I stand in front of the mirror, my eyes sparkling with a bit of excitement as I take in my reflection. Seeing it’s been a while since I dressed up for a date, though it’s just a double date but still I’ll take what I can get. The burgundy dress drapes elegantly over my figure, accentuating my curves and making me feel confident. I run my hands over the soft fabric, feeling the delicate lace under my fingertips.A smile plays on my lips as I admire how the dress enhances my natural beauty. With a final adjustment to my hair and a touch of lipstick, I feel set to go as I grab my purse.“Lara” Clark calls out for the second time in a row, “we are going to be…”, “I’m ready” I say, cutting him off as I head downstairs.“The date is not for another one hour, and you should know that women need time to get ready, especially for a date” I say, walking towards him.He breaks into a smile at the sight of me. Wrapping his arms around my waist, “you look breathtaking my darling. I guess it makes
I spend the drive home dozing off and waking up intermittently, “are we home yet?” I ask tiredly at Clark’s nudging.“Yes we are” I hear him chuckle. I scrunch my face into a frown as I force my eyes open, “what’s so funny?” I ask, trying to make sense of my environment before making a move to alight the car.“Nothing” he shrugs, “you’re just so cute when you’re tired. Do you need help getting down?” He asks. I nod, “yes I do” I reply placing my hands on his shoulders as I alight the car.He wraps his arms around me to steady me as we walk towards the door. “You do know that I can walk by myself right?” I ask, inwardly grateful for the support.He shakes his head, “at this point I doubt, you've tripped twice now and I’m not risking you falling and hurting yourself” he says.“You’re so cute” I say without thinking, he chuckles, “thanks, I’m glad to hear that my wife thinks I’m cute” he replies. I shake my head, “I didn’t mean to say that, what I actually meant was thank you for your he
I spend the next five days purposely avoiding Clark. Every morning I wake up an hour before Clark usually wakes up to give me sufficient time to have my bath, get dressed and then leave for work. And in the evenings I purposely return home around 4pm, a time guaranteed that Clark will still be at work.I know we agreed to not leave things awkward but that was said in the heat of the moment. To be honest it just feels like we crossed a path that we can never return from.I look down at my watch, inwardly praying that Alice wraps up this internal staff meeting as soon as possible. Usually the meeting is supposed to end by 4pm, but everyone was busy with one thing or the other relating to work so we had to start by 4:30 instead of the usual 4:00 clock that we normally start.“What’s your opinion boss?” Alice asks, pulling me out of my thoughts. My eyes scan the room as I notice everyone’s eyes on me as they await my reply.I smile, “Alice could you kindly explain what I’m supposed to giv
“Hi Clark” I say, wide eyed, “what are you doing at home? The security man said you weren't around and your car is not outside too” I say to Clark, who’s comfortably sitting on the sofa.“Come sit” he says, tapping the space beside him. “Why?” I ask warily as I move towards him, he smiles, “Lara it’s not a crime for husband and wife to talk. Is it?” He asks.“No it’s not” I reply, settling beside him. “How come you’re home so early?” I ask, not bothering to look at him as I speak. “It was quite obvious that you have been avoiding me in the last five days today inclusive, so I decided to give you a little surprise so that we can have a discussion” he says.“So what do you want to talk about, you have to make it quick because I have things I need to finish upstairs” I say. He nods, “I won’t take much of your time and I know that this is another method to avoid me”.“So that brings me to the topic of our conversation” he smiles, “Lara, why are you avoiding me?” He asks. “Avoiding you” I
“Are those all my things?” I ask Clark who has taken it upon himself to help me pack for the team bonding outing. He’s even taken it upon himself to pick all my outfits for the three days we will be staying there.He nods, “that’s everything. I’ve placed the outfit you’d be wearing today on the bed, you can change into that while I finish packing our luggage” he says, not bothering to look at me with his eyes fixed on the luggages.I walk towards the bed picking up a light blue sports shirt matched with plain black shorts, “are we playing soccer?” I tease. He shakes his head, “you don’t need to dress this cool to play soccer. It’s just a nice way to dress down, I’ve also added a nice jewellery set to go with the outfit” “How nice it is to tell people that my husband dressed me today” I say, picking the jewellry from the bed, “thank you, it feels nice to be pampered” I say, before walking into the bathroom to change my clothes.Once I’m done I return to the room, but Clark is gone an
“Team A on the left side and Team B on the right side” Alice calls out, purposely separating people from their partners as she also ensures that each team is made up of men and women.Clark ends up on team A therefore making me on Team B, “we are going to crush you” I say, putting on my game face. He smiles, “it’s on. Don’t worry when you lose I’ll buy you ice cream to make you feel better” he retorts.“That’s the spirit” Alice says, chuckling. “For our first challenge we are going to be participating in an obstacle challenge. Each team has to select two people to represent them. The selected persons are expected to run through the track field whilst avoiding the moving cones, climb the net in the middle of the field and pass over it and lastly shoot down the 5 toy bears before running to cross the finish line” she says.“So who’s ready” she yells, causing the crowd to erupt into loud shouts, “we are”. She smiles, “I’ll give each team five minutes to decide who should represent them f
