Chapter Two. Locas POV.

As i walk around my room, exhausted from a long day at work, my mind began to wander back to the close call I had earlier this morning.

I couldn't shake the image of the lady's terrified face, her eyes wide with fear as she leapt out of the way just in time.

I recall the sound of the screeching tires, as I realized how close I had come to cause a tragedy".

But the bitch was not watching where she was going".

What would she be thinking, while walking on the high way?". I said to myself.

I nearly ran over, but she was still "bold as brass" like wonder woman who ran into the battle field, deflecting bullet.

"So vexing".

"The knock on my door was loud and insistent,making me jump in my seat.

I wasn't expecting anyone, and the sudden noise made my heart skip a beat.

"I slowly got up, my ears still ringing from the sound, and made my way to the door, as I approached,I could hear the sound of footsteps outside, and I wondered who it could be, standing on my porch,waiting for me to answer".

As I open the door, it was Oliver my childhood friend".

Oh! Thank God you're here, I was worried when i heard the knock on the door. I wasn't expecting anyone".

We exchanged greetings, as he settled into the comfortable couch, a warm smile spreading across his face,I could see the tension in his body begin to ease, he let out a deep snort".

"You didn't keep your promise yesterday,what happened?"

Oliver"how do you mean?"

"What was our plan yesterday?".

Uh... The lunch?

"Yes", you didn't show up, why?.

Something came up"

What came up, work?"

"No".

Family?".

"No"

Wait! Don't tell me it's what I'm thinking, I said jokingly.

"Spill it".

Jessica!" I said and alleviate with a bit of amusement,bend down my head, shook it in disbelief.

You choose Jessica over me?". I resented.

Not like that, he vindicated".

So what?" Oliver!.

I'm so sorry i couldn't make it yesterday, She had invited me to lunch at this new restaurant she's been wanting to try, and she had already made a reservation.

I didn't want to disappoint her, especially since she was really looking forward to it.

"That's why I adore her, She's the sunshine that brightens up my day. She's the calm in every storm, the safe haven where I can always find peace. And it's not just about the romantic gestures, either... it's the little things, the everyday kindnesses that she shows me, that really make my heart skip a beat. Like the way she made arrangements for our lunch... it's just one of those little things that shows me how much she cares, and that makes all the difference in the world".

"Oh spare me that". You're just being over-the top.

I fell into the leather chair behind me,Stared at Oliver and clench my hands into tight fists to stop the itch.

My powers of speech seemed to desert me for a moment, I wonder why Oliver wouldn't behave like me," obviously Jessy have cast a love spell on him", I ponder".

I grasped my hand and broke the silent'.

"What so special about Jessy?".

Mmh... trust me she's an amazing person". And i feel like i have found something special'.

Just be careful, oh! save it friend, women are cheat , they always break the rules, the are opportunists, the always take advantage of good things, don't be a victim dude".

I can assure you, not all of them, the question is have you meet the one that cherish you?, come on, don't compare them with your ex, i know you're still hurt, but then you need to give love a second chance.

"I'm not interested" I cut in'.

"Why".

I'm still trying to heal from my past relationship, It was a difficult time for me, and it's taking a while to process everything that happened. I appreciate your concern but i would rather not dwell on it".

"I felt a pang of nostalgia, It's like my mind was flooded with memories, both good and bad. It's hard to believe it's been so long since everything changed.

"Ever since I went through that difficult experience, I've had a hard time relating to women. To be honest, anything involving women hasn't been on my radar. Whenever I'm around women, I feel uneasy and tend to behave awkwardly. I've even caught myself thinking that women are somehow less valuable or that I'm not good enough for them. I've started to doubt the existence of genuine love. It's like my past experience has tainted my perception of relationships and women in general".

"Don't be like that dude".

"Well, speaking of love, my parents actually arranged a potential match for me,but be honest, I'm not on board with it. I'm not comfortable with an arranged marriage".

And......

"And what?"Locas!.

"To be honest,I'm not getting married to her because of love or any kind of romantic feelings. The truth is, my father's company is in a bit of a bind, and this marriage is more of a business arrangement than anything else.

"My father's been feeling the pressure from his investors and partners, and he thinks that marrying me off to her will help secure some important connections and stabilize the company's finances.

"The look on Oliver's face was priceless. He was shocked, stunned,and more than a little dismayed. 'You are getting married just to save your father's company?'

"he asked, his voice incredulous.

I nodded feeling a mix if emotions: guilt,shame,and a deep-seated frustration".

"The stillness between us was oppressive,a heavy blanket of unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Oliver's face was a map of concern, his eyes searching mine for answers. I felt like i was trapped in a prison of my own making, with no clear escape route in sight.

"But wait'. Do you know her?".

"No"

"What! You mean you've not seen her before?" His eyes widens,

"Yes"

"Oh, goodness gracious!"