PERFECT IMPERFECTION
Chapter 2: The Proposal II
DARASIMI’S POV
As I stepped out of the car, I inhaled deeply, willing myself to focus. No scandalous video could ruin my dream. With a composed smile, I walked hand in hand with the love of my life.
"I love that you're wearing this dress," Adeola whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
I smiled, though it wasn't genuine. The video replayed in my mind like a haunting melody.
"What's the occasion? You still haven't told me why we are here," I asked, feigning innocence.
He chuckled and gestured for the waiter to bring our meal. Then, turning to me, he began, "Darasimi Wellington, I've known you my entire life. We practically grew up together, went to the same school, shared the same friends... and now, I want our relationship to move to the next level,"
Before he could finish, the waiter arrived with our meals, interrupting the moment. I thanked him, but Adeola insisted I open my dish first.
Reluctantly, I lifted the silver lid and there it was. A breathtaking diamond ring gleamed back at me. My breath hitched as I turned to find Adeola already down on one knee.
"Would you make me the happiest man on earth by becoming my wife?"
Tears welled in my eyes. How could someone be so perfect, both as a boyfriend and a future husband, yet still be a cheat? I parted my lips to speak, but the words wouldn't come.
"Baby, there are cameras everywhere," he murmured. "I know you've wanted this more than anything."
His voice was barely audible, but I nodded and stretched out my left hand. "Yes."
Applause erupted around us. On cue, paparazzi swarmed with their blinding cameras. Adeola basked in the attention, as if he had orchestrated every moment.
Minutes blurred into hours. I posed for pictures, showed off my ring, and even answered a few couple's challenge questions. It was obvious Adeola had paid the paparazzi to turn this proposal into the talk of social media. The price was my meal and my privacy.
Finally, as we slid into his Lamborghini, I exhaled deeply. "I can finally breath again."
"Why did you hesitate?" he asked, his voice sharper than I expected. There was no curiosity in his tone, only an edge that made me uneasy.
I swallowed hard and withheld part of the truth. "I didn't. I was just... overwhelmed."
He studied me for what felt like an eternity before planting a light kiss on my lips. "I love you, Darasimi."
And just like that, the tears I had been holding back came rushing out. Why do you always cheat?
"Are those tears of joy?" he asked.
I nodded.
He wiped them away gently, teasing me before pulling me into an intimate kiss. Anyone watching would believe we were madly in love. But it felt different.
"I was scared you'd say no," Adeola admitted, his fingers grazing my lips. The soft touch melted my heart.
Not wanting to dwell on the moment, I said, "We should leave before the paparazzi finds us again."
He chuckled but agreed, pulling onto the highway.
When we arrived at his house, we were greeted by loud music and flashing lights.
"C'mon, lovely couple!" Fred, the most dramatic of our friends, shouted as he dragged us toward the party.
We laughed and followed suit.
"Even though you've been a part of this family since day one, we officially welcome you to the Adenuga family, sweetheart," Adedoyin said warmly, pulling me into a gentle embrace. I was careful not to press too hard against her growing belly.
Adedoyin was the loveliest person I had ever met, more nurturing than my own parents and siblings. And then there was her best friend, Stephanie, a woman who embodied beauty, success, and power. Men of influence practically fought for her attention, which never surprised me. Stephanie was the definition of perfection, a woman I had always admired. No matter how impossible it seemed, I often wished I could be like her.
"Girl, come enjoy your engagement party!" Stephanie called from across the room, flashing a radiant smile as she held a glass of red wine.
With a joyful heart, I made my way toward her and accepted the drink. "Damn! Your fashion is top-notch. My crimson dress is nothing compared to your royal blue fitted gown."
She smiled knowingly and replied. "You're beautiful enough to keep a man, which is something I haven't managed to do. Maybe I should be taking lessons from you."
I laughed, knowing fully well that she had publicly declared in multiple interviews that she didn't need a man and had no plans to settle down.
"Step one: fall in love," I teased.
She shook her head with an amused chuckle. "I'll pass. I think I'm doing just fine."
Amid our laughter, my girls suddenly appeared, their faces serious as they grabbed my arm and led me to a quieter corner. Confused, I followed without protest. Then, Uche pulled out her phone and pressed play on a video. My breath caught, my stomach twisting into knots. Had they found out about Adeola's cheating?
But no. It was my proposal.
It had gone viral, flooding every social media platform.
"This isn't the same excited girl who left her apartment earlier today. You were faking it. What's going on?" Uche demanded, her tone laced with frustration.
I wasn't the kind of person to keep secrets from my friends, but this wasn't something I could share. They would never understand.
"I was just nervous. I didn't expect that many cameras," I lied before taking a long sip of my wine.
"Whoa! That drink is strong," Temi warned, but it was too late, the last drop was already in my stomach.
"Can we just enjoy my engagement party?" I pleaded, hoping they'd drop the subject.
Uchenna sighed. "We just need to know you're not hiding anything from us."
I forced a smile and shook my head. "I'm fine. I can't wait to be Mrs. Adenuga."
They exchanged doubtful glances but didn't press further, and I silently thanked them for respecting my silence.
"Girls, c'mon!" Fred's voice rang out, calling us back to the celebration as his arms rested below the waist of the two ladies on his both sides.
I shook my head and turned to rejoin the party, however, a notification popped up on my phone. The stranger again. Instinctively, I grabbed another drink and excused myself. My girls watched me closely but said nothing as I made my way upstairs.
Finding an empty room wasn't easy, most were occupied, even Adeola's bedroom. I walked past, catching a glimpse of two of my colleagues at work inside, but I had no time to dwell on it. I settled into a vacant space in an empty room opposite, took a deep breath, and braced myself for another painful video of Adeola's infidelity.
I opened the notification, only to find that the message had already been deleted. Frustration surged through me. For the first time, I texted the unknown number.
To Unknown Number:
Who are you? Why do you keep sending me videos of my boyfriend cheating? How do you even get them?
No response. My anger flared.
To Unknown Number:
If you can't tell me who you are, at least tell me who the hell he's sleeping with. I need to know.
Again, silence.
I dialed the number, but the call wouldn't go through. Defeated, I threw my phone into my purse.
Thank you for taking your time to read.
Hope you’re enjoying the story?
To continue Darasimi’s story, you need to unlock the next chapter.
Happy Reading 📖