Stella was persistent, she wants to know where I was last night. She has her hand on her waist ready to hear me speak and I didn't give any indication that I'd speak

She pouted " really? You won't say anything ?"

I rolled my eyes " I was upstairs where else ?"

She shook her head at me " but why didn't I see you. When I got upstairs, all the rooms were occupied with people having sex except you are among them "

She got me right there " I don't know what you're talking about "

" Don't play games with me, Ella. I know you didn't go home last night so where the hell did you spend the night? I tried calling your line but it was switched off"

I shrugged " that's because I didn't want any disturbance. I was already asleep"

" I don't know why I find it hard to believe" she gave me a look " you were with someone, my instinct tells me you were with someone last night," Said and came right beside me.

Stella sniffed the air like a dog " you smell different "

" Are you now a dog?"

She glared at me " don't call me that "

" Then stop acting like this. What is it with I smell differently? I'm always like this so I don't understand what you are talking about "

She seems annoyed " you want to hide things from me now? I thought we share secrets so why is yours an exception? "

I groaned " please stop making me look like the bad bitch"

" Of course you're the bad bitch. You're being mean to me" she pouted.

I let out a frustrated sigh " okay fine. You were right"

" Finally she speaks. You were with a guy, right? "

I furrowed my brows at her " stop making it sound as if I was whoring myself "

" Oh please! We all know you are a good girl so you've got nothing to worry about " she pinched my cheeks like a small girl

" Hey" I swat her hands away.

Stella laughed hard " so tell me what happened last night in detail. Don't you dare miss a point"

I rolled my eyes then lay flat on the bed. We were having a girl's time at my house. I'm sure she wanted to make up for ditching me the last night " tell me please " she was staring at me.

" I gave it away Stella" I blurted out.

" Gave what away? " She asked confused. Aside from my mom, she was the only one that knew I was a virgin.

" Do I need to spell that out ?" I rolled my eyes.

Realization dawn on her " you've got to be kidding me. who?! How ?! When?! "

" Calm down"

" I can't keep calm. This is one of the best news ever. My friend is now a big girl" she teased while I rolled my eyes at her.

When she finally got herself together, I continued.

" He is someone you know," I said.

She looks confused " someone I know? Alex?"

" God no! Not him"

I could see the relief on her face. I knew she has something for Alex.

"Then who?"

" Zion"

" What?!" She yelled.

I expected her to be calm about it but she seems mad, really mad " how can he do that to you?!"

" Calm down Stella. He didn't do it forcefully. We both agreed to it " I tried explaining

" But he should have known better to ask for my permission first," she said but I think there was more meaning to what she said.

" I don't get you, you aren't my mother so why would he ask for your permission? I thought we agreed last night that we will enjoy ourselves and whatever happened stays there so why are you acting like this now? "

Stella rubbed the bridge of her nose " it's different Ella. If it was another guy I wouldn't mind but Zion is a different case "

" Why is he a different case? "

She was hesitant " just forget it "

I scoffed " the hell I'll forget it. You better tell me all I need to know " I sat upright.

She let out a sigh " Zion is a player "

I shrugged " I know "

" I don't want you to feel sad but the truth is he never gets into a relationship after he lost his girlfriend"

But I thought he said he wasn't single.

" Is girlfriend died?"

Stella nodded " I know how you get attached to people in time and I also know how it feels when you give out your most cherished gift to someone. I don't want you to end up getting hurt, Ella. Please don't make the mistake of falling for Zion, you'll only end up getting hurt in the process"

People change " what if the reverse is the case? What if he ends up falling for me? "

" Then I'll be glad "

" I know you are only after my well-being and I admire that. I knew from the start that Zion is a player so have your mind at peace I'm not in love with him. Quite alright we might have gotten acquainted but I'm not stupid to fall so easily" I told her. What I said hurts a lot but she doesn't need to know that.

" Are you sure ?" Stella asked.

I nodded " absolutely"

She pulled me for a hug " I want the best for you Ella and I know you'll find the one "

I pretended as if I wasn't pained. I withdrew from the hug then asked " where were you last night also?"

Stella blushed " you know that guy we saw yesterday?"

" Fred's friend?" I asked

" Yeas him"

" Woo! Someone is blushing" I teased " tell me everything that happened"

Stella chuckled " nothing much. He took me to a restaurant. I remembered telling him I was hungry then he said to me he has this perfect place he'd like to take me too and you know I don't always deny offers especially when it comes to food."

I giggled " I know right. So what happened next?"

" Well he told me more about himself and he has this little business he is running. He looks like a good guy but I still don't see myself with him. We might have shared a kiss here and there but the spark isn't there at all. " She sighed

I understand how she feels. It's always annoying when you don't have a connection with someone that loves you and the idea of forcing the connection seems like a bad idea. I won't suggest such action to anyone because that person might end up getting hurt in the process.

