I felt someone lifted me in the air. I could smell the familiar cologne and a mixture of beer and cigarettes. So, he was back in smoking again. I used to tell him to quit smoking when we were still together. It took him a while, but he eventually gave in and finally quit smoking.
Though l didn't like the smell of cigarettes on him, I liked the feeling of his arms around me. I didn't want to open my eyes I already had an idea who was the one carrying me. Instead of opening my eyes, I buried my face into his neck so I could smell him even more. I was enjoying my position when he finally put me down to bed. I wanted to sleep beside him tonight. I missed him. I kept on pretending to be asleep so I wouldn't need to explain to him why did I want to sleep with him tonight. I wanted to protest when I felt him removing my arms that were wrapped around his neck so he could completely lay me down on the bed. I thought he was going to leave and rent another room since he let me lay down here but i never heard the door opened indicating that he didn't go out. Few more seconds later, I heard the sound of the door opening I felt a sudden feeling of disappointment thinking that he couldn't even be with me in the same room, but all of that vanished when heard the gushing water coming from the shower. He's taking a shower! I was so tempted to open my eyes and take a peek but I was afraid that I would be caught and he would make me leave. I didn't know why do I like to stay with him tonight. I didn't want to admit, but I missed him. I missed the feeling of being with him, feeling the warmth of his embrace and softness of his lips against my temple. That was our usual sleeping position. Travis didn't want us to sleep away from each other no matter how big our bed Was. My heart almost jumped out of my rib cage when I heard the bathroom door open. I could smell the scent of the body wash that I had introduced him to start using and since then no matter where he goes to and how expensive the hote was, he didn't want to use their body wash. I was trying to hold my breath so l wouldn't make any sounds. What should i do? Should I wake up or not? My head was in turmoil. Travis walking around the room wearing his manly scent didn't help. I was trying to keep my calm so I wouldn't make any movement or sound. I felt the other side of the bed sank and it was followed by the familiar of scent of his body wash. "You can breathe now," I heard him say l opened my eyes quickly and got up. I looked at him and squinted my eyes. I didn't really know why I was pissed at him, but it was more like l was pissed with myself for wanting to be with him tonight while I kept on insisting that I wanted nothing to do with him. He just chuckled. He laid on his side and put his hand to support his head. "What?" he said in between his laugh. "You knew and you didn't even say anything!" I snapped at him before getting the pillow and smashed it on his face. He just continued laughing while l kept on hitting him with the pillow. He tried to ward off every beat I gave him but I wouldn't let him stand a chance. "You're trying your best not to make a move. You almost look like a scared child," he said while continuously laughing. I was out of breath when I finally decided to stop hitting him. I stared at him and squinted my eyes. "I hate you," I said before throwing the pillow at him. i didn't notice that I was actually smiling the whole time. I couldn't remember when was the last time that I smiled genuinely. He was the only one who could brought out the genuine smile out of me. "We both know you don't mean that," he said. I could almost hear the seriousness in his voice. I suddenly felt uncomfortable in our situation. I almost forgot what kind of situation we were into. I quickly got up on my feet and tried to look formal again. I felt awkward with the kind of look he's giving me. I suddenly felt like I wanted to vanish right there and there. I cleared my throat before speaking. "I need to go home now," I told him so l could change the topic "It's late now. You can spend the night here, l bring you home tomorrow first thing in the morning" he said with his serious face, away from his cheerful face a while ago "I need to go home now," I insist. "Why? Are you meeting with the mayor guy?" he sounded jealous. "What? Of course hot! l'm just worried about my aunt. She will deinitely look for me if I won't get home tonight," l explained to him. I didn't want him to get the wrong idea that I already have someone. "Just call her," he calmly said. "My phone doesn't have credit" I almost whispered. I heard him let out a loud sigh before he got up on his bed and reached for the drawer. He got his phone from there and walked towards me and hand me his phone. I gulped when I saw his shirtless body. He was wearing nothing but a boxer My eyes widen when I saw the large bulge in between his pants "Staring is rude, stonia." He caught my attention while waving his