The days were slowly going by and Alex seemed to be falling in love with Zunnie more and more. He wanted to marry her and have at least three children. Yet, he kept that thought to himself because he did not want to rush her like he did when he proposed.
He had been so consumed with his love for her that he had not noticed Talia showing up at every important event he attended. Even though he knew of her feelings for him, he kept his interactions with her to a minimum to avoid misunderstandings between them. Talia is a very attractive woman, but he had no feelings for her.
As time went by he began finding it unusual that whenever he showed up at the mansion she would be there, or her name would end up in the conversations with his grandparents.
One Wednesday, he drove to Zi mansion for dinner and Talia was also there. After dinner, Alex spoke to his grandparents in private and told them it was not a good idea to invite her because he did not want both Talia and Zunnie to misunderstand. To his surprise, his grandmother had defended Talia and stated Talia only came to bring tea leaves her mother had offered to send Madam Zi herself during their last visit.
Alex knew his grandparents were fond of Talia as a child and still were. However, he felt uneasy every time he came to dinner and she too would be there. He had no idea what she intended to do by showing up, so on the drive back to the city he decided to pry.
"Every time I come home for dinner, I find it unusual that you're always there. I don't know what you're planning but it needs to stop. Always showing up may cause misunderstandings."
"You're imagining things. I only came tonight as per my mother's request and Madam Zi asked m to stay for dinner. I'm sure your wife will not misunderstand. She's an intelligent woman and we're just friends." Talia had replied to him.
Her reply made him feel like he had been too straightforward but he was glad she understood; because the following month, Talia had not shown up when he was home.
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Alex sat at the table twirling the glass in his left hand. He really wanted to go home but as the guest of honor, he had to stay till the gathering ended. He had been entertaining the important persons in the room all evening which made him exhausted.
The businessmen seating at his table were all clients and he had been trying his best to keep up his spirits. After a few minutes of listening to them ramble about soccer and other things, he excused himself and went to the balcony for some fresh air.
He was startled when he heard a familiar voice call his name a few minutes later. He had not seen her for a month and hearing her voice brought back memories from their last conversation.
"Ahh Alex, what a coincidence."
He turned to face her and gave her a warm smile.
"Talia, it is a coincidence. What are you doing here?" He asked cautiously.
"Oh, I'm here on behalf of my dad. I heard you were the guest of honor when I arrived."
"Mhm,"
"Are you leaving soon?"
Alex glanced at his Armani wristwatch before replying, "Yea, it's getting late."
"That's great, please let me ride with you. I came with my mom but she left earlier and I'd hate to wake my driver to come all the way to the city."
Alex nodded, turned his back to her and continued gazing up at the night sky. He wondered if Zunnie had made it home safely and decided to text her.
"Honey, I miss you. Did you get back alright?"
He was oblivious to the person who had taken a step closer to him and had seen the message he sent.
"If you're ready I am. I feel tipsy from all the drinking." Talia said the moment he pressed send.
"Okay, let me say my goodbye. Will meet you by the door." Alex replied and walked back towards the room.
When Alex arrived at the door Talia had been waiting on him. He walked past her and the took the elevator to the parking garage.
On the drive to her apartment, Talia rumbled on about her work and her family. He could tell she had a little too much to drink. However, he did not expect her to stumble and fall when she got out of the car.
Alex sighed got out of the driver's seat to help her to her door. He had no idea that she had only been acting. He pulled her up and she threw her body against his and kissed him.
He let go of her and stepped back.
"What are you doing?" He asked angrily.
"I'm sorry Robert. See you tomorrow." Talia replied and quickly stumbled into her apartment.
Alex was dumbstruck. He ran his hand through his hair as he sighed. He walked back to his car then drove home to his wife.