I don't have the zeal to go to work today, I feel really lazy and I feel as if I'm wasting my time working in that company. The pay isn't as good as you think. I pouted then got up from the bed.

I stretched a little and dragged myself to the restroom. Immediately I got in my eyes went to the mirror on the wall. I've noticed that my face glow this past few days and it makes me wonder why and how? I haven't been using any cream on my skin so why was I experiencing this? I'm not complaining but one needs to be alarmed when you find something suspicious about yourself.

I sprinkled water on my face then picked up the toothbrush and brush my teeth. I've got enough time to prepare for work. When I was done I decided to take my bath. I enjoyed every bit of that shower.

I was out a few minutes later with a towel wrapped around me. I picked out a pair of trousers and a shirt. I put them on and apply a little powder to my face. I'm not a make-up type of person but I still appreciate applying a little on my face when the event calls for it.

I stared at the hickey still on my neck. It's already healing thank goodness. I'm tired of people always staring at my neck.

My thought went back to the person that gave me that hickey, I wonder if he still thinks about me, or if he wishes to see me again. When you ask me, I want to meet him. I've tried hard to forget him but I find it impossible. The more I try to forget him the more I miss him so that's why I decided to allow everything to move on its own.

Stella who has been suspicious about this kept questioning it. She knew me too well to know that I feel lonely and the only person that can fill that void was Zion.

I applied a little lipstick to my lip. I rubbed them together and finally made my way outside. Mom was in the kitchen as usual. That woman loves to see me eat before going out for work. She is cool and I won't deny that I love every bit of it.

" So what's cooking ?" I asked as I took a sit in the dining. Mom came out with her apron wrapped around her she held a cup of coffee and handed one to me.

" Here"

" thanks, mom" I took it from her and sip. It tasted deliciously " This is delicious" I thumb up.

" Why thank you" she bowed playfully.

Mom went back to the kitchen to bring the toasted bread and funny enough she made mine as crunchy as I love it.

" Wow. You know me too well" I took a slice.

" you are my daughter so my duty as your mother is to know everything about you" she smiled.

" you're right "

" I'm always right. Wait till you have your kids you'll know the feeling" she said cockily

I gave her a look which made her burst out in laughter" Why must you always talk like this mom? I don't want kids now "

."Never say never" she winked " drink up your coffee before it cools down"

I playfully glared at her " You're insufferable"

" But you still love me like that "

" True"

*****

After the long breakfast with mom I ended up going late to work and as usual, my boss had to punish me again. The employees at the office all give me this look that says, latecomer.

I do glare at anyone that gives me any bad looks. I hate and can't condone rubbish.

" Ella!"

I paused hearing my name being called. I knew who that voice belongs to. Alex was standing in front of my office door smiling widely at me. He was dressed in a well-ironed shirt that hugs his muscles. This man knows how to dress to impress. I swooned, I mean look at him... He's so good looking but compared to Zion, oh no, he's a learner.

Zion is a Greek God and can never have competition.

" Long time no see Ella" what is with him and smiling. He looks really happy to see me but why though? Did his friend tell him what happened?

" Alex?"

." Yes it's me in the flesh" he smirked.

" What are you doing here?" I couldn't help but ask.

He strides to my side and hugged me, a tight one at that. Why was he behaving as if we were long-time friends? He was also dragging attention and I hate that.

I pushed him away making him chuckle " Can't I hug my friend again?"

I raised a brow" We are not friends so please stop acting. What are you doing here ?"

" I came to pay you a visit," he said like it was simple.

" The last time we talked, you walked out on me so what changes?" I asked folding my arms.

He looked around and was aware of the eyes on us " Are we doing this here? Oh come on let's get into your office "

I rolled my eyes at him but agreed with him. He trailed behind me and pushed the door.

" your office still looks the same," he said as he looked around

I huffed " it's not even a month since you came so don't expect it to be different"

" Calm down woman, I was only saying " he went and sat in my seat. The nerves of this man. What is with him acting as if we've been friends?

" Like seriously"

He grinned at me, he didn't give a sign of getting up so I settled for the seat opposite to him.

" You have changed "

Ok, what does he mean by that so I asked " excuse me? What do you mean by that ?"

He shrugged " you look different"

" in what way?" I asked confused.

He was reluctant to talk " let's just say it's a good difference. You look more beautiful"

I knew there was more to what he said that he is letting on. I'll find out about it one way or the other.

" So what brought you here ?"

" To visit...

" Don't even say to visit me. I'm sure you didn't come here for me, you're here to see my boss same as last time "

..

He smirked " you are right"

" So you came with your friend too?" Then it registered. That friend he was talking about the last time must be Zion.

He smiled as if waiting for me to join two and two together " You guessed right love. I'm here with Zion"

I didn't want my reaction to give away that I was bothered " oh okay"

" Do you want to say hi to him?"

"No!"