phone in front of me, "-I'm not" I stuttered before grabbing the phone from his hand. I turned my face around so I wouldn't be seeing his delectable body 'Shame on you, Estonia! Stop fantasizing about your ex-husband'. I quickly copied my aunt's number from my phone and started dialing it. After a while, she finally answered the phone. It took a while before I could finally calm her down. I explained to her about the situation and that I was fine. She wanted to let someone fetch me if i wanted to but I refused. l just assured her that I was fine and that I would be going home first thing in the morning, When she finally agreed, l bid my goodbye and turned off the call. I took a deep breath before turning around and faced Travis. "You shouldn't be wearing that when other person is sharing a room with you,"I told him while crossing my head in front of my chest. I even raised my eyebrow so he could see how pissed I was. "You know I can't sleep with clothes on. Of all people, you should be the one who knows how l actually sleep at night," he smirked. Yes, I remembered how he liked to sleep naked. He was actually being considerate now for wearing boxers. I let out a loud sigh "Okay, fine! Just don't walk around naked while l am here, will you?" "Yes big Boss." He was obviously enjoying this. He was having pleasure torturing me. "Where should I sleep?" I asked him. "Here" he said while tapping the side next to him. "Not gonna happen," I refused. "Why? You don't seem to have any problem pretending to be asleep beside me moments ago," he teased me. "I'm not pretending! I was really asleep," I insisted. I would never admit to him that I was actually pretending moments ago, so I could freely sleep beside him. That was just a moment of weakness. "Oh really? Then maybe you're just dreaming when you sniff and buried your face on my neck when i carried you to bed." He's now back on his feet and walking slowly towards me Every step he made towards me made my heart beat louder, I could feel his muscular body slowly taking every space between us. I tried to run away from him but he immediately grabbed my arms and imprisoned me around hisarms. "Why would I want to smell you? The scents of beer and cigarettes on your body disgust me," I told him, denying his allegations. "Hmm, really? How did you know?" He looked at me with doubts. "I can smell it from here," I said, still trying to conceal what I did a while ago. "is that so? I already took a bath, sweetie. "Well, you still stink. Maybe you should change your body wash." "We both know why you introduced me to this body wash right?". he said while smiling, clearly enjoying the awkwardness that l am feeling right now. I used to complain about the smell of cigarettes and alcohol in his body when we were still together. And I had taken it upon myself to look so a solution and that was how I came across the body wash. It was too late when I realized that I already gave away myself. "I......." I stuttered. I didn't know how to get out of this. "You're saying something, stonia?" he said teasingly "Fine!" I said not knowing what else to say. "Fine what, stonia?" he continued prompting me on admitting my little escapade. His arms were still wrapped around me and I was starting to get uncomfortable on how our skins touched. The warmth of his body sent thousands of emotions throughout my body. I just looked away and tried not to speak again. The words that were coming out of my mouth didn't do me any good. "I missed you," I heard him whispered. I shifted my gaze back at him and looked him directly in the eye. I could see the loneliness in his eyes. I closed my eyes when he started caressing my cheeks. I leaned my face towards his hands, so I could fully feel the warmth of his touch. When I decided to open my eyes, I gasped when I was greeted by his handsome face. Our faces are now inches away from each other. I didn't know what got into me, but I suddenly felt the urge to kiss him. I didn't protest when I felt his hand on my cheek went down to my nape and grabbed it, then immediately he claimed my lips. I welcomed his mouth into my mine. All emotions that were built inside me all these years suddenly burst out. I never wanted to leave him but he didn't give me any choice. I missed his kisses, I missed his touch, and every part of him. A part of me wanted him back but the other part was afraid of what might happen. His other hand went down to my waist and grabbed it, so he could press his body more into mine I moaned when I felt his tongue went inside my mouth. He then slowly took a step, guiding me towards the bed leisurely. I followed his every move willingly. The next thing l knew, I felt the soft bed against my back. He was still kissing me. His hands were now starting to roam around my body. I felt his other hand slowly traveling to my breast. I moaned in pleasure when I felt his hand squeezed my right breast His lips were now starting to travel down to my neck. I was