**
A week had gone by so quickly and taking all the drama with itAria was left to pick up her life where she had left off before the drunken incident. She kept doing everything in her power to avoid any form of contact with Frank as he kept trying to get involved with her in one way or the next but to no avail.She made it a point to stay buried within the four corners of her apartment just to avoid running into him when she least expected.Aria even went as far as getting a new phone number. That way she'd stop getting his messages and calls as well.After a few more weeks of isolation. She decided to look for a new job that would keep her busy as well as pay her bills as soon as possible. She'd rather focus all her energy on doing something productive than continue to sulk over what she couldn't change.Aria even got a few job re**After manoeuvring her way through heavy traffic and crazy ass drivers who kept reminding her that, driving in Lagos was another part of life struggle she might never get used to. She finally made it to her destination.Aria was twenty five minutes late for the interview but that didnt stop her from forging ahead either as she quickly secured a spot for her vehicle in the parking lot and rushed in through the entrance while hoping for some sort of miracle to help see her through. Aria took a quick stop at the reception when she noticed the receptionist seating behind the counter with her face all covered in heavy makeup. The female receptionist has a piercing as she stared at Aria who stood in front her breathing like she has just being in the marathon. "Good morning" Aria had greeted politely still catching her breath. "Mornin
**There is nothing as terrifying as your brain getting the 'missing' signal the moment you loose something pretty valuable to you._you start to panic while imagining all the worst case scenarios that could take place especially if that something has gone missing possess the ability to either get you, your dream job or make you loose it even before you got started. Now, this was the exact case scenario Aria has found herself right from the moment she found out her credentials has gone missing. Having been given the chance to participate in the job interview in the first place was a sheer act of grace but not without the promise of turning in her papers early the next morning. While she was still outside contemplating on what next to do. She was lucky to have been met by one of their staffs who was willing to attest to the fact that she was indeed speaking the truth about he
**In as much as Aria would have loved to protest all the way to wherever the heck he was taking her at that point. She found herself enjoying the unexpected ride much to her own dismay._maybe it was because of the peace and quiet stretching between them as they drove in silent to an unknown destination. Frank was careful not to upset her as he kept throwing little glances at her direction. There was something about her in that moment that intrigues his mind and brings confusion to his heart. One minute, she was protesting about going anywhere with him and the next minute, she has settled in just comfortably and enjoying the ride._one could think she was truly enjoying his company and not secretly wishing for him to go blind so she could no longer be bothered by him. But oh well_not all wishes get granted.At least God made sure of that aspect for cruel though
**Aria has been so busy settling into her new workplace that she totally forgot about the upcoming book launch with Frank. It was as if her life has been fast forwarded to that very moment she has always dreamt about. Her personal space with an incredible view to keep her mind relaxed while she took that well deserving break from the pile of manuscript waiting on her table to be reviewed. She never thought reading through other people ideas could be so mind blowing and at the same time demanding. Her new boss was so polite and considerate. He took it upon himself and made sure her office was comfortable enough even though she wouldn't mind any of the possible discomfort at any point in time. Everything was more than she had hoped for and she was totally thanking her lucky star for it. After two days of
**The book launch started off quite early with lot of dignitaries. Everyone was dressed in one designers outfit or the next. Frank was not left out either as he too was seen dressed in a caramel colored Italian suit that hugged his biceps just perfectly with a black tux that matches with his nicely polished black leather shoes. He looked like a groom ready to walk down the aisle without a single hesitation. Aria on the other hand was dazzling in her flowing chiffon gown and standing by his side. Her makeup was quite simple. Just a few touches around the right places and smokey eyes was just enough to leave her looking just flawless. Every single head had turned at their direction the moment they made it to the entrance looking like the perfect couple. Hand in hand, and flashing that charming smile on their faces as they took a pose for
**"Girl....girlfriend?" The word had slipped out of her mouth in a whisper without anyone realizing it.She turned and stared at his rather calm features while thinking to herself. 'That was a joke right?'"Aria and I are yet to make our relationship public but we are getting there pretty soon" Frank had continued before placing a quick kiss against her cheek and leaving her more confused than ever."Whoa. I knew you two look just great together. You guys are just fabulous" Mr Sam had said in excitement while Sandra on the other hand looked totally speechless if not shocked.It was written all over her features as her shoulders grew an inch taller.Was she angry or simply jealous because Aria could feel it. Sandra was quick to conceal whatever she could be feeling as she quickly put on a sweet little smile.
