Chapter 57

Frederick POV


I called Kiel and invited him to the hotel's restaurant. I wanted him to meet Kharis. Just as I was about to text him the location, my mother's call came in. I sighed and stared at her number for a while before proceeding to answer it.

"Good morning Mom", I greeted.


"Good morning Frederick. How is Ivy doing"?


"Greeeeat", I dragged the answer.


"That's nice. I'm glad you both are bonding. Her mother called and said you both were together".


"Oh", I answered.


"Thank you for doing this. Your wedding is inL three days. I and your dad cannot wait to watch you make us proud".


"I know mom. I'll call you later".


"Okay, son. Take care of yourself. Say Hi to Ivy", she said in an excited tone.

I didn't know why my mom still believed I and Ivy were going to get married. I already made it clear that I and Ivy were never going to walk down an aisle. I took a deep breath and turned around to see Kharis staring at me.

"Is everything okay", she asked, staring intently at my face.


"Yes baby. I am trying to give Kiel a call. He is supposed to meet up with us later today".


"Kiel. Who is Kiel"?, She asked, looking up to the ceiling and raising her brows as though she was trying to remember.


"Kiel is my best friend. The one that is dying to meet with you", I answered, throwing my hands to the side.


"Okayyyy", she answered and it seemed like she didn't still figure him out"


"Oh, baby. You don't remember", I said, frowning.


"I will when I see him", she said and excused herself.

I rolled my eyes and dialed Kiel's number. I tapped my foot rhythmically as I waited for him to pick up. After letting it ring for a while, he decided to answer his phone.


"Hey. What's up man", I asked him, a smile on my face and one hand in my trouser pocket. I began walking to the balcony. I was happy. I couldn't wait for him to meet the love of my life and have his impression of change.


"Are we still in the game? I'm at the hotel though", I said, waiting for his reply.


"Yeah man, I was about to call you", he answered.


"What did you say the name of the hotel is", he asked. It seemed like he was busy. He seemed to be concentrating on something else.


"Nezzy irvoc suite", I answered, scratching my hair.


"Okay lover boy, I'll be there soon", he said jokingly and hung on.


I laughed. I didn't imagine that I would actually be a lover boy, crazy about only one girl. I smiled to myself and opened the door back into the living room. It was an apartment, as an Airbnb. The hotel room I stayed in was luxurious. It had a top-notch property in it. Room service was standard and the food tasted as though it was made by one of the top chefs in the whole of New York.


I walked through the hallway and headed to the kitchen. I could smell something delicious brush past my nostrils.

"I knew you would be here", I said to Kharis as I stood by the door.


"Come here baby, help me taste the soup", she said seductively.


I walked to where she stood. I noticed her stir the contents in the pot with a laden and put it on her palm. I used my tongue to taste the hot soup. I squeezed my face as the soup burnt my tongue.

It's tasty babe, I said, still squeezing my face.


She laughed and muttered a soft "I'm sorry, I should have blown it cold".


"I'm sure Kiel would enjoy this. He could eat here and later, we would all go downstairs to the bar for some drinks.


As we were talking about our plans for the rest of the day, Ma Cleopatra called.

"Damn, what's with all the calls today", I said in an angry tone.


"Calm down baby. Who is calling? Is it work? She asked, concerned about me.


I mellowed down and said,d "it is Ma Cleopatra".


"O,h that's great. Go ahead and pick her call then", she said, still stirring the soup.


I gave her a kiss on her cheeks and walked out of the kitchen.

"Good morning Cleo", I greeted.


"Morning Frederick. How is Kharis".


"She's fine. How is Chris", I asked her. I knew she didn't call to just exchange pleasantries. They Were more to the early morning call.


"He's doing great. He has fully recovered. And how is Ivy?" She asked me.


"Ma Cleopatra, can we not just talk about her"., I said.


"You do know that your wedding is in three days right?", she asked me in her authoritative tone.


"I'm fully aware. I told you I wouldn't continue with the wedding right. I was really clear on that", I said, turning around occasionally to see if Kharis was around or eavesdropping. Things were moving smoothly between us and I wanted it to remain that way.


"Have you told Kharis about this ye?. I mean, your arranged marriage to Ivy. It's best to hear it from you and not from the internet gossip on the street.


"I tried telling her while we were away on vacation in Ghana but it wasn't possible. I don't know what to do".


"You recently got her a phone right?".


"Yes", I answered, a quizzical look on my face. Was she about to tell me that it was a bad idea to get a phone for Khari?.


"I could bet that she is already on the internet. Your wedding is in three days, the whole world knows it. I hope she doesn't find out soon", she said.


"Can you help me say hi to him?. I miss her even though I didn't get to spend enough time with her. But, her spirit was enchanting and something about her drew me closer to her without hesitation.


"I'll say hi for you but, I really need to go back inside now", I said to her, stealing glances at the corner of my eye. I needed to know if Kharis was listening to my convo or still cooking.


I went back into the kitchen after dropping the call. Kharis was dishing the soup onto a bowl for both of us.

"Hey Mama, I'm right on time", I said, a smile forming already on my lips.


She dished my own, put it in a tray,y and placed it on the table for me. She gave me a quick wink and disappeared into the kitchen to prolly get her tray.