She had no reason to talk about Marcus with this man that does not mean well for her. A man whose idea of making more money is getting a pretend wife. She knew in her heart that he was trying desperately to make her family accept him in pretense of his true agenda. He was handsome, radiating of wealth in abundance and power. None of these qualities attracted her, because for all the gold in this world, she would never be any man's partner as long as Marcus was gone. She almost stood up from the absurd lunch, demanding to go home, but instead she did the opposite to her own surprise.
"He's late now" She responded, spooning some rice into her mouth like what she said, did not hurt. it did to a large extent but she would pretend, if it means understanding this enigma of a man opposite her.
"Oh am so sorry about that. You mean your grand father right?" He scoffed in amusement and Debby was confused for a moment if there was anything funny around them. This act of his irritated her to a large extent that she imagined throwing a few grains of the perfectly cooked Jollof rice on his linen attire. But then again, it was a dark colour, so no one would notice the stain. His response was an act of mockery and to Debby, it was childish but she refused to be deterred.
"He's name was Marcus. We were engaged. He was the love of my life and he died at 27 from liver disease about 10 months ago. We would have been married 6 months ago. " She gave that summary so gracefully, she wondered if she had rehearsed it time and again.
Oh! her heart was in disarray but she would rather choke on her meal than cry in front of Adebola.
It felt as though a rug was pulled from underneath his feet as he stared deeply at Debby. Adebola did not expect to feel this way. He suddenly became of so sad thinking about his life, his secrets and his pain.
"Am sorry for your loss Miss Debby" He muttered hoping to offer her more comfort beyond words. However, the young lady looked like she didn't need the comfort as she continued to eat gladly without casting a glance at him.
"It's alright. I am being told to move on but it's not easy sir. Throwing down my engagement ring into the coffin was my last act of hope in this loveless world. Am destined to stay without the love of my life". She shrugged her shoulders as she began to dice and chew the fried chicken on her plate.
"I am so sorry once again for making you talk about it." Adebola apologized in all sincerity. He wonders deeply how Debby had been coping these past ten months.
In the main time, Debby could swear she saw a pool of tears gather at Adebola's right eyes as he excused himself to use the restroom. He looked affected by Marcus's death.
"Well who wouldn't be" she said to herself as she ate some fried fish alongside the chicken on her plate, savouring every taste.
After a few minutes, Adebola returned looking as though he had washed his face repeatedly in the bathroom.
"Are you okay? You seem unwell sir" Debby asked, suddenly she became genuinely concerned about Adebola and for a split second, she was puzzled about that emotion.
"Am alright Debby. Hope you are enjoying your meal?." Adebola spoke with a smile trying to diffuse the tension in the atmosphere.
"Yes I am. Thank you for this. I appreciate you sir" Debby responded gulping down a glass of cold water by her side.
"It's nothing. You can call me for anything like this and I will be available anytime as long as I am in the country."
She smiled at his offer, knowing she would never do that. As though, reading her thoughts, Adebola reached out for her hand and stared at her eyes.
"Debby I need you" he said.