*They drove through the night in silent with Aria looking out the window towards the moving scene. She couldn't understand it no matter how hard she tried. Frank had practically pulled her out of there only for one simple reason.He couldn't stand the fact that she was finally talking to someone who at least cared about her enough to laugh at her silly comment without pretending about it. She saw how everyone was throwing small glances at her direction back at the book launch. She bet they also thought there were a couple.
*Frank woke up and realized he was sleeping in the comfort of his king size bed but had no recollection on how he got there.He was still clothed in his white inner long sleeve while his suit jacket hung on the cushion across his bed. His shoes carefully lined out beside the bed from the other end.He gave a loud yawn and a full body stretch on the bed before pulling himself into a seating position.His brain was still fuzzy as he kept trying to recall what happened. The last thing he remembered was someone struggling a glass of whiskey from his grabs after which he was led out into the parking lot and even got into his car before darkness totally engulfed him .Now that he remembered part of it, he was sure, Aria was responsible for getting him home in one piece.She was pretty pissed at him last night as she kept trying to get him to stop drinking himself to stupor without any success.GoshHow could he l
Seven years has gone by so quickly_and nothing has changed with the Okoji's as they seemed to be growing side by side and deeper in love with each other with each passing day.Frank was still the perfect husband and father to their daughter. Even his staffs at the office could swear that he was now a better boss than what he used to be. With the new promotional policy that include a fat cheque and family trip to vacation outside the country during the holiday season was enough to make him the best employer of each year.To say everything was moving on well was an understatement. Their lives was close to being perfect.Aria on the other hand would visit her parent occasionally with her daughter so she could get to meet her cousins and grandparent. She decided to quit her job at the publishing firm at some point just so she could focus more on spending as much time with her family as she possibly could while taking up writing as a side hobby.Her litt
Thirty minutes later, Frank walked into the private room where Aria was admitted and placed little Evergreen who was still sleeping in her carrier on the sofa right beside the bed.Feeling overwhelmed and emotional, he plopped down beside her on the bed before caressing the soft skin on her cheek.The heart monitor was beeping as if it was counting her heart beat on a steady repeat. Her oxygen tube was sticking out of her nose uncomfortably. Aria chest was barely rising and falling under the sheet she was nicely tucked into.Aria looked more asleep than in a coma. Her thick mass of brown hair was brushed backward and hidden under a blue hair net to avoid getting in the way.Her skin look really pale without getting much sunlight as she has been kept in that room for way too long now. The white curtains covering the window was half drawn to allow only a bit of air into the room.Frank took hold of her IV free hand in his and gave it a little s
*Frank felt awfully uncomfortable as he sat between his mother and best friend in the nearly filled courtroom with a clenched jaw that clearly expressed his dislike for being there.He rather be home with his daughter or at the hospital with Aria but that moment was because of her and missing out on the final court hearing against her captor was not an option he'd like to consider.To think that Henry was pleading not guilty to all the charges levied against him, causes every blood running through his vein to boil with anger and the hair on the back of his neck to stand on edge.Henry has no single act of remorse in his heart not even after all he has done.Aria was in a pitiful condition because of him and it would be over his dead body to see him walk out of there, a complete free man. He already made sure of that by hiring one of the best attorney he could find.His lawyer, barrister Roland_ has assured him that Henry wasn't gettin
Frank sat with blood shot eyes as he searched Sandra's face for anything that proofs that all she had told him was nothing but pure lies from the pit of hell but the more he looked at her, the more he realized it was nothing but the absolute truth.His hands was balled into a tight fist by his side with muscles trailing the walls of his neck at the shocking revelation.Frank was beyond livid at that point as he was struggling against whatever anger that was coursing through his veins at none other than himself."How?" He growl at her."It's all started when you left for London and your father offered me a job to be his secretary. I thought he did it because of how close we were but sooner than later_I found out his real reason for doing it" she took a pause before she continued. Her eyes barely meeting his due to the shame and guilt that was all too visible to the eyes."I tried everything possible to resist him but not for long because you were go