" Oh okay," he said giving me a look

" Can we just change the topic already?"

Surprisingly, Alex what quiet and he allowed me to do my work in peace. I glanced at him from where I was, he was on his phone texting Someone. He looks really serious and I'm very sure whoever he was texting is important.

I shrugged not to dwell too much over it. Just when I taught I can have my peace a call from Stella came through. I groaned

" Some boyfriend?" Alex asked from where he sat and I rolled my eyes at him.

" it's none of your business"

He shrugged " okay"

..

" Hey girly" I chirped in when I picked up.

Stella screamed into the phone. I had to move it away from my ears because of how loud she was.

" Stella! What the heck"

At the mention of her name, Alex raised his head. He looks interested in the conversation.

" I'm sorry. Just guess what?!" she screamed again.

Why was she so happy? I wondered

" What is it?"

" it's Marcus"

I furrowed my brows confused " what is it about him ?"

" well, I might have thought over it and then decided to give him a chance," she said.

I squealed " you aren't kidding right ?"

"

" I'm not. Look Ella I've thought over everything and decided to give him a shot. Moreover, I have nothing to lose" She sighed

I kept smiling " you don't know how this makes me happy"

" I am too"

I didn't want to go too deep into the matter because of Alex. He pretended as if he wasn't listening but I know him too well. His mind is on the call.

" erm look, Stella, we'll continue our discussion next time. I'm a little busy in here" I said as I glanced over at Alex.

" oh okay. We'll talk later"

The call ended. I let out a loud sigh.

" you ended the call because of me, right?"

That question came as a surprise.

Alex raised a brow waiting for a response. I rolled my eyes at him " Not everything is about you"

He snorts" because she has a new guy doesn't mean you should cut the call so that I won't hear"

Okay? How the hell did he know? My phone was on silent not on speaker.

He saw my surprised face " Don't be surprised"

" How?"

He chuckled " There are things you don't know about"

He loves saying that all the time which makes me wonder if he possesses some powers. On second thought, that isn't possible at all. We are all humans and that sort of thing is only seen in movies. Werewolves, vampires, witches, and wizards are only seen in movies. Such things do not exist in real life. I snorted at my silliness.

" You talk strange at times you know"

..

" Maybe it's because I'm strange " he shrugged.

I squint my eyes at him " Stop, do you have something against me? I don't understand this attitude of yours "

" Nothing at all"...

" No, it's something. Tell me, is there something between you and Stella?"

He snapped his neck to look at me so fast that I thought it will go off their socket." Stop saying rubbish Ella. Nothing is and nothing will ever happen between us" he said in disgust.

" I'll still find out in the end. You two can't keep hiding  it forever"

He scoffed " you'll find nothing "

" I've heard you"

Alex got up from the couch " it's time for me to leave. I've overstayed my welcome."

That moment I went to block the door " Are you angry?"

" of course not, why will I?"

" Don't be a sissy Alex. What have I said that is making you act this way?"

" move let me pass please. I'm not in the mood for all this "

" Know that I'm always here when you need someone to talk to but the issue is I'll always tell you the truth even if you don't like it," I said.

Alex exhaled " Just don't interfere in something that doesn't concern you. Instead, you should focus more on knowing who you are"With that being said Alex went out.

I couldn't move, what he said hits home. What does he mean by that? Does he mean that my mom is hiding something from me? This is confusing. I shook the thought off, I shouldn't think too much about it.

I went to stand beside the window and just in time, Zion and Alex walked out of the company heading towards their car.

Zion looks the same. His fierce attitude makes him look more handsome. I sighed dreamily, those arms were around me a few days ago. Zion stared around as if looking for something, already Alex was inside the car.

His eyes went straight to my window and I freeze. I couldn't move but what I was sure of is that he can't see me since the window was tinted. Then why was he staring as if he knew I was there.

I gulped loudly but didn't move. He spent seconds staring before he entered the car and zoom off.

***

ZION

I knew she was standing behind the window. Her scents couldn't be missed. If it wasn't for Alex who told me not to check on her in her office. The aim was to go to the company to see her.

I stared at Alex, he looks so quiet for someone like him.

" Hey, are you ok?"

" Yeah, why?"

" You seem kinda lost. Did something happen when you went to her office?"

Alex closes his eyes " Stella has a boyfriend"

Okay...now I get it.

" So?"

Alex stared at me " are you serious?"

I shrugged " yes, I am. Don't she have the right to do as she pleases? Look, Alex, that girl made it clear to you a long time ago. You should allow her and besides you once said that you have no string attached so why are you complaining? allow her man"

" you don't understand "

." There is nothing to understand. This has been an issue of months ago and I believe it's sorted so why can't you be happy that she finds someone. You are not her mate and vice versa."

He exhaled " I'm confused too"

"Don't be. Take off whatever it is in your mind and if you decide to push through then make your move "