enjoying the warmth of his kisses against my skin when his phone that was still in my hand rang. I was planning to ignore it and put it on the bedside table but I remembered that it might be an important call since it was already past midnight. "Travis," I called him but instead of answering he just put his lips into mine to shut me up. I tried to move away from his kisses and tried to get his attention again. "Travis, pick up your phone. It might be important!" I told him again while trying to push him away from me. "Just turn it off" he said ignoring it and continued kissing the valley of my breast. I peaked on his screen to check his phone when I saw the name of the caller. It felt like cold water was poured on me when I saw the name of the caller. "it was melody," I dully said. He was stunned when he heard me said her name. He lifted his head and looked at me directly in the eye. But I couldn't stand looking at him that's why l immediately shifted my gaze on the other side. I gave him his phone and abruptly pushed his body that was on top of me I quickly stood up and sit on the side of the bed. I heard him took a deep breath before picking up the call. I didn't want to hear what they were going to talk about so I decided to go to the bathroom. I briskly closed the door when I finally got inside. Streams of tears started to flow down my cheeks the moment I locked the bathroomn door. I tried my best not to make any sound. I didn't want him to know that I was still hurting. Moments later, I heard a knock on the door "Estonia, are you okay?" I heard him asked. I quickly wiped the tears on my cheeks and checked myself in the mirror to remove all the traces of my tears. l opened the door abruptly and told him, "Why won't I be?" then I walked pass at him. I walked towards the bed and got a pillow and a blanket before settling myself on the couch. I laid down on the couch without even looking at him. I was facing the backrest of the couch so l won't have to look at him but I could sense his presence beside me. I heard a loud sigh. "The bed is huge, stonia. You can sleep there. You don't have to sleep in here," he insisted. l ignored him and just pulled the blanket up to my neck. "Put me down!" I screamed when suddenly felt his strongarms around me and carried me towards the bed. He tossed me in the bed which angered me even more. I tried to stand up but he just pushed me down to bed. "Stop being stubborn and sleep on the bed," he said. "l will just take the couch if you really don't want to sleep beside me," he said feeling defeated. I just rolled my eyes at him and slumped myself to bed and face the other side away from him. I was quite disappointed that he didn't even try to explain. I just rolled my eyes at him and slumped myself to bed and face the other side away from him. I was quite disappointed that he didn't even try to explain. ' Are you going to listen if he tried to explain himself?'. I heard my inner self saying. Probably not. I wouldn't believe in any words that would come out in his mouth. Never again. I shut my eyes hard and forced myself to sleep. I didn't know what time it was when I finally dozed off to sleep.Estonia I was Woken up by the sound of the loud banging of the keyboards. I slowly opened my eyes to ssee what was going on. I lifted my head and leaned both of my elbows on the bed to support my body before I turned my face to where the sound was coming from. I saw Travis sitting on the couch in front of his laptop. He kept on smashing the keyboard that created a sound, loud enough to wake me up from my sleep. He lifted his gaze from the monitor then looked at my direction. I almost burst into laughter when l saw him frowning while looking at me. From the look of it, I thought he didn't get any sleep last night. Why wouldn't he be? He's not used to sleeping on the couch, I reached for my phone that was over the bedside table and looked at the time. It was only 7:00 in the monrning, "Good morning,"I teased him. He was obviously in a bad mood I suppressed my smile so he wouldn't notice that I was enjoying his discomfort. I forgot what happened last nigh
Estonia Time ran so fast. The next thing I knew, I was here at the airport waiting for Grandma P to arrive. She insisted that both of us should be the one to pick her up at the airport. After we settled everything in Benin, Travis and l immediately went back to Lagos together. He didn't leave until I'm with him. He stayed in the hotel for a couple of days while was biding my goodbyes to the people in the shop. I also finished all my pending works before leaving. My aunt was hesitant to let me leave at first but she eventually understood the situation and let me go with Travis. "Stop frowning. It doesn't suit you," I heard him say while we were standing in the arrival section, waiting for Grandma P. I glared at him for a while before rolling my eyes at him. "Mind your own business," I Snapped at him, "You're so grumpy. Woke up at the wrong side of the bed?" he chuckled while teasing me. I didn't bother to banter with him. didn't want to be agitated when grandma P arrived. I wanted
