She wiped the tears off her eyes as she heard a knock on her door. She quickly got off the bed and slipped her feet into the silky slippers in front of her. It was 6:35pm as she hurried out to the sitting room to open the door.

"Dave,"she called with mixed reactions as she looked at the tall handsome and dark skinned guy standing in front of her

"Hi mad, don't tell me you're still crying," Dave said, holding her palm as they both walked inside. He was wearing a black leather coat and a black boot with a black head warmer and gloves.

She stopped for a moment and hugged him tightly.

"I love you" she said in tears

"Mad, you have to stop this," Dave said, wiping the tears off her cheek as they broke the hug.

"I don't want to lose you," Madison cried as she looked into his dark round eyes.

"You won't lose me. You just have to go to Nigeria and talk things over with your parents. I'm sure they're gonna understand. My love," he said, caressing her cheeks.

"It's not so easy Dave, I'm sure they've planned it so well with the Johnsons. They're gonna do all they can so the marriage would work".. she said anxiously.

"I know baby, but like you said earlier the guy doesn't want you too, so that is a good thing for us dear. You both should meet and talk things over" Dave advised.

She smiled and looked at him. She adjusted her glasses and he smiled at her too. She was certain of her love for Dave and Dave's love for her. Nothing can separate their love for each other she thought.

"So let's go to your room so I can help you pack for tomorrow," he said with a smile.

She smiled and nodded. "Hope you come join me soon in Nigeria," she added

"Yes of course baby, I would join you sooner" he said and they both smiled.

* * *

Jason looked at the wall clock for the fifth time. He was getting impatient already. He reached for his phone and called her again but she wasn't picking.

Just then,the door flung open showing a slim tall fair and very pretty girl with curves. She was dressed in a red skimpy gown which stops above her knees. Jason stood up on seeing her walk in. He tried to hold her but she shoved his hand off her.

"Don't touch me!!" she yelled while pacing around the room.

"What is it baby?" he asked, looking surprised

"Why did you lie to me about your engagement with a girl called Madison, or you think I wouldn't have found out huh?" she asked angrily with her cheeks burning red.

"Calm down Emy, that was why I wanted us to see and talk about it. I wasn't hiding it from you baby, I thought I could sort it out first before letting you know," Jason said, caressing her arms.

"But you should have told me baby, I've not been myself for sometime now," she said sadly as she lowered her head with tears forming in her eyes.

"I'm sorry baby, calm down and sit down first" he said and walked her to the sofa. She sat down and heaved a sigh of relief.

"What should we do now?'' she asked anxiously.

"I've tried talking things over with them but they seem adamant. I just want to wait for her to come tomorrow so we can both discuss the way forward . I'm sure she doesn't like me either. We ain't friends" he explained.

"Are you sure baby?, Cause I don't wanna lose you to anyone else" she said, caressing his cheek.

He smiled and pecked her cheek

"Come on let's go get something to eat first we will talk further," he said with a charming smile.

*****

LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT

"l love you baby please come over as soon as you can,"Madison said, holding Dave's hands as they got ready to depart.

She was wearing a short pink gown with pink stiletto shoes and a pink hat. She wore no too much makeup, just powder and a light lipstick to match. Her hair was neatly stretched down to her shoulders and she had her glasses on to make her look perfect.

"You are beautiful baby. I'll come over as soon as I can," Dave assured as he squeezed her palm softly

"Thanks dear," she blushed. He pecked her on the cheek and she blushed again as they both got lost in each other's eyes. This was the reason she loved him, he had always made her feel like a woman.

"Come on don't be late for your flight" Dave said smiling

"Yeah hope to see you soon" she said as she heard her flight being announced.

"Hurry up baby," Dave said after her. They both waved each other good bye and departed.

* * *

LAGOS NIGERIA

It was a sunny afternoon, both families ( the Johnsons and Thompsons) were both having an intense preparation awaiting Madison's arrival. It's been a long time since she came home, and they wanted to throw a surprise party for her arrival from London.

The Thompsons house was filled with families and friends both old and young. The women were busy directing the maids in the kitchen while the younger ones were seen decorating the house to make it look more beautiful. The men could be seen chatting and laughing at the same time. It was really a happy day for both families.

"Jason should be here by now cause I just called Jerry and he's already at the airport to pick her up," Mrs Thompson said anxiously as she walked out of the kitchen. She is a lady in her late forties. She is slim, tall and fair in complexion with a long face and dark long hairs.