My alarm rings by 4:30pm, reminding Clark and I that we have 30 minutes to freshen up before conveying downstairs for dinner. “Clark” I say softly, gently tapping him.“Yeah, is it time to go?” He mumbles sleepily. I nod, “yeah, we have about thirty minutes to freshen up and get ready” I say, attempting to pull him up, though that doesn’t work.“I’m up” he chuckles, sitting up. “Do you want to take a shower, I already did?” I ask, packing my hair in a bun. He nods, “yeah, a cold shower will do me good at the moment” he says, standing to his feet.“You’re wearing the black gown I chose, you look good” he comments, before entering the bathroom.Clark exits the bathroom wearing a black top paired with white shorts, “that was quick” I say, turning to face him. He smiles, “I just needed to take a shower, nothing much”.“You really meant it when you said we were going to match throughout this outing” I chuckle, shaking my head. He chuckles, “it’s something I’ve always wanted to do with my w
“Alice” I call out from my office in extreme pain while clutching my stomach. “Yes Lara, you called?” She says, walking into the room.“Are you fine?” She asks, running towards me. I shake my head, “not really, I feel like throwing up and I’m experiencing terrible stomach pain” I say, still clutching my stomach.“Can you ask my driver to bring the car to the entrance and also cancel my meetings for the rest of the day” I say. She nods, “noted, I’m on it” she says, running out of the room to inform the driver.“He’s ready with the car parked at the entrance” she says, rushing into my office. “Thanks” I say, faltering as I stand to my feet. “Do I need to call the doctor to give you a visit at home?” she asks worriedly, as she holds onto me to keep me stable.I shake my head, “I’m fine, I probably just need to get some rest” I reply with a weak smile. She nods, “I’ll hold you till you get to your car” she says, holding on to me.I shake my head, “I might not feel good, but I’m pretty sur
It was a crisp Saturday morning when Clark and I decided to escape the city for a while. The sun was just starting to rise, casting a golden hue over everything, and I could feel the excitement bubbling inside me. "Are you ready for our adventure?" I asked, glancing over at Clark as he adjusted his backpack. "Absolutely! I've been looking forward to this all week," he replied, a wide grin spreading across his face. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn’t help but smile back. We hopped into the car, the engine humming to life as we set off toward the countryside. As we drove, I watched the scenery change from the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes outside the city. "Look at that view, Lara!" Clark exclaimed, pointing towards a sprawling field dotted with wildflowers. I turned my head just in time to see a burst of color against the green backdrop. "It's beautiful," I said, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "We should stop and take some pictures." Clark pu
As we dig into the meal, the aroma of the food fills the air, wrapping around us like a comforting blanket. The table is adorned with a colorful spread—fresh fruits glistening in the sunlight, a platter of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and golden-brown toast, all meticulously arranged to create a feast for the senses. I watch as he takes his first bite, his eyes lighting up in delight. “This is incredible,” he exclaims, savoring each mouthful as though it’s the best thing he’s ever tasted. I can’t help but smile at his enthusiasm; it’s moments like these that remind me of the joy of sharing a meal with someone special.We fall into a comfortable rhythm, the clinking of cutlery and the soft sounds of chewing filling the space between us. I take a moment to observe him, the way he enjoys his food, the little quirks that make him uniquely him. There’s something so endearing about the way he closes his eyes for a brief second as he savors the flavors, as if he’s trying to capture the mome
I smile, nestling deeper into his embrace, “what’s done is done, there’s nothing we can do about it now. And it’s not like you can fire her after all you went through to hire her” I say, sympathetically.He shakes his head, “right now, I’m thinking very much of firing her. She can’t go scot free with that sort of behaviour”. I smile, “no let it be Clark, I don’t want to leave you without help at the office. As long as this was a one time thing then I’m fine, let’s move on” He smiles, “you’re just too kind but I can see that your mood isn’t totally lifted. I shrug, wearing a tired smile, “I just feel trained after that conversation, why don’t you go ahead and have lunch without me. I’ll eat later” I say.He shakes his head, “no way, you came all the way to my office for us to eat together. So what can I do to lift your mood” he says, a mischievous smile on his face. “Letting me sleep” I chuckle, suddenly feeling very tired.“I’ll let you do that in due time, but please let’s have lun