Estonia "she is okay for now. Fortunatly, it wasn't a heart attack". Doc explained "But that doesn't mean that there will be no more episodes like this in the future, She fainted due to shock and exthaustion," he continued We are here at Orobosa medical Center currently, Grandma P faints after she barges into our room and saw us fighting. We are all standing around Grandma's bed. I was on the right side and Travis is on the other side with favour . Doc a friend of Lucas and our family doctor. He was about to talk to doc before this incident happened. He wants doc to personally monitor Grandma p's health. "Is she going to be okay?" Travis asked. "She will, But you need to take this seriously. Her heart is already weak due to her age and she will definitely can't handle anything that will break her heart," doc explained. "I suggest that you refrain from giving her a heavy heart". I was holding Grandma's hand when she started to move an
Estonia "Are you sure it's okay for Travis that you spent the night here at the hospital?" Grandma asked me while I was fixing all her things into the bag Travis ' parents are still overseas. They wanted to go home immediately when they heard about what happened to Grandma P but Travis assured them that Grandma is doing fine and they don't need to cut their vacation short. Travis parents had been nothing but good to me and i can't wait to see them. It's been two days since Grandma fainted. She spends another two days in the hospital because Travis ' insisted that Grandma should stay at the hospital for a couple more days so Doc can check up on her. Travis ' wanted to make sure that Grandma was already fit to go home. This is our last day here and I'm already preparing all our things. We are just waiting for Doc to give us our discharge slip before we can go home. I had insisted on staying here with Grandma instead of going home. I don't see any
Estonia The sun was almost set when I decided to move out of the room. I haven't eaten anything Since morning, that's why my stomach is now starting to grumble. I was walking past the hallway when I bumped into one of the maids who was walking in a hurry "Jesus madam!" she said with a shocken expression. "We've been looking for you for a while now. You've been missing for 6 hours now. Where have you been?" Clara said the middle-aged woman who has been working with Travis' family ages ago. "I'm sorry, clara. I've fallen asleep and lost track of the time," I told her. "Why, what happened?". I curiously asked. "The whole house was in turmoil and Sir Travis was furious He keeps on nagging everyone to come and find you" clara explained. I gave her an apologetic look for causing trouble before allowing her continue her job I volunteered that l'l tell everyone that 'm okay I went to the living room and i found all the maids lining up in one while roll Travis kept on shouting at them.
I continued making the meal after Travis left. I took a deep breath and gathered my thoughts before I continued making my dinner. I was hesitant if I should make one for Travis or not but decided to pursue the former. I finished eating mine then cleaned up the kitchen a little bit before deciding to go back to our room. I know that he's going to sleep in his study room since that's the set up we agreed on. So I went upstairs and went straight to his study Room to bring him his dinner. I knocked three times but no one answered, I was thinking that maybe he's already sleeping but I tried to knock one more time. Stil, no one answered. I tried to turn the knob and look inside. I frowned when I found the oom empty. There's no sign Of anyone in there My eyes slowly widen with the thought that he might be in our room l quickly walk towards our roon labruptly opened the room and I was greeted by the scent of his body wash. I him standing right outsi
I couldn't believe that I almost asked Travis to kiss me last night. I've never been this thankful to Favour for interrupting the disaster that was about to happen if she didn't knock on the door. I wanted to slap myself for letting me succumb in a moment of weakness. How could I be easily persuaded by him? Am i that smitten to his charm? It's been a year, Estonia! Move on! He obviously has. He went outside with Favour last night when she almost went wild after seeing Travis with me in a room. When they're gone, I made sure to lock the door so Travis won't get a chance to get inside my room while l'm sleeping. I don't want to stay anywhere near him. Being close to him is a sin waiting to happen. I go downstairs after I finish taking myself to Join evervone for breakfast. I was greeted by everyone except Travis who keeps on glaring at me. Both Travis and Favour are wearing their usual office attire and seem like they're ready to go to