"He's on his way dear," Mrs Johnson said excitedly from the dinning

"I want him to be here when she comes so he could give her a hea...rty.. welcome!!" Mrs Thompson said with excitement and they both laughed out so loud.

As she stepped into the car, Madison smiled as she looked around the city. The busy road, which was filled with motorists moving to and fro, the beautiful houses, and the roadside shops with sellers littering the roads.

"A petty couple of things have changed in Lagos," she said to Jerry, her younger brother who had come over to pick her from the airport. He is a young handsome and dark skinned boy in his early twenties.

" And you have changed too sis," he complimented with a smile.

"Come on, you are the bigger boy now look at you, just looking exactly like dad" Madison teased and

he smiled.

"That's not true" he argued

"Yes it is".. Madison refuted and they both laughed. She was really amazed by his growth and she wondered how Jenny would be by now. Jenny is Jerry's twin. They are the only siblings she's got. she looked very happy for this home coming but the thought of Jason scared her again. She wondered how he would look like by now, probably more handsome than he was when they were kids. she wadded that thought off her mind cause it was giving her migraines. She thought about her parents and the Johnsons family, everything would have changed by now. The Johnsons kids would have also grown, cause the last time she saw them they were just children.

It has been a long time since she visited home. After her scholarship to Oxford while she was 15,the last time she had visited home was when she was 18 and now she is 27 already.

wow she said to herself and smiled.

As they rode into the Thompsons mansion, Madison was filled with joy. The mansion has changed and it's far more beautiful than the last time she was here. She jumped out of the car as soon as it came to a halt.

"Home sweet home!!" She exclaimed as she looked at the beautiful yard and the fields and gardens which were filled with trees and flowers. She gazed at the water fountain in the middle of the mansion and the two sculptures beside it. She saw cars of different kinds parked in the garage and she wondered if her father had been acquiring more cars while she was away. She looked at the ashes painted building in front of her which was the main building which serves as home to the family. The paints were still new and the walls were still so strong.

"O my gosh.. it's so good to be home," She said, excitedly

Jerry let out a chuckle. "I know you are so happy sis," he said looking at her.

"Yeah why not?" Madison asked, still admiring the surroundings.

"But I don't think Jason is here yet so save your excitement till he comes," Jerry added. Those words took Madison by surprise. She turned towards him and frowned.

"What's the meaning of that?!! Do you think I'm happy because of Jason huh?" she asked angrily.

"No hard feelings sis," Jerry laughed

"you better stop that joke!" She said angrily and walked out leaving him behind.

As she walked into the house, she noticed that everywhere was silent.Everywhere was so beautiful like a party was about to take place with balloons and ribbons everywhere.

"Where is everyone?" she asked as she walked in slowly with the sound of her shoes making faint noises behind her.

"Hellooooooo is this a prank or what?" She asked aloud as she looked around the house

"Surprise!!!!! surprise!!!! " were the words she heard from different corners of the house.

She held herself in awe as she saw her families and friends all troop out from different corners of the house. Some were holding a banner with the inscription: "WELCOME HOME MADISON". She couldn't hide her joy as she was surrounded by family and friends who all ran to hug her.

"it's good to be home baby," her dad said hugging her tightly

"She is so beautiful," her mom remarked with a smiley face

"My chocolate ice cream!!" Mrs Johnson exclaimed, running to hug her. Madison laughed so hard that she almost cried.

"Aunt Beauty you just won't stop these names," she said amidst laughter.

"No no I miss you," Mrs Johnson cried in excitement as she hugged her tightly.

"Alex!" Madison screamed as she saw her childhood friend.

"Mad you are so different now come on babe I miss you," Alex said, hugging her.

"Are you married now?" Madison asked, ooking at the ring on Alex's finger

"Yeah Yeah" She replied while waving the ring across Madison's face. "And hoping you'll join me soon," she added and everyone laughed except Madison.

"Aunt Madison, What did you bring for us, chocolates?" little Ella asked. She is the last child of the Johnsons

"O my yummy yummy there's a lot in the bag," Madison said, rubbing her robust cheek.

They all laughed and chatted. She was happy to see her siblings and also the Johnsons kids, Brandy Imade and Ella. Jason is the eldest amongst them. She looked around the house to catch a glimpse of him but he was nowhere to be found. Not like she wanted him to come anyway, she said to herself.

Just then, the door opened showing an able bodied guy with dark skin and well trimmed beards,

"Hello".. He said with a charming smile as he walked in stylishly.