Alex pulled her to him and hugged her tightly. Zunnie felt like the luckiest woman in the room. Being in Alex's arms as he swayed to the music in the background filled her with love.
"What number did you have?" She asked him curiously. Thinking it was a huge coincidence.
"Ah, I don't have one." His soft and husky voice said over her head.
"Then how come you're here with me?"
"That's because no-one is allowed to hold you like this except me."
Zunnie blushed to his response; "Ha-ha you are greedy indeed."
Alex's confident and charming words sent her heart into sweet chaos. She pressed her body against his to show her approval. Her ear was resting on his chest and she could clearly hear his heart beating. The rhythmic thump, thump, thump was the most harmonious melody she had ever heard.
Zunnie closed her eyes, breathed in his subtle yet intoxicating scent and let him leisurely meander her body around the dance floor. She loved this feeling.
It was an innocuous, enchanting and contenting feeling and she didn't want it to end.
"How can I not be when you look so amazing tonight?"
"You're right."
The music came to an end and her father's voice was heard again.
"Ah, what a lovely tune. Everyone looks so beautiful tonight. Thank you for coming and Merry Christmas to all. I promise this will be my last time speaking so you can drink and be merry."
Everyone in the room laughed and applauded.
"Many of you may not know that I am the father to two lovely children. A handsome young man Eyan and a gorgeous daughter Zunnie. I love them dearly and even though their mom is no longer with us, they have done beautifully. I must have done something right." Her father chuckled along with the audience.
"However, tonight's occasion is to celebrate my daughter, Zunnie. She's a tough one alright. She's stubborn and constantly nags me about my health but I guess that means she cares. But this is not all that makes a father happy. What makes me as a father pleased is knowing my daughter is able to find someone to love her more than I do. What's important is seeing her smile and have grandkids I can spoil when she's too busy to care about me. Pumpkin, you will always be my little girl no matter who you love, papa will always love you. Let's welcome them." Wan Bai continued speaking humoring the guests.
Zunnie had been listening, surprised that she was being celebrated. She had no idea what had happened or why she was the center of attention and it made her extremely anxious.
Before she could understand what was going on, Alex, removed her mask and escorted her to where her father stood.
Alex took the microphone from her father when they got there and began speaking.
"Welcome everyone and thank you for coming to celebrate this special day with me and the Bai family." Alex was still holding onto her hand as he spoke.
Zunnie had not entirely grasped what was transpiring. She quietly stared at Alex, wondering if he was about to do what she was thinking. She squeezed his hand to persuade herself that it was real.
Alex turned to face her and continued to speak.
"The things I'm going to say, you probably already know but today before the world and everyone in this room I want to tell you that you're the best thing that has happened to me. I want to share you with everyone and let them know we're happily married and show the world how amazing you are. When you meet someone who completes you, that unconditional love is so hard to contain. It makes you want to show them off and shout out to the world how much you love that person. I can't help myself anymore I want everyone to know she's mine and I love her."
Zunnie blushed and nodded her head, ignoring the erratic movements beneath her left breast.
"I'm not a single man anymore, I'm married and this intelligent and beautiful woman next to me is my lovely wife. Everyone please takes care of us." He kissed her and the crowd erupted into applause.
Despite the loud cheers and applause, a few people in the crowd were not pleased. The couple on the stage were oblivious to the anger and jealousy they had to awaken in a few guests.
Alex and Zunnie walked to the floor and people congratulated and wished them well.
Zunnie was basked in the moment when she noticed a pair of angry eyes glaring at her across the room. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw them. She turned to see who they belonged to and saw that they belonged to Natalia Omulu.
She furrowed her brow but smiled at Natalia, who didn't return a smile and that was fine with Zunnie. She excused herself and walked to where stood.