Estonia Years back I'm tapping my shoes on the floor while waiting at the lobby area of Travis's Legal Co. it's a private law firm that has the most brilliant lawyer in the country and its own by Travis family. I have an appointment with Atty Wilton. He's one of the most accomplished lawyers in the city and he's my last resort. I needed help to recover the land my father owned but illegally obtained from kings, a wealthy family across the state. They claimed that they bought the land from my father in a fair deal but l doubt that. My father loved that land, it's the only property that was left to him by my grandparents and I know for sure that he will never sell that. My memory about the land that we used to live in was very vague since l'm still young at that time. I even forgot about it until recently. I found a letter from my father from his belongings that my Auntie had ordered me to throw away. It's been hours and I haven't
Looking Ahead The early morning sun filtered through the window of the cozy family home, casting a warm and gentle light over the peaceful scene in the living room. Estonia and Travis had always cherished these quiet moments, a brief respite from their bustling lives. Today was no exception, as they prepared to celebrate another special milestone—Grace’s first birthday had just passed, and their little family was basking in the afterglow of the joyful celebration. Estonia, now more comfortable in her role as a mother, was sitting with Grace on the floor of the living room, surrounded by toys and colorful play mats. Grace was exploring her new toys with boundless curiosity, her laughter filling the room with a delightful melody. Travis, meanwhile, was in the kitchen, preparing a light breakfast for everyone. “Good morning, sweetheart!” Travis called out, his voice filled with cheer as he entered the room with a tray of fresh fruit and pancakes. “Are we ready for another day of adv
A New MilestoneThe sun had risen over the small family home, casting a soft golden light across the nursery where Grace had been sleeping soundly. Estonia and Travis had spent the night with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Today was a significant day—Grace was about to celebrate her first birthday, a milestone that seemed to have arrived all too quickly.The house was abuzz with activity. Estonia was busy in the kitchen, preparing a special birthday breakfast and finalizing the arrangements for the party they had planned. Travis was helping with the decorations, transforming their living room into a festive space filled with balloons, streamers, and a “Happy Birthday” banner.As Estonia placed the finishing touches on a homemade birthday cake, her heart swelled with emotion. She glanced over at Travis, who was adjusting a balloon arch, and felt a deep sense of gratitude for the life they had built together. The past year had been filled with challenges and joys, and see
Living Their Best LifeThe morning sun filtered through the curtains of the cozy living room, casting a warm glow over the room where Estonia and Travis had begun to find their rhythm as parents. Grace’s laughter filled the air, a sound that had quickly become the highlight of their days. The small family had settled into a routine that was as comforting as it was joyous.Travis was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. He had taken on the role of resident chef, delighting in making healthy, delicious meals for his family. Today, he was working on a fresh fruit smoothie and a stack of fluffy pancakes, a treat that Estonia and Grace had quickly come to love. The aroma of coffee and pancakes wafted through the house, a sure sign that the day was starting on a happy note.Estonia, meanwhile, was in the living room with Grace. The baby was lying on a colorful playmat, reaching for the various toys hanging overhead. Estonia watched with a smile, her heart swelling with pride and love. Grac
First StepsThe morning after Grace’s birth, the hospital room was bathed in soft, golden light. The sun had risen slowly, casting a gentle glow over the room where Estonia and Travis were beginning to settle into their new roles as parents. The excitement and awe from the previous day had not dimmed; if anything, it had grown even stronger.Estonia lay in bed, propped up with pillows, her eyes fixed lovingly on Grace, who was sleeping peacefully in a bassinet beside her. The tiny baby was wrapped snugly in a soft pink blanket, her delicate features serene and perfect. Travis, who had been by her side through the night, was now sitting in a chair beside the bassinet, his gaze never leaving their daughter.The quiet moments they shared were filled with a deep sense of wonder and gratitude. Every little sound Grace made, every tiny movement of her fingers, seemed to bring a new wave of joy to the new parents.“How do you feel?” Travis asked softly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful at
