Chapter 142 BOOK 2: CHAPTER 32

Chapter 142 BOOK 2: CHAPTER 32
—Amira—
The moment the convoy pulled up at my house, I didn't wait for the security details or driver to open my door. I did it myself and raced toward the house.
Footsteps echoed behind me— Nathaniel and his men.
“Amira, slow down!” Nathaniel called.
I couldn't—even if I wanted to. I had to get to grandma and Oluchi, and I needed to get to them fast.
My heart pounded as ugly thoughts rippled through me.
The front door was unlocked. I yanked it open and saw Mama and Oluchi eating in the dining room.
They weren't in trouble. Just enjoying their breakfast.
“Amira?” Mama called.
They lowered their cutlery, eyes wide with confusion.
“Mama! Oluchi!” I bolted and pulled them into my arms as waves of relief surged through me. 
“When did you get back?” Mama asked.
I stepped back and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Behind me, Nathaniel and the men rushed in, also breathless.
“Is that– Mr. Rivera?” Mama gasped, rising from her seat.
“Good morning, Mrs. Nwosu,” Nathaniel greeted, extending his hand. The speed at which Mama took it had me smiling.
“Morning, sir,” she stuttered. “It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I–I've been asking my daughter about you.”
Nathaniel smiled as he slipped his hand in his pocket. “The pleasure is all mine.”
“When did you get back from the hospital?” I probed.
“We were discharged yesterday,” Mama murmured.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“I didn't want to interrupt with the business trip,” she said. “Is the trip over, I thought it was for five days?”
Nathaniel and I exchanged a knowing glance.
“We rushed back because we've been calling, but you're not picking up,” I said.
“Oh, about that!” Mama gasped. “There was power failure while I was washing rice yesterday. My phone fell inside water.”
“We would only hear it ring, but couldn't answer the call. We were going to fix it today after breakfast.”
Nathaniel and I shared a smile.
“It's good to know you're okay,” I breathed.
“Did something happen?” Mama asked.
“A few days ago, Nathaniel reported Sammy to the FBI and yesterday he got an email from them saying Sammy had escaped, possibly to Nigeria.”
“That fool!” Mama snapped. “I hope they catch him soon. Don't worry about us... we're fine. In fact since you're here, I think you should join us for breakfast.”
Nathaniel and I tried to protest, but Mama insisted. We settled down behind the table as the security detail stepped outside.
“Good morning, sister,” Oluchi murmured. “Good morning, sir.”
I turned to Nathaniel. “That's my little cousin, Oluchi.”
Nate smiled. “Nice to meet you, Oluchi.”
She nodded before meeting my gaze. “Did you buy something for me from London?”
I froze. “E—mm...”
“Yes,” Nathaniel replied. “We'll give it to you after breakfast.”
Oluchi squealed, bouncing in her chair before turning to her food.
Picking up my cutlery, I glanced at Nate. I didn't remember buying something for them in London.
The aroma of food air filled the room, drawing my attention back to the table.
Mama moved around, a smile curving her lips as she served us. For breakfast, they were having pap, milk and akara.
I stood. “Let me help, Mama.”
“Relax Amira,” she said. “I can handle this.”
Nathaniel gave me that knowing look. I sat again and watched her serve us.
Time passed as we ate.
Each time I stole a glance at Mama, she was either looking at me or Nathaniel, a smile curving her lips.
“Mr. Rivera,” she called. “Thank you for paying my hospital bill and your generous donations to the hospital. Words cannot express how grateful that I am.”
“The honor is all mine,” Nathaniel said as he placed his hand over mine on the table. “I only hope I can be worthy of the trust Amira places in me.”
The world around paused as our eyes met.
Mama cleared her throat. “I think there's something you two aren't telling me yet.”
Nate and I exchanged a smile. “I love Amira. She's the only woman my heart craves.”
“I love him too, Mama,” I murmured.
“I’m asking for your blessing so I can marry her,” Nathaniel added.
Mama didn’t speak immediately. Her gaze moved from Nathaniel to me, then back again.