“Afternoon Miss Denie, you require our assistance” one of them says. She nods, “yes please kindly escort this woman downstairs”. They both turn to face me, their eyes widening in shock, before returning their attention to her, “that’s Mr Clark’s wife, please excuse us” they say, before exiting the room.I watch as Denie remains immobile and speechless as she processes their words. I don’t bother getting up as I patiently wait for Clark’s arrival.In less than a minute, Clark walks into the room, concern evident on his face as he walks directly towards me. “You sounded upset, is everything fine my love?” He asks, crouching down as he takes my hand.I look behind him to see Debie’s eyes widen at her mistake. I shake my head, “not really. I closed work early to come suprise you with some food and drinks” I say, raising up the lunch bag for emphasis.“But I was met with insults and disrespectful t from your assistant. She wouldn’t even let me inside your office. To think she actually cal
I’m met by a woman who seems to be in her late 20’s. She is seated in Lai’s former desk. Her auburn hair drops over her shoulders, and her hazel eyes catch my attention. “Good afternoon” she says, rising to my feet, a surprised look on her face as she slowly assesses me.Feeling uncomfortable with being under her scrutiny, I mumble a quick greeting before walking towards Clark’s office. “I’m sorry you can’t go in there” she says, blocking my path.I look up at her, obviously surprised at her audacity, “excuse me” I say, trying hard to control my emotions. She gives me a smile, which is more of a mocking smile, “I’m sorry but you can’t see Mr Clark right now, you shouldn’t even be up here. I wonder who let you in here” she says, frustratedly running her hands through her hair.I chuckle, slightly moving backwards as she’s right in my face at the moment. I quietly assess her, wondering how to address the situation. I force my lips to form into a smile, “I don’t appreciate the tone that
Clark brushes a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch gentle and reassuring. “We’re in this together, babe. No one can come between us,” he assures me, and I believe him. Our bond is unbreakable, forged through years of shared experiences, laughter, and even tears. I lean into him, feeling safe and secure in his arms.“Remember that time when we first met?” I ask, trying to lighten the mood. Clark grins, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “How could I forget? You were so sassy, but you still managed to charm me with that confidence of yours,” he confesses, his voice filled with warmth. “Yeah, I can be quite sassy,” I admit, “but I didn’t know this side to you. You were definitely worth it.” Clark’s smile widens, and I can see the pride in his eyes. “And look where we are now,” he says, pulling me closer. “Married, happy, and in love. It’s a beautiful journey we’re on.”I nod, feeling a swell of gratitude for the life we’ve built together. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” I say e
Jordan coughs, obviously uncomfortable with being made the third wheel, “I think you guys would love to be alone, so I’ll just leave and catch up with the others” he says, attempting to rise to his feet.Clark shakes his head, “absolutely not, I honestly don’t mind your presence here. A friend of my wife is mine” he states. Jordan smiles, “thank you, but in all honesty I have some things to discuss with Lai. Please excuse me and it was nice meeting you Clark” he says, before walking away leaving Clark and I to ourselves.“Why were you alone with him?” Clark asks, studying me. I smile, “I wasn’t alone with him, I was basically in the open. I purposely discussed with him, where you could easily see us” I say, chuckling at his jealous display.He smiles, “well I don’t like the fact that he keeps hovering around you. You might not be able to see it but I can definitely tell that he like you” smh r says, drawing me closer to him.“How so?” I ask, my tone evidencing my surprise at his words
“So what have you been up to?” Jordan asks, as we settle down. I shrug, partially intrigued by his sudden interest in my life, “nothing much to be honest. Just the usual, handling my business and enjoying my married life” I say, with a smile as I dwell on my relationship with Clark.Jordan chuckles, “how’s that going? Last time I saw you guys, you were both heavily invested in an argument” he says, slightly leaning forward. I chuckle, “you know how couples are, we fight and we make up. It’s all part of the process of understanding each other and learning to understand each other's triggers and boundaries” I say, my gaze drifting to Clark who’s heavily invested in a conversation before returning my attention to Jordan. “So you guys are good?” He asks, suggestively. I nod, “we are more than good, I’m in love with that man” I say, my smile huge as I set my boundary. “What about you, how’s life going?” I ask, shifting the attention from me.He shrugs, “nothing much, except from the fact
“Heyy Belle” I say, running to give her a hug, almost tripping along the way. “Careful Lara” Clark yells after me. “How are you doing?” I ask, pulling her into a hug, before releasing her as I examine her face.She smiles, “I’m hardly getting sleep with Tululla’s sleeping schedule. But in all honesty everyday feels like a blessing to have my little girl in my arms” she states.I nod, totally understanding what she means, “what about Lai?” I ask, scanning the room for my brother. “He’s over there with your dad and mine,” she says, pointing towards a section of the backyard.“They must be giving him some stupid parent advice” I joke, noticing how serious their conversation is. “Heyy Belle” Clark says, embracing her with a hug, “how are you doing?” He asks, returning to my side.She chuckles, “your wife already asked that. Like I told her, I feel blessed” she says, a wide smile on her face and I can tell that this is the happiest she’s been since I’ve met her. Clark nods, “alright, let