The Arrival of GraceThe days seemed to blur together in a haze of anticipation and preparation. Estonia and Travis had spent countless hours ensuring that everything was ready for their baby girl. The nursery was complete, filled with soft colors and gentle decorations. The house was stocked with all the essentials, and their friends had helped with the final touches, making sure everything was perfect for Grace’s arrival.Estonia was now just a few days past her due date. The waiting had become almost unbearable, with every twinge and cramp making her wonder if this was finally it. She tried to stay active, going for short walks and keeping busy with light tasks, but the constant waiting was beginning to wear on her.Travis, ever attentive, was by her side, supporting her through the discomfort and uncertainty. He was a constant source of reassurance, and his calm demeanor helped keep Estonia grounded during these final days.One evening, as they sat together on the couch, watching
A New Kind of FamilyThe days following the gathering with friends were peaceful and full of quiet anticipation. Estonia’s pregnancy was progressing smoothly, and with each passing day, the reality of becoming a mother sank in deeper. Travis, ever the attentive husband, made sure she was comfortable, taking on more household responsibilities and ensuring that everything was in place for Grace’s arrival.One morning, Estonia woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside the window. She stretched lazily, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face. Travis was already up, likely preparing breakfast downstairs. As she slowly sat up, she felt Grace’s gentle movements in her belly, a reminder that soon, she wouldn’t be alone in this body anymore.As much as she was excited, there was also a lingering sense of emptiness that she couldn’t quite shake. Growing up, Estonia had always felt the absence of a close-knit family. Her parents had passed away when she was young, leaving her in the care
A Gathering of FriendsThe sun was shining brightly on a crisp spring afternoon as Estonia and Travis prepared their home for a small gathering of friends. The air was filled with the scent of freshly cut flowers and the warmth of the season, signaling a time of renewal and new beginnings. Estonia, now well into her third trimester, moved around the house with a sense of purpose, her hands busy with last-minute touches.Travis was in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a batch of his famous grilled chicken, while Estonia set out a selection of fresh salads and appetizers on the dining table. They had invited a few close friends over for a casual get-together, a chance to catch up and celebrate the upcoming arrival of their daughter. It was the first time they were hosting since Estonia’s pregnancy had become noticeable, and both were excited to share this special time with the people who meant the most to them.As Estonia arranged a bouquet of wildflowers in a vase, she felt
A Test of GraceThe snow had finally melted, giving way to the first hints of spring. Estonia, now in the final trimester of her pregnancy, found herself enjoying the little outings she could still manage. Today, she had decided to run a few errands, eager to get some fresh air and check off items on her growing to-do list. Travis had offered to accompany her, but Estonia assured him that she would be fine. After all, a trip to the local supermarket didn’t require much effort.The supermarket was busy, filled with the usual bustle of shoppers restocking after the weekend. Estonia pushed her cart slowly through the aisles, selecting fresh produce and other essentials for the week. As she moved through the store, she couldn’t help but notice the way people glanced at her growing belly with warm smiles. It made her feel connected, as if the whole world shared in her anticipation.She turned down the aisle with the baby supplies, planning to pick up a few more things for Grace’s nursery.
A Gift of Unexpected SupportThe first snow of the season fell quietly outside, covering the ground in a soft white blanket. Estonia and Travis sat by the fireplace, their living room aglow with the warmth of the crackling flames. Christmas was just around the corner, and this year, the holiday carried a deeper meaning for them. It would be their last Christmas as just the two of them; by this time next year, they would be celebrating with their daughter.As Estonia sipped her hot chocolate, she watched Travis hang the final ornament on the tree—a delicate glass angel that had been passed down through his family for generations. It caught the light from the fire, casting a soft glow across the room. Estonia smiled, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn’t felt in a long time. The past few months had been a whirlwind of preparations and emotions, but here, in this moment, everything felt perfect.“Travis,” she said softly, drawing his attention away from the tree, “I’ve been thinking