The Wrong Number

I was unable to hear from Henry on Saturday. He didn't return my text or call, so I guessed he wasn't back yet. I spent my time chatting with my brothers—we have a WhatsApp group chat where we communicate. I was glad my mom was awake; she had to stay longer for monitoring before coming back to Nigeria.

I took my time to think about Alfa and Henry. I wondered about the connection between them. Maybe they were brothers, and Alfa had told Henry about me, or something like that. A thousand scenarios ran through my head. I wanted to text Mysterio again, but I decided to wait until Monday to avoid making a rash decision.

He is really more than I expected—the way he gives a side glance when he speaks, trying to gauge my reaction, is so cute. His smirk is sexy. Don't get me started on his voice and laughter. His looks surpass those of a model; I can't imagine how many girls must be trying to get his attention in this company.

My entire weekend was filled with thoughts of Alfa, and I could barely wait for Monday. I also planned to confront Henry, so Monday was a day to look forward to. I arrived early at work, but Henry wasn't there yet. I arranged the drinks I would sell that day and waited for him—he always arrived before I left.

Five minutes after I saw him drive in, I went to his office, giving him some time to settle in.

"Beautiful Dove," he said the moment he saw me. I despised the way he called me that. Now I understood why it never sounded right coming from his mouth—he was just an imitation.

"You're not Mysterio," I stated, unwilling to beat around the bush. I knew I owed him a lot, but I wasn't the type to compromise my happiness. Alfa had taught me that.

"You met Alfa?!" He jerked up from his seat, not even trying to hide it. I must have caught him by surprise.

"Yes," I deadpanned.

"When did it happen, and what did you tell him?"

"On Friday. And I didn't tell him anything. I wanted to meet you first to clear things up, but you just made everything crystal clear."

"Well, now you think you're some great detective," he sneered. "I don't even want to know how you met him or how you figured it out. All I want to tell you is this—you must never tell him you're his little Dove." His voice dropped to a low, threatening tone, making me question my actions.

"And if I do tell?"

"Need I remind you that your mother is in my care and that you owe me a buckload of money? With just one phone call, your mom could be lost forever... aaaah, and Chuks." He smiled sinisterly, and my world went dark.

"You wouldn't," I whispered, my eyes brimming with tears.

"Dare me," he smirked.

"Why would you go to such lengths?" My feet felt wobbly.

"Well, Alfa took everything from me, so I'm paying him back by taking everything from him," he said, sitting on his desk, suddenly looking more intimidating than I had ever noticed.

"What does that have to do with me?" I cried.

"He always talks about you—gosh, he wouldn't shut up."

"Talking about me doesn't mean anything."

"He's my best friend. I've known him almost all his life. Alfa isn't a talker, so whenever he does talk about someone or something, it means he values it. And I've never seen him talk about anyone or anything the way he talks about you—not even Mirabel," he said, the last part laced with anger.

"He's your best friend, and you want to betray him like this? I'm just a girl, and my family means everything to me."

"You don't get it, do you? He loves you like no other. And he's a man you can take anything from because he values nothing—except you. So this is a rare opportunity for me. I will take you away from him and make him feel the same despair I felt."

I had no idea what had happened between them, but I didn't want to be used as a pawn.

"Please," I begged, falling to my knees. He stepped closer.

"What kind of boyfriend would I be if I let you kneel and cry?" he hushed, wiping my tears. "Don't worry—you won't get hurt, and neither will your family if you do as I say."

I nodded, utterly powerless against him. He moved closer to kiss me, and I was too weak to resist. I felt an invisible chain holding me down, forcing me to endure the disgrace. I closed my eyes, preparing for the torture, but the door suddenly flew open.

"Business and pleasure? Isn't that against the rules?" A husky voice interrupted, and I felt a momentary relief—only for it to be replaced by terror as I wondered how he would judge the situation.

"Come on, this isn't just any pleasure. This is my girlfriend," Henry said, his tone different—almost friendly.

"Wow, you never told me," the voice responded. I could imagine his smile even though my back was turned.

"Well, we just started recently." Henry took my hand. "Come, dear, say hello to my best friend—Alfa." He twirled me around, and I found myself face to face with Alfa. Slowly, his beautiful smile faded.

"Chioma," he breathed my name.

"Alfa," I responded, mirroring his emotions.

"Oh, so you guys already met," Henry broke the silence, making me glare at him.

I didn't understand. Alfa was his best friend, yet he wanted to make him suffer. Why did he think Alfa valued me above everything else? Why did it have to be me?

"So, what brings you to the company?" Henry asked Alfa.

"Well, I was hoping to meet a particular Bunny," Alfa said after a brief hesitation, and my heart shattered. I could just blurt out everything, but that would mean never seeing my family again.

"Bunny? You're always such a weirdo," Henry teased, and Alfa scoffed, still keeping his eyes on me, making it impossible for me to look up.

"Well, it's no longer possible. Have a nice day with your girlfriend," he said with a forced smile. I didn't need a soothsayer to tell it was fake. Then, he turned and left.

"Well, you didn't reveal our secret. And wow, you lied about your name," Henry accused.

"Chioma is my name. I didn't lie."

"You didn't tell the truth either."

It pained me how right he was. He smirked, sensing his victory.

"I know you're thinking of contacting your family and telling them everything," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Well, imagine telling a woman who just had major heart surgery that her life is just a pawn and her treasured family isn't safe. Oh, the pressure would kill her instantly," he mocked with fake pity.

"You manipulative bastard," I cried.

"I'm just driven, and I am not the only one manipulative." he chuckled. "You know introducing yourself as Chioma instead of Rose is a selective honesty, a deceptive omission you can call it. That hurts more than a blatant lie, hell it can even destroy a man's heart." he said, waving me away dismissively.

I turned and left his office, my heart heavy with despair.

AN: half the truth can be as deadly as a blatant lie, if not more deadly. But in this situation, we understand why Rose did it, Henry is just trying to make her feel bad.