories with Zane, comparing it with that of Finn and the fact that they turned out to be the same person was now glaring. Even when she tried to push the thought aside, she just couldn't. Why did Finn play games with her? Did he truly love her? Same Finn was Jared too.She had sent her resignation letter to his email and he had called and called. He had also been here, knocking and knocking on the door but she wouldn't open the door for him.She read their conversation over again on Kikachat and scrolled through the gossip/gist feed, thinking she’ll just bump into some of her nude pictures since Charles had said he would release it soon. While she was at it, the application suddenly began to glitch and malfunction and then, it finally crashed. Kikachat was no more.***“I did it! I did it finally!!” Alex announced, screaming.“You did it?”“Yeah, not only did I wipe the pictures, I took down the application”“Oh My God!”
“Finn is Zane”“What..what did you say? What? How can Zane be Finn? Can you even listen to yourself?” Rita shook her head continuously.“Finn himself will explain to you better”“You mean Charles is the nternet god, the popular founder of Kikachat?” Evelyn asked to confirm.“And Zane Is Finn?” I uttered unbelievably.“Remember I told you Zane and I are buddies at college, I recongised him the first day he stepped into his office. He told me what he was up to and wanted me to play along and that's why I was always concerned about your complicated relationship with Zane and with Finn because they are the same person…” Before Adam finished explaining, Rita stood up and dashed out of the restaurant quickly.****“Charles security is pretty tight” Alexander said as he battled with his laptop while Finn stood impatiently behind him.“Are you sure you don't need my help? I can help you get his laptop, passport, his signature or some of his important documents” Finn said.“No, I don't need an