That night, Linda was tossing and turning, trying to get some sleep, when a knock at the door startled her. She froze, unsure of who it could be at that hour.
"Linda, it's me," came Chris's mother's soft voice.
Linda sat up quickly. "Come in, ma."
Chris's mother stepped in, her face illuminated by the dim light from the hallway. She closed the door behind her and sat on the edge of Linda's bed, her expression both warm and curious.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you," she said gently.
"Oh no, ma. Is everything okay?"
Chris's mother smiled knowingly. "Yes, yes, everything is fine. I just thought this might be a good time to chat… woman to woman."
Linda's heart sank. She forced a polite smile. "Of course, ma."
Chris's mother leaned closer, her tone conspiratorial. "Linda, I've been meaning to ask you something… did you make use of that lingerie I gave you? You know, the one I slipped into your bag before your trip to the village?"
Linda's face went hot. "Uh… not really ma, I… I haven't had the chance—"
"Ah, I see," Chris's mother interrupted, her eyes twinkling. "No need to feel shy. I just want to know if there's hope for you and Chris.
Ma, the truth is I actually tried on the lingerie one night, Linda shyly confessed' and Chris's mom beamed with smiles'
So what happened then, I mean what was Chris's reaction, didn't he attempt to? !!, Madam Clarissa asked with voice full of expectations
Nothing happened ma, he was surprised and shocked, but that was it, nothing happened
Ohh, Madam Clarissa said sounding a little disappointed, but brightened up immediately and said,'' that's a step, see my dear, I believe everything happens for a reason and I believe this fake engagement between you and my son is like a learning phase for you both,
You two are so perfect together, and I've been praying that this engagement will blossom into something real. So, tell me—how do you feel about him? And be honest."
Linda swallowed hard, her mind racing for an answer that wouldn't betray their secret. "Chris is… a great person. He's very kind and supportive."
Chris's mother nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! He's a wonderful man, and you're such a lovely woman. I just know this engagement will work out if you give it time. I see how he looks at you, Linda."
Linda forced a small laugh, unable to respond.
Chris's mother stood, patting her hand reassuringly. "No pressure, my dear. Just keep an open heart. Sometimes love starts with a little spark, and before you know it, it's a flame."
"Thank you, ma," Linda managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Goodnight, my dear," Chris's mother said warmly as she left the room.
As the door closed, Linda let out a long breath. The conversation had only made things more complicated. She lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the charade pressing down on her.
---
The Next Morning
Linda woke up early, her mind made up. She had to leave. Staying longer would only deepen the deception. After quickly packing her bag, she headed downstairs, where Chris's mother was already in the kitchen with her househelp, humming to herself and giving out orders to the househelp.
"Good morning, Linda!" She greeted cheerfully. "You're up early. Come and have breakfast."
"Good morning, ma," Linda replied, mustering a polite smile. "I actually need to talk to you. I have to head back to my house today."
Chris's mother's face fell. "What? So soon? But you just got here. Why don't you stay a little longer? I was hoping we could bond more—you're part of the family now."
Linda hesitated, then spoke firmly. "I really appreciate that, ma, but I need to get back to my shop. I have customers waiting, and I can't afford to keep it closed for too long."
Chris entered the kitchen just then, looking surprised. "You're leaving already?"
Linda nodded. "Yes, I have to get back to work."
Chris's mother reached out, her tone almost pleading. "Linda, your shop will be fine for one more day. Stay with us. You've been working so hard—you deserve a little rest."
Linda shook her head gently. "Thank you, ma, but my shop is very important to me. I really need to be there."
Ok, but you will be leaving by the evening atleast,
No ma, I need to leave now, so I can do some cleanups both in my apartment and my shop, Linda insisted
Chris exchanged a glance with his mother, then spoke up. "I'll take her, Mom. Don't worry."
Chris's mother sighed, clearly disappointed but resigned. "Alright. But promise you'll visit again soon, okay?"
"Of course, ma," Linda said, though the words felt heavy in her mouth.
As Chris and Linda left the house, his mother stood at the doorway, waving them off with a look of both affection and concern.
They drove in silence, bypassing the busy hustle and bustle of the main road, it was as if everyone entered the new year with a new ginger and energy, or is it that everyone finished their life savings during the celebration period, which is why everyone is about hustling with a new zeal.
I would have invited you in, but I'm sure everywhere is dusty, I need to clean up first '' Linda said
They have arrived at Linda's apartment.
It's alright Linds, I can always come some other time, but I can actually help you clean up, you know" Chris offered
No, no , please Chris, you have already done alot for me, errrrmm if you're free on Sunday, you can come, I will be making rice , Linda said smiling
Are you asking me out on a date Linds? Chris asked jokingly
Linda laughed out loud, "let's just say, it will be my way of saying thank you for what you did for me,.
It's a date then, on Sunday, Chris replied.