“Marriage is not only love,” she said. “When trouble comes—and it always does—will you still stand when it is no longer convenient?”
“Yes,” Nathaniel said without hesitation. “Even when it costs me.”
Mama pressed a hand on her chest. “Yes, you have my blessing.”
Oluchi clapped as we burst into laughter.
Nathaniel met my eyes, a smile tugging his lips.
“So when should we expect your people?” Mama asked.
“They would be here as soon as Amira accepts my proposal,” he replied.
Mama’s eyes narrowed as they landed on me, a thousand unspoken questions passing between us.
“I–I need some time to think. Three days,” I said.
Mama exhaled and leaned back in her chair.
“Three days it is.” She paused. “In our time, nobody waited for our choice—nobody cared to listen. We were simply handed over to the suitors. This is the beauty of civilization.”
I swallowed. “Thank you, Mama.”
Silence settled in as we turned back to our plates.
Then the nausea hit me.
Excusing myself from the table, I hurried into my bedroom and locked the door. Then I ran to the bathroom and retched a few times.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Amira?” Mama called. “Is everything okay?”
I straightened and answered the door.
“Yes, Mama.”
She paused, brows creasing as she looked me up and down. Then she angled her head toward the dining room.
“Clear the table,” she said. “I'll like to have a word with my in-law.”
In-law? 
How do I tell her the future wasn't certain? Until the DNA results are out and Nathaniel confirmed as the father of my child, everything remained suspended.
“Yes, Mama,” I said, and walked back to the dining room.
Nathaniel had finished eating and listened to Oluchi as she talked about the games she played on Mama’s phone, his attention amused despite himself.
The moment our eyes met, something warm passed between us. Quietly, I gathered the plates and headed to the kitchen.
“Oluchi,” Mama called. “Join Amira in the kitchen.”
The chair scraped softly, and within seconds, Oluchi appeared in the kitchen.
“Join me, Mr. Rivera,” Mama said. 
I listened as they migrated to the living room, even as they settled down on the sofas.
Mama asked him about his parents.
And he explained to her that they were at the States– Washington DC precisely.
Then he asked Mama what happened to my parents.
A beat passed, then Mama exhaled.
“Her mother died birthing her, and her father died on the Frontline.”
Tears pricked my eyes.
“Oluchi’s parents were on their way to a friend’s wedding in Okrika when their boat capsized. They weren’t wearing life jackets.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Nathaniel murmured.
“It's fine,” Mama sniffled. “Life happened faster than love could keep up with. The girls are all I have left. If anything should happen to them, I wouldn't survive it.”
“Nothing will happen to them,” he said. “Not on my watch.”
“That's the last plate,” Oluchi announced, turning away from the plate rack.
I cupped her face. “Thanks for lending a hand.”
We shared a smile, and I traced my way to the living room.
Nathaniel beckoned at me with his eyes, and I sat beside him. He looped his arm around me, his fingers brushing my hand reassuringly, before turning to Mama again.
“Like I said, Amira told me about Sammy and I've reported him to the FBI.”
Mama blinked. “You did.”
“Yes,” Nate replied. “Do not panic as I will have my security protect you.”
Mama sighed, her gaze drifting to the doorway. “Thank you, Mr. Rivera, for everything.”
A smile tugging his lips, Nathaniel stood. “I will be on my way now.”
“I'll see him off,” I said.
In the yard, he kissed my forehead. “Take care of yourself.”
“Where are you going?”
“Home,” he said. “Do you think you can make it to the office tomorrow?”
“Yes,” I murmured.
We kissed, but pulled back when Mama cleared her throat from inside the house. She was watching.
We chuckled softly.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Nate whispered.
I nodded, and watched him talk briefly with the head of his security before joining his convoy.
Some of his security stayed behind while the rest followed him into the cars.
Nate wound down the window and waved at me until they disappeared from sight.
My phone rang. An unknown number.
“Amira!” Mama called from inside the house.
“Yes Mama,” I answered. “I'm coming.”
When I looked back at the screen, the call had ended.
I slipped the phone into my pocket and headed inside.