**It's been two whole month already and Aria still hasn't woken up from her coma. Even though the doctors had assured Frank over a month back, that her chances of waking up was pretty high but even at that, she still hasn't shown any sign of waking up other than the little twitching of her hand that had occurred more than twice during his frequent visit.The doctor had explained it to be her reflexes but Frank would rather not give up on her recovery_reflexes or not. That was the only proof that she was still in there and could also hear him talking to her too.Frank made sure to visit every single day as the hospital was practically his second home at that point. He spend most of his time there beside her bed and making sure she was getting the treatment she needed.He wanted to be right there when she wakes up. The first person she looks at and have her know how much he has missed her and finally be able to see her beam her charming smile at him
Frank had arrived with Aria back at the hospital some minutes later and refused to leave her side even for a second as he was mounted protectively by the door of the theatre.Both his mother and friends stood beside him in silent. No one was willing to say any word out loud as their head was hanging low in silent prayers for everything to turn out well.They had endured so much during this few days and couldn't bear to face any more than they already had been made to go through."She will be alright man" Kelvin had assured him with a gentle tap to his already tense shoulders.Frank only gave a small nod in acknowledgement. Probably too overwhelmed to say anything as he continued to glance ahead.Lizzy stood by the far left beside Frank's mother with tense shoulders. She could barely look Frank in the eyes when she was let in as well. Her guilt was eating away at her grief.Lizzy couldn't believe she had played a part in her friend's misfortu
**Frank continued to pull relentlessly at his restraint over and over again while trying to break free and reach for Aria who had passed out cold on the bed at this point.She hasn't lifted a finger since Henry had abruptly left her on the bed and hurried out the door without a word.Frank knew something has gone wrong and was dying to get to her and began dragging the chair he has been tied to across the floor in a bit to get to her. Even though he kept calling at her, he wasn't sure if she could even hear him which only fueled his need to break free.He was half way across to her when Henry returned and rushed over to her side on the bed and scooped her into his arms for a moment before placing her back gently against the bed."What's happening to her" Frank had hissed angrily at him but Henry gave no reply as his only focus was on Aria and getting her to respond somehow.He cursed under his breath a few times after he felt
*Aria has no idea how long Henry has been gone but she knew he'd be back soon and had to move faster. She hurried back to the bathroom and searched for anything sharp but found only an old toothbrush stuck at the trash can and quickly retrieved it.Breaking off the edge against the hard floor, she rushed over to the door and began to use the edge to pick the locks in hope it would come off.She could feel the hard imprint of the locks pressure, pressing against her palm but she was far from giving up.It was either now or never.She was half drenched in sweat and her own tears by the time the lock finally came off. Her joy was short lived when she felt another wave of pain shot through her and making sure to draw a wail of agony from her lips.The contraction was becoming more frequent than normal. She noticed the warm liquid trailing down her thighs and knew her water has broken.The inevitable was about to happen and
*"So where are we travelling to" Aria had asked Henry out of the blue still munching on her chicken.A little smile creep up across his face at her question. He wasn't expecting it but he was happy she was showing interest in his proposal.He was expecting her to resist some more and not agreed readily. But either way he was eager to give a reply."We can travel to anywhere you like. Just say the word and we are out of here" he spoke enthusiastically."So you are telling me that you'd throw away your career and whole life just to run away with me?""Not exactly but for now, yes!. We can always settle somewhere and I could start up a clinic there" he explained with a thoughtful look in his eyes.Aria only replied with a small nod. Still deep in thought. She was processing a lot at that moment without giving away anything.If Henry was willing to give up everything then it could only mean one thing. He won't hesita